Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 21, 2022: SOAP #4675: Daniel 7-8; Psalm 137; Luke 4

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert,…
Luke (NIV) 1:14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.

OBSERVATION:  It is good to note the progression.  Verse one mentions two notable things.  Jesus was both “full of the Holy Spirit” AND he was “led by the Spirit.”  In verse 14 we read that He returned from the wilderness in the “power of the Spirit.” 

APPLICATION: The first two descriptions go hand in hand.  If a person is truly “full” of the Spirit, he will be “led” by the Spirit.  And if a person is not “led” by the Spirit, then very likely he is not “full” of the Spirit.

And we should note that the Spirit does not always lead us into places that are pleasant and enjoyable.  Jesus was being led into the desert where He would be tempted by the devil after fasting 40 days.  But if the Spirit leads us there, He will be with us there!  And like Jesus we can return from the desert in the “power” of the spirit.

PRAYER:  Lord, I know that Your goal for me is not just to be filled (at one time) with the Spirit, but to live FULL of the Spirit being LED by the Spirit.   It is your desire to release the POWER of the Spirit through me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 20, 2022: SOAP #4674: Daniel 5-6; Psalm 130; Luke 3

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 130:5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope.

OBSERVATION:  In this verse, the Psalmist ties two thoughts together:  waiting for an answer from God and the Word. 

Of course, if we are really waiting on the Lord, reading and meditating on His word is  a valuable way to spend time.  

APPLICATION:  It is good to be faithful in reading God’s Word.  When I need some direction from the Lord, I do not use the Bible as a dictionary or encyclopedia.  I do not go to the concordance to find a word that will give me direction.  I just start reading at the place I left off yesterday!  It is much better to get the answer God has for me, than to look to find an answer that sounds good to me.  It is amazing the scriptures in which God has answers for me. 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, Your Word is a love letter you have sent me.  Your Word is the primary way you communicate with me. Your Word is the ground in which my faith grows.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 19, 2022: SOAP #4673: Ezekiel 47-48; Luke 2 (Reworked from an earlier SOAP.)

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation…

OBSERVATION:  In verse 25 we read that Simeon had a close relationship with the Holy Spirit.  In verse 26 we read that the Holy Spirit communicated to Simeon.  In verse 27 we see that the Holy Spirit directed Simeon into the temple courts. Then in verses 34-35 the Holy Spirit spoke prophetically through Simeon.

APPLICATION: Jesus knew what Leon would need, so He sent the Holy Spirit to live in Leon.  I depend on the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s word and will to me.  He directs me to the place where I can be used by God.  At times He gives me what to say.

God wants me to succeed in living a “Christ-centered” life.  He knows that I cannot do it on my own, so He places His Holy Spirit in me.  He is the very same Holy Spirit that dwelt in Jesus!  I learn to apply God’s word to my life and to respond to the impressions of the Holy Spirit. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I cannot live the life of Jesus in my own strength.  Jesus relied on you when He walked on this earth; how much is it even more important that I rely on you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 18, 2022: SOAP #4672: Ezekiel 45-46; Luke 1

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 1:39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

OBSERVATION:  Here, in verse 41, we see the baby John recognizing the Presence of the One He was to announce.  He could not recognize His facial features, nor His stature, nor His tone of voice, but He definitely recognized His Presence! 

Later the Holy Spirit verified that Jesus was the Messiah.  John was told that the one on whom he saw the Spirit descend and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.  (John 1:33)

APPLICATION: The Holy Spirit helps me today to recognize the presence and working of Jesus in people and circumstances throughout my day.  Sometimes it is a stirring in my heart.  Sometimes it is a thought the Spirit sends across my mind.  Sometimes He gives me understanding of what is happening and what part I should take.  I should respond to an awareness of His presence! 

There are times I have shut off His still small voice.  I was too busy to look further.  I thought someone else should take care of that matter.  Stopping did not fit into my schedule. I had more important things to do.  And so, I missed an opportunity to do something special for the Lord! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, forgive me for not pausing to see what you would have me do.  When YOU bring something to my attention, YOU have something for me to do.  Even if it is small, may you find me faithful.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 17, 2022: SOAP #4671: Ezekiel 42-44; Revelation 22

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
Genesis (NIV) 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said…

OBSERVATION:  The same One present in Genesis 1:2 is here in Revelation 22:17. One of the first things we learned about God from Genesis was that He speaks!  One of the last things we see about God in the book of Revelation is that He speaks! In Genesis we saw The Speaker, speaking the world into existence.  In Revelation we see The Speaker continuing to speak.  Through the Spirit and the bride (the church) an invitation from God is extended to join in the fulfillment of the purposes of creation.  God’s plan in creation is fulfilled in the acceptance of this invitation.

APPLICATION: God’s plan for me was fulfilled when I confessed my sins and asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life.  He began placing His Word in my heart and mind.  He used my circumstances on the outside to mix with the Word on the inside.  With Him in control, all things really do work/mix together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! (Romans 8:28) 

The circumstances we each have, mixed with the Scriptures we have hidden in our heart, make each of us unique to the Lord.  Only you can give glory to God in your unique way.  There is no one else in all creation like you.  And the same is for me.

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, from beginning to end, I am seeing the wisdom of having you as the Lord of my life. I surrender to you.  Use the uniqueness of me for your glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 16, 2022: SOAP #4670: Ezekiel 40-41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

OBSERVATION:  How clearly the Bible tells us that there are only two possible destinations.  The previous chapter ends with “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15 and 21:8) This chapter ends with entrance into the city being limited to “only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

APPLICATION: I am so thankful that I can be sure about my destination!  It is such an important matter!  It is not something to leave up to chance or “hope so.”  (1John 2:2-5)  I do not hope I will make it to heaven; I KNOW I will make it to heaven.  I am not depending on my good works to get me there, but my faith it is in Jesus’ payment for my sins on Calvary!  It was a totally sufficient sacrifice to cover all my sins.  The reality of my faith is expressed in my love for Him and in living my life for His glory.  The Holy Spirit living inside me guides me and gives me strength to live each day to honor Him. 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, my eternal destination is so important that it cannot be left to chance.  I know it is also important to you!  When I received your forgiveness, you placed your Holy Spirit within me to assure me that you have made everything right. Thank you for the peace and joy He brought to my heart and life! Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 15, 2022: SOAP #4669: Ezekiel 38-39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

OBSERVATION:  My deeds may take up one line, or a whole page. My deeds may be entered on 100 pages. It makes no difference how many entries there are with my name in the books. The important thing: is my name written the THE BOOK OF LIFE.

APPLICATION: My SOAP friends, our names are written in THAT BOOK when we are born again. It is when I confess my sins and by faith receive His forgiveness purchased by the death of Jesus on the cross. It is when I confess Him as my Lord. His Spirit comes to live in my life, and I surrender everything to Him. It is when the purpose of my life changes from pleasing me to pleasing Him. Have you been born again? Is your name written in THE BOOK OF LIFE? I invite you to pray with me

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, I need a life changing event. I confess my sins and ask your forgiveness because Jesus, your Son died as payment for my sins. Holy Spirit, come and live your life in me. Help me make Jesus my Lord, owner, boss. Write my name in THE BOOK OF LIFE.  May I find true joy in serving you. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 14, 2022: SOAP #4668: Ezekiel 36-37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no-one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

OBSERVATION:  There are many portraits of Jesus in the Bible, but in these verses we have His final portrait. The one once lying in a manger is now seated on a white horse.  The son of Mary is now the Commander-in-Chief.  His words which were gracious are now a sharp sword.  The gentle man who blest little children is now the dispensing God’s wrath.  The one followed by twelve fishermen is now followed by the armies of heaven!  The suffering sacrifice is now the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!  He is the glorious LORD of Glory! 

APPLICATION: This is my Jesus.  This is the one I love and Who loves me!  I want my thoughts, my decisions, my words, and my actions to reveal to the world what an honor it is to have Him as my Lord!  The honor is more than I deserve.  It humbles me. 

PRAYER:  Lord, you are worthy; I worship you! Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 13, 2022: SOAP #4667: Ezekiel 33-35; Revelation 18

SCRIPTURE:  Ezekiel (NIV) 34:29 I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. 30 Then they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Sovereign LORD. 31 You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.’”

OBSERVATION:  This is a portion of God’s promise to Israel.  God desires a personal loving relationship with His people.  Israel was not just any nation, they were God’s nation; they were God’s people.

They depended on Him to be God.  He depended on them to obey and to represent Him among the nations. 

God wanted to be known as Israel’s God.  He wanted Israel to be known as God’s people! 

APPLICATION: I am not just any person; I am His person!  He is not just God; He is my God!  God wants me to live my life in such a way that it is obvious to the people around me that He is my God and I am His child. 

He depends on me to represent Him truthfully; He wants me to depend on Him to do what only He can do. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you are my God; I am your servant.  It is my honor and joy to be partnered with you.  As people get to know me, may they get to know you. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 12, 2022: SOAP #4666: Daniel 3-4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 81:14 how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! 15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. 16 But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

OBSERVATION:  What promises we read from God!!!  With promises like the above, what can go wrong!  But the three verses above follow verse 13. 

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 81:13 “If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways,

OBSERVATION:  Verse 13 begins with “If my people…”  There is a condition to the promises in the verses that follow!   If they listen and do, God will do the promises in verses 14-16, but if they do not pay attention, God will not keep those promises.  (I must remember that the scriptures were not originally written with numbers for chapters and verses.  It is good to read a few verses before and after the verses that speak to me.)

APPLICATION:  God’s promises of punishment and judgment are just as true as His promises to bless and sustain.  I must remember that God is a Promise Keeper!  He does not just keep the promises I like.  He is true to His Word! 

PRAYER:   Lord, I want to be as careful to follow your directions as I want you to be in following your promises to sustain and keep me, to provide for me, and to take me to heaven.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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