SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

Scripture: Hebrews 8:10 This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
11 No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

Observation: The first covenant centered around laws written on tablets of stone. We call them the Ten Commandments. Motivation was very self-centered—the reward promised if it was kept or the punishment if it was broken. Jesus’ forgiveness removes the fear of punishment and His Presence is better than the rewards. The more we know Him the more we love Him. Our motivation changes from fear and hope to love! Once we were being forced into a mold by an outside influence; but now we live to please Him because we love Him.

One may stretch an un-inflated balloon to better see the picture printed on the outside, but it is always deformed. Only when the balloon is inflated can we clearly see the design. And only with the fullness of the Holy Spirit inside can we show a clear picture of Jesus.

Application: How can I not love the One Who loved me so much that He took my penalty. If doing what is right pleases Him, then I will do what is right. It is my desire to please him—to bring a smile to His face.

Prayer: Lord, It’s my desire to please you today. Not just in the easy things, but in everything I want to please you. I want you to be glad that I am your child. Amen.

July 11: Isaiah 8-10; Hebrews 8

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!