Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 10, 2023: SOAP #5120: 2Timothy 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  2Timothy 4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

OBSERVATION:  Paul was writing from prison, yet he was “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus.”  His circumstances did not cloud the fact that he was in God’s will and doing God’s calling.  He was writing to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy, but much more, he was writing to 2000 years of believers still to be born!  He wrote as though Jesus was right there with him; He really was!

APPLICATION:  I am so thankful that the Lord is with me in every circumstance.  Many times, I appreciate the strong assurance of His presence that stirs in my heart as I am at my desk writing the SOAPs.  Sometimes God is speaking to me; sometimes I sense Him speaking through the SOAP to someone else.   

But, even when I do not have a sensation of His presence, I know that He is with me.  Knowing that He is with me keeps my faith strong.  It keeps me looking at things from His point of view, keeps me looking for evidence of His  work. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, the greatest thing I have in life is an awareness of your presence.  Knowing that you are with me gives me peace, joy, confidence, boldness,

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 09, 2023: SOAP #5119: 1Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  Titus (NIV) 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—

OBSERVATION:  Paul’s purpose was to build up the body of Christ by encouraging their faith and increasing their knowledge of the truth.  “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 8:1.  But here Paul gives the purpose of knowledge — to lead us to godliness.  Knowledge of the truth should make us better lovers of God and of others.  That knowledge gives us confidence!  We respond to life in godly ways. 

APPLICATION:  Knowledge of the character of God, His omniscience assures me that He understands my problems better than I do. Knowledge of His wisdom assures me that He already knows what needs to be done.  Knowledge of His power gives me faith to trust Him. 

Knowledge that God is with me and guiding my steps helps me remain calm when unexpected problems/trouble comes my way.  There is great peace in knowing that God is with me.  Instead of fretting over the problem, I can look for opportunities to let Jesus shine through. 

Like Paul in Acts 27:33-44, our confidence in God affects everyone around us. 

If I have confidence in what I now about God, I should act like it!

Then problems become opportunities for unexpected ministries.

PRAYER:  Lord, the knowledge that you are faithful to take care of my problem sets me free to look for the opportunity to serve you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon