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

March 11: Deuteronomy 16-18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2

Scripture: Deuteronomy (NIV) 16:16 …No man should appear before the LORD empty-handed. 17 Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.

Observation: The clear instruction of verse 16 is that everyone should bring an offering to the Lord. No one is excluded. The next verse lets us know that although the size of the offering is not important, the size is very important.

Application: The size of my offering compared to others IS NOT IMPORTANT. I am not more or less blessed based on how my offering compares to my neighbor’s. On the other hand, the size of my offering IS VERY IMPORTANT! It is to be in proportion to the way God has blessed me! It is not their blessing for which I am responsible, but my blessing. My offering is based on my blessing. To be obedient in tithing is determined by how God has blessed me, not how God has blessed my neighbor.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, what a joy to be able to give to you! Giving is a way of expressing my appreciation for all you have given to me! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

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

March 10: Deuteronomy 13-15; Galatians 1

Scripture: Galatians (NIV) 1:3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age according to the will or our God an Father, 5 to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Observation: Jesus was sent by the Father to die. (John 3:16) Jesus died according to the will of the Father. (Galatians 1:4) In the garden of Gethsemane Jesus committed himself to do the Father’s will. (Luke 22:42) On the cross Jesus committed His spirit into the hands of the Father. (Luke 23:46) Obviously, Jesus really loved the Father! What a sacrifice He made to honor the Father and to obtain what the Father so loved! Jesus considered the Heavenly Father worthy of such a sacrifice!

Application: My Heavenly Father loves me so much He sent Jesus to die for my sins. My Lord loved His Father so much He was willing to do His will. I should join my Lord in His love for our Heavenly Father.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your Son, Jesus, obviously loved you and considered you worthy of the sacrifice of His life to obtain for you what you loved. Today I also love you and consider you worthy of the sacrifice of living my life for your glory. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!