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

October 7: Ezra 7-8; Luke 20

Scripture: Ezra (NIV) 7:27 Praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way 28 and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king’s powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.

Observation: Ezra did not take courage because King Artaxerxes was sending him back to Jerusalem to restore the temple. He did not take courage because the King had generously provided finances from the royal treasury. He did not take courage because the King had provided letters to the neighboring countries to help Ezra in his mission. He did not take courage because of those who would accompany him back to Jerusalem. Ezra took courage to move ahead because the hand of the LORD God was on him! Using the phrase “the hand of the LORD my God was on me” Ezra was saying that he had a conscience awareness of God’s presence and God’s nudging him in the way he should go.

Application: Recently I have found myself looking for other sources of strength. I look for a break in a full schedule. I look for a way to off load some responsibilities. I look for something to distract me for a while. But the times I have had the most strength is when I have a conscience awareness of God’s presence.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know you are always with me; however I greatly appreciate the times you make me especially aware of your presence. During those times you impart your peace and strength. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!