Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 11, 2024: SOAP #5304:  Song of Solomon 5-8; Philippians 1

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians (NIV) 1:4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  God’s plan for our lives is a continuing plan.  It is not a start and stop and start and stop again plan.  Perhaps we have all been guilty of running hot and cold in our devotion to our Lord, but God who continually lives in our lives desires to be continually at work in our lives, maturing and perfecting each aspect of our lives. 

His plan is to be worked out here on earth in this life.  He will continue to work toward completion until He comes for us either in our death or in the rapture of the church.  At that time His work in our lives will be as complete as it is going to get.  

APPLICATION:  God is using all things to work together for our good and His glory.  When times are tough, we must not forget that it is God who is carrying on the good work that He started. 

I must remember that He is working according to His plan, not my plan.  And He is working on His timetable.   Hebrews 11 gives a list of people who were all living by faith when they died!   Do not let your faith die before you do!  

Remember the artist puts in the final details just before finishing his work.  Let God finish His work in and through me in these final years of my life. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I am yours.  There is still much work to be done in and through me.  My life is your.  May you get glory from my life.  May my life be pleasing to you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 10, 2024: SOAP #5303:  Song of Solomon 1-4; Ephesians 6

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (N(V) 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

OBSERVATION:   Paul concludes his list of the whole armor of God with prayer.  What would the armor be without prayer, after all a soldier must be in communication with his superior?

We are instructed how to pray: “pray in the Spirit.” From within the context of Paul’s writings we could understand that this would at least include praying in tongues.  It is good to know that our spirit can continue praying even when our mind is occupied elsewhere.  Of course, even praying in our native tongue (or as Paul writes to the Corinthians, praying with understanding) should be under the guidance and anointing of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit understands the need perfectly; how we need His help today!

We are also to pray on all occasions.  Pray without ceasing. Pray in the pit of despair, pray on the mountain top, and at all places in-between.  There is no occasion in which prayer is inappropriate.

We are also to pray with all types of prayer.  i.e.  intercession, petition, supplication, thanksgiving, praise, worship, etc.

APPLICATION:  We are to be alert and never stop praying.  Certainly, if someone is alert, they should have no trouble praying.  There is always more prayer needs than time to pray!

PRAYER:  Lord, You taught your disciples to pray.  You even gave them a pattern prayer which many can repeat without much thought.  Lord, you gave us good examples of praying as you walked along the road and as you went to special places to pray.  And even more than all this, You sent the Holy Spirit to develop a special relationship with each of us and lead us to pray, even to pray through us!  Obviously, prayer is important!   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 09, 2024: SOAP #5302:  Ecclesiastes 10-12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 5:1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 

OBSERVATION:  We best imitate God by loving.  We are to be more than just people who love, but lovers.  More than just people who love in response to love received, more than just people who love when it is easy, more than just people who love the lovely.  We are to be lovers, lovers of God, lovers of our brothers and sisters, lovers of those who mistreat us, lovers of the world (in the John 3:16 sense), and lovers of the unlovely.
The best example for us to imitate is that of Jesus Christ who loved us while we were yet sinners.  His love cost, not others, but Himself.  He loved to the point of great personal sacrifice.  That is what we are to imitate–His holy love! 

APPLICATION:  I am to love “just as Christ loved” me.  Jesus tells me to love, but He does more, He also gave me his example.  He tells me and He shows me, but He even does more!   By His Holy Spirit He lives in me!!  (Ephesians 1:17-20)  The same Holy Spirit that lived in Jesus as He walked this earth now lives in me!  He can lead me to love as Jesus loved.  He can show me what to do to express the Jesus-love.   He can give me the “want to” when it is hard. 

The only one who can love like Jesus, is Jesus.  If He wants me to love like Jesus, He will need to come and live in me and express His love through me!  AMAZING! THAT IS WHAT HE DOES!!!

PRAYER:  Lord, to love like you, I need your help.  No, Lord, I need more than your help…I need YOU!  Thank you for living in me and never leaving me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 08, 2024: SOAP #5301:  Ecclesiastes 7-9; Ephesians 4

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

OBSERVATION:  Paul is writing from prison, but he does not see himself as a prisoner of Rome, but a prisoner of the Lord.  His writing is not focused on the Roman prison, but on the body of Christ. 

Here he does not tell people that they must create unity, but “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.”  Other translations give “maintain,” endeavoring to keep,” “diligently keeping,” and “eager to maintain.” 

Unity is not something we work to create; it comes naturally as we are all working together toward a common goal.  People are different and not inclined to unity, but when their country is attacked by another nation, they unify their differences to fight their common enemy.  Everyone uses their differences toward the war effort. 

Like true joy, unity is a biproduct.  They come naturally as we set ourselves to do other things.  Serving others brings joy; focusing on Jesus brings unity. 

APPLICATION:  As Christians we are all called to “one body…one Spirit…one hope…one baptism…one God and Father!”  It is as we draw close to Him and focus on Him that we become united!  As we focus on His goals and assignments, we become unified.  We use our differences to the common goal of bringing glory to Him and making Him known.  We begin to appreciate the differences in each other as we see how they can be used to glorify Jesus! 

Acknowledging the same Holy Spirit in you as I have in me, gives us unity! 

PRAYER:  Jesus, YOU are our unity!  The closer we get to YOU, the closer we get to one another.  The more we see of your ways, the less we see differences that could divide us in Your body.  Truly, God, You are one and we are one!  AMEN

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 07, 2024: SOAP #5300:  Ecclesiastes 4-6; Psalm 18; Ephesians 3

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you,

OBSERVATION:  The reason for Paul being a prisoner, not of Rome, but of Christ Jesus…the reason is given at the end of chapter 2.  It is that Gentiles are now as much a part of God’s holy temple as are the Jews. 

Paul was assigned to preach to the Gentiles and to make sure everyone knew that it was always God’s plan to include the Gentiles. 

Because the Gentiles are an integral part of the plan of God, Paul has become not only a prisoner of Rome, but also of the Lord Jesus Christ!  His life was not his own.  His choices were not his own.  God had given him understanding and appointed him a minister to the Gentiles. 

APPLICATION:  It is so logical to see myself as a prisoner of Jesus.  First:  when I realize Who He is—the Creator of the Universe.  It is foolish not to do His bidding. 

Second:  when I consider what He did for me—dying for me on a cruel cross to pay the price for my sins.  How can I not surrender to such love! 

Third:  being His servant means I am a part of the great endeavor planned from the creation of the earth to be fulfilled in a great celebration in heaven!   It is good to be a part of something so much bigger than me! 

PRAYER:  Lord, you are not some God that is far out of my reach.  You are God who loves me and shares this life I live.  You are ever close.  You are a part of every decision I must make.  You protect me from my foolishness.  Like Paul, I am your prisoner, held by your love. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 06, 2024: SOAP #5299:  Ecclesiastes 1-3; Psalm 45: Ephesians 2

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,…
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

OBSERVATION:  The reason for the dead state of those in Ephesus was THEIR sins.  They had no reason to blame anybody else. 

Oh, the helplessness of being dead and not even being aware of their lost estate nor of an eternity without God.  And, even if somehow, they could be aware, they would be helpless to do anything about it!  

The helplessness of verse one helps us to appreciate the great love, and mercy, and grace we find in verses four and five!!!  

APPLICATION:  The Gospel has two very important truths to be proclaimed:  the truth about sin and its results, AND the truth about God’s forgiveness provided through Jesus’ death on the cross. 

If people only understand the first truth, life becomes meaningless and full of unanswered questions.  If people only focus on the second truth, they may consider what Jesus did as no big deal.  They do not appreciate the terribleness of sin. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help me appreciate the terribleness of sin.  Help me to see why such a terrible price had to be paid to set me free from sin.  AND help me appreciate the great victory over sin won for me on the cross.  In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 05, 2024: SOAP #5298:  Proverbs 30-31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 1:19 That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21.  far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

OBSERVATION:  This is where Christ is today!  Today, at this moment He is seated at the right hand of God the Father.  He has completed his assignment and is seated!  He has returned from the war victorious and given the place of honor.  He has returned from the earthly realms and is now seated in the heavenly realms.

At this moment, He is far above all rule.  There are no rulers nor are there any set of rules above Him!  There is no authority higher than His authority!  There is no power, there is no system of power above Him!  Throughout this age and all ages to come, His name is above all other names and titles.  He stands alone in total authority.  He stands alone in pre-eminence!

He is the head of the body, His church, and all things are under His feet, which is the lowest part of His body.  Therefore, anyone in His body is above everything not in His body!

Jesus is not just above; He is far above!  There is no comparison. We do not need a micrometer to measure His supremacy for it is clearly obvious to all.  Some races end in a photo-finish; other races end with the winner far out in front.  With Jesus there is no photo needed.  He is clearly above everyone and everything else!

APPLICATION:  Being seated with him, we too are “far above.”  Ephesians 2:6   So, let’s live like this is true.  Let’s talk like this is true.  Let’s see things from heaven’s point of view!  

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, when I get bothered about things around me, bring to my memory the truth in this SOAP.  Remind me that my King, King Jesus, is far above anything that bothers me!  Remind me that I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms!   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 04, 2024: SOAP #5297:  Proverbs 28-29; Psalm 60; Romans 16

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 60:9 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 10 Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies?
11 Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. 12 With God we shall gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.

OBSERVATION:  Israel had sinned, and God had rejected their call for help.  They learned that they could not depend on man like they once depended on God.   Here the psalmist is saying that the help they had gotten from man was worthless.   They needed God, for God’s help is more than sufficient!

APPLICATION:  When I put too much expectation on people, often something happens that shows me the truth of this scripture. 

When my trust is in the Lord, and He may use a person to help me, I can rejoice.  I can give God glory and give thanks to those God used to help. 

But if help does not come from the source I expect, I can still rejoice.  God has never run out of ways to help me!   Remember, when there was no man available to provide, God rained manna from heaven for 40 years! …on 6 million Jews!! …in the wilderness!!!  With the Psalmist I can say, “My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:2)

PRAYER:  Lord, You are the only one I can depend on without being disappointed. Stop me if I begin to pressure people to help me; doing so is proof that I am not trusting you.  You are my ever-present source of help. Amen

Note:  for those printing out the SOAPs, when you run out of paper and/or ink and have no money to buy more, tell God, “We have gone as far as we can go.  We rejoice in what You have enabled us to do.  We will continue as we are able.  Now we wait on you.  The SOAP ministry is Your ministry, so we look to you.  Amen.”  If people ask about when they will get their copy of the SOAP, tell them it is God’s ministry, and we are awaiting His provision!   We should not be surprised to find God multiplying supplies as He did the bread and fish. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 03, 2024: SOAP #5296:  Proverbs 25-27; Romans 15

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 15:29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.

OBSERVATION:  Paul was on his way to Jerusalem to take some help for the poor saints that he had gathered from his ministry in Macedonia and Achaia. (vs. 25-26)  After delivering the gift Paul’s plans were to stop in Rome on his way to Spain.  His plans were interrupted in Jerusalem and in a Roman court appealed to Caesar.  Then the Roman government provided his transportation to Rome. 

In doing the will of God, Paul knew that God was with him and working through him.  He had the “full measure of the blessings of Christ!”   Whether supporting himself by making tents in Corinth, or in a Roman jail, I see Paul living and working and ministering with this confidence!   He received support from some churches, but he did not depend on them nor try to convince them to give…he had “the full measure of the blessings of Christ!”   

APPLICATION:  In writing the SOAPs, I have this confidence.  I am doing what I am convinced is the will of God for me.  This ministry is for His glory.  It is His assignment for me.  This ministry has “the full measure of the blessing of Christ.” 

Whatever our lot in life (wealthy or poor), or our assignment (government official or mother at home), or our age, or relationships, we should take our place as being God’s assigned will for our lives and we should perform our service/ministry in “the full measure of the blessing of Christ.”  We are working for HIM and trusting HIM to give direction and provision. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I can count on Your empowering to do what You have assigned me to do.  I am not responsible for those things outside of my reach.  I am responsible to say and to do as Your Spirit leads.  I am responsible to trust You.  Once I have obeyed You, it is in Your hands!   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 02, 2024: SOAP #5295:  Proverbs 22-24; Romans 14

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 14:13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one   another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling-block or obstacle in your brother’s way. 14 As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15 If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died.

OBSERVATION:  What wonderful freedoms we have in Jesus.  Yet in these verses, Paul gives two very important limitations on our freedoms. 

First is my own conscience.  I should not do what I believe is wrong, no matter what others are doing.  Why would I do something I believe would be offensive to God? 

Second is doing what would be a stumbling block to a brother or sister in the Lord.  If I know my actions would be a cause for someone to be tempted to turn away from the way God is leading them, I should refrain from exercising my freedom.

APPLICATION:  In this chapter, Paul mentions two areas where this is applicable:  in verse 5, he talks about what days we worship, and in verse 14 he deals with eating clean or unclean food.  In 1Corinthians 8 Paul deals with foods that have been to an idol. 

If Paul was writing this today surely, he would have added several issues: styles of worship and styles of clothing.  What freedoms we have in Christ, yet we can easily hurt others. 

What is needed is not more laws to limit our freedoms, but more love for one another.  It is a loving thing to sacrifice one’s freedom in love for another.

PRAYER:  Lord, make me aware of how I may be offensive to someone you love dearly.  Use me to encourage and strengthen them and not push them away.  And, Lord, help me be mature enough to not be easily offended.  Amen 

Pastor Leon
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