Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 06, 2022: SOAP #4448:  Leviticus 1-3: Acts 13

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 13:50 But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city [Pisidian Antioch]. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

OBSERVATION:  What a great combination—being “filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”  Joy is a common emotion to those who are persecuted.  First: their love for Jesus has become known.  And the persecution gives them opportunity to demonstrate their love and devotion to Jesus.  Second: the indwelling Holy Spirit imparts His unspeakable joy. 

APPLICATION:  Being filled with the Holy Spirit, and walking in the Spirit, makes a huge difference in my life and through me in my world.  Jesus walked full of the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit makes me like Jesus.  My world needs me to be like Jesus. 

In my world, there are hurting people who need the Holy Spirit flowing through someone with the gift of healing.  In my world there are confused people who need the Holy Spirit to flow through someone with a word of wisdom.  In my world there are people who need a Holy Spirit filled touch like Jesus gave.  People in my world need me to be “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, flow through me; touch through me.  Make me a vessel that carries your presence to those around me. Guide my words and my actions.  And may the world never rob me of the joy you give. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 05, 2022: SOAP #4447:  Exodus 39-40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 12:4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

OBSERVATION: Herod’s intentions did not stand up to God’s actions.  If Peter was worried about Herod’s intentions, he probably would not have been sleeping so soundly.  The angel had to strike Peter on the side to awaken him.  Surely Peter knew that they were not empty intentions.  Verse 2 tells us that Herod had arrested James, the brother of John, and put him to death. 

Peter had confidence that Herod’s intentions could not override God’s plan.  God’s plan for Peter included giving an anointed argument before the early church leaders that gentiles should be welcomed into the church. (Acts 15:7-11)

Peter’s location and safety was God’s problem.  Peter needed his sleep. 

APPLICATION:  If I focus on what the world intends to do to me, I might have trouble sleeping.  If I consider my life as belonging to God, I can rest.  When I am doing His will, I can trust Him to provide and protect. 

There were times when I sinned and/or acted foolishly.  I reaped what I sowed.  God’s grace was sufficient to see me through.  But when I knew I was where God wanted me to be, and doing what God wanted me to do, I did not need to worry about a thing.  The world’s intentions could not reach me.  I could sleep like Peter.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, My life is yours. May you be glorified in me and through me.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 04, 2022: SOAP #4446:  Exodus 37-38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 11: 27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

OBSERVATION: God is a giver, and it should be expected that those in whom He dwells will be givers also.  When the church in Antioch learned that Judea would be experiencing a famine, they did what we would expect believers to do.  They were acting like Christ!  They gave like Jesus!  Each one gave “according to his ability.”

In the verse just prior to the passage above we read, “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”  (Acts 11:26) God’s nature of giving was showing through them. 

APPLICATION:  I am a Christian.  It should go without saying that I am a giver.   The Lord has allowed some money to flow through my hands, from the extra job I have during retirement.  It is not a huge amount, but it brings me joy to send it out “according to my ability” and “as the Lord directs.” 

But the greatest riches I have is a knowledge of God and His Word.  These SOAPs provide the opportunity to give this most precious gift.  What a privilege is mine! 

PRAYER:  Lord, You have enriched me with your Word.  I am blest.  Make me a blessing in sharing these riches with others, I pray. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 03, 2022: SOAP #4445:  Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 35:4 Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This is what the LORD has commanded: 5 From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing. an offering of gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair, ram skins dyed and hides of sea cows, acacia wood, olive oil, onyx stones and other (list[EH1]  from v 5-9). …
22 gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, ear-rings, rings and ornaments, blue, purple or scarlet yarn or fine linen, or goat hair, ram skins, or hides of sea cows, silver, bronze, acacia wood (list from v 22-24).

OBSERVATION: The Lord commanded the Israelites to bring an offering.  Verses 5-9 give a list of what God commanded them to bring.  Verses 22-24 added to that list.  What caught my attention in this reading is the first four words in verse 5.  The offering was to be given “FROM WHAT YOU HAVE.”  

How could a nation of newly freed slaves have what God asked?  In Exodus 12:35-36 we read that Moses had the Israelites ask the Egyptians for gold, silver, etc. and the Lord made the Egyptians favorable to give them anything for which they asked.  As the Israelites left Egypt, they carried the wealth of Egypt with them!  It was more than enough to build the tabernacle!!!  They had to tell the Israelites to stop giving! 

APPLICATION:  As I read this passage, I had to smile.  God is speaking to me about giving. 
-I am to give from what I have.  I am not to borrow to give, but give what is now in my possession.  If the need is greater than what I can give, I only need to do my part.  In giving my part I am trusting God with others that He will take care of the rest. 
-I am to give from what I have taken in from the world in which I work.  To be able to give was one of the main reasons God gave me the job of bus driving.  God directed me to that job.  He helped me pass the necessary test to gain the needed license.  He has helped me pass the physical examinations I am required to take every year. 
-I am to give as God directs.  I should give according to His direction.  There are many voices in the world calling for money.  I must respond to His voice.  God’s word is clear about tithing, but my offerings go elsewhere as He directs. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it is my joy to use what you give me to enable the ministries you direct me to support.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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 [EH1]

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 02, 2022: SOAP #4444:  Exodus 33-34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 9:26 When he (Saul who became Paul) came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

OBSERVATION: Barnabas; what a great man of God!  He used his position among the disciples to introduce and include Saul.  Everyone in Jerusalem knew of Saul’s enthusiasm for Judaism and how he had persecuted the believers.  The disciples were not going to accept Saul into their fellowship.  But Barnabas accepted Saul, introduced him to the fellowship of disciples.  He told them what God had done in Saul’s life and of how Saul had been preaching “fearlessly in the name of Jesus.” 

The disciples could not take their eyes off Saul’s past.  Barnabas could not take his eyes off Saul’s future. 

Later Barnabas accepted John Mark when the now Apostle Paul refused to take him along on his missionary journey.  Paul and Barnabas split up over that disagreement. 

It is noteworthy that two authors of New Testament books had their roots in Barnabas: Paul wrote most of the letters and Mark who wrote the gospel that bears his name.  In those books we read the fruit of Barnabas.

APPLICATION:  There are believers all around me whom God has called to work in His kingdom.  They are young and making mistakes as they learn to fulfill their calling.  God wants to use me as an encourager to build them up. 

And not only me, but every believer can have this ministry, especially the older generation.  In your fellowship of believers, look for a young person.  Pray for them every day.  Ask God to show you a way to appreciate them, to build them up and encourage them.    

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, use me to strengthen and encourage those you have called to serve you in the Kingdom.  May I be as faithful as Barnabas.  Multiply my fruitfulness, not only fruit from my life, but fruit from the lives encouraged by me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 01, 2022: SOAP #4443:  Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”…
29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

OBSERVATION:  Bibles were not abundant in the days of the early church.  But that did not hinder God from speaking to and leading His people.  In the above verses, God spoke through an angel and then by “The Spirit.”  From what I have read about angels and their ministry, I believe that the angel brought Philip a message He could both see and hear. 

Then when Philip arrived at the place of ministry, “the Spirit told Philip…”   This was not a “see and hear” message delivered to Philip by another being.  It was a message Philip heard in his spirit.  It was a strong inward compulsion.  The Spirit was living inside Philip.  The Spirit could communicate with Stephen’s spirit without audible words. 

APPLICATION:  Many times, God communicates to me through inward impressions of the Holy Spirit.  Often, he draws my attention to what He desires through reading His word.  Sometimes my attention is captivated like Moses with the burning bush. 

The better I know the Bible, the better I can discern what He is saying to me.  Many times, my daily reading prepares me for what God is giving me to do or say.  The better I know God’s character, the better I can understand why I should, or should not do something. 

Becoming familiar with God and how He speaks should be a priority of every believer. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help me to know the Heavenly Father so well—and to recognize Your voice so well, that I can quickly obey.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 31, 2022: SOAP #4442:  Exodus 28-29; Acts 7

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 7:2 And he [Stephen] said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

OBSERVATION: In chapter seven, verses 2 through 53, we read Stephen’s personal defense before the Jewish council.  It is a recounting of Israel’s history from Abraham to Jesus.  A common thread woven through these verses is that Israel had a God who speaks!  God talks to His people.  He acts in accordance with His spoken promises.  The same God who spoke in creation (Genesis 1), spoke to the Israelites throughout their history. 

They heard God speak.  They understood what God said.  When they followed what God said they had good success.  When they disobeyed, they experienced trouble. 

APPLICATION:  The eternal God is still a speaker.  The Bible is THE WORD of God.  In the WORD of God, I find words specifically directed to me.  As I read the WORD of God, the Holy Spirit, who lives inside me, draws my attention to specific passages I am to apply to my life. 

As I gather with other believers, God often speaks to me through a pastor, a teacher, a song, a gift of the Holy Spirit flowing through another believer, and other ways.  The Holy Spirit seems to focus my attention on what I need to hear. 

Throughout my day, and even as I sleep, my thoughts are captivated and locked into a subject, or a memory.  I use the WORD of God to judge these thoughts.  God will never speak contrary to His WORD. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I am so glad you are a speaker.  I am so glad I can trust you to reassure me with love and guide me with wisdom.  I am privileged to hear you speak to me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 30, 2022: SOAP #4441:  Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 25:2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give.

OBSERVATION:  God was not asking the Israelites for an offering; He was telling them to bring an offering.  They were to bring the offering “to him; and Moses was to receive the offering “for him!”  In reading further, we see that God was not only telling them to bring an offering, He was telling them what to bring!   Which was totally proper for God to do.  He had instructed the Israelites before they left Egypt to go into the homes of the Egyptians and ask for certain things.  The Egyptians were so glad to see the Israelites leave, that they willingly gave them what they asked!  (Exodus 12:35-36).  Now God was telling the Israelites to willing give what they had received. 

God would instruct them to take what was received in the offering and make the tabernacle for God’s presence in the center of the camp.  It would be their identifying trademark for forty years in the wilderness.  It would be the center of their nation in the Promised Land. 

APPLICATION:  The Israelites carried out of Egypt the things that would be needed for the tabernacle.  When those things were needed, they were readily available.  This was God’s plan, and God had made provision; He always does.  The people needed a willing heart and to see that they were a part of God’s plan!  The tabernacle was not Moses’ plan, but God’s plan. 

IN THE SAME WAY, I need to have a willing heart to release what I have been carrying.  I need to see my possessions as belonging to the Lord.  He has provided them for me to keep until they are needed for His glory!  Some of the finances I receive from my work, I carry for Him.  It will be my responsibility to place them as He directs.  It is my joy to be a part of God’s plan. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, If it is my plan, it is my bill.  It is my heavy load to raise the finances needed.  Oh, but when it is Your plan!  You carry the load.  You move in people’s heart to make them willing to give.  I can share Your vision; I can rest in You.  I can trust You!   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 29, 2022: SOAP #4440:  Exodus 23-24; Psalm 14; Acts 5

(re-worked SOAP from 2010)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 5:40   … They called the apostles in and had them flogged … . 41  The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

OBSERVATION: In Chapter 4 we read:  They preached, they were arrested and warned.  They prayed (4:24-30).  They specifically asked for boldness (4:29).  Now in chapter 5: With boldness they preached some more.  They were again arrested and then miraculously released from jail by an angel.  Boldly they returned and preached some more. A third time they were arrested and brought before the council.  This time there was no miraculous intervention as they were beaten before being warned not to preach and released.  They responded by rejoicing!  It was an honor to suffer for the Name of Jesus!  Then boldly they daily went back to the temple courts to continue preaching!  They went back to the place where they had been arrested and for which they had been flogged! 

APPLICATION:  Did God only answer their prayer when they were miraculously released, or when they were only warned?  Did God ignore His servants when they were beaten?  Did God only answer some of their prayers, or only some of the time?  No, God answered their prayer all the time.  They had prayed for boldness! (Acts 4:29) Do I want to pray a prayer that God will answer every time, and keep on answering?  Then I should follow the example of the early church and pray for boldness to speak about Jesus!

PRAYER:  Lord, as the early church prayed, enable your servant to speak your word with great boldness. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 28, 2022: SOAP #4439:  Exodus 21-22; Psalm 12; Acts 4

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 4:27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.

OBSERVATION: The apostles had been threatened, so they did what every believer should do: they prayed.  In their prayer, they confessed the sovereignty of God.  In the hatred contriving of Herod and Pilate, they had done what God had already “decided beforehand should happen!”

They had faith that God was still in control.  The threats against them would work out for their good and God’s glory.  Those threatening them could do no more than God would allow.  As the crucifixion ended in the resurrection, so God would work through their troubles for His glory. 

So, their prayer was not for God to free them from the persecution, but to give them boldness to speak God’s word. 

APPLICATION:  I am serving the same God.  I am involved in a ministry started by Jesus.  I am involved in a ministry carried on by the apostles in the book of Acts.  I am a part of God’s grand plan in preparing people for eternity.  (We all are!)  I have the same enemy they had.  AND I have the same Holy Spirit they had to bring victory out of what looks like defeat.

The important thing is not that I have it easy, but that God is glorified in me!

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, do in me/us what you did in the book of Acts church.  Fill me and embolden me to speak on your behalf.  Anoint me to speak your Word effectively.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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