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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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 30, 2023: SOAP #4926: Proverbs 13-15; Romans 11

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

OBSERVATION:  I see this as a “stand-alone” truth.  This is a statement about how God works with His children.  But in the context of Romans 11 this truth is being applied to Israel.  God’s call and promises to Israel will be fulfilled. 

 In this statement about the way God deals with his children, we see He has plans for our lives.  He is working toward an expected outcome in our lives.  He has thought through what he wants us to do.  So, His gifts and callings are purposeful.  He will not repent of the gifts He has given us, nor will He say He is sorry for His calling on our lives. 

APPLICATION:  Fulfillment in life is found in fulfilling God’s plan for your life. 

Know that God is more interested in you knowing His plan, than you are interested in knowing His plan!  If your heart is set on knowing, you do not need to be afraid that you will miss it!   If someone gives you a “word” that God wants you to do a certain thing, wait for God to confirm it.  I recommend that you ask Him to confirm it through the scriptures.  There will be difficulties in moving ahead with God’s plan.  Having God’s will for your life supported by two or three confirmations will build your faith to overcome those difficulties.  If you find yourself waiting to know God’s will, get busy serving the Lord, doing what is readily available for you to do, doing what you see before you.  Ask your pastor how you can him. 

If God has given you children, know it is God’s will for you to raise them as strong believers!   You need not look for another calling of God.  That is your calling!!!  If God wants to give you an additional ministry, let it be His plan and initiative and not yours. 

PRAYER:   Lord, find my ears open to hearing your voice.  Find my heart willing to answer your call.  Find me faithful in fulfilling my part.  Find me easy to lead.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 29, 2023: SOAP #4925: Proverbs 10-12; Romans 10 (reworked)

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 10:8 But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

OBSERVATION:  Here Paul says it clearly.  It is a confession with the mouth of what is believed in the heart.

Faith without works is dead, and the confession of the mouth is an expression of the faith in the heart.  It is commonly the first expression of faith’s presence.

This faith accompanied by its confession brings salvation!

The confession is of the Lordship of Jesus.  We surrender to His control and rulership.  Our lives are now His to be lived as He directs.  This is completely reasonable.  He is omnipotent and omniscient and motivated by love.  He died for me.  It would be unreasonable not to surrender to His Lordship!

His death, as payment for my sins, did not end His life.  He is the resurrected Lord with power over death.  His death paid the penalty for the sins I have committed, and now His life within is the power to live in victory over sin!

APPLICATION:  I need BOTH!  I need His payment for the penalty of my sins.  AND I need His presence for the power to live each day.  His payment is a historical fact; His presence is an everyday reality!

PRAYER:   Lord, with my mouth I confess that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness.  In my heart I believe that you died on the cross in payment for my sins.  Forgive me.  Come live inside me as my Lord.  Help me to live in a way that demonstrates both:  the historical fact that you died for my sins, AND the current reality that you live within me. Thank you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 28, 2023: SOAP #4924: Proverbs 7-9; Romans 9

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 9:4 …Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.
5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

OBSERVATION:  God had only One Son and could send him to the world through only one family, living in one nation.  He died on only one cross — once and for all.  God blessed the world through Israel.

God, the Son, is God just as the Father and the Holy Spirit are God!  Verse 5 above tells us that Jesus is “God over all.” The human body by which he entered His time on earth as a man was a descendent of King David and back to Abraham.  He was a Jew.  He was sent as a love gift from God to sinful people through the nation of Israel. 

APPLICATION:  I am amazed that God loves me enough to die in payment for my sins.  I am honored that Jesus would enter my heart.  I am so thankful that He has cleansed me from sin.  I am blest that Jesus would share my life and walk with me through every day.  I am joyful that He talks to me and makes His ways open to me.  I am relieved that He is not hard to please.  I am privileged to have His presence with me every day. 

PRAYER:   Lord, you are “God over all.”  What a changes you make in my life.  As you continue to live in me, you continue to reveal yourself to me and bring change to me.  It is my pleasure to walk through each day with you!   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 27, 2023: SOAP #4923: Proverbs 4-6; Romans 8 (Reworked from 2014.)

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 7:7 … I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law… .
Romans (NIV) 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

OBSERVATION:   In many ways, it is like a mother and her child.  The Mother knows that it is important to warn her child of the dangers in the room, but she also understands that he is focused on those things; they hold an attraction for him.  Even her warning brings them to his attention.  So, she stays with the child and works to keep the child’s focus on herself and those things she knows are not harmful.  Her presence is protection for her child.  Her wisdom is now available to guide and protect the child. 

Her presence makes all the difference. If she had just warned the child, then left the room, the child would soon wander to the forbidden things, but her watchful presence keeps him safe. Her warning teaches, but her presence insures! 

And in addition to all this, it is the joy of the mother to spend the time with her child, and so it is not grievous for God to spend the personal time with each of us!   He joys in us even as a mother in her child.

APPLICATION:  How true of our walk with God.  God desires that we learn and grow in understanding, so He gives us His Word, the Bible. 

God also knows that we need His watchful eye on us, so He is present with us by His Holy Spirit.  

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, may I be a child that brings you joy.  I want you to enjoy our life together!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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