October 15, 2020: SOAP #3969:  Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1-2; Acts 4

Scripture:  Malachi (NVI) 2:17 You have wearied the LORD with your words. “How have we wearied him?” you ask. By saying, “All who do evil are good in the eyes of the LORD, and he is pleased with them” or “Where is the God of justice?”

Observation:  Here is an interesting view into the character of God.  He can be wearied!  He has desires and hopes that man is able to frustrate.  Man has the power to frustrate God!  God loves man and desires man to love Him in return.  Man’s love is expressed in obedience to God’s laws.  God’s laws are designed to enable man to enjoy life.  They are designed for our good. 

The words I speak can “weary” God.  

Application: A parent can go to great lengths to plan a day for the good of their child, making it a day that the child will greatly enjoy.  But the child would rather sleep in and stay home!  In a small way, that parent can understand how man can weary God.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you work out all things for my good and your glory.  Instead of wearying you, I want to bring joy to your heart.  May the words I speak be true to your character.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 14, 2020: SOAP #3968:  Nehemiah 11-12; Psalm 1; Acts 3

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 3:1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money…6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Observation:  Peter and John were not out looking to heal someone, or to have a large gathering where they could preach about Jesus and call people to faith in Christ.  But that is what happened.  It started as they were moving through a normal day.  Nothing big was planned.  They were just doing what was common for them to do.  It was nothing out of the ordinary.  They were just being faithful in doing something ordinary.  But their ordinary day was interrupted by an ordinary beggar with an ordinary request.  Then the Holy Spirit turned their ordinary day into an extra-ordinary day!  Now we can read the rest of the story in Acts 3. 

Application:  The Holy Spirit specializes in taking the ordinary things I faithfully do and using them to bring glory to Jesus!  I may not know how my faithfulness in doing the little things might affect someone who is watching.  It may be just a smile, or a gentle touch, or a short prayer, (baking a cake, fixing a leaky roof, writing a letter, making a phone call, etc.) but the Holy Spirit can do something big in someone’s life with something small from me.  Whatever it is you do, do it in the name of Jesus!  Give Him glory!  Many of the big things God does, starts with a believer doing a small thing! 

Prayer:  Jesus, knowing that you are watching my life makes me want to be faithful.  May my life please you and bring you joy.  And knowing that there may be someone watching close by—someone who may need encouragement, or a kind word—this also makes me want to be faithful.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 13, 2020: SOAP #3967:  Nehemiah 9-10; Acts 2

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 ALL OF THEM were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. …
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for ALL who are far off—for ALL whom the Lord our God will call.”

Observation:  The same Holy Spirit that empowered Jesus while living as the Son of Man, is the same Holy Spirit that came upon the early church as described above.  And it is the same Holy Spirit promised to ALL who are “far off”—that includes today, and that includes me!  2000 years later and 6,700 miles away, the Holy Spirit is the same! 

Application:  Jesus, as the Son of Man was limited to being in one place at a time.  He died on one cross and rose from one grave.  When He ascended to heaven, He promised to send the omnipresent Holy Spirit!  This is so much better.  He is with SOAP readers in Southeast Asia, in Africa, and it the United States.  He makes the Word alive in our hearts and lives!  

Prayer:  Jesus fill me anew with the Holy Spirit.  And keep me full!  Holy Spirit, work through me.  Glorify Jesus through me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 12, 2020: SOAP #3966:  Nehemiah 7-8; Acts 1

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 1:4  On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Observation:  Luke, the author of Acts, had emphasized the Holy Spirit descending like a dove on Jesus at His water baptism (Luke 3:22).  He followed on to describe Jesus as full of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1) and led by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:1) and then returning from the devil’s temptation in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:14).  The next Sabbath day (Luke 4:16-21) Jesus publicly read from Isaiah (61:1-2) that he had the anointing of the Holy Spirit. 

In the verses above, Luke records Jesus as saying that the presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit was as important to the apostles as it was to Him at the beginning of His ministry.  They were not to go anywhere until they had received this gift! 

Application:  If the presence and anointing of the Holy Spirit was important to Jesus, also to the early church, then it is also important to me.  As the early church in Acts 2:4, I need to stay filled with the Holy Spirit.  Without His presence and anointing in my life, it is impossible to accomplish God’s assignment to me. 

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, Education is good; examples are great; but they are not sufficient for fruitful ministry.  It is your enabling presence and anointing that I need every day.  I cannot depend on myself. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 11, 2020: SOAP #3964:  Nehemiah 5-6; Psalm 146; Luke 24

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

Observation:  Verse two: what they found.  Verse three; what they did not find.  What they found surprised them; but what they did not find surprised them even more.  They found an open grave; but they did not find a dead Jesus!  

Application:  Someone reading this SOAP is heading to put the final touches on something in their life that is dead.  You have prepared to do the best you can with what is left behind, like the above ladies bringing spices for a dead Jesus.  But when you arrive, you will find that what you thought was dead is very much alive!  Now more alive than ever before!  Your mouth will be filled with praise as God is glorified in your circumstances. 

Prayer:  Holy God, what you did far exceeded the faith of these ladies.  You far exceeded their expectations!  And today, You are still exceeding our expectations for your glory!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 10, 2020: SOAP #3964:  Nehemiah 3-4; Luke 23

Scripture:  Nehemiah (NIV) 3:1 Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel. 2 The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zaccur son of Imri built next to them. …32 and between the room above the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs.

Observation:  Nehemiah had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city.  The first order of business for Nehemiah was to rebuild the walls.  He assigned portions of the wall that were close to each one’s house.  They worked next to each other.  Twenty-two times in these 32 verses we find the word “next,” or the phrase “next to him.”  In being faithful to their individual assignment, they worked together to build the wall. 

In verse one the priests rebuilt the sheep gate and the wall starting around the city.  In verse 32, the goldsmiths and merchants finished the wall back to the sheep gate. 

Application: Each one in the kingdom of God has an assignment.  We are working next to people who have a different assignment, but we are working together—next to each other.  We must trust those next to us.  We need to be quick to offer our support.  We need to be faithful in defending them.  We need to pray that our parts of the wall are equally strong enough to withstand the enemies’ attacks.  There are times when we do not like the ones God put next to us.  We would rather work with someone on the other side of the city, but we must trust the Master Builder’s plan. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, it is good to know that you have a plan in building your church.  My relationship with those working next to me is important to you.  May it be important to me also. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 09, 2020: SOAP #3963:  Nehemiah 1-2; Psalm 133-134; Luke 22

Scripture:  Nehemiah (NIV) 2:7 I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may I have letters to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, so that they will provide me safe-conduct until I arrive in Judah? 8 And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.

Observation:  The sadness in Nehemiah’s heart showed on his face and the king saw it and asked.  The king could have said that he did not want any sad people around him and have Nehemiah (his cup bearer) put to death.  But God was with him!   The king then asked what Nehemiah wanted to do and what was needed.  AMAZING! The king granted his requests! 

Nehemiah knew it was not because of him, nor was it because of the good will of the king.  It was because “the gracious hand of my God was upon me.” 

Application:  The presence of God in our lives makes us attractive.  It brings favor when we do not expect it.  It brings us favor from unexpected sources. 

Favor is somewhat like momentum.  It is not something that can be seen, but its results are easily seeable.  Favor cannot be demanded; it is granted.  The reason favor is granted is only known to the one extending the favor.  God’s favor is an expression of His grace and mercy.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I know I do not deserve your favor, but I do want to live my life in a way that makes it easy for you to give me favor.  Your favor far outweighs any opposition from the enemy. 

Father, for the SOAP readers, I pray two things.  First, grant them your favor today.  Second, help them to recognize your favor and give you praise and glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 08, 2020: SOAP #3962:  Ezra 9-10; Psalm 131; Luke 21

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 21:37 Each day Jesus was teaching at the temple, and each evening he went out to spend the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives, 38 and all the people came early in the morning to hear him at the temple.

Observation:  Jesus had a daily ministry.  During this period of time, Jesus had a daily pattern.  The people knew where they could find him.  Jesus was available; He was find-able.  He was faithful to teach.  He gave then understanding about His Father and spiritual truths. 

Application:  Jesus still has a daily ministry.  He still has a daily teaching ministry.  The people wanting to hear Jesus, would arise early so they could be at the temple early in the morning to hear His teaching.  Today, people who want to hear what Jesus is saying find a special time of day where they meet with Jesus in the pages of the Bible!  Early morning is a favorite time for many.  The Jesus who taught at the temple, is now teaching through the presence of the Holy Spirit.  At the temple, Jesus met with the crowd gathered to hear him; today, Jesus meets with individuals who read and meditate on His Word.  Same Jesus, and just as real!  

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, how blessed I am to personally meet with you each day in the pages of the Bible.  Holy Spirit, you open the scriptures to me, and not only the scriptures.  As Jesus walked and talked with His disciples, you are with me, living in me every day, all day!  You speak to me about things I come across all day long. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 07, 2020: SOAP #3961:  Ezra 7-8; Luke 20

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 20:21 So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose portrait and inscription are on it?”
25 “Caesar’s,” they replied. He said to them, “Then give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Observation:  Did they hear what they were saying???  “You speak what is right!  You do not teach to please some and condemn the others.  You do not show partiality!  You teach God’s ways truthfully!”  What great words of commendation they were speaking.  But it was not coming from their heart. 

Application: Before condemning them, I need to check myself.  Do I call Him Lord in my prayer, but act like I am the Lord?  Do I sing beautiful songs of surrender and worship on Sunday, but then live like the world is more appealing to me than God throughout the week?  

The Lord wants us to take His words seriously.  He takes our words seriously.   

Prayer:   Let the words of my heart and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 06, 2020: SOAP #3960:  Esther 9-10; Luke 19

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 19:3 He [Zacchaeus] wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man, he could not, because of the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”

Observation:  Jesus had stopped on his journey through Jericho, looked up in a tree, and called to Zacchaeus who climbed to get a better look at Jesus.  Jesus was big—He was well known.  Zacchaeus was physically short, but he wanted to see Jesus. 

Application:  Today there are too many people for whom Jesus is not very big.  They know so little about Him; they have no desire to see Him.  Zacchaeus was lifted by a tree, but today Jesus is to be lifted by me.  His presence in my life should be seeable.  The things He has done for me need to be broadcast so others, like Zacchaeus, will want to know Jesus.   

Prayer:   Jesus, like Zacchaeus’ home, there are many homes today into which you desire to enter.  May it be easy for people to see you living in me.  Let my life make you desirable. You are welcome in our home! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!