October 27, 2021: SOAP #4346:  Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27-28

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 28:7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

OBSERVATION: The islanders had welcomed these who had made it to shore from the shipwreck.  They had a fire going and offered hospitality and now they were getting rewarded.  God was using Paul to minister healing to those who were sick. 

Paul did not let his status as a prisoner keep him from ministering to those around him.  Instead of complaining about how inconvenienced he was in being a prisoner, Paul found ways of blessing others.  Complaining about being inconvenienced is a selfish expression of pride. 

APPLICATION:  I need to be careful about expressing my displeasure in being inconvenienced.  Having an opportunity to witness is so much more important than making sure people know that I am bothered about something.  It is hard for my mouth to be full of the goodness of Jesus when it has just been full of complaining.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for complaining.  In comparison to the inconveniences suffered by your Son, Jesus, I have absolutely nothing to complain about.  Lord,may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 26, 2021: SOAP #4345:  Job 17; Acts 24-26

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 25:22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this man myself.” He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”
23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking officers and the leading men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in.

OBSERVATION:  During a trial under Festus, Paul had made an appeal to Caesar in Rome.  It was his right as a citizen of Rome to do so.  This caused Festus a problem, what charges would be needed to justify sending Paul to Rome?  So, when Agrippa and Bernice came to visit and wanted to hear Paul give his defense, Festus set up the meeting.  It was set up with all the ceremony for a visiting dignitary.  Key military people and community leaders were present. 

As a street preacher, Paul would have never been able to preach to high-ranking officers. As a teacher in a synagogue, Paul would have never had to opportunity to minister to King Agrippa. As the Apostle Paul speaking to the church gathered in the cities to which he traveled, he would have never had opportunity to minister to key leaders in the city. BUT AS A PRISONER…  yes, as a prisoner, these people came to see him! He did not advertise his meeting. He sent out no invitations. But there they were!

What a special ministry opportunity accompanied the humble title “prisoner.”

APPLICATION:  God has His ways of getting me to the people to whom I am to minister OR of getting them to me!  If I am willing and obedient, I will always have those to whom I can present Jesus!

As a pastor, as a school bus driver, as a neighbor, as a customer in the market, as a friend or relative—in all these ways and many more, God can use me to tell others about Jesus.

PRAYER: Lord, your ways are so much higher than my ways. I can accomplish so much more when I walk in simple obedience to you. “Jesus, use me; and Oh Lord don’t refuse me.  Surely there’s a work that I can do.  And even if it’s humble, help my will to crumble.  Though the cost be great, I’ll work for you.”  (Glenn Calcote) Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 25, 2021: SOAP #4344:  Job 16; Acts 21-23

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 23:23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. 24 Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”

OBSERVATION: Paul’s nephew brought Paul news of a plot to kill Paul.  Paul had the young lad sent to the Roman commander to repeat the report.  The commander provided 200 soldiers, 70 horsemen and 200 spearmen to accompany Paul to a place of safety!  (And that is just what could be counted—there is no record of how many angels!)

The irony of the situation cannot be missed.  Here the same Roman government that crucified Jesus at the insistence of the Jews, now goes to great ends to protect Paul from those same Jews!

APPLICATION:  God never runs out of resources to provide safety for those doing His will.  As I hear His voice and stay in the middle of His will, I can count on His protection. 

God never runs out of resources to provide for those doing His will.  As I am faithful to hear His directions and to do His will, I can count on His provision. 

I am certain that when I look back from heaven’s point of view, I will be even more amazed at His protection and provision!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, it is a privilege to be your child. For what I am aware, I thank you for your protection and provision.  Looking back from heaven’s point of view, I will see the full extent of your protection and provision.  I will see the times you protected me when I did not know I was in danger. I will see how skillfully you directed provision to arrive at just the right time.  I worship you now, and I will worship you even more then! Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 24, 2021: SOAP #4343:  Job 15; Acts 19-20

SCRIPTURE:  Acts *NIV) 19:1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. 4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

OBSERVATION:  Before coming to Corinth, Apollos had been in Ephesus.  In Ephesus he taught some disciples all he knew about Jesus.  When he arrived in Corinth, Aquila and Pricilla took time to explain things more fully.  However back in Ephesus, Paul found the disciples that Apollos had taught.  As Aquila and Pricilla did for Apollos in Corinth, Paul did for the disciples in Ephesus. 

Paul taught them about the Holy Spirit and prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.  The ministry of the Holy Spirit and our relationship to Him was very important to Jesus.  He made sure his followers knew about the Spirit and that they should wait in Jerusalem until they personally encountered the Holy Spirit (on the day of Pentecost.)  (Acts 2) 

APPLICATION:  The Holy Spirit draws my attention to the Bible passages He wants me to emphasize in the SOAPs.  Sometimes He gives me understanding when I read the passage, sometimes He opens my understanding as I am writing out the SOAP. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, I pray that as you open my understanding while reading the Bible, and while writing the SOAPs…I pray that you do the same for those who read these SOAPs.  But especially do it as they read the Bible.  Reveal to them how the scriptures apply to their personal lives.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 23, 2021: SOAP #4342:  Job 13-14; Acts 17-18

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 18:26 He [Apollos] began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. 27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

OBSERVATION: There are some good examples in this passage that should be applied to the church today.  (Vs. 24-28) First, we see Apollos.  He used his gifts to present Jesus.  He was not too proud to be teachable.  When he moved on to Achaia, he continued to be useful.  He was a good man! 

Second, we see Priscilla and Aquila.  They were a faithful and useful part of the church in Ephesus.  Though not mentioned as a church leader, they listened carefully to what the preacher said.  When they heard Apollos preach something that was not right, they did not cause turmoil in the congregation, but invited him to their home.  Their faithful ministry in helping Apollos grow in his understanding helped Apollos grow in fruitful ministry. 

APPLICATION:  I need to be teachable.  What I learn from others can strengthen my ministry for the glory of God!  

If I hear something needing correcting, I need to help bring the correction lovingly, wisely, privately, and carefully.  Like in this passage, the goal of any correction should be future, fruitful ministry. 

PRAYER: Use me, Lord, for your glory.  Use me to bring benefit to your church. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 22, 2021: SOAP #4341:  Job 11-12; Acts 15-16

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 16: 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.

OBSERVATION: From the context we know that Paul and Silas were “severely flogged’ and then put in an “inner cell” with their “feet in the stocks.”  Hurting and bleeding backs from the whipping, in jail with limited movement—their circumstances were bad, their feet were bound; but their hearts were free.  Many times, sorrow is expressed through music; but it was not sorrow or hurt or self-pity that was in the songs of Paul and Silas — it was praise to God!    The other prisoners heard them, but it was more than a concert for prisoners.  Someone more important was listening that night.  Their song was heard in the courts of heaven and stirred the heart of God.  When God set them free, “everybody’s chains came loose!”

APPLICATION:  My heart has often been lifted from the prison of my circumstances by the anthem of praise.

Truly, God inhabits the praises of His people. (Ps 22:3)

 God is not only interested in doing things in me, but also through me!   He is not only interested in my freedom, but the freedom of those around me. 

PRAYER: Oh Lord, may I bring joy to your heart as I praise you, especially in the time of trouble.  Instead of complaining, griping, and talking words of doubt and defeat, may those around me hear praise to you.  You are worthy! Amen.

Pastor Leon M
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 21, 2021: SOAP #4340:  Job 9-10; Acts 13-14

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 14:26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.  27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

OBSERVATION: Their missionary journey was complete; they were back home.  The journey was complete, but not their responsibility.  The responsibility to report back to those who sent them out had yet to be completed.  So they gathered the church and gave them a report of where they had gone and what the Lord had done. 

APPLICATION:  It is important for us/me to report back to those who have sent us, encouraged us, supported us, helped us, prayed for us.  They share with us/me the victories, the rewards, and the joy.  When we do not share with those involved in our ministry, we are robbing them of their share in God’s blessings. 

This not only applies to the “big” ministries, but to the little ways people have encouraged us to do something for the Lord.  It could be a word of thanks to our pastor for a message that spoke to our hearts or inspired us to step out in faith. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, show me the debt I owe to people who have helped me move forward in serving you and those around me. Help me not to ignore or take it lightly.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 20, 2021: SOAP #4339:  Job 6-8; Acts 12

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 12:12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” 15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.

OBSERVATION: While Peter was in prison, the church was praying.  Peter must have had some inclination that people would be praying for him, because after his miraculous release, he went to Mary’s home.  They had gathered for the purpose of praying for Peter and they were earnestly praying. 

Peter learned that it was easier to get into prison than into that prayer meeting!  

The believers learned that the answer to their prayer was standing at their door!  All they had to do was open the door! 

They had prayed; God had answered; now all they had to do was open the door!

Peter was in the house; the answered prayer was complete; and there was great rejoicing!

APPLICATION:  By faith I pray, and by faith I receive my answer.  I cannot bring the answer, but I can receive the answer.  The answer is not complete until it is in my life.  (Peter was as separated from the church standing in the street outside the door of Mary’s house as he was in the prison!) 

I open the door by saying, “Thank you!”  I open the door by giving praise and thanksgiving.  I open the door by my words and attitude. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, thank you for having me consider this passage again!  You are building my faith to pray, and my faith to receive.  Amen.

Pastor Leon                       Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 19, 2021: SOAP #4338:  Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10-11

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues {Or other languages } and praising God.

OBSERVATION: Peter, a Jew, had been obedient to the Holy Spirit.  He crossed a prejudiced barrier and entered the house of a gentile.  There is no indication that Peter knew what he was to do, or what was to happen.  But his obedience in going was all that was needed.  While he was speaking, the Gentiles experienced the Holy Spirit the same as the Jews had on the Day of Pentecost!

APPLICATION:  There is no way to over emphasize the importance of obedience!   When I obey and do what I can do, I open the door for the Holy Spirit to do what He can do!   My obedience to God opens the door for the Holy Spirit to move in my environment. 

God’s plan is always beyond my abilities and resources.  If God limited Himself to my ability and resources, then people would say, “That was only Leon.”  But when God does what only God can do, then people must acknowledge that God was at work.  God’s plan almost always includes a part for man, but that part is obviously not the solution to the problem. 

I believe many times God uses my obedience as a sign to the spirit world to demonstrate that He has a child/son who will do as He says.  It may seem foolish to man, but it blesses the Heart of God who then does what only He can do!  My obedience is in contrast with satan’s disobedience and it justifies God’s decision to remove satan from his place in heaven. 

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, I listen to you and I obey you.  My obedience is an expression of my submission to you and of faith that you will bring the needed solution.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

October 18, 2021: SOAP #4337:  Job 3-4; Acts 8-9

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 9:17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

OBSERVATION: Before Saul’s conversion, he actively persecuted believers.  He was on his way to arrest believers in Damascus when he was confronted by the Lord and struck blind.  He continued into the city where Ananias prayed for Saul and his sight was restored.  Then Saul spent several days with the disciples he had come to arrest. 

APPLICATION:  I can only imagine the conversations that happened between Saul and the believers in Damascus.  Maybe he stayed as a guest in one of their homes; he spent several days with them.  He not only interacted with the believers but began preaching publicly in the synagogues! 

What a testimony it was!  There is nothing like a fresh testimony.  It lets people know that God is at work today.  It builds faith that God is interested in interacting with people.  What God has done for me He will do for others. 

Letting others know what God has done for me is one way of letting God know how much I appreciate His blessing. 

PRAYER: Lord, every day you are at work.  Every day you give me something fresh from the scriptures.  I pray that you will use these SOAPs to encourage every reader that you will speak to them also.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!