Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 20, 2023: SOAP #5039: Daniel 5-6; Psalm 130; Luke 3

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 3:1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar— when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

OBSERVATION:  I like to read about God speaking to specific people at specific times.  I like to read about historical people that were present in the world at the specific time God spoke.  God is not separate from history but wraps himself within the context of human existence.  The Bible is not about people and places no one has ever seen or known.  In the Bible we read of God being involved in the daily lives of real historical people.

APPLICATION:  Today is a continuation of history.  The same God who interacted with real people in real places in history, does the same today!  

Reading the Bible shows me what God is like today.  It shows me what I can expect from God today.  It shows me what God expects of me. 

The Holy Spirit who breathed the scriptures into those chosen to write it down (2Timothy 3:16)  —that same Holy Spirit lives in each believer!   He can breathe truth into each heart.  He can show us the way to live. 

Especially for those who do not have a Bible, listen to leaders who read and teach the Bible.  Ask the Holy Spirit to write the Scriptures on your heart and in your mind. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, you are working in each nation today.  You are living in each believer today!   Teach us to live by The Word.  Teach us what it means for today.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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