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

July 15: Isaiah 22-24; Hebrews 12

Scripture: Hebrews (NIV) 12:7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?
8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all.

Observation: If everyone undergoes discipline, then how sad it would be to be disciplined by God and not know why! I do not believe that all hardship is discipline, but some of it clearly is. Many of our nation’s problems are because we have ignored God and His laws.

People who have never heard God say “No” or “Stop” to them, probably do not know Him as their Father.

Application: When I experience hardship, I need to listen more carefully to God. If it is because I live in a fallen world, I can trust Him to help me. If it is because I have disobeyed, I need to confess my sins and receive His forgiveness. I need to learn so that I will not need to be disciplined about those matters again.

Prayer: Lord, you know the results of sin. It would not be very loving for you to allow me to continue in sin. Thank you for your discipline! Help me to listen, especially when I might not like what you are saying. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!