Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 1. 2024: SOAP #5477: Romans 5-8

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

OBSERVATION:   We can live above condemnation as we keep our focus on the victory we have in Christ Jesus. The reason that there is no condemnation as stated in verse 1, is given in verse 2, there is a law that supersedes the law that brought condemnation.  Praise the Lord! The law of the Spirit of life was implemented by Christ Jesus.  His death on the cross legally broke the power of the law of sin and death.  His life now within us not only raises us to live above the requirements of the law of sin and death, but also continues to provide forgiveness and mercy as we confess our sins. 

Conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit to draw us closer to God. Condemnation is the work of the flesh to push us away from God. It often enters our life through our ears.  Condemnation says, “You are wrong; you will never make it!” Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit speaking into our hearts, “You are wrong; let me help you!”    

APPLICATION:   I must be careful to let the Holy Spirit do the convicting.  When I take on myself, it usually results in condemnation. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, convicting men of sin is your job. Help me to speak the truth clearly and lovingly.  I must leave the inside work to you.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 30. 2024: SOAP #5476: Romans 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Romans 3:21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,
23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:   At 282 feet below sea level, the “Badwater Basin” section of Death Valley is the lowest place in the western hemisphere.   Just 85 miles away with an elevation of 14, 505 feet is Mount Whitney, the highest place in the contiguous United States.   

As great as the contrast is between Death Valley and Mount Whitney, it pales in comparison with the contrast between verse 23 and 24.  Compare the hopelessness of all having sinned and fallen short of God’s glory to the ecstasy of being justified freely by His grace!!! 

APPLICATION:   My sin caused the low; His grace provides the high!   I used to see everything from a “Death Valley” perspective, but walking with the Lord, I am beginning to see things from a “Mount Whitney” perspective. 

PRAYER:   Lord, accepting your forgiveness and inviting you to live in my life has given me a whole new perspective, one from your point of view.  Troubles do not seem so bad.  Joys seem to shine brighter.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 29. 2024: SOAP #5475: 1Thes 4-5; 2Thes 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 5:16 Rejoice always; 17 Pray continually,
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

OBSERVATION:   One of the things Paul writes as he closes this letter is to pray continually.  If we really believe that God is always with us, then we should talk with him continually.  When someone comes to visit, we politely carry on a conversation with them.  Speaking with them is the best way to acknowledge their presence. 

Praying is the best way to acknowledge His Presence.  Continual prayer reminds us that we are in His Presence.  We should consider Him a part of every conversation. 

APPLICATION:   I almost always close my prayers with the word “Amen.”  Often I say, “In Jesus name, Amen.”  Amen means “so be it” or “may it be.”  It is a formal way of ending my prayers.

But saying “amen” is almost like saying “goodbye.” And if God is really with me continually, I never need to say “goodbye!”  God is always present. He is always a part of my life.  He is always a part of my conversation.   I should pray without ceasing.   He lives in my heart.  He hears every word I say. 

But another truth:  God is so important that there should be some time each day that I spend only with Him, time when He has my full attention—time when I can write down what He is saying.  It is too important to forget. 

PRABYER:   Lord, thank you for your continual presence.  And I like the special times it is just You and me.  I like to sing the old song to you: “You walk with me and You talk with me, and you tell me I am your own…” Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 28. 2024: SOAP #5474: Matthew 28; 1Thes 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 1: 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance as ye know what manner of men we were among you FOR YOUR SAKE.

OBSERVATION:   Paul was writing to the believers in Thessalonica that what God had done through Paul’s ministry was not for his sake, but for theirs.  They were the reason God sent Paul on the missionary journey.  They were the reason God’s power was experienced through Paul’s ministry.  God loved the people of Thessalonica and sent Paul to them.  He sent the Holy Spirit to accompany Paul and to demonstrate God’s power. 

APPLICATION:   The reason for the SOAP ministry is you, the reader.  The reason God inspires daily thoughts from His Word, is for your sake.  The reason God has me post them on Facebook and other blog sites is for your sake.  The reason God has directed people to print and distribute them is for your sake.  The reason money has been collected to purchase computers and printers, to purchase paper and ink—it is all for you.  God loves you and wants you to be a part of His kingdom!

God often uses words on paper to speak to our hearts, but what He desires even more is to live in us and to speak to us in our hearts and minds.  If that is what you would also like, pray with me…

PRAYER:  Jesus, something is stirring in my heart.  I believe you are trying to establish a relationship with me.  I desire that too.  Forgive me. I accept your death on the cross as the payment for my sins.  Come live in my heart and share this life with me.  Be my Lord.  In Your Name I pray, Amen

…and now you might want to pray, “Thank you Lord.  Thank you for forgiving me.  Thank you for coming to live in my life.  Thank you for making me clean…”
(read 1John 1:9  ,,,he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness!”)

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 27. 2024: SOAP #5473: Psalm 125; Matthew 26-27

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 26:7 A woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.  8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.  9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”

OBSERVATION:   These two chapters in Matthew have a lot to say about value.  In pouring out the very expensive perfume, Mary, the sister of Lazarus, expressed the great value Jesus had in her heart.   Later in the same chapter (verse 15) Jesus was valued at 30 silver coins by both Judas and the chief priests.  In the next chapter (27:3), Judas realized that Jesus was worth much more than the 30 silver coins he had received.  He tried to renegotiate, to return the coins, but it was too late. 

But the greatest value expressed in these two chapters is not the value of the alabaster box, nor the value of the betrayal, but the value Jesus put on sinners.  He valued them enough to give His life. (27:50)   Mary was willing to give her expensive perfume, Judas was willing to give back the 30 silver coins, but Jesus was willing to give His life!!!  

APPLICATION:   Value is set by how much someone is willing to give.  Your value was set by Jesus on the cross.  How much I value Jesus is seen by how much I am willing to sacrifice for Him.  If I want Jesus in my life, it costs me all I have—He becomes my Lord!  But He is definitely worth that and much more!

PRAYER:   Lord, thank you for valuing me enough to die for me.  Forgive me for not appreciating Your true value!  May it be obvious to those around me that nothing in my life is more valuable than You!  I want my words and actions to express Your great value.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Personal note:  Today was my last radiation treatment!   Praise the Lord!   The doctor told me that everything has gone very well for me during these treatments, and he expects a good prognosis.  In about six weeks I will have a blood test which will reveal how effective these treatments have been.  I will have some continuing treatment and be monitored for two years before they can be more certain, but it looks good!   😊   Thanks for all your prayers!  

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 26. 2024: SOAP #5472: Matthew 23-25

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 24:44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.  45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

OBSERVATION:   Whenever I call Jesus Lord or refer to Him as Lord, I am implying that I am his servant.  Being His servant has responsibilities as well as the potential of great reward.

APPLICATION:  Since I call Jesus my Lord, it is important that I carry out the responsibilities of being His servant.  I need to understand that the assignments given a servant are not for the pleasure of the servant but the pleasure of the Lord!

As the Lord’s servant, I must see the Lord’s assignments as opportunities to please Him.  My joy comes from knowing that I made Him smile.  His joy comes from my faithfulness, not necessarily from my success.  My love for Him is expressed in faithfulness.     

PRAYER:  Lord, as your loving servant, how may I bring you pleasure?  What is your pleasure for me today? Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 25. 2024: SOAP #5471: Matthew 20-22

(re worked from 2021)

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 22:29 Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.

OBSERVATION:   Jesus was speaking to the Sadducees, who not believing in the resurrection, were trying to trick Him by asking a question about the resurrection!  Jesus answered their question about being married in heaven, and then from the scriptures proved the fact of the resurrection.  God, who is the God of the living, claims to be the God of those who had died long ago. 

If they had known the scriptures and the power of God, they would have no trouble believing in the resurrection!  

APPLICATION:  It is easy to get stumped on the issues of life when I do not know, or forget what the scriptures say.  For then I cannot rely on what the Bible says; I cannot rely on the greatness of God.  I cannot rely on His omnipotence (all powerful).  I cannot rely on His omnipresence (present everywhere).  I cannot rely on His omniscience (all knowing).  In my thoughts, my problems become greater than my God.  I take more time thinking about my problems than about my God.  I forget that He works through ALL things for good!  I forget that He loves me enough to send Jesus to die for my sins.  How could I ever forget that!  

We cannot overemphasize the value of the scriptures and having a personal relationship with God.  God uses the scriptures to keep us from error.  The scriptures need to be a part of our active memory, always the dominant thought in our minds.  We need to see everything in relationship to our all-powerful God! 

Note: These SOAPs go to many places where people do not have Bibles, or even may not be able to read.  Pastors, it is your priority to get the Word to them.  Set up times during the day or several times each week, that they can gather in the home of someone who has a Bible to hear the scriptures read.  If you give out Bibles, assign places where they can be read publicly.  Assign them passages to be read.  There is power in God’s Word! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, continue to remind me of what the Bible tells me.  Remind me of the power of God.  Remind me that God is for me!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 24. 2024: SOAP #5470: Matthew 17-19

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me. 6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Also note: Matthew 18:10 and 19:13-15

OBSERVATION:   Ministry to children has such an important place in church ministry today.  It is good that the church has recognized the value of children’s ministry.  It is good to teach the children at their level of understanding. 

APPLICATION:   However, the priority ministry to children does not begin at church, but in the home.  Children’s pastors have a more common name: PARENTS.

Parents, read the passages of scripture that tell us of Jesus ministering to children.  Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to minister to your children, and to the children God brings into your home. 

Teach them that they are not just a part of the future church, but an important part of the church today!  Teach them how to minister to the Lord.  Let them express their heart to the Lord.  Do not rush them out of the presence of the LORD.  Do not pull them early from the end of a service.  Many times, the service ends with God cementing the things He has been speaking during the worship and word.  Hurrying to your meeting with someone is not near as important as their meeting with the LORD! 

PRAYER:  Lord make us aware of opportunities to minister to our children.  Show us how to make opportunities for them to enjoy your presence.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 23. 2024: SOAP #5469: Matthew 14-16

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 16:24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

OBSERVATION:   In just over a month, the world will be celebrating the coming of Jesus as a new-born baby lying in a manger.  Without giving up the reality of being God, the Son, he entered the flow of humanity in every way as a man.  He lived as man in every way except without sin.  He was tempted in every way, yet He did not yield to temptation.  He suffered, bled, and died, not for any sins He had committed, but for the sins all the world had committed.  His first coming is something to celebrate!!!  –especially for those whose sins have been forgiven by faith in His sacrifice!!!

But that celebration will become dim in the light of the great celebration that will take place when He returns “in His Father’s glory with his angels!!!”   It is “then he will reward each person according to what he has done.”

APPLICATION:  If we do not get any rewards in this life, it should not be a concern to us.  We should not feel overlooked or unappreciated.  He will reward “each person” at that time. 

“Each person” includes you and me.  We will be rewarded “according to what we have done.”   Is your struggle hard?  Keep faithful.  Be faithful in difficult times.  Be faithful in times of abundance, and in times of lack.  Faithfulness will be greatly rewarded!  

(Note:  I sensed the Holy Spirit nudge me to say that our entrance into heaven is based on our faith in the work of Jesus dying for our sins.  But our rewards in heaven will be based on what we have done in this life.)

PRAYER:  Lord, like my dad used to sing: “Keep me true Lord Jesus, keep me true.  Keep me true Lord Jesus, keep me true.  There’s a race that I must run; there are battles to be won.  Give me power, every hour to be true.”  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 22. 2024: SOAP #5468: Matthew 11-13

(reworked from earlier SOAP)

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 13:33 He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.”

OBSERVATION:   Who better to explain the kingdom of heaven than Jesus, the King of Heaven from all eternity past!  If anyone would know what heaven is like, it would be Jesus!  In parables, Jesus used every day, common things to give understanding about spiritual realities.  In this example He uses the common baking ingredient, yeast. 

When baking bread, the yeast must be worked through the dough until EVERY part has come in contact with its changing power. The same is true of the kingdom of heaven in a person’s life.

APPLICATION:   Not just for Sunday, not just for a morning or evening time—the Kingdom of heaven affects EVERY part of my life.  EVERY attitude is changed.  EVERY decision is based on pleasing the King.  As my life is changed by the presence of the King, EVERY relationship is changed.  EVERY person who spends much time with me recognizes the difference.  Such changes are impossible to hide or to be ignored by others.

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, as yeast is worked through a lump of dough, knead your presence, your word, and your influence through EVERY part of my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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