Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 16, 2022: SOAP #4486:  Deuteronomy 30-31; Psalm 40; 1Corinthians 1

SCRIPTURE:  Deuteronomy (NIV) 31:3 The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said….
6  Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”…
8  The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

OBSERVATION: In Moses farewell message to the children of Israel he gives them two promises from the LORD God.  In verse three above Moses tells the people that “God himself” will go ahead of them.  In verse six, Moses tells the people that “the LORD your God goes with you.” 

So, Moses, which is it?  How can both be true?  Is God going ahead or with?  In verse eight, Moses tells Joshua that BOTH are correct!  “The LORD himself goes before you AND will be with you!!!”

APPLICATION: It is a promise that only God can keep.  God is with me AND He goes before me.  As I walk with God and step out in faith, not knowing how things will work out, I find that God has already arrived at my destination and has things well under control!  He arrived long before I got there.  He has been there a long time!  

When I become aware of His Presence, paralyzing fear melts away.  Through meditating on God’s Word, through worship, through prayer, and through fellowship with other believers I can increase my awareness of His Presence! 

PRAYER:  Lord, as you were with the Israelites in the wilderness, you were also at work inside the Promised Land.  As you are working in me to increase my faith, you are also at work in the circumstances into which you are leading me.  You are preparing for a victory celebration!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon