Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 09, 2022: SOAP #4693: Nehemiah 1-2; Psalm 133-134; Luke 22

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV)   [Here Jesus is speaking to his disciples in the garden where he went to pray just before being arrested and crucified] …   22:40  On reaching the place he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, …  [After a time of prayer, Jesus returned to where he had left the disciples.]  46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them.  “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

OBSERVATION:  Earlier in his ministry, when his disciples had asked Jesus to teach them to pray, he taught them “Our Father … lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…” (Luke 11:4)

In the verses above, Jesus knew what was just ahead for him, yet he did not ask the disciples to pray for him, but for themselves.  He knew their weaknesses.  He knew they would be tempted.  So here is a place where they needed to pray as he had taught them.

APPLICATION: I do not know what temptations lay ahead so I need to pray as Jesus instructed.   I need to pray for myself.  As long as I am in this world, I will be subject to temptations.  I should pray this prayer every day.

PRAYER:   Lord, do not lead me into places of temptation, and when I do find myself in such places, remind me that you are with me.  Deliver me from evil.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 08, 2022: SOAP #4692: Ezra 9-10; Psalm 131; Luke 21

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 21:1 As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “I tell you the truth,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said,

OBSERVATION:  The disciples were interested in the beautiful temple and the gifts that people had brought.  Jesus was interested in the people.  He saw the wealthy giving.  And He saw the poor giving.  He not only saw their gifts; He saw what was left.  He saw their hearts. 

APPLICATION: Obviously, He is watching my giving too.  My giving is important to Him.  The offering I gave today was given for His benefit.  He directed me to the job; He opened the door; He gives me the strength each day.  The money I earn is His to be used as He directs.  He sees what is given; He sees what is left. 

PRAYER:   Lord, my life is yours.  I live for your glory.  You have given me to drive a school bus for my work.  My work is my ministry.  The earnings are yours.  They are given and used at your pleasure.  It is my pleasure to serve you as you have directed me.  Thank you for making me useful.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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