Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 17, 2022: SOAP #4609: Isaiah 29-31; James 1

SCRIPTURE: James (NIV) 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

OBSERVATION:  The scriptures are so much more than good literature, so much more than good reading, so much more than a good memory exercise.  The scriptures are to be lived; they are to be applied to daily life.  It is good to read the Bible; it is good to memorize the scriptures; but it means nothing if we do not do what it says.  We must consider what the scriptures mean in our circumstances. 

APPLICATION: One of the best benefits of writing SOAP devotionals is that it forces me to consider the application of the scriptures.  I believe the Spirit inspired applications are a reason these SOAPs are spreading in Asia, Africa, and USA.  God wants people to apply His Word.  The Word must make a difference in the way I act and talk.

I must listen to the Holy Spirit who is my constant companion.  He is the author of the scriptures and can best show me how they apply to my life.  Not only can He show me how they apply to me, but He can also work in my life moment by moment to apply them. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I really need your help in understanding and applying what I read in the Bible. I count on your promised blessing in verse 25 above! Amen

Pastor Leon
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