Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 20, 2022: SOAP #4765: John 7-8

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 8:28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”

OBSERVATION:  Jesus said things that were hard for people to understand and accept as true.  He looked every bit human, Jewish human, for that is what He was/is.  He had laid aside his God-nature to live as a man, but not just as a man, but as a man full of the Holy Spirit, walking in the blessing and presence of His Heavenly Father!   Of course, the Father did not leave Jesus; Jesus always and only did that which pleased the Father!  

APPLICATION: As a Christian, it is my desire to be like Jesus.  I know that on my own, I do not have the strength or will power to make my life a copy of His.  When I confess my sins and invite Jesus to live in my life, I discover that He does just that!!!  He lives in me!   It is not for me to copy His life; He lives His life in me! 

I set my life to do that which pleases the Lord. Even when I sin, I want to be quick to confess and repent.  I want an attitude toward sin that pleases the Lord.  My attitude toward sin will change as I spend time with Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to impress truth in my thoughts.  He formats my mind to think the thoughts of God, to see things like God sees them. 

PRAYER:   Lord, make my heart your home.  I want my heart to be a comfortable and enjoyable home for your residence.  As a new tenant rearranges the furniture and uses fresh paint to suite their taste, rearrange my thoughts and priorities to be as suit your taste.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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