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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