Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 10, 2023: SOAP #4876: 1Samuel 8-10; 2Corinthians 10

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 10:12 We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.  …  17 But, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” 18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

OBSERVATION:  It is difficult to live without comparing ourselves to those around us.  We can always find someone nearby who is worse than us and gain a false sense that we are OK.  We can always find someone nearby who is better than us and we gain a false sense of inferiority.  We need to keep our eyes on Jesus.  He is perfect and comparing ourselves to Him will always keep us with a true sense of humility.  Yet His love for us and the sacrifice He made for us helps us properly value ourselves.  He calls us His children!  To God we are valuable.  Satan uses us to get to God, but God just loves us.  God uses us for our good and His glory.   It’s amazing!  The best way to please our Heavenly Father is to become like His Son Jesus!   Of course, only Jesus can really be like Jesus.  If I am to be like Jesus, then Jesus would need to come and live in me.  AND THAT IS WHAT HE DOES!!!  

APPLICATION: I must keep my eyes on Jesus.  Seeing how perfect He is makes me realize how short I fall of being like Him.  Seeing the sacrifice He made makes me certain that I have value to Him.   He thinks I am worth picking up, cleaning up, standing up and speaking up as His messenger!   It’s amazing!  He is not sending me out on my own; He is with me, living inside!  

PRAYER:   Lord, I am humbled in your Presence.  You love me and have forgiven me.  You have given me a standing as one of your children.  You have joined me in this life.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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