Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 8, 2024: SOAP #5180: Leviticus 7-9; Acts 15

(repeat)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 15:36 Sometime later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.

OBSERVATION:  Barnabas saw something special in Mark.  Maybe it was only with the eyes of faith, but he remained true in accepting Mark.  How blessed we are that Barnabas did so or we would not have had the gospel of Mark.

Barnabas has proved to be a special blessing to the church.  In Acts 9 we read that Barnabas accepted Saul/Paul when it was unpopular; here in chapter 15, he remained true to Mark when Paul would not accept him as a traveling companion.  These two (Saul/Paul and Mark) benefitted greatly from the ministry of Barnabas and both wrote parts of the New Testament (Paul’s letters and Mark’s gospel).  Saul/Paul and Mark were like fruitful trees that grew out of the fertile soil of Barnabas.

APPLICATION:  May I not be so quick to write people off my “acceptable” list.  They may not be perfect, but neither am I.  The Lord’s Prayer tells me to ask for forgiveness in the same way I forgive others.  That would imply that I should ask for acceptance in the same way I accept others!

PRAYER:  Lord, like Barnabas, help me to allow imperfect people to grow out of the soil of my life. Amen.

Pastor Leon 
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 6, 2024: SOAP #5178: Leviticus 1-3: Acts 13

(repeat from 2014)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 13:2 While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
4 The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.

OBSERVATION:  In these verses we see the official beginning of Paul’s (then known as Saul) missionary journeys.  It is notable to see the coordination of the work of the church and the Holy Spirit.  Verse 3 reads that they were sent off by the church.  Verse 4 reads that they were sent by the Holy Spirit.  They were sent out by the church in Antioch and later they reported back to the church in Antioch.

APPLICATION:  It is no surprise to me that God gives authority to those who are under authority.  In submission one learns to lead.  If I cannot submit to others, I am not qualified to lead.  If I cannot hear the will of God for my life through the people God has placed in my life, I probably cannot hear His will from God.  My ministry is greatly hindered when I cannot submit to the authorities God has placed in my life.

PRAYER:  Lord, In complete submission to your Father’s will, you became the Head of the church.  You are the perfect example of a submitted leader.  Keep reminding me of this.  Amen

Pastor Leon  
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 5, 2024: SOAP #5177: Exodus 39-40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 12:5 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. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.

OBSERVATION:  King Herod had just arrested James, the brother of John, and had him killed with a sword.  Then Peter was arrested and placed in jail until after Passover.  It was a desperate time; many people joined at Mary’s house to pray.  But Peter had confidence that things, his death or life, would work out for God’s glory.  So, what did he do?   He went to sleep.  The light and the presence of the angel did not wake him.  The angel had to strike him and speak to him.    

APPLICATION:  Like Peter bound with chains, asleep between two soldiers…  Like Jesus asleep on a boat in the middle of a storm…  Like Daniel asleep in the lion’s den…  With my heart at peace, I too can sleep.  The laws that govern this universe were made by the one who lives in me!   He is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent.  He controls the entrance and exit of the grave!  He is in control of things out of my control.  My faith allows me to sleep!  

PRAYER:  Lord to borrow some words from Civilla D. Martin: “I rest because I’m happy, I sleep because I’m free, For Your eye is on the sparrow, and I know You care for me.”  Amen.

Pastor Leon 
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 4, 2024: SOAP #5176: Exodus 37-38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 11:20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

OBSERVATION:  God was keeping to his plan of reaching Gentiles, but it was new to the Jews of that day.   How would the Gentiles fit in to the Jewish church.  As the body of Jesus was being formed in a Jewish virgin, so the church was started among Jewish believers.   Mary could no more contain the baby in her womb, than could the believing Jews contain the church.  It was going to break out.  It happened at Cornelius’ house in Acts 10 and now in the city of Antioch. 

The evidence in Acts 10 was that the Gentiles spoke in other languages just like the Jews did on the day of Pentecost.  Now, Barnabas sees evidence of the grace of God and knows that God is indeed working in their lives.  The Bible does not tell us what the evidence was, but it was recognizable! 

APPLICATION:  Grace cannot be seen, but its evidence cannot be missed!   If I am a recipient of God’s grace, everyone will soon know.  The evidence will show in many ways. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I want my life to be full of evidence of Your Presence.  May your characteristics be worked into my personality.  May I become like You, Jesus.  In Your Name I pray,  Amen. 

Pastor Leon 
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 3, 2024: SOAP #5175: Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 10:19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”

OBSERVATION:  God told Peter that three men were looking for him and that Peter should go downstairs to meet them.  They had been sent by God to get Peter.  But there was one BIG piece of information that the Spirit did not tell Peter!  These men were gentiles and wanted Peter to come to the home of a Gentile!!! 

But in reading the verses 10-16 we see that God very specifically prepared Peter to take this assignment!  

When Peter arrived, they were awaiting to hear what God was going to say through Peter.  He started by giving the testimony of the Jews, recounting some history and what Jesus had done.   In verse 44 we read that his sermon was interrupted because the Holy Spirit came on these Gentiles the same way as He came of the Jewish believers on the Day of Pentecost!    

APPLICATION:  God ALWAYS sees the big picture.  He never sends us without proper preparation!  He has put in us what is needed.  If it was not there, He would have sent someone else!  

And God ALWAYS sends the Holy Spirit to accompany us!  He will give us what to say.  He will interrupt us.  He will do what only He can do.  When we leave, He will remain behind to follow-up. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, a large part of my preparation for each day is recognizing your Presence!   I know that I will face things beyond my ability, but I will face nothing beyond your ability!  Empower me with your presence as you have been doing ever since the day of Pentecost!   I pray in the mighty Name of Jesus.  Amen

Pastor Leon  
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 2, 2024: SOAP #5174: Exodus 33-34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 33:2 I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 3 Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”…
13 … “Remember that this nation is your people.”
15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

OBSERVATION:  Moses had it right!  These were God’s people.  God had chosen him (Moses) to lead God’s people.  This was God’s doings!  God was responsible!

Moses realized that it was God’s presence that made God’s people unique from all other nations. 

APPLICATION:  The same is true with this SOAP ministry.  It was God’s idea for me to write SOAPs.  My first response was like the first response of Moses  Now, after 15 years of SOAPs, I and those now working with the SOAPs recognize God’s hand at work. 

We are not working for the Lord; we are working with the Lord!  We are not asking Him to bless what we are doing; we are asking for the privilege of being a part of what He is doing! 

Like Moses, I have only one requirement of the Lord:  I will go where He sends me, I will go when He sends me, on one condition:  That HE GOES WITH ME! 

PRAYER:  Lord, not only for the SOAP ministry, but for every ministry of every reader, we agree to go wherever we can feel your strong hand and sense your presence.  We are living with you, walking with you, and working with you.  It is our privilege to be a part of what you are doing.  Amen

Pastor Leon  
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 1, 2024: SOAP #5173: Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 31:2  “See I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3  and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.
6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also, I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you:

OBSERVATION:  God had delivered Israel from Egypt.  By the pillar of fire at night and the cloud in the day, God led them to Sinai where He gave the 10 Commandments to Moses and an assignment to the Israelites.  They were to build Him a tabernacle—a place where He could dwell with them.  God had specific instructions for them to follow, but He did not give every specific detail. 

For that, God chose Bezalel and appointed Oholiab and “gave skill to all the craftsmen.”

APPLICATION:  When God gives me an assignment or a task, He will provide the knowledge and skill to accomplish His will.  God is not depending on my wisdom.  God already knows my limitations.  God is depending on my obedience. 

It may be a dominant thought, or a gentle persuasion, but I can learn to recognize how God speaks to me.  If I am faithful in His word, I will easily recognize what is contrary to His will and will not fall for any of the enemies’ deceptions. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, speak to me, teach me to recognize your voice.  May I find the joy of doing what pleases you.  Use me for your glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon 
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 31, 2024: SOAP #5172: Exodus 28-29; Acts 7

(reworked)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 7:55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

OBSERVATION:  From reading this verse one might get the idea that Stephen was in a great revival, full of the Holy Spirit, and having visions of God!  He saw the resurrected and ascended Jesus!    This verse gives us insight into what was happening inside Stephen. 

The verses before and after give insight into Stephen’s circumstances.  He was not in a revival.  The people around Stephen were furious at what he had just told them.  In a very short time, they would take him out of the city and stoned him to death.  The One inside Stephen was greater than the ones surrounding him–even greater than what might happen to him!

And look who was watching.  Not only was heaven taking note of how Stephen was being treated, Acts 8:1 reveals that Saul, the future Apostle Paul, was watching too!

APPLICATION:  Praise the Lord my circumstances do not have to rule my spirit!  I can be full of the Holy Spirit no matter what is happening around me or to me!  

And there are people watching my life today, to see how I handle the tough times.  I want them to see in me what Saul saw in Stephen.

PRAYER:  Lord, as Saul was watching Stephen that day, there are people watching my life today.  I need Your Holy Spirit.  I want to stay full of Your Spirit. I want a revival in my heart that can be seen by others.  Amen.

Pastor Leon  
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 30, 2024: SOAP #5171: Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 6:3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”…
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

OBSERVATION:  Church growth brought problems.  Not everything that needed to be done was getting done.  So those in church leadership divided the responsibilities and gave authority to others to serve those in the body needing assistance. 

They chose men KNOWN to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.  These men had a good reputation.  They were known for making wise decisions.  These actions brought even more growth. 

APPLICATION:  The knowledge of the Word of God spread.  Of course, the disciples were giving their attention “to prayer and the ministry of the word.”  How important this was as there were no written Bibles.  The only copies of the scriptures were in the temple and synagogues.  Yet, without Bibles, the “word of God spread!” 

Obviously, the Holy Spirit was working in the church through the leaders. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, we need your help in ministering to people today.  We might not be the leaders, but may each of us be known to be “full of the Spirit and wisdom!” Amen

Pastor Leon  
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 29, 2024: SOAP #5170: Exodus 23-24; Psalm 14; Acts 5

Lord, Do It Again! 

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 5:42 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:  I commented on this verse last year, but the Lord showed me a new emphasis.  Last year, the SOAP was about location.  They met “in the temple courts and from house to house.”  Today, the emphasis is not location but timing.  They met “Day after day.” 

Bibles had not yet been printed.  If they could have afforded one, they were not even yet for sale in the market.  The early believers needed to know the truth that is now recorded in the scriptures.  It had not been recorded in writing; it was still in the minds of those who were witnesses of Jesus.  Their hunger to know about Jesus and what He taught caused them to gather with other believers and listen to what the Holy Spirit would speak through the early church leaders, or read letters from those who had been with Jesus.

APPLICATION:  Today, many believers have their personal copy of the Bible.  They can have time each day set aside for reading and praying.  Those of us who have Bibles, should be willing to invite others, (daily?), into our homes where the Bible can be read aloud.  Others may not be able to read or cannot afford to buy a Bible but they can listen to God’s Word being read.  That is how the early church in the book of Acts began!  

Having believers strong in the Word of God is one of a pastor’s greatest responsibilities.  Anyone who can read, can read the Bible for others to hear.  The power is in the Word of God…not on the pages or in the book, but in the Word of God.  God honors His Word! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, when we consider how the church has grown out of meetings in homes, schools, on riverbanks to where it is today…DO IT AGAIN around the world.  Send a mighty revival in Africa and Asia and anywhere your Word is honored.  In the strong Name of Jesus we pray, Amen

Pastor Leon  
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon