Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 11, 2024: SOAP #5243: 1Samuel 11-12; 1Chronicales 1; 2Corinthians 11

SCRIPTURE:  1Samuel (NIV) 12:21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own.

OBSERVATION: Samuel gave a short review of their history, of how God had delivered them so many times. Then he explains that God is not so much true to Israel as He was true to “His Great Name.”  God will always act according to His character.  God would not reject Israel because He was keeping the promise He made to Abraham.  God had chosen Abraham and his descendants because God was true to the promise He made to Adam and Eve when they had to leave the garden of Eden because of sin.

APPLICATION:  I can trust God’s promises because God is true to Himself. His reputation is on the line. God is faithful to Himself. If I harbor sin in my life, God will be faithful to His holiness to judge that sin. If I repent, God will be faithful to His love to forgive and restore.

God will keep His promises to Leon and every SOAP reader, not because He was true to people in the Bible days, but because He IS true today to His Name, His character.  He has been, is, and will be true to Himself every day.  The eternal God does not change!  (James 1:7). The Israelites knew what God did, but Moses knew why. (Psalm 103:7)   When we truly know God, not just about God, we grow in understanding how and why He works.  (Proverbs 9:10)

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, teach us your ways.  Holy Spirit, help us walk in truth.  Jesus, reveal the Father to us.  For we pray in your name, Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 11, 2024: SOAP #5243: 1Samuel 11-12; 1Chronicales 1; 2Corinthians 11

SCRIPTURE:  1Samuel (NIV) 12:21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own.

OBSERVATION: Samuel gave a short review of their history, of how God had delivered them so many times. Then he explains that God is not so much true to Israel as He was true to “His Great Name.”  God will always act according to His character.  God would not reject Israel because He was keeping the promise He made to Abraham.  God had chosen Abraham and his descendants because God was true to the promise He made to Adam and Eve when they had to leave the garden of Eden because of sin.

APPLICATION:  I can trust God’s promises because God is true to Himself. His reputation is on the line. God is faithful to Himself. If I harbor sin in my life, God will be faithful to His holiness to judge that sin. If I repent, God will be faithful to His love to forgive and restore.

God will keep His promises to Leon and every SOAP reader, not because He was true to people in the Bible days, but because He IS true today to His Name, His character.  He has been, is, and will be true to Himself every day.  The eternal God does not change!  (James 1:7). The Israelites knew what God did, but Moses knew why. (Psalm 103:7)   When we truly know God, not just about God, we grow in understanding how and why He works.  (Proverbs 9:10)

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, teach us your ways.  Holy Spirit, help us walk in truth.  Jesus, reveal the Father to us.  For we pray in your name, Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 10, 2024: SOAP #5242: 1Samuel 8-10; 2Corinthians 10

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians 10:3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

OBSERVATION: Often the toughest strongholds to overcome are the arguments and pretenses in the mind. If not careful, a person can become a captive of a thought processes that hurt them. Thoughts must be taken “captive.” The mind can become a battlefield.

On the battlefield facing Goliath (1Samuel 17), the Israelites were thinking, “How BIG Goliath looked compared to themselves!”  David was thinking: “How small Goliath looked compared to God!”  David’s part was the sling and the rock.  God’s part was the results.

APPLICATION:  The biggest battle I will fight today will be in my mind. I am not a mind, but I have a mind. I must take control of my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about something, but I can start thinking about something else. The strategy is “thought replacement.” I must replace thoughts about my big problem with thoughts about my big God! The Bible never tells me how to feel, but often tells me how to think.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for the “helmet of salvation.” Being your child, and having your Holy Spirit sharing this life with me makes a BIG difference in how I think! Amen

NOTE:  This is a repeat from several years ago.  Today, it speaks to my spirit as I am struggling with the decision to continue driving a school bus.  Some thoughts tell me, “Do it another year.”  Other thoughts tell me, “It is time to stop driving the bus.”  But the bottom line is that God specifically told me to drive a school bus and He has not specifically to me to stop.  

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 9, 2024: SOAP #5241: 1Samuel 6-7; Psalm 72; 2Corinthians 9

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

OBSERVATION: Those who appreciate what God has done for them look for ways to do something that pleases the Lord.  The above verse provides a good way to please the Lord.  We can give.  But it is more than just giving, it is how we give.  We should give generously and cheerfully. 

God loves this kind of giver so much that He makes sure they will have all that they need to continue giving generously and cheerfully. 

APPLICATION:  When we learn to give generously and cheerfully, we should not be surprised if God does not bring extra blessings into our lives.  We may want to save those extra blessings for a rainy day.  But God is providing for us to “abound in every good work!”  He is making sure that we can continue to give generously and cheerfully!  

PRAYER:  Lord, it pleases you when your people are generous and cheerful.  May SOAP readers bring joy to your heart by being generous and cheerful givers.  Show them today how to use what they have for your glory!   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 8, 2024: SOAP #5240: 1Samuel 3-5; Psalm 77; 2Corinthians 8 (reworked)

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 8:3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.

OBSERVATION: The Corinthians believers were not just making a donation.  They gave according to their ability.  They gave beyond their ability.  They gave willingly.  They considered it a privilege to give.  They exceeded Paul’s expectation.  The Corinthians believers were givers. 

Where did such sacrificial giving begin?  It began by giving “themselves first of all to the Lord:….”

APPLICATION:  Since I claim Jesus as my Lord all that I have belongs to Him.  Giving is not a matter of me deciding to make a donation.  Giving is disbursing His money as He directs. 

Through the scriptures, God has shown me to tithe.  Not only do I have the joy of participating in His kingdom, but I also reap the benefits of tithing. 

In addition to tithing and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, He directs me to give to various ministries.  (I definitely need His direction because I receive many more requests for money than I can help.)  I have found when I when I obey Him and give to other ministries, my faith is increased to believe for my needs. 

Finances are God’s way to teach us obedience and trust. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, May you have joy in increasing my finances because you have joy in seeing how I manage what you have already given.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 7, 2024: SOAP #5239: 1Samuel 1-2; Psalm 66; 2Corinthians 7

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 7:5 For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

OBSERVATION: Paul arrived in Macedonia concerned about Titus.  So, when Titus finally arrives, it is a comfort to Paul.  Titus had come from Corinth and now Paul is writing to the church in Corinth.  He tells them of the comfort he received from the arrival of Titus, and of the comfort Titus had received from them. 

Paul recognized that God is the source of all comfort.  God’s comfort flows to us in various ways through all His servants.  (2Corinthians 1:3) Comfort should be a hallmark of the church.  

APPLICATION:  It should not surprise us when we encounter people who need comfort.  The “God of all comfort” has directed their path to us so that He can give them His comfort through us. 

It should be noted above that the one in the passage above that needed comfort was the Apostle Paul.  Often, we think of church leaders as the strong Christians that can comfort others.  We do not think of them as needing comfort, or solace, or encouragement.   If God could minister comfort to the Apostle Paus through Titus, perhaps He could minister comfort to your pastor through you! 

PRAYER:  Lord, focus my attention today on someone needing comfort or encouragement.  Use me to say something, or do something, that will help renew their strength.  Minister your encouragement through me to someone today.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 6, 2024: SOAP #5238: Ruth 3-4; Psalm 64, 65; 2Corinthians 6

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 6:16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” 18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

OBSERVATION: Paul does not say “we were…” or “we will be…”; he said, “we ARE the temple of the living God!”  There could be much said about being the temple of the living God, but God has something more!   He has chosen us to be more than a building in which we enjoy His presence and honor Him.  He is our Father; we are His sons and daughters!   He shares His life with us.  As a child shares the life of their parents, we share God’s life!  We share His DNA! 

NOTE:  Paul is quoting God!  He is telling us what God has said!  This is God’s idea!  It is His plan!   

APPLICATION:  As children mature, they often show characteristics of their parents.  And as I mature in Christ, His characteristics should begin to show in me.

The Life of God within me grows and expands to influence and control every aspect of my life.  I must learn not to trust my feelings.  I must learn to submit all my thoughts to the Holy Spirit’s supervision.  Thoughts can arise from recalling past experiences; even Satan can introduce thoughts that entice me to meditate on unholy subjects.  Every thought should be analyzed by the Holy Spirit.  (1Corinthians 10:5)

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I am your temple, you have made me your dwelling place.  But, more than that, I am your child, growing to be your son.  Make me like your Son, Jesus!  Every day I represent you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 5, 2024: SOAP #5237: Ruth 1-2; Psalm 53, 61; 2Corinthians 5

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus, God’s Son, took my sin as though it was His own.  He carried my sins to the cross where He paid for those sins as though they were His own.  So, where does that leave me?  I have become the righteousness of God.  Jesus took my sins and left me righteous!  

APPLICATION:  Jesus was treated as a sinful man, receiving the just punishment required by a holy God.  Now, I am treated as righteous as Jesus!!!   I am seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above all power and principalities!  (Ephesians 2:6) 

PRAYER:  Lord, my words cannot properly express thanksgiving appropriately for what you have done for me.  I give you my life, my days and my nights, my possessions including my money, my hopes, and dreams…all I am and all I have is yours.  Amen 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 4, 2024: SOAP #5236: Judges 19-21; 2Corinthians 4

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

OBSERVATION: Paul is experiencing some tough times.  He says “outwardly we are wasting away.”  Considering his troubles from the outward perspective, they were very troublesome.  But in verse 17 he calls them just “light and momentary troubles.”  They are nothing to worry about and they are just temporary and will only last for a moment.   How can that be? 

It is because he sees his troubles in the light of eternity.  The eternal glory that he will receive “far outweighs” these troubles. 

APPLICATION:  What lies ahead for us after death, in the presence of Jesus, “far outweighs” any trouble we have here in this life. 

So how do we deal with trouble?  We take our eyes/thoughts off the trouble we are experiencing.  We lift our thoughts from the temporary to the eternal!  The trouble is only temporary.  It will not enter the grave!  It will not be a part of our resurrection!   We fill our mind with eternal truth.  We read His Word!  We meditate on His promises.  We talk about what we discover in the scriptures. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help me keep my eyes focused on heaven, on that which is eternal.  Check my heart when I start to pay too much attention to temporal things.  Interrupt my thinking when my thoughts get stuck on things that bother me.   May I consider EVERYTHING from heaven’s point of view.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 3, 2024: SOAP #5235: Judges 17-18; Psalm 89; 2Corinthians 3

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 89:1 I will sing of the LORD’s great love for ever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2 I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

OBSERVATION: Music is a great medium to express love.  Man has been writing and singing love songs for years.  Speaking words of love can have great meaning, but it seems to me that singing those words lift them to a higher level. 

Music is a good way to express our love for and to God.   Yet the greatest theme of a song (as in the verses above) is not our love for God, but God’s great love for us.

APPLICATION:  Having experienced His love, it is my pleasure and privilege and responsibility to make it known. The Lord’s love is not to stay within my heart; it is to be expressed with my mouth.  It is to be sung and declared!  It is to be proclaimed in a way that others can hear and understand. 

May people see in me how a person loves God.  And may they see in me how wonderful it is to be loved by God!

PRAYER:  Lord, what wonderful peace and security I have in knowing that you love me.  My goal is to make you secure in my love.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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