Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 25, 2023: SOAP #5044: Ezra 2-3; Luke 8

SCRIPTURE:  Reading for yesterday:  Ezra (NIV) 1:1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfil the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing:…5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.
For today:  Ezra: (NIV) 2:64-65 The whole company numbered 42,360, besides their 7,337 menservants and maidservants; and they also had 200 men and women singers.

OBSERVATION:  In chapter one we read that GOD moved the heart of King Cyrus to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.  God gave him something to do that was beyond his power.  God knew that King Cyrus could not accomplish this task.  But that was no problem to God.  He moved the hearts of 42,360+ Jews to move back to Jerusalem to do the work!!!   It is amazing what God can do!!! 

God often assigns us a task beyond our ability and resources.  It is not that the task is unimportant, not really needing accomplishment.  It is not that we are to work in frustration knowing that we cannot do it.  IT IS TO MAKE US RELY ON GOD!  He gives us a GOD-size job so that God can do it through us!  He never intended for us to do it on our own!!!

APPLICATION:  When God gives me an assignment, I must have confidence in Him.  He has all power.  He has all wisdom.  He understands supply and demand.  He knows where the resources are located. 

The one who supplied 42,000+ people to help, made sure that the proper amount were priests, temple workers, musicians, etc.  Before leaving, their neighbors provided the gold and silver that they would need. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I can count on you.  I know you will give me something that is too big for me to do, but not something that is too big for you.  I trust you!   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 24, 2023: SOAP #5043: Ezra 1; Psalm 84-85; Luke 7

SCRIPTURE:  Ezra (NIV) 1:1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfil the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing: 2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: “‘The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Anyone of his people among you—may his God be with him and let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. 4 And the people of any place where survivors may now be living are to provide him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’”
5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.

OBSERVATION:  The God who “moved the heart of Cyrus, king of Persia,” (verse 1)  to build a temple also “moved” the hearts of the people to give and to go (verse 5).  This was God’s plan and He worked out all the details.  The heart of the King could be as easily influenced by God as the hearts of the Jews. 

APPLICATION:  I must keep reminding myself that God is more than able to take care of the details.  It is for me to be obedient and do my part.  It is not my part to twist the arms of others to give or get involved. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I set myself to do what you have “moved” my heart to do.  I know I can trust you to “move the hearts” of others to “give or go.”  I know we are all your servants; we are all working for you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 23, 2023: SOAP #5042: Daniel 11-12; Luke 6

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 6:46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice.
48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When the flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed, and its destruction was complete.”

OBSERVATION:  Two men with the same goal: to build a house. 

Two men with totally different outcomes:  first: a house that could not be shaken; second: a house that collapsed and was totally destroyed. 

Two different building practices:  first:  built a foundation on the rock; second:  built on the ground without a foundation.

APPLICATION:  My goal:  …to build a life that will last into eternity. 
…to gain God’s approval when I stand before Him. 
…to hear what God says to me and do what He says. 

PRAYER:  Lord, out of all the things that today will compete for my attention, hearing your words is my priority.  Only after hearing your words, can I set myself to doing your will.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 22, 2023: SOAP #5041: Daniel 9-10; Psalm 123; Luke 5     

(reworked SOAP from 2010) 

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 5:1 One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding round him and listening to the word of God, 2 he saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets.
3 He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

OBSERVATION:  Most fishermen have favorite bait and fishing equipment.  When they own a boat, they personalize it.  Everything has its place.  We could call Simon’s boat his “my space.” 

Jesus felt free to use Simon’s boat as a platform for teaching.  Jesus got into Simon’s space.  Simon’s space was available and used for Jesus’ ministry.  Other people were blessed because Jesus got into Simon’s boat.

APPLICATION:  I need to let Jesus get into my boat—into the “my space” areas of my life and let Him shine!  “My space” is not only my “Facebook,” and my “email,” but it is also my car, my school bus, my desk, my house, and my booth in the restaurant.   May other people see Jesus in “my space.”  May Jesus feel free to use “my space” as a platform to touch others. 

PRAYER:  Lord, as people come in touch with my personal areas today may they find you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 21, 2023: SOAP #5040: Daniel 7-8; Psalm 137; Luke 4

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 4:42 At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. 43 But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”

OBSERVATION:  In this chapter we see that Jesus spoke with authority. (vs: 36)   He quieted demons and commanded them to come out. (vs: 35, 41)   He rebuked a fever which left immediately. (vs: 39)   Of course the people in this community would want him to stay with them, but He had to be obedient to the authority that sent him.  He did not have authority so that he could do what he wanted to do, or do what others wanted him to do.  Jesus, living as a man on earth, had authority because he was submitted to the authority of His Father in heaven.   The Father had sent Jesus for a purpose.  He had an assignment.   “Sent” is a common word Jesus uses to describe Himself.

APPLICATION:  Only God has authority because He is worthy.  Any authority I have is delegated authority.  My obedience increases my authority.  If I have trouble being under authority, I will have trouble being in authority.  I am also on a mission; I have also been sent. (John 20:21)

In this chapter we see the work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus.  I need the Holy Spirit helping me read God’s word.  I need the Holy Spirit helping me recognize God’s voice.  I need the Holy Spirit enabling me to fulfill the assignment God has given me.  I need the Holy Spirit to do His work through me.

PRAYER:  Jesus, may I live in such obedience to you that my words are trustworthy and faithful.  May I walk under AND in your authority!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 20, 2023: SOAP #5039: Daniel 5-6; Psalm 130; Luke 3

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 3:1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar— when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene—2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

OBSERVATION:  I like to read about God speaking to specific people at specific times.  I like to read about historical people that were present in the world at the specific time God spoke.  God is not separate from history but wraps himself within the context of human existence.  The Bible is not about people and places no one has ever seen or known.  In the Bible we read of God being involved in the daily lives of real historical people.

APPLICATION:  Today is a continuation of history.  The same God who interacted with real people in real places in history, does the same today!  

Reading the Bible shows me what God is like today.  It shows me what I can expect from God today.  It shows me what God expects of me. 

The Holy Spirit who breathed the scriptures into those chosen to write it down (2Timothy 3:16)  —that same Holy Spirit lives in each believer!   He can breathe truth into each heart.  He can show us the way to live. 

Especially for those who do not have a Bible, listen to leaders who read and teach the Bible.  Ask the Holy Spirit to write the Scriptures on your heart and in your mind. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, you are working in each nation today.  You are living in each believer today!   Teach us to live by The Word.  Teach us what it means for today.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 19, 2023: SOAP #5038: Ezekiel 47-48; Luke 2

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 2:36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

OBSERVATION:  Here was a senior citizen whose life had not worked out as she had once planned.  She had married.  She and her husband were expecting to grow old with each other; but after only seven years he died.  So, for about 50 years, she dedicated her sorrow and loneliness to the Lord, probably never expecting that God would singularly bless her in this unique way. 

But “at that very moment” Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus into the temple; their paths crossed!  The Holy Spirit led their paths to meet.  A senior citizen, a young couple, and the baby Jesus!   Anna was a Spirit-led senior worshipper whose expression of thanksgiving was included in the pages of the Bible!   

APPLICATION:  The timing of God is an important part of our daily life.  Many times, unplanned and unexpected things are not unplanned nor unexpected in heaven.  They are the Holy Spirit’s way of providing opportunities for us to give a word, or a helping hand in Jesus’ Name.  I must not quickly dismiss the interruption without considering that God may have something for me to do.   

PRAYER:  Jesus, I call you my Lord!  That means you have control over the agenda for my day.  May my agenda never over-rule the leading of your Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 18, 2023: SOAP #5037: Ezekiel 45-46; Luke 1

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 1:19 The angel [who had just told old Zechariah that the son they would have was to be named John] answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.”…
[later, at the time to name the baby] 62 Then they made signs to his father, to find out what he would like to name the child. 63 He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is John.” 64 Immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God…67 …Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied:

OBSERVATION:  As Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit upon the arrival of the pregnant Mary [Luke 1:41], so Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit upon his obedience to name his son John.  His tongue was loosed and as on the day of Pentecost when people spoke in unknown tongues [Acts 2], Zechariah used his voice to praise God!  [Luke 1:64]. Here we see the gift of prophecy flowing through Zechariah.

APPLICATION:  The presence of the Holy Spirit in one’s life makes a big difference.  He accomplishes through us what we cannot do.  He makes the presence of God very personal. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, the world needs people who are walking and living full of the Holy Spirit.  Make me useful by keeping me full of the Holy Spirit.  In Jesus Name I pray,  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 17, 2023: SOAP #5036: Ezekiel 42-44; Revelation 22

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

OBSERVATION:  Yesterday we saw that the dwelling place of God will be with men.  In the end of chapter 21 we read about the city in which God will dwell with men.  Here we read about the high point of the city—the throne of God.

Down the middle of the great street of the city flowed a river that comes from the throne of God!  

APPLICATION:  Oh, how I need that river flowing down the great street of my life.  It is a life-giving river.  It waters the trees that have fruit for each season.  With that river flowing in my life, I will never lose the freshness.  The fruit from my life will not become dried and wrinkled.  My life will always have fruit that others can enjoy. 

When that river flows in my life, I become fruitful in every season. It still flows in my 70’s.   Wherever I may be reading in my daily devotions, the Holy Spirit draws my attention to a passage that is full of life for me.  As I share that verse and understanding, it encourages life in others. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, we see you working in the beginning verses of the Bible (Genesis 1) and here we find you in working in the last chapter of the Bible (Revelation 22) Truly you are working in all the days of the Bible.  I know you are working today!   Let your river always flow in and through me.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 16, 2023: SOAP #5035: Ezekiel 40-41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 21:1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

OBSERVATION:  In reading this chapter, my attention was captivated by the angel’s loud announcement.  “Now the dwelling of God is with men…not, Now the dwelling of men is with God.”  

I am thinking this is not the culmination of something about which man has dreamed but something for which God has worked and prepared.  This was His plan.  For all eternity, He would dwell among those who were more than trophies of His creative power, like the angels, but trophies of His great love, redeemed man!    

APPLICATION:  God wants me in heaven so much more than I want to be in heaven!  Out of all the known, and unknown heavens, God has chosen to build a dwelling place out of created living beings who had been stained with sin but are now washed in the sinless blood of His Son, Jesus. 

PRAYER:  Lord, the book of Revelation wraps up your “man-plan.”  You will create a new heaven and earth.  You are forming the New Jerusalem, the Holy City where we will dwell together for all eternity.  What an amazing future you have planned for us!   Amen

Pastor Leon
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