Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 21, 2022: SOAP #4736: Matthew 8-10

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 10:16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues. 18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time, you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus was speaking to His disciples about rough days ahead.  He did not tell them that they would escape without any personal troubles.  He did not promise that it would be easy for them. 

But He did promise two things.  He promised that the Holy Spirit would give them how to answer their accusers which implies the Presence of the Holy Spirit with them!   Yet more than with them; speaking “through” them!  

APPLICATION:  The joy and peace that God gives does not come from our circumstances, but from His Presence!   Whatever the source of my troubles, oppressive government, economical setbacks, family, health, etc., I have God, the Holy Spirit, dwelling in me!  

God has not promised me eternal physical life, but He has promised eternal spiritual life.  In fact, I have it now!   In this life, the Holy Spirit often gives me what to say at key times.  He helps me know the right thing to do. He helps me write these SOAPs.

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, I want to be open to your input into my thoughts.  As I read the Bible, keep speaking to me till I  recognize your voice and understand what you are saying to me.  Put your thoughts among my thoughts.  Teach me to apply what I hear from you.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 20, 2022: SOAP #4735: Matthew 5-7

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 6:1 “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

OBSERVATION:  I believe it pleases God when we do an act of service or kindness in a place that no one will notice.  Oh, people may notice that something was done, but they will not notice who did it. 

It concerns me when I see pictures posted on the internet of people distributing food and clothing to the poor. 

It concerns me when people are offered a “gift” based on the size of their offering which is publicly announced.  People are being enticed to give based on what they can receive now instead of waiting for the Father’s reward. 

Have these people never read the above scriptures?  The honor and attention they receive from men is their “full” reward! 

APPLICATION:   I believe it is the Father’s joy to reward His children.  He loves to catch us doing things that please Him.  …doing things that only He can see.  It is my opinion that we offend Him when we settle for our “reward in full” from men rather than wait for what God has in store for us. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, in the Scriptures, reveal to me personally how I can best honor my Heavenly Father.  Help me please Him with every part of my life…with everything I say and all I do.  Help me be more concerned about what He sees rather than what man sees.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 19, 2022: SOAP #4734: Matthew 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
Luke (NIV) 4:13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.

OBSERVATION:  Here we have the two main characters in the New Testament.  No, one of them is not the devil!!!  First, of course God the Son, Jesus, who came to live a sinless life as a man and then give His life in payment for sin.  Second is God the Spirit who anointed the sinless man, Jesus, to do the works of God. 

After Jesus was risen from the dead and ascended into heaven, the Spirit was poured out on the church.   The Bible was written by people anointed by the Spirit.  And it is the Spirit who reveals the truth of the Bible to us today, and who empowers us to live a life that glorifies God.    

APPLICATION: I like to think of the Holy Spirit leading me in ways of overcoming and victory.  But the Spirit led Jesus into “the desert!”  …to a place where Jesus was “tempted by the devil!”  The Spirit does not always lead us in the most pleasant places; the goal is that we move in the “power of the Spirit!” 

A friend of mine told me when people are working with iron, they put it in the fire then beat it with a hammer; then they put it back in the fire, take it out and beat it again with the hammer; then they do it again…and again!  …until it has reached the desired goal.   Sometimes we are in God’s blacksmith shop.

In times like this, it is good to remember that God truly loves me.  He is an expert blacksmith and does not make mistakes.  God has a plan for my good and His glory.  It will be worth it all when I see Jesus! 

PRAYER:   Lord, I am trusting you. You see the future and you know what is best.  What you have done in the past assures me that I can trust you for the present and the future. Make me like you!  May you be glorified in me. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 18, 2022: SOAP #4733: Ps 124, 2Corinthians 11-13

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 124:1 A song of ascents. Of David. If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel say—
2 if the LORD had not been on our side when men attacked us,
3 when their anger flared against us, they would have swallowed us alive;
4 the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters would have swept us away.
6 Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

OBSERVATION:  The help a person receives is only as good or bad as the helper.  It is only as strong or weak as the helper.  It is only as wise or foolish as the helper.  It only comes with the resources available to the helper.   We can have no better helper than the one who created the heavens and the earth.

APPLICATION: As I grow in the Lord, I have found that the emphasis is not so much Him being on my side, but for me to be on His side. 

But many times, He comes to my aid even when I am not walking in His perfect will.  In fact, that is what Calvary was all about.  Jesus came to the side of sinners in order to bring them to His side of righteousness.  Think of it:  “if the Lord had not been on my side” at Calvary, I would still be lost in my sin!

In reading the New Testament and better understanding the great judgment to which I was headed, and the great gulf that separated me from God, and the great grace that brought the LORD to my side — surely I can sing this with more appreciation and feeling than ever the psalmist.  Surely, I can add many of my own verses to this great anthem.  

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, so many religions in the world today emphasize what the worshipper is to do for the god.  What a blessing to know that your emphasis is on what you do for us!!!  Our service to you is motivated by the love you stir in our hearts as you serve us!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 17, 2022: SOAP #4732: 2Corinthians 7-10

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 8:1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.

OBSERVATION:  In writing to encourage the church in Corinth to give, Paul writes about the churches in Macedonia.  Their giving had exceeded all expectations.  Paul uses them as a good example of giving. 

In a similar way, I have been blessed to see the growth of the SOAP ministry.  God has caused it to expand far beyond my expectations.  I have no idea of the number of computers, the number of printers, the cartons of paper, the ink that has been purchased to print and distribute SOAPs.  It has been my privilege to participate in giving, but I have given only a very small portion.  People who are reading the SOAPs have been stirred in their hearts by God to give so that others can read the SOAPs.  The churches in West Africa amaze me. 

APPLICATION: If the SOAPs are a blessing to you, find some way to give the blessing to others.  Some already forward the email they receive.  Some may print out a copy to give to a friend at work.  If someone in your area is printing the SOAPs, offer to help with the cost. 

Whatever way you my find to spread the SOAPs, remember that the SOAPs are NOT the goal.  My goal for writing SOAPs and sending them out:  A daily, fresh, relationship with God through His Son, Jesus—a relationship enriched by the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, you clearly directed me to begin writing SOAPs.  You have faithfully given me something fresh from the scriptures each day for 12+ years.  You have caused them to expand in America, Asia, and Africa.  They are yours and they are for your glory.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of what you are doing.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 16, 2022: SOAP #4731: 2Corinthians 3-6

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 4:8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.

OBSERVATION:  Here is the purpose of our mortal bodies. They are to reveal His life.  As we die to our desires, we become alive to His desires and our body becomes an avenue to express His life rather than ours. 

APPLICATION: People will notice the differences in our lives now that Jesus is Lord.  We may talk differently—not using some words or phrases—not being negative.  We may respond differently—with kindness instead of gruffness—with patience.  We may dress more modestly—being careful of the printed messages on our clothing. 

Many times, it is the difficult things we are experiencing that get the attention of others.  They too experience difficulties and they have personal experience how people respond.  When we face the same troubles yet respond differently, they become aware that we have a different source of life.

PRAYER:   Lord, I want you to be seen in me.  In my choices, my actions, and especially my reactions, may people see you living in me. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 15, 2022: SOAP #4730: Job 41, 42; 2Corinthians 1, 2

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 2:21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

OBSERVATION:  The Holy Spirit is a deposit guaranteeing what is to come!!!  I have never known the deposit to exceed in value what is coming.  If the Holy Spirit is the deposit, it is hard to imagine what the full inheritance will be.  One may sing “I can only imagine” but I am thinking it will far exceed our imagination! 

APPLICATION: When I am going through good times, I must remind myself that what is coming is “better by far!” 

When I am going through hard times, I must remind myself that what I have is only a deposit on what I will receive in His presence!  

When I am enjoying the presence of the Holy Spirit in my heart, I must remind myself that this joy is only a deposit on what is coming! 

When the Holy Spirit opens my mind to understand the Word of God, I must remind myself that the moment I close my eyes in death will be the most eye-opening moment I will ever have experienced!  

What fellowship I enjoy with the Holy Spirit here on earth; so what will it be to walk with the Holy Spirit through the courts of heaven!  

PRAYER:   Lord, with your promised Holy Spirit, I know the best is yet to come!  I know heaven will be worth it all!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 14, 2022: SOAP #4729: Psalm 149; 1Corinthians 15, 16

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. 3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

OBSERVATION:  Paul was encouraging the churches to give an offering to be sent to help the church in Jerusalem.  The area around Jerusalem was experiencing a drought.   Food was scarce and expensive.

Giving was to be in accordance with one’s income.  Even the poor can experience the joy of giving.   Giving was to be as regular as their income.  They received their income weekly; they met together weekly; and they could give weekly.  Faithfulness in the regular giving of a smaller amount is much better than the infrequent giving of a larger amount.

APPLICATION: I am sure the Lord smiles as He watches people who receive the SOAPs giving to help cover the cost of printing the copies they receive.  (They help cover the cost of internet access, paper, and ink.)  There are some who have given to purchase computers and printers to make the SOAPs available to others.  (For those who have learned the value of tithing, our tithes belong to our church.)  God’s blessing is on the SOAP ministry and God’s blessing is on the finances. 

PRAYER:  Lord, SOAP is your ministry.  You have assigned it to me and have clearly proved that your blessing is on the SOAPs.  I do not work to spread the SOAPs; I just move ahead with what I know you are doing.  Thank you for those to whom you have given a vision of expanding the SOAP Ministry.  I pray your blessing on those working to establish printing stations.  May they sense your approval on their lives and ministry.  Provide the finances needed. Fill their lives with joy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 13, 2022: SOAP #4727: Job 39, 40; 1Corinthians 13, 14

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

OBSERVATION:  Chapter 12 ends with Love being greater than faith and hope. In the first verses of chapter 12, love is greater than the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is greater than personal sacrifice. It is greater than knowledge. Love encompasses the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Love is our motivation for service.  Love makes us “eagerly desire” to serve others.  The emphasis in Chapter 13 is on using the spiritual gifts God gives us to serve others. 

APPLICATION: Loving God means that I want to serve Him and serve others to the best of my ability.  But in serving Him, I soon come to realize that I am not capable in myself.  I need the Holy Spirit living inside to motivate me and minister through me.  He takes my efforts and enhances them to be greater than they are by themselves. 

Personally, as I am faithful to read the scriptures assigned in the daily reading plan I use, I find the Holy Spirit is reading along with me.  He draws my attention to a word, a phrase, a verse, or a passage.  Suddenly my mind has a new thought, something fresh.  The thought blesses me, and God uses them to bless others.  My personal efforts in writing the SOAPs are enhanced by the ministry of the Holy Spirit! 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, thank you for using me, taking my small lunch of five loaves and two fishes (John 6:9), multiplying them, and feeding thousands who read the SOAPs. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 11, 2022: SOAP #4726: Job 37, 38; 1Corinthians 12

SCRIPTURE:  Job (NIV) 38:31 “Can you bind the beautiful Pleiades? Can you lose the cords of Orion? 32 Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear with its cubs? 33 Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?

OBSERVATION:  In chapter 38, we do not have Job or his friends talking, but God Himself is questioning Job!   And in questioning Job, God mentions something about which I have never put much thought.  “Job, do you know the LAWS OF THE HEAVENS?”   God did not ask Job if there are any laws; of course, there are laws.  “Job, do you know them?” 

APPLICATION: In Job’s Day, people had probably not given much thought to the LAWS OF THE HEAVENS.  But those who lived by the oceans were affected by the gravitational pull of the moon on the ocean tides.  The tides did not work according to their knowledge, but according to God’s law. 

Today, the astronauts consider the speed and trajectory of the moon as they plan their flight and arrival on its surface.  They know that the size of the planet/moon affects the gravitational pull. 

Everything God has created is affected by God’s laws!  God’s spiritual laws are just as important as His physical laws, as His laws of nature, and as His relational laws.  God’s laws are expressions of His own being and nature.  He is an orderly Creator. 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, as I stand and gaze at the heavens you created, help me remember that you are a God of order.  To maintain order, You have set laws in the heavens and have set laws for people. Help me not to ignore what you have set here for my good.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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