Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 18, 2024: SOAP #5250: 1Samuel 20-21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5

(reworked) 

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

OBSERVATION: I remember an abandoned fire base in Viet Nam where I found some waxed cloth used as packing for ammunition.  When twisted tightly, it could be used as a crude candle.  The benefit of candles is light.  We place them in our homes where their light gives the greatest benefit.  And so God intentionally places His people where their lives will be best seen by others.

APPLICATION:  I do not have to make my light shine; I am to let my light shine.  It is the nature of light to be seen.  God does not want me hidden from the world, but He has carefully placed me where I will be seen.  It is not my wise words but my good deeds that men are to see.  And the result of their seeing my good works, they will praise God!

Our location is for HIS benefit!  The hard things we face are for HIS benefit.  He wants people to see how He can live and work in us.   Through our weaknesses people can see His strength!  

PRAYER:  Lord, when I find myself in a dark place remind me that you put me there to let your light shine through me.  Amen.

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