Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 26, 2022: SOAP #4527:  2Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 13:1 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. Matthew (NIV) 13:36 Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

OBSERVATION: It was the custom of Jesus to go to the synagogue and He was often seen in and around the temple in Jerusalem.  He read the scriptures and made comments.  (Luke 4:16-21).  But the ministry in Matthew 13 did not happen in the temple or synagogue.  It happened in the places where people lived their daily lives, as did much of Jesus’ ministry.  The church in the book of Acts conducted their ministry in the same manner.  When a meeting place was needed, they used and/or rented what was available.  (Acts 19:9-12; 20:38)   People were not attracted to the beautiful buildings but to the teachings and miracles. 

APPLICATION: When starting a church, if a church building is available, praise the Lord and use it for God’s glory!   If not, ask God for something to rent.  If nothing is available in your area, start the church in your home, or in a park.  Brother Paul Lowenberg started many Canadian Pentecostal churches in taverns and pool halls.  He and his wife walked the railroad tracks from town to town and slept in the homes that were open to them.  Lack of finances and facilities did not stop them. 

From considering the ministry of Jesus and the book of Acts, buildings are optional, teaching the Word of God and miracles are essential!  Buildings cost money, teaching the Word and miracles do not. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, sometimes the church is more concerned about a lack of money than the lack of Holy Spirit activity.  We spend more time praying to people for money than praying to you for a greater anointing.  In these last days, we need the faith that comes from your Word, and we need the Holy Spirit anointing. Grant these we pray. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 25, 2022: SOAP #4526:  1Samuel 30,31; 1Chronicles 10; Matthew 12

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 12:46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” 48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

OBSERVATION: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are a very close family in the spiritual realm.  They are one in essence yet separate in assigned functions.  Yet they all participate in everything they do.  Jesus said if we had seen Him we had seen the Father.  (John 14:9)   The Spirit was sent from the Father and the Son. (Luke 24:49)   The Spirit presents the Son as the Son presents the Father.  (John 15:16)

In Matthew 12, Jesus presents the unique relationship we enjoy with God, we have become members of Jesus’ closest earthly family!  He calls us brothers and sisters.  We are the sons and daughters of God.  As our earthly life makes us a part of our earthly family, the life of God makes us a part of God’s family. 

APPLICATION: It is good to remember that this special relationship is God’s plan.  It was not something that a man dreamed up and convinced God that He should allow us to become that close to Him. 

It was always His plan that He would live in me.  It was always His plan that I should be called His son.  It was always His plan to allow me to participate in what He is doing in the world. 

PRAYER:  I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God.  I’ve been washed in the fountain; cleansed by His blood.  Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod.  For I’m part of the family the family of God.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 24, 2022: SOAP #4525:  1Samuel 28,29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

OBSERVATION: The creator of the universe invites us to come to Him.  He is caring and supportive.  He knows we need rest; He knows the kind of rest we need. 

APPLICATION: When I am weary and carrying a heavy load, I am not looking for an additional restriction designed for pulling additional burdens.  To keep in the same mode as the scripture, I want to be taken to a stall where there is water, clean straw, and a good meal.  I want a place of rest for my body. 

Jesus knows that the kind of rest I need is not inactivity, but purposeful activity that makes our time worth while and our work worth the effort.  It is labor that has a promise of a harvest.  His purpose is not to use me up or wear me out, so He yokes me to Himself!!!  He carries the yoke and He pulls the load.  I have the pleasure of His companionship and the privilege of being identified with Him!  And He shares with me the joy of our accomplishments!

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I know that all creation is centered around you, but sometimes it seems that you have centered your life around me.  I am humbled!!!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 23, 2022: SOAP #4524:  1Samuel 27; 1Chronicles 9; Psalm 141; Matthew 10

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 10:40 “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

OBSERVATION: How people receive me is of great concern to Jesus.  He dwells in me; He is personally involved in what happens to me.  I am more than representing Him, our lives are intertwined.  Of course, it should affect how I live my life, how I talk and act.  I must conduct my life in a way that honors Him. 

Our lives being so intertwined, people honoring or mistreating me are doing it to Jesus!  And the truth progresses on because the life of Jesus is even more intertwined with our Heavenly Father.  They are doing it to the Father. 

APPLICATION: As an enlisted man in the US Navy, I was privileged to serve on a Commodore’s staff.  When we visited a ship to conduct a medical inspection, the Captain gave us more respect than our rank deserved because when he saw us, he saw the Commodore.  The Captain knew that he would be answering to the Commodore for our report. 

One time a Captain did not allow us on his ship.  We were not present when the Captain was called into the Commodore’s office, but very shortly after that meeting, we received a phone call seeing if we would possibly have time to do an inspection of his ship.  When we worked under the authority of the Commodore, the Commodore used his authority to deal with the issue. 

We were just lowly enlisted men dealing with earthly Captains and an earthly Commodore.  But as born-again believers, we are walking under the Lordship of Jesus Christ!  We can expect God to deal with issues of how we are received. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, teach me to walk solely in the authority given me.  Inspire me to use that authority to change my family and my world.  Amen

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 22, 2022: SOAP #4523:  1Samuel 25,26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 9:2 Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

OBSERVATION: This chapter has several examples of visible faith.  Here in verse 2 it is the faith of the four friends who carried this man to Jesus.  In verse 18, it is the faith of a “ruler” who came on behalf of his daughter.  In verse 20 it is a lady with an issue of blood who got close enough to Jesus to touch the edge of his clothes.  In verse 27 it was two blind men who heard that Jesus was nearby and began to make a racket in calling for him.  In verse 32 it was a demon-possessed man brought to Jesus by others. 

They were convinced that Jesus could make a difference in their lives or the lives of their family and friends.  They became so convinced that they acted on their faith.  Their actions based on faith were very logical! 

APPLICATION: Logical faith always leads to actions that may be considered illogical to others.  Logical faith is visible, but the person with faith is not concerned with what others see and think.  They are convinced that God is able and so they take appropriate action!  

Logical faith is based on the word of God.  It is based on what God has personally spoken to me, most often through the Scriptures.  He has many ways of speaking to me, but they are never contrary to the Bible. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, faith is an action word.  I am putting my understanding of your words into how I live my life—what I say and do.  May those around me see that my faith in you makes a difference in how I talk and  walk—in how I live.  May you be glorified in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 21, 2022: SOAP #4522:  1Samuel 24; 1Chronicles 8; Psalm 57, 58; Matthew 8

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. 8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. 9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. 10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. 11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.

OBSERVATION: Earlier in this Psalm, David mentions the tough times he is going through.  People are trying to kill him, probably a reference to King Saul chasing him. 

As a shepherd boy, David had gotten to know God as his Shepherd.   He grew in his love and appreciation for God.  He developed a trusting relationship with God.  God would take care of David; he did not have to defend himself. 

His heart was fixed on God.  His heart would not be alarmed by the troubles that surrounded him; his gaze and trust was firmly anchored in God!  

Whatever was happening around him, David was going to honor God with songs of praise. 

APPLICATION: I too can trust the Lord as David did.  I too can sing songs of praise and worship in times of trouble.  David’s God is my God!   He is merciful, truthful, and glorious. 

PRAYER:  Oh Lord, my heart, my mind, my life is fixed on you.  Everything centers around you.  You are great in mercy to me.  You sent your Son, Jesus, to die in my place as payment for my sins.  You are forgiving and kind. Yes, your glory is above the heavens, but now I pray that your glory will be seen in me—your love and your holiness. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 20, 2022: SOAP #4521:  1Samuel 23; Psalm 31,54; Matthew 7

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

OBSERVATION: The OT law was based on a selfish basis.  It was how people related to themselves that they would understand how to relate to others.  Later Jesus says that the second greatest commandment is to love one’s neighbor as they love themselves (Mark 12:31) which again brings self as the basis. 

What a difference Jesus brought when He gave us His commandment, to love one another AS HE LOVED US!  (John 13:34) He brought love to a whole new dimension.

APPLICATION: In considering what loving like Jesus would mean for me, I do not think I can do that.  I am sure I can improve on loving those around me, but to rise to the level of loving like Jesus?  So here is my application:  if Jesus wants Leon to love like Jesus, Jesus will need to come and live His life in Leon! 

And That is just what Jesus did!  When I confessed my sins and asked Him to forgive me, I asked Him into my heart and life. He moved in and started rearranging my priorities.  And He started loving through me! 

PRAYER:  Lord, love through me.  Let my life be an expression of your love to those around me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 19, 2022: SOAP #4520:  1Samuel 22; Psalm 17,35; Matthew 6

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 6:7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors…

OBSERVATION:  Jesus knows that we have needs.  Jesus is concerned that our needs be met.  People who love Jesus will want to follow His directions. 

We are not to desperately keep begging and keep begging God.  God is not keeping count of how many words we use, or of how many times we repeated our request. 

When we approach God in faith, we know that He already knows our need, even before we ask Him!  Our needs do not take Him by surprise. 

Jesus, God’s Son, the one sent to earth to reveal the Father, teaches us how to talk to the Father.  Of course, He would know; He just came from the Father!  We are to take our needs to the Father.  “Give us today our daily bread.” 

APPLICATION: Sometimes I have more faith in people than in God.  I take my needs to people, trying to convince them to help.  Jesus tells me I should pray to the Father.  I should tell Him my needs.  I should give God opportunity to display He love and provision.  My testimony will be an encouragement to others. 

As I wait on God’s answer, I find that God’s provision clarifies His direction and plan for my life, and it sets His timing.  His provision builds my faith.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you know my needs even before I know them.  I am learning to trust you more and more.  You are my great Provider. Thank you for providing the job driving the bus. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 18, 2022: SOAP #4519:  1Samuel 20-21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

OBSERVATION: This verse very clearly speaks to God’s purpose for the church.  If we are “the light of the world,” then it must be God’s intent that we live and work “in” the world.  It is not “in the church” where our light is to shine, but “in the world.” 

This passage puts the emphasis on our works, our “good deeds,” rather than our words, our mini sermons.  Our words show how much we know; our works show how much we care.  Our words show what is in our head; our works show what is in our heart.

APPLICATION:  Every day when I walk out the door of my house, I need to look around.  One of my neighbors may need some “light.”  As I pray for them, I can ask God how I can serve them. 

Every day when I arrive at my workplace, I need to look around to see who needs some “light.”  Perhaps someone needs a smile or a word of encouragement.  I can look for a way to do something kind. 

PRAYER:  Lord, sometimes I am quick to speak and slow to act.  Remind me that words will have much more effect if the heart has been prepared by kindness.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 17, 2022: SOAP #4518:  1Samuel 19; 1Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 4:10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

OBSERVATION: The devil had tempted Jesus in each of the three ways mentioned in 1John 2:16: the lust of the flesh (turning stone into bread to satisfy hunger), the lust of the eyes (look at all the kingdoms I will give you if you worship me), and the pride of life (prove you are God, the Son.) Jesus proved victorious in each, using only what is available to us — The Written Word!

Also, Jesus was tempted in the exact same points as Eve in the garden. (Gen 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food, pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom, …) Eve was tempted with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. 

The devil’s tactics have not changed. As Jesus overcame Satan in these same temptations, He proved Himself to be the perfect sacrifice for sin. Paul wrote, “He Who knew no sin …” It was not because He had not been tempted or tested. From Genesis to the time of Jesus and to this very day, the devil’s tactics have not changed, but neither has the victory available to us in the life of Christ!

APPLICATION: The life that Jesus now lives in me is not the pre-tested, pre-crucifixion life.  It is a life that has already been tested!  Of course, He knows how to help me!   It is a life that has already been in and out of death’s door!  The One who will be escorting me through death’s door has already been there!!!  

PRAYER:  Lord, you are the Living Word, and you overcame Satan with the written word.  Today, I have both the Written Word and the victorious, resurrected Living Word alive in me.  Victory is mine!!!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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