Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 19, 2024: SOAP #5220: Joshua 3-6; 1Corinthians 4

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 4:7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

OBSERVATION: These are good questions for people who think they are better than others.  For people who think they have arrived at their status in life by their own skills.

Who made each of us different from everyone else?  No one other than God. What do we have that we did not receive?  Nothing.  Either we received it as a gift, or we received the skills to gain what we have. So, what reason do we have for boasting?  None.

APPLICATION:  They are good questions for me!  I have every reason to walk humbly.  Humility and thanksgiving should be hallmarks of my life.  Serving others with the gifts I have received from God gives purpose to my days.  And I should make myself available to the gifts God has given to others. 

Humility is important for passing along what God has given me AND for receiving from others what God has given them.  Humility is the grace that greases the exchange.  When I am humble, people more readily receive what I have.  When I am humble, I more readily receive what they have. 

Thanksgiving is a way of honoring God for His gifts.  It honors Him as the source of the gifts.  It moves any focus from me to the ONE who deserves all honor and praise. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it is for me to walk humbly before you and humbly within the body of Christ.  Help me dispense your gifts in a way that is easy for people to receive.  Bless others with the gifts you have placed in me.  Bless me with the gifts you have placed in others. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 18, 2024: SOAP #5219: Joshua 1-2; Psalm 37; 1Corinthians 3

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.  …  23 If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; 24 though he stumbles, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

OBSERVATION: Verse 4 presents it as our responsibility to “delight” ourselves in the Lord.  Thinking of Him brings joy to our heart and a smile to our face. 

It may take effort at times to reign in our thoughts from wherever they may wander, but it is worth the effort.  When we begin to take pleasure in God, we find that He delights in us! (verse 23 & 24)   It is His joy to meet our needs.  He smiles on us as we delight ourselves in Him, just as an earthly parent rejoices when their children take pleasure in them.

APPLICATION:  When we delight ourselves in something, or someone, it becomes noticeable by those around us.  We can see a young man noticing a young girl.  His delight in her can take many expressions.  How special it is when the young girl begins to delight in that young man!  And yet that is not nearly as special as me delighting in God and discovering that He delights in me! 

As I read the scriptures, I take note of verses that tell me how I can delight in God and how God delights in me.

PRAYER:  Lord, You and I have a good thing going, at least it is from my point of view.  I am blessed by your presence and your promises.  You keep your word and I trust you.  But, Lord, I want you to be blessed by my presence and my word.  May my presence bring you joy.  May my word be trustworthy as your word is. In Your Name I pray, Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 17, 2024: SOAP #5218: Deuteronomy 32-34; 1Corinthians 2   (from 2022)

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 2:14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: 16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

OBSERVATION: People who do not like to consider the possibility of God’s existence have had to come up with their own explanation for how life on this world started.  The evolution of life from the ocean climbing onto earth and evolving into a man is as good an explanation of any I have heard that did not include God.  They think the Bible’s explanation of creation in Genesis is foolishness.  As I see it, their explanation of life is like going to a movie from which someone removed every scene that contained the main character.  The movie does not make much sense. And life without God makes even less sense.

APPLICATION:  It is amazing how clearly things become, and how things fit together once I have God as The Main Character in the picture.   I am finding this true in every arena of life.  Having God as the main character in my home, in the church, on the school bus, in relationships, etc. sets everything in place.  The more I understand God and His character and His place, the more life on this earth makes sense!

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for revealing yourself to me in the Bible.  Help me to see you in every part of life.  In you, I find my purpose.  Amen

Holy Spirit directed application:  You are in an ongoing argument with a family member or dear friend.  God says to pray this prayer: “Lord, in my wisdom I am making no progress toward a resolution.  Reveal to me how You see this issue.  Show me by the Spirit what I cannot see in my flesh. I commit myself to your plan of action.  Amen”

Pastor Leon
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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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