SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

Scripture: Hebrews 12:10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.
11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Observation: On the cross Jesus died for our sins and justified us, making us just as if we had never sinned. But having our past sins forgiven is not the same as presently living sinless. God wants holiness in both our past and our present. We can do nothing about the past, so God offers us full forgiveness based on the sacrifice of Jesus. Now God wants the holiness that is provided us by the sacrifice on the cross to become a way of life. To accomplish that, God places His Holy Spirit within us to teach us, to empower us, and as the above verses tell us, to discipline us when needed.

Application: Holiness, righteousness, and peace—that is the life the Lord desires for Leon. He knows my weaknesses and fully understands that I am incapable of living that way. He has forgiven my past. And he has given me his Holy Spirit to teach me, to empower me, AND to discipline me. There are two reasons why I should joyfully accept the discipline of God: First, I know that it is an expression of his love. Second, I know it is for my good.

Prayer: Lord, your love goes far beyond cleaning me up when I become dirty; your love helps me to live clean! Amen.

July 15: Isaiah 22-24; Hebrews 12

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!