Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 31, 2023: SOAP #4927: Proverbs 16-18: Romans 12

Useful

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 12: 3  For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you….
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us … 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

OBSERVATION: If God’s grace has been given to me to encourage others, I need to be about my calling. When I see people needing encouragement, I should consider it as a call to ministry.

If my gift is giving, I should do it generously and not grudgingly.

If it is leading, I should lead carefully and with all my heart.

If it is showing mercy, I do not need to be heavy handed and make sure those needing mercy have learned their lesson. I should show mercy to them as I would want someone to show mercy to me when I need it.

APPLICATION:  In looking back to verse 3, this is how I should see myself. God’s grace has given me a gift; that gift makes me useful to the body. If I administer my gift with diligence, I will be used. I may get tired of being used, but I should see that as though others see me as useful. Being useful is so much better than being useless!

PRAYER:   Lord, I recognize that the gifts you have given me are different than the gifts you have given others.  These SOAPs are expressions of the gift you have given me.  Make me, and these SOAPs useful in the lives of your people.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 30, 2023: SOAP #4926: Proverbs 13-15; Romans 11

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

OBSERVATION:  I see this as a “stand-alone” truth.  This is a statement about how God works with His children.  But in the context of Romans 11 this truth is being applied to Israel.  God’s call and promises to Israel will be fulfilled. 

 In this statement about the way God deals with his children, we see He has plans for our lives.  He is working toward an expected outcome in our lives.  He has thought through what he wants us to do.  So, His gifts and callings are purposeful.  He will not repent of the gifts He has given us, nor will He say He is sorry for His calling on our lives. 

APPLICATION:  Fulfillment in life is found in fulfilling God’s plan for your life. 

Know that God is more interested in you knowing His plan, than you are interested in knowing His plan!  If your heart is set on knowing, you do not need to be afraid that you will miss it!   If someone gives you a “word” that God wants you to do a certain thing, wait for God to confirm it.  I recommend that you ask Him to confirm it through the scriptures.  There will be difficulties in moving ahead with God’s plan.  Having God’s will for your life supported by two or three confirmations will build your faith to overcome those difficulties.  If you find yourself waiting to know God’s will, get busy serving the Lord, doing what is readily available for you to do, doing what you see before you.  Ask your pastor how you can him. 

If God has given you children, know it is God’s will for you to raise them as strong believers!   You need not look for another calling of God.  That is your calling!!!  If God wants to give you an additional ministry, let it be His plan and initiative and not yours. 

PRAYER:   Lord, find my ears open to hearing your voice.  Find my heart willing to answer your call.  Find me faithful in fulfilling my part.  Find me easy to lead.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon