Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 25, 2022: SOAP #4770: 1John 1-5

Merry Christmas to those reading this SOAP.  May the Lord greatly enjoy spending this special day with you!  Or if you are reading this after Christmas, may the Lord enjoy spending every day with you.  May He feel at home in your life.  May every word and every action make Him smile.  Here is a re-worked SOAP from my past. 
Leon 😊

SCRIPTURE:  1John (NIV) 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

OBSERVATION:  Who could ever describe the indescribably great love the Father has for us?  Certainly no one in this life.  We cannot even begin to understand the heights from which Jesus descended to become a baby in a manger.  We cannot even begin to understand the horribleness of sin and its consequences for which Jesus died on the cross. 

God did not love us in a stingy manner, but lavished His love on us — exorbitant, outlandish, excessive, extreme, unbelievable love. The result of this love was that we should be called God’s children. We are identified with Him by name.  The world may call us many things, but He calls us His children! We are not only called children of God — that is what we are!  THIS IS REALITY!

APPLICATION: A child of God — that’s what I am!  Christmas is a time for exchanging gifts with those we love.  He loves me and gave His Son Jesus to die for me.  I love Him and give my life to bring Him honor and glory.

PRAYER:   Lord, As I celebrate your birth today, I do it with appreciation for the love lavished on me.  I give you my heart filled with love.  I give you my mind filled with thoughts of praise and worship.  I give you my mouth filled with words of honor and appreciation that others may know.  I give you my hands and feet to be used in serving other members of your body.  I give you my life to do your will and to be a witness to the world.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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