Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 16, 2024: SOAP #5217: Deuteronomy 30-31; Psalm 40; 1Corinthians 1

SCRIPTURE: 1Corinthians (NIV) 1:28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no-one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

OBSERVATION: It is good for us to use the talents and resources that God has given each of us to do things for the Lord.  It is a way for us to show Him how much we love Him and are wanting to serve Him. 

But these verses show me something different, not what I can do for God but what God does for and through me.  God loves to give me an assignment that is too big for me or requires more than I can give or do.  When I have confidence that God is leading me, and when I step out to do what God has directed, everyone knows that it did not happen because of my wisdom or resources.  It happened because God was working through me. 

We have all read about the disciples feeding the 5,000.  But we also know it was not the disciples, but Jesus who fed the multitude.  The disciples were the ones who passed out the bread to the people and probably picked up the leftovers.  But we all know it was Jesus that multiplied the bread and fish.   

APPLICATION:  As to the SOAPs, I am like the disciples.  I am just passing out what He has broken and given to me. 

As to the things about which I can boast, I need to be careful to give the credit to God.  My life is all wrapped up in Jesus and it is from Him, and because of Him, that I am righteous, holy, and redeemed.  His presence is the source of my wisdom. 

PRAYER:  Lord, without question, all glory belongs to you.  You have become my life.  May my life bring you glory.  Amen  

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 15, 2024: SOAP #5216: Deuteronomy 28-29; Galatians 6

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

OBSERVATION: During much of my life I understood this principle from the first half of verse eight.  Sin has a harvest.  But some years back I began to consider the second half of verse eight.  Doing good and giving has a harvest!   God is a righteous judge, not only does He punish the law-breaker, He also rewards the righteous!  

APPLICATION:  Verse 9 tells us not to become weary in doing good.  There is a promise of reaping a harvest.   So, what is it that keeps us continuing to do good?  I see it as the expectation of the reward!   Knowing what is ahead keeps me moving forward! 

Recently many people in West Africa gave finances to purchase 85 computers and printers.  They should be expecting to see God’s blessings—blessings in the lives of those receiving the SOAPs, blessings in the churches, and blessings in the lives of those who gave!  

In East Africa, several churches have started receiving offerings to purchase Bibles for those in their congregation who do not have a Bible.  I have received several pictures of people receiving those Bibles!  One church has purchased 4 and another 16.  Surely God is blest that people honor His word enough to sacrificially give so others can have a Bible!!!  Surely God will have some special way of rewarding these churches and individuals!  

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, my heart rejoices to know that people love and honor Your Word enough to sacrificially give, even small amounts that can be combined in order to purchase a Bible.  Multiply your word!  I expect your blessing on all who give time, talents and money to the SOAP ministry.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 14, 2024: SOAP #5215: Deuteronomy 25-27; Galatians 5

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

OBSERVATION: Some believers take the point of view that Christ belongs to them.  He was the one crucified for their benefit so now everything is going well.  Although there is some truth in that concept, Paul clearly does not hold that point of view.  Rather than Christ belonging to Paul, Paul belonged to Christ!  Paul’s writings and ministry show that Paul suffered many things in fulfilling the Lord’s calling.  (Acts 9:15-16)

Jesus lived a life of self-sacrifice that led to the cross.  The cross was in keeping with His life.  The same can be said of the apostle Paul.  (Note 2Corinthians 11)

APPLICATION:  Christ does not belong to me; I belong to Him!   Christ does not exist to fulfill my desires and to make life easy for me.  My love for Jesus causes me to consider Him as the center of my life.  Every plan revolves around His will.  Pleasing God is more important than pleasing me.  I have found that the more I belong to Jesus, the more I appreciate that He belongs to me!

PRAYER:  Lord, I want to claim the first part of verse 24.  I want it to be true that I belong to you.  Holy Spirit, keep reminding me of the second half of that verse.  I am not crucifying the sinful nature; it IS crucified!  (Galatians 2:20) I died with Jesus and I now live by His presence in my life.  He is the center of my life.  It is my desire to “keep in step” with Him.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 13, 2024: SOAP #5214: Deuteronomy 22-24; Galatians 4

(reworked from 2010)

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 4:13 As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. 14 Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.

OBSERVATION: Paul gives credit to an illness for the gospel being first preached to the Galatians.  Both Paul and the Galatians used this “illness” for the glory of God.  Paul did so by taking the opportunities afforded him to preach the gospel.  The Galatians did so by accepting the gospel!

Note that Paul even took advantage of prison time by writing letters.  And we take advantage of his prison time by reading and studying them.  The limitations that the “illness” and Rome put on Paul served only as opportunity to expand his ministry.

APPLICATION:  The Kingdom of God is not hindered by my weakness or limitations, even if they are imposed on me by others.  These can be used by the Holy Spirit for God’s glory.  May I take advantage of illness, or trouble, or difficulty, or lack of finances, or limited provisions, etc. that may come my way to let God flow through me!  I may be limited, but God is not!!! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, instead of being discouraged by my weaknesses and limitations, today I will look for you to flow through them.  Help me see them as opportunities to bring the love of Jesus to someone I would have overlooked.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 12, 2024: SOAP #5213: Deuteronomy 19-21; Galatians 3

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 3:10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11 Clearly no-one is justified before God by the law because, “The righteous will live by faith.”

OBSERVATION: What a chapter!   How clearly Paul defines that God has done for me what I could not do for myself.  Before I came to faith in Christ, I could not keep the law so perfectly that I would be included in heaven.  But faith in what Jesus did makes me acceptable for heaven!!!  

I started on my heavenly quest by faith.   Now that I am on my journey, I must LIVE by faith!   If I was trusting the law, then I would be required to “continue to do everything written in the book of the Law.”  Because if I did not, I would be cursed!   But now I continue to live by the way I started—by FAITH!  

APPLICATION:  Living by faith means that I am living CONFIDENT.  I am not worried.  Christ’s death for my sins far exceeds my ability to keep the law.  Living by faith means that I am living GRATEFUL.  I am thankful that God did for me what I was unable to do for myself.  Living by faith means that I am living LOVING JESUS!  I honor Jesus not because I have to but because I want to — I love Him!  Living by faith means that I am living OPEN.  Everyone who knows me will know that Jesus lives inside.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, living by faith means that I am living JOYFUL!  Being joyful is natural when I know I am walking with Jesus!  Holy Spirit, help me spread your joy around.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 11, 2024: SOAP #5212: Deuteronomy 16-18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 2:8 For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9 James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.

OBSERVATION: Just as there are different members of the human body with each one doing an assigned part and all coordinated together to cause the body to function, so it is with the body of Christ.  God has different assignments for different members.  Peter and John were sent to minister to Jews; Paul and Barnabas were sent to minister to Gentiles.  God was working through both ministries.  God does not have us all in the same location doing the same thing.   

          God is a great coordinator of ministry.  This past week someone listening to the Lord, sent me some money.  I was wondering how the Lord would have it used, but the next day an emergency arose for the brother who is traveling to install the 85 computers and printers.  The Lord had already taken care of it.  Then a day or so later the brother who does the SOAP printing for Free Towne was hospitalized.  Could I help?  No, but God had already coordinated someone with the ministry of giving to meet the needs. 

APPLICATION:  Whatever our ministry, writing, preaching, serving, giving, praying…we must be faithful.  We can count on God to be faithful; we must trust Him.  It is not our place to tell others how to be faithful.  We must tell God and let Him move their hearts.  If God does not provide what we need, He probably has other plans or different timing..  We must faithfully continue using what we have to do what He has given us to do. 

PRAYER:  Lord, you are “at work” in every place and in every assignment. It does not matter where we are or to whom we minister. We are never alone for You are with us. Our strength does not matter, for You are working with Your strength. Our resources do not matter, for You are at work with your unlimited resources! Use us for your glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 10, 2024: SOAP #5211: Deuteronomy 13-15; Galatians 1

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION:  Paul could not be a servant of Christ AND work for the approval of people.  With Jesus as his Lord, his goal was to win God’s approval.  Some people would approve of his work; some would not.  It was the approval of God that was important to Paul. 

APPLICATION:  These verses contain the goal of every pastor as they preach, and surely my goal in writing the SOAPs.  The message must come from the Lord!   It is more than what God has said, it is what is God saying!  What is God saying now. 

God is eternally ever present!  The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write this letter to the church in Galatia.  The same Holy Spirit reveals the application of God’s word to our everyday lives. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I am your servant, and it is your approval I seek.  Knowing that I have pleased you brings me joy and great peace.  Holy Spirit, I depend on you to show me which scriptures to put in each day’s SOAP and how they apply to my life.  I depend on your presence to lead me throughout each day.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 09, 2024: SOAP #5210: Deuteronomy 10-12; Mark 16

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. 20 Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.

OBSERVATION: Jesus had finished His work on earth.  He had taught them, had set an example for them, had died for their sins, had risen from the dead and now returned to heaven and sat down in His place of honor.  He sat down because His work in becoming our Redeemer was finished.  

But the story continues.  His ministry continues.  But now He is working with His disciples through the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Now “His words” that they spoke were confirmed by the same signs that followed “His words” when He spoke them!   

APPLICATION:  What an honor to have the life of Jesus living within!  What an honor to have the same Holy Spirit living in me and moving through me!  What an honor to be a continuation of the ministry of Jesus!  What an honor to speak “His words!” 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, as Jesus emptied Himself of His God characteristics and walked as a man on earth, you filled Him and anointed Him and flowed through Him.  Help me follow His example to live and minister in your anointing.  May healings and miracles confirm “His word” that is ministered in these SOAPs.  …for it is in His Name I pray, Amen. 

From the LORD:  Expect me to demonstrate my presence in your life by doing things beyond your capabilities.  Others will be drawn to me as they see what I do in you.  Admit your weakness and give me the glory.  Your weaknesses are opportunities for me to demonstrate my power! 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 08, 2024: SOAP #5209: Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 15

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 15:29 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30 come down from the cross and save yourself!” 31 In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself!

OBSERVATION: The pain screamed, “Save yourself!”  The disgrace of dying like a criminal shouted, “Save yourself!”  Those insulting Him said, “Save yourself!”  The religious leaders said, “Save yourself!”  Did He have the power to “save Himself?”  Oh yes.  Even satan recognized that Jesus could call angels to help. (Luke 4:10)

But there was something He could not do.  He could not save Himself AND fulfill the purpose of His coming.  This was why He had been sent!  This was why He was on earth!   He had no sins for which His blood would be required to cover, so He readily offers it to repenting sinners to cover their sins!  

In their mocking, the priests and teachers of the law were right.  Jesus could not save Himself!  

APPLICATION:  By refusing to save Himself, Jesus chose to save me!  …and you!   In love, Jesus took the penalty for our sins.  And in love, He will forgive our sins. 

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you that your love and forgiveness reaches to me.  I confess my sins and receive your forgiveness.  I invite you to make my life your home.  Bring someone into my life that will help me understand this relationship that we share.  Thank you for the joy you put into my heart.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 07, 2024: SOAP #5208: Deuteronomy 5-6; Psalm 43; Mark 14

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 14:12 On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb, Jesus’ disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” 13 So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. 14 Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 15 He will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” 16 The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

OBSERVATION: What a great privilege for this household to host the last supper.  The room could be used because it was “furnished” and “ready.”  The owner had provided and prepared it for such an occasion.

APPLICATION:  Are my home, my car, and my possessions available and ready to be used by the Lord?   More important, is my life available and ready to be used.  I need to keep it “furnished” with the truth from the Bible.  

If I want the Lord to use me, I must prepare myself to be used and make myself available.  I should be as diligent in preparing my life for use as firefighters are in preparing themselves for the next fire and the fire engine for its use.

PRAYER:  Lord, show me how to prepare myself and my possessions for Your use.  As the song say, “To be used of You is my desire.”  Amen.

From the Lord: Today I will do something in your life in preparation for what you will face in the future.  It may not seem very important now, but there will be a time when you will understand the wisdom in what I have done.  Endure it with grace, knowing that I am  preparing you for future service.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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