Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 11. 2024: SOAP #5487: Hebrews 5-8

(From 2014)

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 7:19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.    

OBSERVATION:   What a difference!!!  The law could tell what was done wrong and give a token penalty offering, but it could never change the heart.  It is the heart from which our actions proceed.  But Jesus can save COMPLETELY.  He makes an acceptable sacrifice to more than cover the penalty for sin, AND by His Spirit He lives inside, working to change the heart!  Wow!  

APPLICATION:  The sacrifice of the dying Jesus is more than sufficient to pay for all my sin!  The presence of the living Jesus is more than sufficient to establish victory in my daily life.      

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for understanding my weaknesses and knowing how to be what I need.  Your sacrifice redeemed me by paying for my sins; Your continued presence enables me to live in victory.  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 11. 2024: SOAP #5487: Philemon; Hebrews 1-4

SCRIPTURE:   Philemon (NIV) 1:7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people. 

OBSERVATION:   I believe Philemon had “refreshed the hearts” by kind words and deeds.  Maybe it was a short conversation, or a stay in his home, Philemon provided a pause in the stress of life to renew their strength and their outlook on life.  After the short pause, they could re-enter their stream of life with new strength and a fresh vision. 

Paul had been a beneficiary of Philemon’s kindness and had heard others mention it.   Paul had been made joyful and received encouragement from Philemon’s practical ministry.  Perhaps Paul had been a guest in Philemon’s home. 

APPLICATION:  God would be pleased if today I would be like Philemon.  I will have opportunity today to “refresh” someone by words of encouragement or an act of kindness.  There will be someone I meet today whom I can bless because I am the only one available or I have the needed resources.  It may be a short meeting as our paths cross at work or in the market.  They may be encouraged by my smile, a quick greeting, a word of encouragement, a quick testimony, etc. 

The Lord may use me to lift someone’s burden or lighten their load. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, it may be only a short meeting, so help me not to miss the opportunity today to “refresh” someone in need or someone who is discouraged.  Doing so will bring me joy and bring you glory.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 10. 2024: SOAP #5486: 2Timothy 1-4

(reworked from 2020)

SCRIPTURE:  2Timothy (NIV) 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

OBSERVATION: This word that Paul writes to young Timothy is a good word for the church today, especially for senior citizens, like me, soon to be 77.  It is our responsibility to “fan into flame,” or as the King James says, “stir up the gift.” We must keep the gift of God activated in our lives.

Some people think that they need a special recognized position to use their ministry gift.  Every one of us already have that position: it is called “servant.”  A true servant does not need recognition, or position, or salary to use God’s gift to benefit the church. 

APPLICATION: Keeping the “gift of God” active in my life is my responsibility.  I should not need a pastor or evangelist to fan into flame the gift God has given me.  I should not need to go to a church service to have the “gift of God” stirred in my life; I should go to church with the gift already stirred in my life.   

By daily reading the scriptures, by consciously walking and talking with the Lord about everything around me, by recognizing and acknowledging His presence, by special times of prayer, by praying without ceasing, by singing His praise throughout the day—by doing these I build a continual awareness of His presence.  In His Presence, the gifts are kept simmering on the fire.  They stay hot and ready for use.      

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, your gifts active in my life make me a useful servant.  What a shame it would be if no one benefited from the gifts you have given me.  Help me keep the gifts active in my life.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 9. 2024: SOAP #5485: 1Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—

OBSERVATION:   Paul’s purpose was to build up the body of Christ by encouraging their faith and increasing their knowledge of the truth.  “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 8:1.  But here Paul gives the purpose of knowledge—to lead us to godliness.  Knowledge of the truth should make us better lovers of God and of others. 

APPLICATION:  Knowledge that God is with me and guiding my steps helps me remain calm when things do not go as I planned.  There is great peace in knowing that God is with me.  Instead of fretting over the problem, I can look for an opportunity to let Jesus shine through me.  Often my problem becomes an unexpected opportunity for ministry.  

NOTE:   Any knowledge I gain should lead to making me a better servant.  First, increased knowledge helps me to be a better servant of others.   I have more opportunities to help others.  Second, increased knowledge helps me to better serve the Lord.  Increased knowledge of His character helps me know what pleases Him.  And He is glorified as I serve others in His Name. 

PRAYER:  Lord, the knowledge that you are faithful to take care of my problem sets me free to look for the opportunity to serve you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 8. 2024: SOAP #5484: 1Timothy 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.

OBSERVATION:   Paul was on his way to Damascus to arrest and imprison those who believed in Jesus when He personally met Jesus.  (Acts 9)   What a change.  Paul was re-programed with a burning desire to do everything possible to serve and please the One he had fought against.  In the verse above Paul acknowledges that his strength to serve comes from Jesus.  Jesus considered Paul to be faithful and assigned ministry for him to fulfill. 

Although our calling may not be as dramatic as Paul’s, we too should know that it is God who gives us the strength to carry through with the assignments He has given us.  Jesus considers us faithful and so He gives us assignments. 

APPLICATION:  Jesus is not looking for people with great ability, but people with great availability!   If you make yourself available to God, the Holy Spirit will work through you with His ability!  

There is no greater assignment given to people than to have God place a little child in their care!   As the baby Jesus was placed in Mary and Joseph’s lives, they faithfully carried out the responsibility to raise him. 

Child rearing is a high and holy assignment for which we should thank God that he gives us the strength, and with the presence of the Holy Spirit, the wisdom to carry through.  If you have children in your home, let them know that God is the one who placed them there.  Let them know it is a great joy to serve the Lord by serving those He loves.  Let them know that you are depending on God to give you wisdom and to provide for their needs. 

PRAYER:  Lord, may your love flow through us to those you place in our lives.  We receive your assignment with joy, knowing that you are faithful to enable us to do what you have assigned us to do.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 7. 2024: SOAP #5483: Colossians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:   Colossians (NIV) 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fulness dwell in him,

OBSERVATION:   We often limit our knowledge of Jesus to what we read in the Gospels.  He is the baby in the manger.  He is the thirsty man at the well asking for water.  He is the tired teacher sleeping in the boat.  He is even the suffering Savior and a resurrected Lord. 

But there is even more—so much more!!!   He is the creator of all things “in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities.”  He is before all things and He is the glue that holds everything together.  He is supreme over all!  All the fullness of God is in Jesus.  He is just as much God as the Father! 

APPLICATION:  And this is who lives in me!  I may think that since he is in my heart, he must be smaller than me!  I may think that since my thoughts can determine my actions, He must go along with what I think!   But NO! NO! NO!  He is supreme!  He alone is LORD! 

I can trust Him.  I can follow Him without fear.  I can do His bidding.  He is MY LORD! 

PRAYER:  Lord, as Christmas approaches, we will be focusing on your birth.  Help us remember that you really WERE that Baby in the manger, but you really ARE the Creator of all things in heaven and on earth.  You are bigger than any problem we bring to you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 6. 2024: SOAP #5482: Philippians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians (NIV) 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

OBSERVATION:   Paul is writing to the church he had started in Philippi.  He is writing from Prison.  He could have written about how the Jewish leaders had tried to kill him.  He could have written about how the Roman governor was taking the side of the Jews and how he was forced to appeal to Caesar.  He could have written about his trip to Rome on a boat that was destroyed in a storm.  He could have written about being in prison…BUT HE DIDN’T! 

He wrote about how all these troubles had served to “advance the gospel!”  I know it was not those troubles that advanced the gospel, but it was Paul’s attitude in those troubles that advanced the gospel! 

No wonder everyone in the palace guard heard about Jesus through Paul’s presence. 

APPLICATION:   We all have troubles.  Hopefully not as big as Paul’s, but troubles we have.  And when people come to visit, do they hear about how much pain we have, or how difficult it is to get the help we need, or the poor food we have to eat, or…  Or do they hear about the scripture we read in the Bible this morning, or about haw God has answered our prayer for someone we love, or about the wonderful message we heard on Sunday…

How many of the people with whom we come in contact know that Jesus is the main part of our life?

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, use me, my family, my work, my good and bad times, yes, and my troubles to spread an awareness of Jesus.  May people come to tie thoughts about me to thoughts about Jesus.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 5. 2024: SOAP #5481: Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119:1-80

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

OBSERVATION:   “Ambassador in chains,”  that is how Paul saw himself and described himself.  It would be proper for others to see Paul in this way and use this phrase to encourage him, but this is Paul speaking about himself! 

The chains were secondary; that he was an ambassador was the primary issue.  He did not ask them to pray for his release from the chains, but that he would boldly proclaim the message for which he was an ambassador! 

APPLICATION:  How do I see myself when I am in times and places of trouble?  Perhaps I should listen to how I request prayer for myself.  What is the first on my prayer request list?  Is it prostate cancer or SOAP ministry?   Is it for my comfort and ease or for God to be glorified in my life? 

Is it for my neighbor’s salvation or for their dog to be quiet?  Is it for the nurse to ease my discomfort or for the nurse to meet Jesus when coming to my hospital room? 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help me not to be distracted by the troubles surrounding me and be kept from seeing God’s hand at work through me in the lives of others.  In Jesus’ Name,  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 4. 2024: SOAP #5480: Ephesians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
14 who is a deposit guaranteeing (KJV the earnest) our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

OBSERVATION:   It is customary in the USA when making an offer to purchase a house, to give earnest money, which is a deposit guaranteeing that the rest will be coming, if the offer is accepted. 

It would be proper for God to require from us a down payment of some type on our heavenly inheritance.  But verse 14 says that God gives such a deposit to us!!! 

And as amazing as that thought is, even more amazing is what that deposit is—the deposit is the Holy Spirit!!!  Wow!!!

APPLICATION:  That God has kept His promise to send the Holy Spirit to live in me here is this world is proof that He will keep the other promises concerning my heavenly future. 

Entrance into heaven is based only on my trusting the sacrifice of Jesus to pay for my sins.  But my usefulness to God in heaven will be in accordance with my usefulness to God here.  Faithfulness on earth will be richly rewarded in heaven. 

This is where the Holy Spirit has such a great part in the lives of believers.  His presence empowers and energizes us to be active believers, living the truth found in the Bible.  His gifts (1Corinthians 12) raise our ministry level far above our human capabilities. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit!  May He move freely in my life and bring you much glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 3. 2024: SOAP #5479: Romans 13-16

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

OBSERVATION:   Here we find a powerful benediction or blessing that Paul gives to his readers.  He is calling on the “God of hope” to so fill them with “all joy and peace” that they would overflow with hope! 

Why look anywhere else, or to anybody else, for hope when the “God of hope” is our Heavenly Father!!!   He fills us with joy and we find contentment in our present circumstances.  He fills us with peace and the turmoil of unknown circumstances smooths out before us.  The God of peace oversees it all!   The indwelling Holy Spirit has power to overcome anything we face.  

APPLICATION:  “…that you may overflow with hope…” tells me that others should benefit from the hope that is in me.  When discouraged people are around me, some of my hope will spill onto them.   The power and gifts of the Holy Spirit are to make me a blessing to others—to lift them, to cause them to turn their eyes on Jesus and put their faith in Him. 

Some people may say that I have a positive attitude, but it is just faith that the God living in me is bigger than any problem I may face! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, in hope, may you fill SOAP readers with all joy and peace as they trust in you, so that they may have an abundantly overflowing hope by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Pastor Leon
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