Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 22, 2023: SOAP #4949: 2Kings 8,9; 2Chronicles 21; 1Timothy 4

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

OBSERVATION:  These are the later times and there are many false teachers active today.  The media makes it easy for them to spread their doctrines around the world.  In the grace of God this is also a time of abundance when it comes to God’s word.  Consider all the translations and versions of the Bible that are available today.  Many individual Bibles have been printed and distributed throughout the world in the past.  And today, even more Bibles are being printed.  Many versions of the Bible are available on the web. 

In the scriptures we see that God, the Father, is a speaker.  We also read that God the Son, Jesus, is a speaker. And, not to our surprise, here we read that the Holy Spirit is a speaker!  So, I must pay attention to the un-easy, troubled feeling, telling me, “Something is not right!  Step back!  Take another look!”   For my good, the Spirit dwelling within is troubling my spirit. 

APPLICATION:  The better I know God’s Word, the better I can identify false doctrines.   The better I know God’s character, the better I can recognize what He would be saying and what He would not be saying.  The better I pay attention to the Holy Spirit, the better I will be prepared for the troubled times ahead. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, as I read the Bible, reveal to me the character of my Heavenly Father.  Sharpen my spiritual perception.  Help me easily recognize false teachers and their doctrines.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 21, 2023: SOAP #4948: 2Kings 6,7; 2Chronicles 20; 1Timothy 3

SCRIPTURE:  2Chronicles (NIV) 20:12 … For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”

OBSERVATION:  What an amazing victory is described in this chapter!   They followed a crazy battle plan—they had the choir lead the way into battle!  It was not the common way to go out to battle, but it was very logical considering what God had spoken to them. (1Chronicles 20:21) Through a Spirit-anointed word, they were told that they would not need to fight this battle.  The battle was the Lord’s.  They would only stand and see the deliverance that God would bring. 

After hearing what God said, King Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and they agreed to have the singers lead the army into battle, singing the praises of God!  It was a very logical move if they believed what God had said!  As they were approaching the battlefield, the armies that were invading Israel began fighting each other and destroyed each other.  No one escaped!   All that was left was to pick up the plunder.  It took them three days to collect everything!  On the fourth day they joined together for praising God!!!  Then they returned joyfully to Jerusalem to worship in the temple.  

APPLICATION:  God has unique ways to deal with every trouble I face.  If I will give God time to speak to me, He will either tell me specifically what to do or I will be able to respond logically to the truth I know about God and His ways!   If God does not show me specifically what to do, I believe that He is confident that I will do the right thing.  My life’s goal is to honor Him.  He knows if I have enough information to make the right decision and do the right thing. 

There are times when my hands seem to be tied.  I cannot do anything but prayerfully keep myself in the center of what He has previously showed me.  I must have faith that He is working for my good and for His glory. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I have often claimed that the glory, and the power is Yours.  Holy Spirit, keep reminding me that the battle is also the Lord’s!!  Whether you use me or just have me standing nearby observing, the battle is Yours! 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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