Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 23, 2024: SOAP #5346: 2Kings 20; Isaiah 38-39; Psalm 75; 1Peter 2

SCRIPTURE:  1Peter (NIV) 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

OBSERVATION:  Before we were born, everything was done for us while we were in our mother’s womb.  But what a change when we were born.  Surely one of the first discomforts we experienced was hunger.  We learned how to suck and to open our mouth to receive food that was placed in our mouth.  Then we learned that we could use our hands to bring food to our mouth…and so the learning how to eat lessons began.  

Here the Bible tells us that our spiritual birth is very similar.  Before we were “born again,” God was bringing His word to us.  Our faith was growing.  But once we come alive in Jesus—once we are born again, we should experience some spiritual hunger.  It is good to have people help feed us (pastors, teachers, parents), but at some time we should begin feeding ourselves.  

APPLICATION:  A key in spiritual growth is application.  Why did God want me to read those scriptures.  Now that I have read the scriptures, what did God say to ME and what can I do to apply the truth I just read?  

You can use the scriptures above for your reading, if you like; but there are many good Bible reading plans. If you are just starting, just read the New Testament portions.  Pray before you start reading and read until God makes something interesting.  You may like to use the SOAP format to write your thoughts.  Putting your thoughts into words on paper helps me thing through what I am trying to say.  It clarifies what God is saying to me. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you went to such great lengths to make sure we would have the scriptures.  May we honor you by giving them a proper place in our lives.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Pastor Leon
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