Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 01, 2023: SOAP #4989: Isaiah 65-66; Psalm 62; John 3

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

OBSERVATION:  John 3:16 tells us the Father so loved the world that He gave His Son.  So, was Jesus just being used by the Father, or was there something more?

Much more!  The Father was honoring the Son by giving the Son an opportunity to be honored above all creation.  The Son would not only be honored by the right of His existence as an eternal member of the Trinity, but also because His life and actions proved that He was ultimately worthy of such honor!   Notice what the Father gave the Son to enable Him to succeed:  placed all things under Jesus feet, John 3:35;  committed all things to Jesus, Matthew 11:27;  gave Jesus all authority in heaven and on earth, Matthew 28:18; gave Jesus the authority to give eternal life, John 17:2. 

The Father gave the Son an assignment which the Son fulfilled perfectly!  He came as He was sent.  He submitted himself to earthly authority.  He spoke the words of the Father.  He fulfilled the law completely, even dying as the sinless offering.  He overcame death!   Now, He has a name above ALL names, Philippians 2:8-9. 

This is why in Revelation 5, when no one was worthy to open the scroll—even the one sitting on the throne—the Lamb came forward and He was worthy.  Not because of who He is, but because of what He had accomplished!  Now all creation honors the Son because of His accomplishments!!! 

APPLICATION:  My Heavenly Father also gives me opportunity to express my love and appreciation by my actions. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I know you love my thoughtful words of love and appreciation.  But I also know you love it when my actions demonstrate that love and appreciation.  May my whole life honor you.  Amen 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 31, 2023: SOAP #4988: Isaiah 63-64; Psalm 107; John 2

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 2:1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

OBSERVATION:  What an oversight it would have been not to invite Jesus and his disciples.  Surely the one making out the invitation list had no idea of what role Jesus would have in this wedding.  Since Mary (Jesus’ mother) knew about the shortage of the wine and took the initiative to tell Jesus, …maybe she was a part of the family.  Maybe Jesus was invited as part of Mary’s extended family.   The important thing:  Jesus was present!    

APPLICATION:  When people invite me to their gathering, they are also inviting Jesus!  He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me.  He is always with me.  When the boss invites me to his office, he is also inviting Jesus!  I am the pass key that gives Jesus entrance into every place to which I have access! 

Because He is omnipresent, He is everywhere present.  However, when He enters a location with me, He has a voice (mine) to speak His words; He has hands and feet (mine) to do His bidding. 

PRAYER:  Lord, like Mary, help me be aware of what is needed around me.  Show me how I can be used to bring you glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 30, 2023: SOAP #4987: Isaiah 60-62; John 1  

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 1:10 He [Jesus] was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus created the world, yet when he came as a little baby, born of a virgin, announced by angels, in the town prophesied by the prophet Micah, the world did not recognize Him.  Even the Jewish people who had been given all the prophecies about Jesus did not recognize Him.  The religious leaders who probably best knew the Old Testament scriptures did not receive him but led the mob in having Jesus put to death.

APPLICATION:  As I read the above verses, it comes to me that there are times my eyes are so fastened on my circumstances that I do not recognize the presence of Jesus.  He is with me; he never leaves me; I claim to be his own, but I do not recognize His presence!  I miss the opportunity to exercise my faith.

My conversation should be filled with faith and the possibilities of what God can do; but in not considering His presence, my conversation is filled with doubt and negative thoughts about what I fear.  People around me see that my claim to being a Christian really makes no difference in my daily life. 

PRAYER:  Lord, May I always keep myself keenly aware of your presence.  May your presence be the first thought in my mind when I face trouble.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 29, 2023: SOAP #4986: Isaiah 57-59; Psalm 103; 2Peter 3

SCRIPTURE:  2Peter (NIV) 3:4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water.
Isaiah (NIV) 59:13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

OBSERVATION:  People sometimes choose to forget.  They ignore facts, history, common sense and eye-witness reports to invent some explanation that fits what they like. 

But there is One who remembers.  Not only does He remember, but He is also the only eyewitness of how man was created!  He knows why man was created!  He is the Creator!!!  

APPLICATION:  God knows our weaknesses.  He remembers how we were created.  He created us, and He loves us!  He sent His Son because He loves us! 

Instead of “deliberately forgetting” I should “deliberately remember.”  Why would I not remember His promises? Why would I not depend on Him for my needs? 

I need to deliberately remember the truth in the last part of 2Peter 3.  I need to remember and live my life accordingly. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that your memory is perfect and complete.  In your memory is only truth.  I can trust you to remember my weaknesses.  I can also trust you to remember to what Jesus did for me on the cross.  I can trust you to remember that I am your child.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 28, 2023: SOAP #4985: Isaiah 53-56; 2Peter 2

SCRIPTURE:  Isaiah (NIV) 55:9″As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

OBSERVATION:  God’s Word is powerful and effective.  It is not an explosive power, but an aimed power.  It is power with purpose.  God does not speak just to hear himself speak.  His words are purposefully spoken.  They have been sent with an assigned purpose. 

APPLICATION:  When the Creator of the Universe speaks, I should listen.  I must pay attention to every word! 
–I must consider what.  What is God saying? I should write it down, so I do not forget! 
–I must consider why.  Why did God tell me that? 
–I must consider: What response will please the Lord?  How do I apply what God said to my life? 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it is my honor that you speak to me.  You share your thoughts with me!!!   May my response be proof that I heard you and understand what you are asking of me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 27, 2023: SOAP #4984: Isaiah 50-52; 2Peter 1

SCRIPTURE:  2Peter (NIV) 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is short-sighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

OBSERVATION:  Here are two words that should never describe a Christian! …ineffective and unproductive.  Knowing and experiencing the life of the Lord Jesus Christ makes me effective and productive. 

Having the life of Christ living within us draws attention.  It is hard to keep Him from being noticed.  He begins to make changes.  He enters our lives on the basis of our faith.  He accepts us as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way. 

He entered our life because of our faith.  Now that He has established His presence, He begins to rearrange our heart and mind.  To the faith, He helps us add goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love!  And as He fills our lives with these, the things that once marked our character (selfishness, impatience, anger, slothfulness, etc.) are crowded out of our lives.  The new creation on the inside begins to be seen on the outside!  

APPLICATION:  The presence of Jesus living inside me makes me effective.  Faith filled prayers make changes.  Little things I do get noticed and bring glory to God.  The presence of the Holy Spirit living inside me makes me productive.  The gifts of the Holy Spirit make me a blessing to others. 

PRAYER:  Lord, may I never be ineffective or unproductive.  The more I know you, the greater my desire to be an effective and productive part of your Kingdom.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 26, 2023: SOAP #4983: Isaiah 46-49; 1Peter 5

SCRIPTURE:  Isaiah (NIV) 46:4 Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. 5 “To whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared? 6 Some pour out gold from their bags and weigh out silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god, and they bow down and worship it. 7 They lift it to their shoulders and carry it…9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
1Peter (NIV) 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

OBSERVATION:  In Isaiah’s day, people were making gods out of gold, bowing down and worshipping them!!!  God had delivered them from Egypt, fed them in the wilderness and fought many battles for them!  God had even made promises to them!  How do you think God felt when His people ignored what He said and prayed to a lifeless idol that could not hear, see, or even think!!!  They wanted the idol to do what God has already promised He would do!!!  

Then, after Jesus had come to earth, lived, died, rose from the dead, and ascended back to heaven…after all that, Peter writes to the church, “Cast all your anxiety on Him! He cares for you!!!”  How do you think God feels when people ignore this promise and frantically look elsewhere for help?  

APPLICATION:  The Bible DOES NOT tell me to cast some of my anxiety; it says ALL my anxiety!  Any limits on this promise are limits I have placed there in my thinking and on my faith. 

When I have so many promises from God, why would I look to man and expect Him to meet my needs!   God is the Promise Keeper.  I need to know His promises!    

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, forgive me for taking my anxieties elsewhere.  I am standing on your promises!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 25, 2023: SOAP #4982: Isaiah 43-45; 1Peter 4

SCRIPTURE:  1Peter (NIV) 4:4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

OBSERVATION:  When people are born again, their life style changes.  Old friends try to pressure them back into the parties and revelry they used to enjoy.  I went from Bible school, studying to be a missionary when the Lord sent me into the US Navy.  What a change that was!  

Especially overseas, sailors and marines would try to pressure me into joining their drunken parties.  If they could get me to join them, it would allow them to think that what they were doing was not so bad.  But the Lord was with me and strengthened me, thanks to the prayers of friends back home. 

APPLICATION:  Jesus is READY to judge the living and the dead.  He does not need to get ready; He IS ready!   He does not have to study up on the law by which sin will be judged; He IS the author of the Law.  He knows the temptation to sin; He knows the attraction of sin; He knows the penalty of sin; He knows what it takes to cover sin!   HE IS READY to judge!  He personally provided the sacrifice of sinless blood to cover the sins of everyone who repents!  HE IS READY!  

Now, are you ready?  This is a good time to acknowledge our sin and receive the forgiveness Jesus paid for with His death on the cross. 

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, when it comes to sin, I plead guilty.  I have broken the laws you gave to man for our protection.  I now receive your forgiveness, your salvation.  I now receive you as the Lord of my life.  I set my heart and mind to know you and love you. Make my heart your home.  Amen 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 24, 2023: SOAP #4981: Isaiah 40-42; 1Peter 3

SCRIPTURE:  1Peter (NIV) 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. 11 He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

OBSERVATION:  In reading Isaiah chapters 41 and 42, I noticed all the promises God made to Israel.  God was interested in Israel and made promises because He loved them and wanted them to be secure in His plan.  No one ever twisted God’s arm to force Him to make those promises.  He was interested in what was happening; He likes to be involved with His creation. 

And in verse 12 above, we see the same God watching over His people to answer their prayer and to do them good.  From God walking with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, through the Old Testament, to coming as a man-child baby, to the ministry of Jesus, to the crucifixion and resurrection, through the book of Acts…God has not been some stand-off stranger to what happens on earth.  God is very interested and involved with people!  He created them for fellowship!  …to love and be loved!  God is holy, so sin breaks our fellowship with God.  God is also wise and loving; He found a way to restore our fellowship by personally paying the cost of our redemption!!! 

APPLICATION:  Clearly God is not some disinterested being keeping His distance from me.  God is actively involved in my life.  It is only right for me to be actively involved in His life, in His ministry, and in His body the church.  I expect a close relationship.  I expect Him to walk with me and talk with me. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, getting to know you up close, sometimes I forget how big and awesome, and great you really are!   Your presence fills the universe.  I am honored and humbled that you even know my name.  May my life bring you glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 23, 2023: SOAP #4980: 2Kings 20; Isaiah 38-39; Psalm 75; 1Peter 2

SCRIPTURE:  1Peter (NIV) 2:13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.
16 Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
17 Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

OBSERVATION:  In the heart of scriptures that speak of submitting to governmental authority and of slaves submitting to earthly masters, we read a principle that applies to all!   Free, or not, we are to live as free men!  AND free or not, we are to live as servants of God. 

God has set us free.  We may not be free to do everything we like, but we have freedom to respond as we choose.  We have freedom of attitude.  The “old man’s” habits do not control me any longer!   Praise the Lord!!! 

APPLICATION:  While living like I am free, I must always remember that I am a servant of God!   I am a servant by free choice!  My circumstances cannot force me to be angry or negative!  By the death of Jesus on the cross, I am set free.  Not only am I set free from the chains of the old way of living, the Holy Spirit lives within to help me use my freedom to live as a servant of God!!! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, obviously you knew that not only would I need help in getting free, but I would also need help in living free.  I need help to live as your servant!  Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit!   Amen

Pastor Leon
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