Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 09, 2023: SOAP #4936: Ecclesiastes 10-12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 5:8 … Live as children of light …10 and find out what pleases the Lord.

OBSERVATION:  You have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light.  You have been transferred from under Satan’s control to under God’s control.  So, make it a priority to find out just what it is that pleases the Lord!   I like to say, “All we have to do is to make God smile!”  If that is our goal, we need not fear.  When we sense that we are accomplishing this goal, we have a great sense of fulfillment.

When we love someone, it is a natural desire to please them.  It pleases us to see them happy.  We enjoy seeing them smile.  Note the extremes to which parents will go to see their young child smile.  Our love for God should motivate us the same way. 

APPLICATION:  This passage tells me that it is my responsibility to “find out what pleases the Lord.  If the Lord commands me to do this, then I can count on the fact that this is possible.  And I can count on the presence of the Holy Spirit to help me. 

People with a strong desire to please God, should spend daily time reading the Bible, God’s Word.  The Holy Spirit will join us in God’s Word to show us how we can please God. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, help me live my life in ways that makes the Heavenly Father smile.  May He enjoy watching His Son Jesus living in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 08, 2023: SOAP #4935: Ecclesiastes 7-9; Ephesians 4

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

OBSERVATION:  Here we see the personhood of the Holy Spirit.  He is not an impersonal force. He can feel the pain of disappointment. 

There are two ways in which the Holy Spirit can be grieved.  First, He can be grieved when we do those things that he has forbidden.  Second, He can be grieved when we do not do those things he desires.

APPLICATION:  I believe I have more often grieved the Holy Spirit by not doing what he wanted me to do.  I found some excuse for not following those thoughts in my mind.   There was a strong impression that I should do something.  I did not recognize the thoughts or impression as being from Him.  I ignored them and pushed them aside. 

I have discovered a good question to ask myself: “If I do not do this, or say this, will I feel like I have missed God?”  If the answer is “yes,” then I set myself to do it.

In stepping out and doing or saying what I believe the Holy Spirit desires there is always a risk.  The devil wants me to think that I will look foolish and that those thoughts were just of my own mind.  But faith in God lifts me above the enemies attempt to frustrate the plan of God for that moment. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, You know my heart.  I would rather make a mistake of trying to obey you than making the sure mistake of ignoring you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 07, 2023: SOAP #4934: Ecclesiastes 4-6; Psalm 18; Ephesians 3

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus….
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

OBSERVATION:  I cannot read this passage without my mind filling with thoughts about the eternal plans and purposes of God.  They are mind expanding thoughts.  It is like looking through a telescope at a distant object on the horizon and trying to determine what I am seeing. 

Joining Jews and Gentiles in the church is a major part of God’s plan for it is through the church that God’s wisdom is displayed in all its varied brilliance!  God’s wisdom is on display for “rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms!”  What kingdoms, what authority structures, what governments are in the heavenlies over which these rulers and authorities reign? 

God’s power and might are clearly seen in creation; what is being demonstrated through the church?  It must be His LOVE!  It must be His capacity to Love fallen creation!  

APPLICATION:  When I consider that God’s manifold wisdom is being seen in His interaction with me, it makes me have a strong desire to make Him look good!  I want to be and do things that cause people to honor Him!   May the magnificent glory of God be seen in me.  May my life be a telescope through which people can get a glimpse of Jesus.  May the image of Jesus seem to be much closer as they view Him through the lens of my life. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, help me to be easily identified as a God-lover.  May people who see me, see Jesus.  May people who know me, want to know Jesus.  Amen 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 06, 2023: SOAP #4933: Ecclesiastes 1-3; Psalm 45: Ephesians 2

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

OBSERVATION:  When God is in the picture, things change!   We were all by nature children of wrath!  BUT GOD changed us and made us sit together with the Holy Son of God in heavenly places!!! 

God is RICH in mercy and has GREAT love!   He is not running short of mercy!  There is enough mercy for all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  He has great love!  His love causes Him to be merciful.  His mercy provides the avenue through which His love can reach people. 

APPLICATION:  Sin separates me from God.  If there was no mercy, I would still be accountable for my sins and separated from God.  I would have no access to the grace and love that God has for me.  His mercy did not change the nature of sin, nor the result of sin.  God is just.  The results of sin has always been and will always be death.  God’s mercy lifted sin’s penalty from me and placed it on Jesus.  I did not get what I deserved!   He is not about to run out of mercy. He is not hesitant to give me more mercy in fear that there might not be enough for others!

PRAYER:   Holy God, you are just and loving.  In your wisdom you found a way to reach me in love without your holiness being marred by my sin.  On the cross, at great cost to yourself and to your Son, Jesus, your mercy removed what I deserved.  Your grace continues to give me what I do not deserve!  No wonder I love you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 05, 2023: SOAP #4932: Proverbs 30-31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 1: 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

OBSERVATION:  Today, at this moment, Jesus has the place of authority at the right hand of God the Father.  His assignment is complete!  He has returned victorious from the earthly realms and is now seated in the heavenly realms.

At this moment, He is “far above” all rule.  There are no rulers nor any set of rules above Him!  There is no authority higher than His authority!  There is no power, there is no system of power above Him!  Throughout this age and all ages to come, His name is above all other names and titles.  He stands alone in total authority.  He alone is pre-eminent!

He is the head of the body, His church, and all things are under His feet, which is the lowest part of His body.  Therefore, anyone in His body is above everything not in His body!

Jesus is not just above; He is “far above!”  There is no comparison. We do not need a micrometer to measure His supremacy for it is clearly obvious to all.  Some races end in a photo-finish; other races end with the winner far out in front.  With Jesus there is no photo needed.  He is clearly above everyone and everything else!

APPLICATION:  It is good for me to consider how exalted Jesus is.  It helps me appreciate the greatness of the one I serve!  He is worthy of praise and worship!  It is good for me to ponder His exaltation, because in a few verses I am told that I am “seated with him in the heavenly realms!”

PRAYER:   Lord, I worship you.  I submit myself to you.  You are worthy!  It is my pleasure to serve you.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 04, 2023: SOAP #4931: Proverbs 28-29; Psalm 60; Romans 16

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 16:25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him—27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

OBSERVATION:  Paul ends his letter to the Romans with this benediction.  The one who planned the redeeming ministry to the fallen creation, and who proclaimed it by revelation throughout history.  He wants all people and nations to believe and obey.  The glory He receives comes to Him through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ! 

I believe that God is working through the church to demonstrate His Love is just as important to Him as His Holiness.  His perfections and Holiness can be readily seen in creation.  Principalities and powers must admit that God is the ultimate in Holy.  I believe it is through the church that God demonstrates that He is just as Loving as He is Holy!   He is the ultimate in Love!   And He does not mar His holiness to be loving.   God sent His sinless Son to live as a man on earth without sinning, then die, not to pay for His own sins, but for those who believe, repent, and make Him their Lord!   It was a holy sacrifice.

APPLICATION:  I must always remember that the purpose of my life is to bring glory to the Father by accepting and appreciating His Son, Jesus.  That must be the top priority of everything I do. 

The sacrifice that Jesus made for Father God, being sent, dying for sins He loathed as much as the Father, praying “not by will but thine be done,” committing Himself into the Father’s plan, …  Jesus set a high example of how to glorify the Father.  In honor of what Jesus did, it is now my place to honor the Father by honoring Jesus.  The Father sent the Holy Spirit to be with us as He was with Jesus. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, continue to work in my life.  Convict me of sin.  Assure me of my salvation.  Help me bring glory to the Father through the Son!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 03, 2023: SOAP #4930: Proverbs 25-27; Romans 15

SCRIPTURE: Romans (NIV) 15:30 I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be rescued from the unbelievers in Judea and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there, 32 so that by God’s grace I will come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.

OBSERVATION:  Paul was on his way to Jerusalem to deliver some financial aid to the church from the believers in Macedonia.  He was strongly asking (urging) the believers in Rome to pray for his safety and for his ministry to be received in Jerusalem.    He was requesting that they join his struggle in prayer. 

He was not asking for a simple, “God bless Brother Paul” kind of prayer.  He was asking for a prayer from their hearts to touch the heart of God! 

He was wanting a prayer with feeling that God could not ignore.  He was not asking them to send money.  He needed more than money could supply.  Sending money would take too long—prayer was instant to the throne of God who could answer instantly to Paul’s location. 

APPLICATION:  Prayer is faster than the internet.  It is instantaneous connection with the Creator of the Universe, the Almighty, the All-wise and All-sufficient God who loves us.  Paul believed that praying believers in Rome could have an effect on what happened in Jerusalem! 

There is not a place in the world that praying believers today cannot touch in prayer. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, praying SOAP readers from Asia, Africa, America and from the middle of the Pacific Ocean all have the same access to your throne.  Hear and answer our prayers.  Lord, may Your will be done and Your Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven.  Use these SOAPs for Your glory!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 02, 2023: SOAP #4929: Proverbs 22-24; Romans 14

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 14:14 As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15 If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died.

OBSERVATION:  I see that part of the invisible basis for the Old Testament law was love expressed in restraining the sinful nature, restraining our mistreatment of others. 

The basis for the New Testament commandments is also love, love that can be seen by what we do.  It is an emphasis on the “do’s” rather than the “do nots.”  The “do not lie” becomes “do speak the truth humbly and kindly.”  The “do not covet” becomes “do help them and rejoice in their blessings.”

Restraining our sinful nature becomes restraining our freedoms out of love for the person who is loved dearly by God.  Knowing how much they mean to God makes such restraints a joyful sacrifice.

APPLICATION:  The emphasis of love is not on how I expect others to treat me, but on how I treat others.  If people do not love me perfectly, I can still rejoice and love them because the source of perfect love lives in me!  With Jesus living inside, I have a source of divine love that fills my heart and overflows to others.  My love for others is not a response to their love for me, but a response to His love for me!

PRAYER:   Lord, thank you for loving me.  May your love in me be visible in how I treat others.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 01, 2023: SOAP #4928: Proverbs 19-21; Romans 1

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 13:12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.  13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

OBSERVATION:  What Paul said was “nearly over” in his day, is much closer today.  Darkness in some ways is overcoming the light.  The darkness resident in the hearts of government officials is becoming more noticeable. 

But we know that darkness can never overcome light.  Even the smallest light will drive back darkness.  It may not shine into every dark corner, but darkness cannot keep the light from shining. 

APPLICATION:  So what are we to do?  Two things. 

We are to “clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Clothing covers our bodies.  Clothing is worn where it can be seen.  We should make our outer clothing an expression of what is on the inside. 

AND we are to discipline the way we think.   We should stop thinking about what would “feel good,” stop thinking what the sinful man used to like.  We should start thinking about what would please Jesus.  –what would make Him rejoice.  –what would make His feel at home in our heart. 

When visitors come to our home, we try to make them comfortable—to make them feel at home.  HOW MUCH MORE should we treat this divine guest!!!

PRAYER:   Lord, welcome to my heart.  I want you to be comfortable living in my heart.  I want to make you happy.  Your smile is my treasure.  Amen 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 31, 2023: SOAP #4927: Proverbs 16-18: Romans 12

Useful

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 12: 3  For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you….
6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us … 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

OBSERVATION: If God’s grace has been given to me to encourage others, I need to be about my calling. When I see people needing encouragement, I should consider it as a call to ministry.

If my gift is giving, I should do it generously and not grudgingly.

If it is leading, I should lead carefully and with all my heart.

If it is showing mercy, I do not need to be heavy handed and make sure those needing mercy have learned their lesson. I should show mercy to them as I would want someone to show mercy to me when I need it.

APPLICATION:  In looking back to verse 3, this is how I should see myself. God’s grace has given me a gift; that gift makes me useful to the body. If I administer my gift with diligence, I will be used. I may get tired of being used, but I should see that as though others see me as useful. Being useful is so much better than being useless!

PRAYER:   Lord, I recognize that the gifts you have given me are different than the gifts you have given others.  These SOAPs are expressions of the gift you have given me.  Make me, and these SOAPs useful in the lives of your people.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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