Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 05, 2023: SOAP #5024: Ezekiel 25-28; Revelation 10

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 10:11 And I was told, “You must again prophesy about many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.”
Revelation (NIV) 14:6 Then I saw another angel flying in midheaven, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and tongue and people;

OBSERVATION:  The plan of God to provide a sinless sacrifice that could be acceptable as payment for the sins of all who believe required a recognizable sacrifice.  It must be a sacrifice that met all the moral qualifications and fulfilled all the prophetic scriptures. 

Only One sacrifice met all the requirements:  Jesus.  There was no other sacrifices for other nations.  Jesus was the one sacrifice for the world; for all who would believe.  But being ONE, he came through ONE nation so much of the scriptures target Israel. 

Throughout the Old Testament we find God reaching out to other nations, but when Jesus had completed the sacrifice and had risen from the dead, we see a fresh emphasis of the gospel to all the world!  Here in the last book of the Bible, we see God’s purposes and plans include “every nation and tribe and tongue and people.”    

APPLICATION:  This would include my family members, my neighbors, my fellow workers, everyone I meet every day, everyone who reads this SOAP, every family member of SOAP readers, every neighbor of every SOAP reader…to all who “dwell on the earth.”  

I have to tell somebody!   

PRAYER:  Lord, you said when the Holy Spirit comes on us, we would be witnesses “to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Use me today.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 04, 2023: SOAP #5023: Ezekiel 22-24; Revelation 9

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 9:18 A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their (horses) mouths……
[Perhaps John was describing what he saw with the limited understanding of his day.  Could these be flame throwers mounted on motorcycles?]
20 The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshipping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.

OBSERVATION:  From Genesis 1 to Revelation 9 man has been so bound by sin that when a third of man has been killed, he still does not repent!  He continues to worship demons and idols which cannot see, hear, or walk!   Yet there is a God who can do all three—and more!  

Idols are inanimate objects that have no mind to think or feel.  They cannot lift a burden or give wise counsel.  They cannot defend themselves.  They cannot do anything I would want my god to do! 

APPLICATION:  Sin has an attractive power.  It can be like a magnet.  Once it has me in its area of influence, it refuses to let go easily. 

It takes the blood of Jesus to break sin’s legal ties.  It takes dying to myself and giving way for the Lordship of Jesus to live in victory.  It takes the indwelling Spirit of Jesus to give me power to resists sin’s continuing temptation. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you have made FULL PROVISION for me.  Your Son, Jesus, provided the blood sacrifice that covers my sin.  He is now living His life in me.  You sent the Holy Spirit to empower me to resist temptation and to work for you.  It is for me to walk in faith and obey.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 03, 2023: SOAP #5022: Ezekiel 20-21; Psalm 111; Revelation 8

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 111:
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are steadfast for ever and ever,
done in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people;
he ordained his covenant for ever—
holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.

OBSERVATION:  When one comes to understand the awesome power of God…
When one comes to understand that God is perfectly holy…
When one comes to understand how God hates sin…
When one comes to understand how a holy God deals with sin…
Then it is perfectly understandable that one will FEAR God. 

When one hears about the love God has for man…
When one hears that this loving God sent His Son to die for sin…
When one hears that it is possible to ask this loving God for forgiveness…
When one hears about this loving God’s plans for His children in eternity…
Then it is completely illogical to think that someone would refuse Him! 

APPLICATION:  It is logical to fear such a God.  But growing in our understanding of God, we find that His Great Love overcomes our fear.  Fear was just a starting place.  We should grow to loving God and appreciating God.  We should begin a life of praise that will last long into eternity. 

PRAYER:  Lord, we do not need to wait until we are at your throne in heaven to begin praising and worshipping you!   You will never be more worthy of worship than you are at this moment.  You are holy.  You are loving. You are worthy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 02, 2023: SOAP #5021: Ezekiel 17-19; Revelation 7

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 7:17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

OBSERVATION:  The Lamb will be their shepherd!  Jesus is the only One who could be both the Lamb and the Shepherd. Jesus had been introduced by John the Baptist as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. (John 1) Jesus claimed to be the Good Shepherd who gives his life for his sheep.  (John 10)

The King James version verse 17 reads: “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters…”  The Lamb will continue the shepherding responsibilities of feeding and leading His sheep. 

APPLICATION:   As the Lamb, Jesus made the sacrifice necessary to cover my sins.  Even into eternity I will remember and honor Him for what he did for me.  

Iin this life, He is my Shepherd.  In this verse, I see that in eternity He will continue to be my Good Shepherd.

PRAYER:  Lord, now and for all eternity I will praise you for being the Sacrificial Lamb who died to pay for my sins.  Now and for all eternity I will follow you as my Shepherd and trust you for my provision.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 01, 2023: SOAP #5020: Ezekiel 15, 16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 70:1 Hasten, O God, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me.
2 May those who seek my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. 3 May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” turn back because of their shame. 4 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted!”
5 Yet I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.

OBSERVATION:  David needed some help, and he needed it now!  David’s situation was urgent.  He begins with “Hasten” and he ends with “do not delay!”  He has two expressions of urgency in the first verse, and two in the last verse.  He needs, he requests God’s quick help.

APPLICATION:  Why did David go to God?  He was the king.  Surely, he had a friend or someone in his court he could have asked for help.  He could have told them to help!  But David did not trouble them.  No, he went to God. 

David had confidence in God.  He knew he could count on God’s help.  He had God’s word promising help.  He had relied on God’s help in the past. 

People who serve orphan children may become desperate for food or finances.  Here is a prayer from God’s word.  Use it as a pattern. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you have been faithful to provide examples in Your Word  that we can use in all situations.  There is nothing that we cannot bring to you!   Desperate situations can be brought to you.  You are more than capable of meeting every need we bring to you in Jesus Name.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 31, 2023: SOAP #5019: Ezekiel 12-14; Revelation 5

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 5:4 I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep!  See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.  He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” 6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain …  7 He came and took the scroll …  12 In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb …  13  … ”To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise … 

OBSERVATION:  In heaven, Jesus is introduced to John as the LION, but he makes his appearance as the LAMB.  He is not worshipped as the conquering, all powerful LION but as the LAMB who suffered, bled, and died. He could demand worship because he had the power to force people to worship him.  Instead, He chooses to be worshipped by those who have experienced his love and choose to worship him.

APPLICATION:  If I want to be like Jesus, I must be more of a lamb than a lion.  It is not how many people I can rule, but how many I can serve. 

This week I have read of people defending “their truth,” using proof texts on both sides to prove that they are right, with snide remarks about those who disagree with them.  Truly, as Paul wrote, knowledge puffs up.  (1Corinthians 8:1)   More important than gaining knowledge of the truth is becoming like the One Who is “The Way, THE TRUTH, and The life.” (John 14:6)   His truth is wrapped in love and served with grace. 

PRAYER:  Lord, as your servant, help me to be a useful servant to those around me.  May the truth that I present in these SOAPs be wrapped in love and served with grace.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 30, 2023: SOAP #5018: Ezekiel 8-11; Revelation 4

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 4: 8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” 9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: 11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

OBSERVATION:  As John is translated in his vision up to heaven, the first thing he sees is the throne and the One sitting on the throne.  The passage above gives us the activity of those around the throne.  As the Old Testament prophet Isaiah discovered, God’s throne is a place of worship.  (Isaiah 6:1-4) The closer I come to God, the more important worship becomes.

APPLICATION:  In John 4:23-24, Jesus told the woman at the well that God was looking for worshippers.   I do not want to be one who worships only when the worship leader starts the instruments and encourages me to join in.  I want to worship when there is no worship leader and when there is no piano or guitar.  I want to worship when I am by myself in the middle of the week and going through a tough time.  I want to worship because I am a worshipper!.

What is my identity?  How do I see myself?  More important—how does God see me?  Am I a school bus driver who worships; or am I a worshipper who drives a school bus?  Am I a pastor/preacher who worships; or am I a worshipper who pastors/preaches?  I believe that being a worshipper will enhance all the other assignments God gives me i.e. husband, parent, neighbor, employee, boss, etc. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I pray that you find the worshippers you are looking for.   Most of all, I pray you find one in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 29, 2023: SOAP #5017: Ezekiel 4-7; Revelation 3 13  

SCRIPTURE:  Ezekiel (NIV) 6:13 And they will know that I am the LORD, when their people lie slain among their idols around their altars, on every high hill and on all the mountaintops, under every spreading tree and every leafy oak—places where they offered fragrant incense to all their idols. 14 And I will stretch out my hand against them and make the land a desolate waste from the desert to Diblah— wherever they live. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’”
Ezekiel (NIV) 7:27 The king will mourn, the prince will be clothed with despair, and the hands of the people of the land will tremble. I will deal with them according to their conduct, and by their own standards I will judge them. Then they will know that I am the LORD.”

OBSERVATION:  In Ezekiel 6 and 7 we see God dealing with his people as a parent would deal with an extremely rebellious child.  God had loved Israel.  He had great plans for Israel.  They were to be God’s showpiece of what it meant to be God’s children.  He blessed them beyond measure…but they continued to go after other gods.  So, as a parent who loves their children, God turns His blessings to hardships and troubles. 

I can hear the cry of a hurting God, “Then they will know that I am the Lord!” 

APPLICATION:  For those of us who know God, and love God, our hearts can hurt for God.  He is not unaffected by the sin in the world today.  He is not unaffected by the murder of little children even before they are born.  He is not unaffected by the laws that men have made degrading the beauty of sex and marriage.

We should not be surprised when a frustrated God brings judgment and declares, “THEN THEY WILL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD!!!” 

PRAYER:  Lord, may I, personally, be quick to respond to your correction.  May I not consider your correction as a great imposition, but as an expression of your love designed to protect me from the results of evil.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 28, 2023: SOAP #5016: Ezekiel 1-3; Revelation 2

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 2:1 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:…
7  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

OBSERVATION:  Each letter to the seven churches in chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation begin and end in similar ways.  The Holy Spirit speaks; we must listen! 

In Genesis 1, we find that God spoke the world into existence.  His words are powerful.  Although both are important, it is MORE important that I have ears to hear, than a mouth to speak. 

APPLICATION:  My communication with God can get switched.  I can pray like it is more important for God to hear what I am saying than for me to hear what God is saying. 

If I want to know what God is saying, I need to read the Bible.  How foolish to claim that God never speaks to me if I am not reading the Bible. 

God speaks to me with His word; He gives me direction.  God speaks to me through His word; He shows me truth that I need to apply to my life.  In the word the Holy Spirit reveals God’s principles which are to govern my life and relationships.  And God communicates His love for me with, and in, and through His word. His love for me is unmistakable!    

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I do not want you to ignore my words to you.  Help me not to ignore your words to me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 27, 2023: SOAP #5015: Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalm 143-144

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 144: 1 Of David. Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. 2 He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
Revelation (NIV) 1:12 I turned round to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned, I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone “like a son of man”, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash round his chest. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

OBSERVATION:  Today’s Bible reading has two descriptions of God.  The first from King David in the book of Psalms and the second from the Apostle John who had been exiled on the island of Patmos.  David knew God’s character and was assured that God could be trusted to care for him, protect him, deliver him.  John knew how far God would go to care for, protect and deliver people — He would go all the way to the cross!  He did not just go TO the cross, He went THROUGH the cross, THROUGH the tomb, and all the way TO resurrected life!

APPLICATION:  Sometimes I do not appreciate the awesomeness of having the resurrected Savior of the world living in me.  I move through parts of my day as though nothing special is happening.  With Jesus living in me, there is no part of my day that is not full of potential!!

Sit up, Leon!  Stand tall!  Act like the Resurrected Creator and King of Glory lives in you—You know He does!  Think, talk, and act like He is always with you!  

PRAYER:  Jesus, the life you live in me is resurrected life.  You have already defeated everything that I will face today!!!  Thank you.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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