Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 28, 2022: SOAP #4590: Amos 1-3, Psalm 80; 2Timothy 4

SCRIPTURE: 2Timothy (NIV) 4:6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

OBSERVATION:  In verse 6, Paul writes about his present life.  He is at the end of his ministry.  He is at the point of departure.  In verse 7, Paul writes of his past life as a believer.  It was a struggle, but he faithfully fought for the Lord.  It was a race, but he did not slow down; he kept running.  And he had remained faithful and true to Jesus.  In verse 8, Paul writes about his future life.  He is anticipating personally receiving God’s approval and reward!  

To Paul, the future was just as real as the past he had lived and the present he was living!  The past and the present set the tone for the future.  He had been faithful; he was faithful; and he knew God would be faithful!

APPLICATION: My life began at conception.  Birth did not change who I am, it only gave more opportunity to develop and express who I am.  For the past 74 years, the life that started in the womb has been learning to live out the purpose God set for me.  What started with my parents teaching me to pray, then progressed to the church nursery, then to children’s church and Sunday School classes, then to youth Bible studies, then to Bible college then to the US Navy, then to pastoring, has now progressed to retirement and to writing SOAPs!   Soon that same life will progress to and through death’s door to enjoy the fullness of my heavenly life!  “What a day that will be!”  My future is just as real as my past. 

The same is true for every SOAP reader! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me to share in this life.  Thank you for a heavenly home being prepared for me.  Thank you for the Holy Spirit who helps me prepare in this life for the future.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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