Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 18, 2024: SOAP #5433:  Job 3-4; Acts 8-9

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.” 27  So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch… 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet.

OBSERVATION:   How the “angel of the Lord” appeared to Philip, we are not told.  But by Philip’s immediate obedience, we understand that he recognized this was a messenger from the Lord. 

Then when Philip met the Ethiopian, the Spirit spoke to Philip again. We do not know if it was in an audible voice, or through a strong impression in his heart and mind.  But however it was, Philip recognized it as God speaking to him; he obeyed.  In the other parts of this passage, Philip just did what he knew was the right thing to do.  The results are the proof that God was speaking to Philip!  

APPLICATION:  God still speaks to us today.  The most important way is through His Word.  The Scriptures set the boundaries.  God will never lead us contrary to His revealed Word.  But there are many things that are important for which we need guidance—things not mentioned in the Bible.    

Philip would not find in the scriptures that he should go south to the road to Gaza.  And he would not find a scripture telling him to be close to the chariot.  But those were important parts of what God wanted to happen.  Once abord the chariot, Philip was in familiar territory; the Ethiopian was reading from Isaiah!  

Many times God leads me with a strong inclination or drawing my attention to something that looks unique.  Many SOAPs have been written following those feelings.  Once into writing the SOAP, God shows me something specific He wants me to emphasize. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, make me sensitive to what you speak to me.  May you be glorified by the results of my obedience.  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
October 17, 2024: SOAP #5432:  Job 1-2; Acts 6-7

SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 6:7 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.
8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9 Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.

OBSERVATION:   A wonderful thing was happening in Jerusalem.  Many people were becoming followers of Jesus, even many priests.  God’s Holy Spirit was using Stephen to minister healing and hope to hurting people. 

But as often the case, when God is moving, His enemy, Satan, also starts working.  He opposes, finds fault, criticizes, sows doubt, etc.  Satan’s work had great effect, even brought about the stoning death of Stephen.  BUT someone was watching Stephen and how he died—Saul, who later became the Apostle Paul who wrote much of the New Testament!!!   (Acts 7:1) 

Satan can oppose God, BUT he cannot stop God!  

APPLICATION:  Experiencing the peace and joy salvation brings, growing in my understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for me, and having the Holy Spirit guiding my daily life—these all work together to establish and strengthen my commitment to Jesus!    He has given me eternal life which does not stop at my physical death; and the promises He has made me of life in heaven make me know that it is well worth any struggle in this life to make it to heaven!

PRAYER:  I like to sing a song I remember my dad singing: “It will be worth it all—when we see Jesus. Life’s trials will seem so small—when we see Christ.  One glimpse of His dear face—all sorrow will erase.  So bravely run the race—till we see Christ!” (author: unknown)  Lord, help me overcome opposition. 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
October 16, 2024: SOAP #5431:  Malachi 3-4; Psalm 148; Acts 5

SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 5:40 …They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. 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.
Acts (NIV) 20:20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.

OBSERVATION:    The persecution of the Jewish Religious leaders did not stop the spread of the gospel.  Rather, it worked to increase its spread!   People who had found Jesus to be the Messiah and had invited Him to live in their lives were committed to Jesus.  Living for Jesus had become a daily way of life. 

They were Jews, so the temple had always been a major part of their religious life, and it still was.  But now their love for Jesus was expanding in their homes. 

APPLICATION:  The presence of Jesus in my life brings changes.  One big change is that I want to know Him better; I want to know more about Him.  What He thinks and what He has said become important to me.  I am drawn to people who can teach me more.   What a privilege to have someone visit my home to teach and proclaim the truth of Jesus! 

Another change brought by the presence of the Spirit of God—He makes me more aware of the people around me.  He speaks to my heart about what I can do to reach them for Jesus.   He shows me some way to be an expression of God’s love to them.  It is often something simple, but He makes it fit their need. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, make me like Jesus.  Reach out through me to my neighbors, my school, my work, my city.  When they see the changes you have made in my life, may they want to commit their lives to Jesus too.  In His Name I pray,  Amen. 

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

Personal thoughts:  The time has come to begin the radiation treatments for the prostate cancer.  God has promised me that He would heal someone who touches me to help me.  The treatments will be daily except for Saturday and Sundays, for 28 treatment days.  Please pray for God to be glorified in me.  Thank you for the times you have already lifted my name before the throne of grace.  😊 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 15, 2024: SOAP #5430:  Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1-2; Acts 4

SCRIPTURE: Acts (NIV) 4:18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

OBSERVATION:    A crippled man had been healed and Peter and John were giving all the glory to Jesus.  Many people were responding to their preaching and the Jewish religious leaders did not like it.  They called them in and commanded them not to “speak or teach” in the name of Jesus. 

But for Peter and John, Jesus was the best thing that had ever happened to them!  They had even seen Him crucified and then seen Him after the resurrection!  Jesus had promised to send the Holy Spirit and they had received that promise.  Now the Holy Spirit was moving through them in the same way He moved through Jesus! 

What was demanded of them was totally illogical!!!  How could they not talk about Jesus!   How could they not give Him credit for what was done in His name! 

APPLICATION:  When we realize that our sins are forgiven, and Jesus through His Holy Spirit now lives in us—how can we not tell others. The joy and peace of His Presence floods our being.  Even if we do not use words, they will see it on our face or in our reactions to what happens around us.  They begin to ask what has happened. They see the change. 

Like Peter and John, we cannot help declaring, by word and by deed, the wonderful things that God has done for us!  

PRAYER:  Lord, let others see and hear what you have done for me.  May my praise overflow from my heart.  May my actions show that you are my Lord and ruling my life.  May your peace and joy be evidence of your Presence.  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
October 14, 2024: SOAP #5429:  Nehemiah 11-12; Psalm 1; Acts 3

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 3:2 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.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.

OBSERVATION:  Peter and John were disciples of Jesus.  They had seen Him do many miracles.  Jesus had returned to heaven, but He had sent the Holy Spirit to be with them.  When this crippled man asked them for money, I believe the Holy Spirit in them spoke to them that this was an opportunity to do what Jesus would have done.  They did not have money, but they had something better than money! 

They had been with Jesus!  Jesus had sent the Holy Spirit to be with them, continually!  The Holy Spirit was with them every hour of every day.  And they had been commanded to use the Name of Jesus to do the works of Jesus! YES they had something better than silver or gold!   

APPLICATION:  We too have been commanded to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every person.  We too have the promise and reality of the Holy Spirit being with us.  We too have the privilege of speaking and praying in the name of Jesus!

PRAYER:  Jesus, when we received your salvation and invited you to be the Lord of our lives, you sent your Holy Spirit to be in us.  Like in Acts 2, fill us with power and anoint us with the Holy Spirit to carry on Your ministry in our world.  May you be glorified in and through our lives.  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
October 13, 2024: SOAP #5428:  Nehemiah 9-10; Acts 2 

(reworked from earlier)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 2:1 [This is what happened] 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 [This is how Peter closed his sermon] 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 limited Himself 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.  Jesus was with His disciples in the area around Jerusalem.  The Holy Spirit is with all believers, including SOAP readers, in Southeast Asia, in Africa, and it the United States. He is with us anywhere in the world.  He makes the Word alive in our hearts and lives!  

PRAYER:  Jesus fill me anew with the Holy Spirit.  Fill SOAP readers with your Holy Spirit.  Keep us full!  Holy Spirit, work through us like you did through Jesus.  May our words and actions glorify 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
October 12, 2024: SOAP #5427:  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 baptised with water, but in a few days you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.”
6 ¶  So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”   He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

OBSERVATION:   In his gospel, Luke emphasized the work of the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of Jesus.  And now, in Acts (also written by Luke), we see the emphasis on the Holy Spirit in the life and ministry of the church. 

They would be “baptized with the Holy Spirit.”  The Holy Spirit would “come on” them and they would receive power to be witnesses throughout the world, starting in Jerusalem where they were then gathered.  

APPLICATION:  I too must start in Jerusalem…in my Jerusalem where I live.  I too must depend on the Holy Spirit to lead me to those needing to hear the message of Jesus.  I too must rely on the Holy Spirit to work through me as I speak, pray, and touch in Jesus Name. 

When I face a situation beyond my capabilities, it is then for me to trust the Holy Spirit to work through me.  When He does, people around will know that Leon could not do what was done.  There must be someone greater working in me. 

PRAYER:  Lord, let me live a life that is obviously beyond my abilities.  Let me live a life that can only be explained through acknowledging that God is with me.  Holy Spirit, lead me and use me to bring glory to Jesus.  For it is in His 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
October 11, 2024: SOAP #5426:  Nehemiah 5-6; Psalm 146; Luke 24

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 24:48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

OBSERVATION:  These are the last words of Jesus as recorded in Luke’s gospel.  They are a promise to fulfill the Father’s promise.  And they are to stay in Jerusalem until they have received this promise and been empowered with heavenly power.  They were not to leave the city until this happened.  They were to “stay in the city until…”

This was the same Jesus that had told them to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every person.  But before leaving, He told them to stay!  

If we only had Luke’s gospel, we may wonder what was so important?  Why postpone the message of the resurrected and living Christ!  Why should they wait to tell the world the good news? 

That question is answered in Luke’s sequel, The Book of Acts!  

As they were following Jesus last command, waiting in Jerusalem, in Acts, chapter two, they were all baptized in the Holy Spirit!  The church was impowered to go like Jesus and to do the works of Jesus!!!  They continued the ministry of Jesus!  The Father’s promise was fulfilled!  

APPLICATION: The Father’s promise is for today too!!!  Acts 2:38-39!!!  The Good News is great: Jesus died to forgive my sins!   But there is more:  the Holy Spirit is with us as He was with Jesus and He empowers us today to do what Jesus would do!!! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, find me a willing vessel that you can use to bring glory and honor to Jesus!  Anoint the simple things you give me to do with your power.  Anoint the simple words I write to carry your truth.  This I pray in Jesus Name,  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
October 10, 2024: SOAP #5425:  Nehemiah 3-4; Luke 23

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 23:47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

OBSERVATION:    Who was this centurion and what had he just seen?  He was the centurion in charge of the crucifixion of Jesus and he had just witnessed the death of Jesus.  

Four times Pilate had declared Jesus to be innocent.  Then Pilate said that Herod had found Jesus to be innocent.  The thief on the cross a sixth time and in this verse, the centurion makes the seventh declaration of the innocence of Jesus.   

APPLICATION:  Jesus was innocent!  There is no question!  Yet a holy God allowed his innocent son to die a terrible death.  Why?  There is only one reason, He was dying in my place, and I am not innocent! 

PRAYER:  You may want to pray as I have prayed: Jesus, I am a sinner and need to be cleansed of my sins and forgiven.  I am asking that the blood you shed on the cross be the payment for my sins.  Cleanse me, forgive me, and be my Lord.  I thank you as I receive your forgiveness by faith.  In Your Wonderful Name I pray,  Amen
 
And now, you may want to join me in this prayer:  Lord, you died for me and now you live in me.  Today I die to myself to live my life for you.  May I bring you much joy.    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
October 09, 2024: SOAP #5424:  Nehemiah 1-2; Psalm 133-134; Luke 22

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 22:8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

OBSERVATION:    Some things can happen on the spur of the moment; however, others require preparation.  The cross required great preparation beginning even before the foundation of the world. Man got a glimpse in the Garden of Eden; more details are added through the remaining chapters of Genesis.  In Exodus we see the cross being central, woven into the Tabernacle of Moses.

Now Peter and John were being sent ahead to continue the preparation for the cross.  For Peter and John, it was merely preparing for the Passover.  For Jesus, it was preparation for the transaction that would bring many sons into glory!   Peter and John did what they could.  They made the preparations that were possible for them to make.  But Someone would soon be present that would be able to do what they could not do!

APPLICATION:  God often uses us, like Peter and John, to do the preparation work for what He is about to do.   Someone’s heart needs to be softened to receive Jesus, so He sends us to do some deed of kindness.  He may use us to say something to a friend that will encourage them to say, “Yes,” to Jesus.  There is no body better than the Holy Spirit in showing us what we can do to make preparation for Jesus to come into another person’s life. 

I must remember that it is not my presence that will change their life, but the Presence of Jesus!  

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, use me to make preparations for my family, my friends, my neighbors, my co-workers to experience the joy of knowing Jesus as the Lord of their lives.

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