Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 4, 2022: SOAP #4627: 2Kings 22; 2Chronicles 34; John 6

SCRIPTURE: John (NIV) 6:5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming towards him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

OBSERVATION:  I have read this passage many times and have written several SOAPs on the thoughts brought to my heart as I was reading.  Today this phrase caught my attention: “he already had in mind what he was going to do.” 

Philip had already determined the impossibility ratio.  Andrew had found a boy with a “sack lunch” perhaps prepared by his mother before leaving home that morning.  But before Jesus asked the question, Jesus already knew what He was going to do. 

Jesus knew the status of the crowd; they were hungry.  Jesus knew the size of the crowd; 5,000 men plus women and children.  Jesus knew how much food would be required.  Jesus knew what was available.  Jesus knew what He would do! 

APPLICATION: There is nothing about the challenges I face that Jesus does not know.  He knows how big; He knows the timing.  He knows what is available. I take my challenge, and my perception of the challenge, to Him.  There is no need for frantic prayers.  I am praying to the One who already knows. 

If I am following His leading and doing His will, there is no need for me to be alarmed.  Jesus already knows what He will do!  I might not have enough to do everything I want to do, but I can rest assured that I will have enough to do what He wants me to do. 

PRAYER:  Lord, when I obey you, I have confidence that you will provide what is needed and will bring the response from those around me. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 3, 2022: SOAP #4626: Nahum 1-3; John 5

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 5:26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.

OBSERVATION:  In the Old Testament, judges could only be taken from citizens living in Israel.  They had to live in the same circumstances and under the same laws as the people they would be judging. 

God is Holy.  He is perfectly holy.  Jesus has the authority to judge, not because He is the Son of God, but because He is the Son of Man!   Jesus has been tempted and tested in every way as we are.    

In chapter five of Revelation, no one in heaven or earth was found to be worthy to open the seven seals on the book in the hands of the one sitting on the throne.  NOT EVEN THE ONE ON THE THRONE HOLDING THE BOOK WAS WORTHY!!!   Only when Jesus entered, the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of man—only HE was worthy to open the book!!!  

Jesus is worthy to have the “authority to judge,” not because He is the eternal Son of God, but because He became the Son of Man, resisted every temptation to sin, was crucified as a sinless sacrifice, and rose again!  He is WORTHY!!!

APPLICATION: Jesus is worthy to be my Lord.  He is the Only One worthy to be my Lord.  He is so deserving of that honor that there should be no disputing it on my part!  The more I know Him, the more convinced I become that He is Worthy to be Lord.  There is no question:  He is Lord!!

PRAYER:  Lord, more than just a word I use in addressing you, or a word I use when speaking of you, I want it to be the reality of my life.  You are LORD!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

August 2, 2022: SOAP #4625: 2Kings 21; 2Chronicles 33; John 4

SCRIPTURE: John (NIV) 4:39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.”  40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41 And because of his words many more became believers.  They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

OBSERVATION:  Many people in Samaria believed in Jesus “because of the woman’s testimony.”  Yet her testimony was so simple: “He told me everything I ever did.”  She did not have a great understanding of who Jesus was; she only knew what He had done for her. 

Reading between the lines, I am certain her testimony was more than just the words she said; it was the way she said them.  They were spoken with enthusiasm!  People who heard her were convinced that she believed what she was saying.  

APPLICATION: My testimony is not an explanation of God’s plan of redemption, nor of some explanation of some difficult scripture passage.  My testimony is telling others what God has done for me!  It is not what someone else has told me; it is my experience.  This is what God has done for Leon!  

A testimony is a powerful witness.  It cannot be refuted because no one else has had my experience.  It is powerful because it is what I know!  I can speak with authority!  It is powerful because it shows God being involved in my life today!  He is interested in what is happening today.  It is powerful because it lifts the hearer’s faith to believe that God will do the same for them!  

PRAYER:  Lord, you have given me a powerful tool to use for your glory: my testimony.  Holy Spirit, bring me an opportunity to share my testimony with someone today who needs to hear what you have done for me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 1, 2022: SOAP #4624: Isaiah 65-66; Psalm 62; John 3

SCRIPTURE: John (NIV) 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John (NIV) 3:35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

OBSERVATION:  In verse 16 we read that God the Father loved the world so much that he gave his Son to die as a blood sacrifice to pay for man’s sins.  Then in verse 35 we read of His great love for His Son.  After what the Son did in coming to earth and suffering the death on a cross — noting that he did it for the Father — no wonder that the Father loves the Son and is angry with everyone who rejects Him!  Any parent would feel the same!

APPLICATION: The Son displayed His love for the Father by enduring life as a baby, the humility of living like a human, the misunderstanding and ridicule of those around him, the suffering and death as a criminal on the cross!   Jesus honored the Father with his obedience. 

I honor the Father by honoring and loving His Son.  I honor the Son by honoring and loving the Father.  I also honor the Father and the Son by loving and honoring those who share the life of Jesus.  The church is a gathering of people who love and honor God.  We honor God with our obedience.  Another very important way we love and honor God is by loving and honoring each other. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you have honored me in many ways.  You sent your Son to die for my sins.  You sent your Holy Spirit to live in me.  You made me a part of your family.  My goal is to live a life that honors you. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 31, 2022: SOAP #4623: Isaiah 63-64; Psalm 107; John 2

SCRIPTURE: John (NIV) 2:(1-10) 11 This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

OBSERVATION:  Someone had miss-planned; the wine ran out before the wedding celebration was over.  But whoever made the guest list, planned well!  They had invited Mary, Jesus, and His disciples.  (John 2:1-2)   When the wine was all gone, there was someone present who could change the circumstances. 

Mary’s instruction to the servants was simple: “Do whatever he tells you.”  Jesus’ instructions to the servants were also simple: “Fill the jars with water,” and “take some water to the master of the banquet.”  It was something they could do.  So, the master of the banquet received the wine, and Jesus received the glory.   He is still receiving the glory for this miracle!   

APPLICATION: Notes to myself:
1.  Make sure Jesus is included in everything I plan.
2.  When something goes wrong, go to Jesus first.
3.  Do exactly what he says. (No need to worry; it will be something I can do!)
4.  Make sure Jesus gets the glory!

PRAYER:  Lord, I want to be sure my plans include you!  I want to make plans that include you.  Even better than that, Lord, I want to be a part of your plans for today.  I know that you are including me in your plans.  I know that there will be something small for me, but it will be something I can do. And when the day is over, I want to rejoice as you receive the glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 30, 2022: SOAP #4622: Isaiah 60-62; John 1

SCRIPTURE: John (NIV) 1:10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus created the world, yet when he came as a little baby, born of a virgin, announced by angels, in the town prophesied by the prophet Micah, the world did not recognize Him.  Even the Jewish people who had been given all the prophecies about Jesus did not recognize Him.  The religious leaders who probably best knew the Old Testament scriptures did not receive him but led the mob in having Jesus put to death.

APPLICATION: As I read the above verses, it came to me that there have been times my eyes were so fastened on my circumstances that I did not recognize the presence of Jesus.  He had come to me; and I claim to be his own, but I did not recognize His presence!  He has promised to never leave nor forsake me.  (Hebrews 13:5)   In not considering His presence and not looking to Him for wisdom, I missed the opportunity to exercise my faith.  I missed the opportunity to see what He would do. 

PRAYER: Lord, May I always keep myself keenly aware of your presence.  May thoughts of your presence be first in my mind whenever I face trouble.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 29, 2022: SOAP #4621: Isaiah 57-59; Psalm 103; 2Peter 3

SCRIPTURE: Psalm (NIV) 103:6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

OBSERVATION:  To the nation of Israel, and to many surrounding them, God made known His deeds. He was a powerful God. He was more powerful than all the gods of the Egyptians. His deeds were amazing! The ten plagues destroying the gods of the Egyptians. The opening of the Red Sea allowed them to escape the Egyptian army. The provision of water; the provision of food; the cloud as a pillar to lead them in the day becoming a pillar of fire at night. Indeed, the Israelites saw the great deeds of God.

But with Moses it was different.  Moses got to know God’s ways.  He became familiar with why God did what He did!  To Moses was revealed God’s character.  (Exodus 34) Moses was shown God grace, mercy, compassion, justice, and holiness.

APPLICATION: May I never experience God working on my behalf without learning a little more about the God who works on my behalf. In every encounter, I should gain new insight into this God I love and serve.  May I grow in understanding of how God sees the things I face every day.  I want to know what makes Him smile and what makes Him sad. 

PRAYER:  Lord, help me to know, not just what you do, but why you do it!  I want to love You, not just your works.  You are more important than what you do!  And, Lord, I want to be one who brings joy to your heart.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 28, 2022: SOAP #4620: Isaiah 53-56; 2Peter 2

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah (NIV) 55:1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. 3 Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.

OBSERVATION:  God uses the prophet Isaiah to send out an invitation to everyone who is thirsty and hungry.  The amount of money that one has, or does not have, makes no difference.  Money could be spent, and one could work hard, but not for anything that would satisfy the hunger and thirst for spiritual life. 

That which satisfies our spirit was purchased at Calvary.  Jesus’ death covered all the sins for which sacrifices were made in the Old Testament.  Jesus’ death also covers all the confessed sins since His death and resurrection, and all the confessed sins up to the Great Judgment in the Book of Revelation.  His death is the payment for my salvation which I receive by faith, “without money and without cost.”

APPLICATION: My heart has been filled with “what is good” and my “soul delights” in the riches of heaven!  It cost me no money and I did not have to earn it by hard work, but it has so filled my life with joy that I willingly give Him everything.  He is not only my Savior; He is my Lord!   My life is His!

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, thank you for your death on the cross.  I confess that I have sinned and need your forgiveness.  Come into my heart and be my Lord.  As you are my source of joy and peace, I want to be a source of your joy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 27, 2022: SOAP #4619: Isaiah 50-52; 2Peter 1

SCRIPTURE: 2Peter (NIV) 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. …
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 
8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION:  Our Christian life begins with receiving by faith everything God gives us.    But that is only the beginning; Peter gives us seven things we are to add to our faith.  Having the Creator of life living inside makes a big difference.  Attitudes change.  Our view of life changes.  In verses 3 and 4, we see what God has done for us, but in verses 5 through 7 above, Peter lists seven things we are to “make evert effort to add.”  Thankfully the Holy Spirit is our helper!

As our relationship with the Lord living inside grows, changes come. We should become more like Jesus.  These qualities make believers effective and productive.  These qualities make a believer’s testimony believable.  When others see these qualities in a believer’s life, they want what the believer has.

APPLICATION: There is no mark of completion for these qualities.  I should have more self-control this year than last, but they are to always be increasing in my life.  I will never reach a place of having enough.  There will always be room for growth.

I only know that these are increasing as I see the increasing size of the obstacles that I can overcome.  Fewer things must be done to please me.  Fewer things offend me.  I am more “other-centered” than “self-centered.”  I am a more effective servant.  I am more an encourager and less a critic.

PRAYER:  Jesus, these are qualities of your life. Make me like you.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 26, 2022: SOAP #4618: Isaiah 46-49; 1Peter 5

SCRIPTURE: 1Peter (NIV) 5:12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

OBSERVATION:  Although not all, most commentaries identify this Silas as the one who traveled with Paul.  Here, this Silas is serving Peter by carrying this letter—hand delivering it to the churches in the provinces of Asia Minor listed in the first verses of this letter.  There was no mail service, nor an internet through which Peter’s letter could be delivered.  Someone was needed to personally carry and deliver it. 

I am amazed at how God uses these SOAPs.  But they would not have near the reach if it just depended on me.  God gave me the assignment to write them, and He emphasizes the scriptures I should use.  I put them on the internet and God takes them from there.  Some faithful servants of the Lord translate them into their languages, repost them, or distribute them.  God is using churches and individuals to provide finances for computers, printers, and internet connections.  Others read them and pass them along to family and friends. 

As I pondered this verse, the Lord showed me that as Silas delivered Peter’s letters in the provinces in Asia Minor, so God is using Pastor Andrew to spread the SOAPs in the nations of West Africa!  Pastor Andrew is not working to grow the SOAP ministry; Pastor Andrew is working to keep up with the growth that God is making happen. 

APPLICATION: In God’s kingdom, there are many ways to serve.  God’s rewards will not be given according to how important the position we held, but on how faithful we were.  People may consider the value of rank or authority, but God looks at the heart.  God is preparing us for eternal service in His heavenly kingdom. 

PRAYER:  Lord, we are all a part of your kingdom.  Keep me faithful.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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