Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 13, 2023: SOAP #4940: 1Kings 13,14; 2Chronicles 12; Philippians 3

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians (NIV) 3:18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

OBSERVATION:  When a citizen from another country moves into our neighborhood, we can notice their different customs.  They often talk a little differently.  They prepare different foods. They may have unique clothes.  We may overhear family conversations with words that we do not understand. 

As we grow in our Christian life, we begin to change.  Through reading God’s Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers old thought patterns and habits begin to drop out of our lives.  New priorities and new ways of thinking fill their place.  We see ourselves as citizens of heaven!   Neighbors and those we frequently see begin to ask questions. 

APPLICATION:  These changes happen on the inside, but they are noticeable on the outside.  Our lives become a witness.  We should not need to make any effort to witness; we ARE A WITNESS!   God is making changes that cannot be hidden. 

I always enjoyed the Kaneohe Samoan AG church singing: “Jesus on the inside, working on the outside, Oh what a change in my life!”

PRAYER:  Lord, as long as you live in me, you will be working to make me a better citizen of heaven.  Please, never stop working.  May my life bring you joy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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