Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 12, 2022: SOAP #4757: Hebrews 5-8

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus saves us completely! 

There is no one I would rather have as my intercessor!  There is no one who knows me better than Jesus!  There is no one who has done more for me than Jesus!  I have confidence that He will represent me perfectly!

There is no one I would rather have as my intercessor!  There is no one who knows the Father better than Jesus.  There is no one who has done more for the Father than Jesus.  At the Father’s direction, Jesus came to be born as a created man and die to bring the Father a large family of sons in the image of Jesus!  If there is anyone to whom the Father will listen, it is Jesus!

APPLICATION: I can come in confidence to the Father through my intercessor.  I am “completely” saved!

I can come to the Father through my intercessor at any time; He “always lives.”  He is alive at this very moment! 

PRAYER:   Lord, I cannot even begin to know how blest I am to have you as my representative in the courts of heaven…to have you as my intercessor!  You know me perfectly.  And you know the Father perfectly.  May my life bring you joy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 11, 2022: SOAP #4756: Philemon; Hebrews 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 2:16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

OBSERVATION:  These chapters at the beginning of the book of Hebrews give us a high appreciation for Jesus.  He came from heaven and is higher than the angels.  The Father calls Jesus God.  He is worthy of worship.  The earth and the heavens are the work of His hands!  

For God, to enjoy the fellowship with His creation, man’s sin must be properly atoned.  God’s holiness would be called into question if he allowed sinful man to escape hell because of some cheap substitute.  So, God, the Son, came to share our humanity and die the death of a sinful man.  To be the proper sacrifice for man’s sin, Jesus had “to be made like his brothers in every way!”  His sinless sacrifice pays for my sins, and your sins as we accept Him as our Savior and Lord! 

APPLICATION: We escape the pollutions of this world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  (2Peter 2:20)   We acknowledge Jesus as our Savior because He saves us from the result of sin.  We acknowledge Jesus as our LORD because He takes leadership and ownership of our lives.  We find joy and peace in fulfilling the purpose for which we were created! 

PRAYER:   Oh, Father, what a special blessing you sent to earth when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.  The more I meditate on the Christmas story, the more I am in awe of You.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 10, 2022: SOAP #4755: 2Timothy 1-4

NOTE:  In looking for what God would have me write for today, I believe God wants me to repost a SOAP from 2019.

SCRIPTURE:  2Timothy (NIV) 4:16 [Past] At my first defense, no-one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 [Future] The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

OBSERVATION:  In verses 16-17, Paul shares about his past.  He had to face charges alone — But the Lord was on his side and brought deliverance.  In verse 18, Paul jumps to the future — The Lord will rescue him and will bring him safely to the heavenly kingdom!

The only way I know to get from the past to the future is to go through the present.  What is happening in Paul’s present?  Chapter 1 verse 12 tells us that he is suffering.  Chapter 2 verses 8-9 tell us that he is in chains.  Earlier in chapter 4 we read that he is already being poured out and that his departure (death) is soon.

APPLICATION: Some people get so caught up feeling miserable and complaining about present troubles that they forget what God has done in the past and what He has promised for the future!   Like Paul, sometimes I need to forget about my present troubles, review what God has done for me in the past and remind myself of God’s future promises.  From past victories and future promises, I can gain strength to face today’s troubles.

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, forgive me for wasting time worrying about my problems.  What you have done for me in the past assures me that you have my present in control. Your promises provide a glimpse of what my future holds as I walk with you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 09, 2022: SOAP #4754: 1Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1 Timothy (NIV) 5:3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. ….
8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

OBSERVATION:  Mark 16:15 tells me to go into all the world.  Matthew 28:19 tells me to go to all nations.  My world starts at my right hand, encircles the earth, and reaches to my left hand.  All nations should include the nation in which I live.  Reaching the world starts with those who eat at the same table with me.  It starts with my family.  To be more concerned about those in far-away nations and ignore my own family misses the heart of true religion.  The above verses are in agreement with the teachings of Jesus.  Note:  Mark 7:10-13.

APPLICATION: When a person is concerned about reaching the older members of their family, or senior friends, they can rest assured that the Holy Spirit is also concerned.  Through spending time with our family members, we can become aware of their needs.  Know that God has already provided some way for us to minister to them.  Through prayer and Bible study, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us some specific things we can personally do. 

We minister to them as unto the Lord, knowing that “this is pleasing to God!” 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, I appreciate the blessings I have because Jesus spent time here on earth.  I appreciate the blessings I have in that the Holy Spirit spends time with me all day, every day.  Use my time to bless others.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 08, 2022: SOAP #4753: 1Timothy 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

OBSERVATION:  Paul is writing to Timothy who he considered his son in the Lord.  Timothy had been left behind in Ephesus to oversee the growth of the church.  Among many instructions Paul gives, here we read that Paul encouraged Timothy to read the Bible aloud in public, as well as preaching the word and teaching the word. 

The scriptures are so important to believers!  They give us God’s priorities and His plan for our lives.  The Holy Spirit speaks to us personally as we read the Bible. 

In the three practices given to Timothy, reading is mentioned before preaching and teaching.  The personal knowledge of the word we get through reading and hearing, helps us discern what we hear in the sermon and Bible class. 

APPLICATION: In Paul’s day, public reading was important.  Most homes did not have a copy of the Bible.  So public reading would provide knowledge to the believer to enable him to make judgments.  In places where Bibles are not readily available today in the homes of believers, church leadership should take Paul’s instructions to Timothy very personally and seriously.  They should set aside time in each gathering for the public reading of the scriptures. 

For those of us who have multiple copies of the scriptures in our homes, even on our phones, we must make sure that our busy lives do not crowd out time for reading the scriptures! 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, in your wisdom, you provided what your children need.  You provided your Son as the sacrifice for our sins.  You provided the Holy Spirit to always accompany us.  You provided the Bible for spiritual growth.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 07, 2022: SOAP #4752: Colossians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Colossians (NIV) 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. …
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

OBSERVATION:  So, what does all the truth about our exalted Savior and Lord mean to me?  So, how does it affect me since I have been raised with Christ and seated with him in heavenly places?  Paul is glad we asked, and he takes chapter three to tell us what it means for us.  He tells us how we “wear” this truth.  In a general form, verse 23 draws it all together: “Whatever you do…”  

APPLICATION: Having the Creator of heaven and earth living inside me should make a noticeable difference!  

When I let myself become distracted, I start acting like I can only depend on myself to deal with the problems facing me.  Then I find that the problems are too big for me.  I am defeated before I start. 

But when I fill my mind with thoughts about HIM, about His ability, about what He has done in the past…faith arises in my heart!   I have confidence in Him, and it shows. 

PRAYER:   Lord Jesus, having you living inside me makes a BIG difference.  You expand the boundaries of possibility. I know I can count on you! Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 06, 2022: SOAP #4751: Philippians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians (NIV) 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

OBSERVATION:    How important unity is!  Paul pleads with these two ladies to agree in the Lord.  Unity is so important that the Apostle Paul “pleads” with them, in a public letter!  He begs them to settle their differences. 

They may not agree in other areas, but their agreement in the Lord should be so important that other disagreements seem so small that they are unworthy of their time.

APPLICATION: I like to sing, “Oh the blood of Jesus; it washes white as snow.”  I sing it with thanksgiving that the blood of Jesus washes me white as snow.  I need to start singing it with the realization that the blood also washes the one with whom I am disagreeing.  They too are washed white as snow!  

Jesus paid a great price for me; He paid the same price for them.  We are washed with the same blood; we are members of the same body.  We can agree “in the Lord.” 

PRAYER:   Lord, forgive me for my critical spirit.  Forgive me for holding a grudge against my brother.  I want your love to flow through me to everyone around me, including those with whom I disagree.  Help me to see them as you see them.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 05, 2022: SOAP #4750: Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119:1-80

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 6:13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

OBSERVATION:  The above verse speaks to me in seven ways.  It tells me that:
First: …troubled days are ahead.
Second:  …God is aware of what is coming.
Third: …God wants me to be victorious.
Fourth: …God has provided specific things to help me overcome evil. 
Fifth: …it is my responsibility to put on the armor.
Sixth: …I need to be fully dressed, not just with the comfortable items.
Seventh: …I must prepare myself now so that when evil comes, I will stand. 

APPLICATION: Preparation is such an important part of life.  It is a natural part of every day.  A parent prepares meals to be ready for their family.  A pastor prepares a message for the church.  A worker prepares the clothes they will wear to work early the next morning.  We all look ahead and make preparation for what we see coming. 

Troubled days are coming.  Temptations are coming.  I want to be victorious!  God wants me to be victorious!  God has done His part by preparing His armor.  I do my part putting it on! 

PRAYER:   Lord, you are not sending me into battle unprepared.  You have designed your armor for me to be victorious!  AND you have given your Holy Spirit to always be with me!  You have designed me for victorious living.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 04, 2022: SOAP #4749: Ephesians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 2:3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

OBSERVATION:  What a God!  He has great love and is rich in mercy.  Two words that should make every sinner’s heart rejoice: “great” and “rich.”  God’s great love is more than sufficient to reach a sinful heart and His mercy is more than sufficient to cleanse every sin! 

APPLICATION: God’s love for me cannot be described as ordinary.  It is GREAT love! 

He is not about to run out of mercy.  He is not hesitant to give me more mercy in fear that there might not be enough for others!  I do not have to squeeze mercy from God; He is RICH in mercy toward me!

Why could not God just overlook the sins of His creation?  What would keep a loving God from giving mercy to everyone?  His nature.  His HOLY nature.  Sin cannot be swept under the rug.  It must be atoned for!   It cannot be overlooked and ignored.   That is why Jesus came.  That is why sinless Jesus died on the cross.  Sinless blood was shed to cover my sin. 

The perfectly holy God can be merciful because the full price for sin was paid at Calvary!  God’s great love motivates Him to be merciful, but it is the cross that enables the holy God to be merciful.  GREAT LOVE + THE CALVARY SACRIFICE = RICH IN MERCY!!!

PRAYER:   Lord, how great is your love for me and how rich is your mercy!  I am so blest!  How I am thankful for the cross!  Forgive my sins based on your sacrifice. I receive your forgiveness and acknowledge you as my Lord. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 03, 2022: SOAP #4748: Romans 13-16

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 14:7 For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 8 If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

OBSERVATION:  Why Christ would want to be the Lord of the dead? Because the dead, those who have “gone before,” those who are not “with us” any longer, those who have “passed from this life,” their spirits are fully alive.  Only the physical body left behind is dead!  The best is yet to come!

We who are still living in the flesh have seen people die. We have seen their lifeless physical bodies placed in the grave. To us, they are dead. Yet they have the same Lord in death as they had in life. They have the same Lord as we, the living, have! Their spirit is even more alive now then it was when they were with us. They are absent from the body, but they are present with the Lord!  (2Corinthians 5:8)

The physical body was designed and created to carry the spirit/life of man.  It provides avenues of expression for the spirit of man.  When the spirit/life of man returns to God, the lifeless, spiritless body remains.  Others who are still in their flesh will take care of what remains behind.  But a resurrection day is coming when a transformed body will be united with the spirit!!! (1Corinthians 15:50-57) I can only imagine what we will be able to do then when we will be present with the Lord and with our bodies!!!

APPLICATION: Do I enjoy knowing the Lord Jesus Christ in life? I will enjoy it so much more after passing through the doorway of death. Do I enjoy fellowship with my Lord now? I will enjoy it so much more then. Can I see God’s hand at work around me now? I will see it so much clearer then.

He is my Lord now, but when those around me call me “dead” I will be more alive than I have ever been in life!  Do not let my dead body fool you!

PRAYER:   Lord, thank you that your promises extend through our physical death into eternity! You are my Lord now, and you will be my Lord then!  Amen

Pastor Leon   
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