Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

September 30: Zechariah 7-9; Luke 13

Scripture: Zechariah (NIV) 9;12 Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you.

Observation: God brings two thoughts together that are somewhat foreign to each other, and yet are powerful in combination: that of being a prisoner and that of hope. Many prisoners do not have hope. In fact many a prison is made out of hopelessness.

Application: Can it be that hope is a prison keeper? Can it be that hope is what keeps me faithful in places less than desirable? Can it be that I am held by hope? Yes, yes, yes, especially when that hope comes from the Lord. I am a prisoner of hope. I cannot give up, I have hope!

I am not only a prisoner "of" hope; I am a prisoner "with" hope. It is amazing what a little ray of hope can do. It is like a little beam of light into a dark place. If light can get in, then there is a way for me to get out! The One Who shines hope into the darkness is able to get me out of the darkness.

Prayer: Lord, You are the “Hope-Giver!” With you I always have hope! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!