Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 18, 2022: SOAP #4763: John 2-4

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 4:34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true.  38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

OBSERVATION:  The sower and the reaper work in different seasons, but they work for the same goal and share the same satisfaction.  It is all for the harvest.  Their work is “harvest-driven.” 

The different yet coordinated work results in them being “glad together.”   Surely one of the joys of heaven will be learning about the others who planted the seeds we had the privilege of reaping.  And even others who reaped the seeds we planted.  There will be great joy shared by sowers and reapers with the souls they brought to Jesus!  

APPLICATION: I need to keep my eyes open and focused on the field.  Today I will be a sower or a reaper.  God will bring into my field of vision, someone who needs to hear the gospel, or someone who is ready to commit their life to Jesus. 

PRAYER:   Lord, use me this day for your glory.  May I meet someone in heaven, someone in whom I planted a seed today, or someone I led to Jesus today.  May there be much rejoicing in heaven because I have been faithful today.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 17, 2022: SOAP #4762: 2Peter 1-3; John 1

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 1:32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.” 35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

OBSERVATION:  Christmas is not only an expression of God’s love in sending His Son Jesus to die for our sins, but also an expression of God’s holiness. The sacrifice for sin had to be prepared in a way that would stand the scrutiny of the highest court in the universe. Only a sinless sacrifice could pay for the sins of others. The sacrifice had to be proven sinless not because it had no opportunity to sin, but because it had every opportunity to sin, yet resisted and remained pure! Oh, what a Savior! He met the righteous demands of the One and Only Perfectly Holy God!

APPLICATION: In love, God forgives me and pays for my sins by the death of Jesus. In holiness, He sent the same Holy Spirit that came upon Jesus — that same Holy Spirit to live within me and help me overcome temptation. Oh, what a God!

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, you are amazing! You know me perfectly. You have perfectly supplied for my needs! I am blest to be yours! Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 16, 2022: SOAP #4761: 1Peter 1-5

SCRIPTURE:  1Peter (NIV) 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

OBSERVATION:  We all enjoy receiving gifts.  Someone thought of us enough to give us something we did not earn.  We are blest! 

But wait, there is something more.  There is another joy in receiving gifts.  It is that the gift can then be used to bless someone else.  It is “using the gift received to serve others.”  Often, the joy of using the gift to bless others is greater than the joy experienced in first receiving the gift.

APPLICATION: Oh, what joy I miss when I take God’s gifts selfishly.  God wants me to experience a greater joy beyond the joy of receiving.  He wants me to experience the joy of giving — so He gives me something I can give others.  He blesses me to make me a blessing.

Note:  My heart overflows with great appreciation when I see how God is working in Africa.  People who have received the SOAP ministry are giving from their finances to enable others to receive the SOAP ministry!  Even this weekend preparation is being made to install 15 computers and printers in Sierra Leonel, with about 90% of the money raised in Africa!  

PRAYER:   Lord, thank you for giving me gifts that I can use to bless others!  Indeed, I am doubly blest!  I am blest in receiving the SOAP thoughts from you, and I am blest in passing them on!   Obviously, this is YOUR ministry.  Thank you for letting me be a part.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 15, 2022: SOAP #4760: James 1-5

SCRIPTURE:  James (NIV) 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness…
4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

OBSERVATION:  True wisdom from God is expressed in humility.  We are called to be servants.  Any authority one may have is only a tool for serving others.  Humility is the natural response for those who know the price Jesus paid on the cross.  Humility is the proper response for those who understand the greatness of God’s plan!  In God’s service there is no room for pride! 

APPLICATION: Many people have characteristics that make them attractive to others.  Others are drawn to the way they fix their hair, or their accent when they talk, maybe their smile or laugh.  Humility is a characteristic that makes one attractive to God. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, help me make humility a dominant characteristic in my life. Let it be like a suit of clothes that fit me well. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 14, 2022: SOAP #4759: Hebrews 12-13; Jude

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

OBSERVATION:  When the Bible was written, the books were not broken into chapters and verses.  The verses above directly follow the previous passage about Old Testament heroes that overcame by their faith.  Some accomplished great things, some merely stood true, some were killed, but all were commended for their faith. 
— So, now what are these “heroes of faith” doing?  They are the “great cloud of witness” observing us. 

APPLICATION: I have had opportunity to watch several world cup soccer games the past few weeks.  Of course, the games take place on the field of play, but I can always hear the roar of the crowd cheering on their team.  From time to time, the camera focuses on the people in the stands.  Obviously, they are as involved in the game as the players on the field!  They respond to everything that happens on the soccer field.  And when their team scores…one would think that every fan personally kicked the ball into the goal!!!  
— And it is all for a game!  …a game to kick a ball into your goal more times than the opposing team kicks the ball into their goal!  
— But there is a crowd in heaven watching and rejoicing over every sinner who repents!  It must be a thunderous roar!!!  
— As I watch the excitement and congratulations poured onto the ones who made the goals, I think I get a picture of how heaven reacts when a believer prays with one to become a new creation in Christ Jesus!  Leading someone to Jesus has to be one of the greatest joys we can experience on earth!!!  

PRAYER:   Lord, I think that leading someone to you is the one thing I can do that is most closely tied to your sacrifice on Calvary.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 13, 2022: SOAP #4758: Hebrews 9-11

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 11:38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.      39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

OBSERVATION:  Consider how God planned a place for man which had everything needed to sustain man’s life.  Consider how God planned and prepared for the nation of Israel and how He planned and prepared for the arrival of His Son, Jesus.  Consider the way Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies.  What a plan!!  What great preparation!   What great fulfillment as the Lamb of God died for the sins of people!  What great rejoicing when He rose from the dead!!!  

Consider the plan of God for the church.  Consider the plan for the Bible to be written and so widely spread.   

Considering all of this, can there be any doubt that God has a great celebration planned when all believers are together in heaven!!!   Those who are already experiencing the wonder of heaven and the thrill of seeing the Lord of lords and King of Kings, they have “something better” ahead that they cannot enjoy until we join them!!!  

APPLICATION: Some have been waiting a long time.  But two things should be noted:  First:  Heaven is not a bad place to be waiting!   Away from the temptations of the devil!   And second: Their wait is almost over!  My spirit is stirred with the thought that He’s coming soon; it will not be long.   We will soon be joining our loved ones in that great host of worshippers.    In joining with those already there, we will be “made perfect!”   “What will it be when we get over yonder and join the throng upon that glassy sea!” (WEMercer)

PRAYER:   Oh, Lord, what a day that will be!  To gather with the saints of all the ages.  To be a part of the culmination of your Man-plan!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 12, 2022: SOAP #4757: Hebrews 5-8

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus saves us completely! 

There is no one I would rather have as my intercessor!  There is no one who knows me better than Jesus!  There is no one who has done more for me than Jesus!  I have confidence that He will represent me perfectly!

There is no one I would rather have as my intercessor!  There is no one who knows the Father better than Jesus.  There is no one who has done more for the Father than Jesus.  At the Father’s direction, Jesus came to be born as a created man and die to bring the Father a large family of sons in the image of Jesus!  If there is anyone to whom the Father will listen, it is Jesus!

APPLICATION: I can come in confidence to the Father through my intercessor.  I am “completely” saved!

I can come to the Father through my intercessor at any time; He “always lives.”  He is alive at this very moment! 

PRAYER:   Lord, I cannot even begin to know how blest I am to have you as my representative in the courts of heaven…to have you as my intercessor!  You know me perfectly.  And you know the Father perfectly.  May my life bring you joy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 11, 2022: SOAP #4756: Philemon; Hebrews 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 2:16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants 17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

OBSERVATION:  These chapters at the beginning of the book of Hebrews give us a high appreciation for Jesus.  He came from heaven and is higher than the angels.  The Father calls Jesus God.  He is worthy of worship.  The earth and the heavens are the work of His hands!  

For God, to enjoy the fellowship with His creation, man’s sin must be properly atoned.  God’s holiness would be called into question if he allowed sinful man to escape hell because of some cheap substitute.  So, God, the Son, came to share our humanity and die the death of a sinful man.  To be the proper sacrifice for man’s sin, Jesus had “to be made like his brothers in every way!”  His sinless sacrifice pays for my sins, and your sins as we accept Him as our Savior and Lord! 

APPLICATION: We escape the pollutions of this world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  (2Peter 2:20)   We acknowledge Jesus as our Savior because He saves us from the result of sin.  We acknowledge Jesus as our LORD because He takes leadership and ownership of our lives.  We find joy and peace in fulfilling the purpose for which we were created! 

PRAYER:   Oh, Father, what a special blessing you sent to earth when Jesus was born in Bethlehem.  The more I meditate on the Christmas story, the more I am in awe of You.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 10, 2022: SOAP #4755: 2Timothy 1-4

NOTE:  In looking for what God would have me write for today, I believe God wants me to repost a SOAP from 2019.

SCRIPTURE:  2Timothy (NIV) 4:16 [Past] At my first defense, no-one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 [Future] The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

OBSERVATION:  In verses 16-17, Paul shares about his past.  He had to face charges alone — But the Lord was on his side and brought deliverance.  In verse 18, Paul jumps to the future — The Lord will rescue him and will bring him safely to the heavenly kingdom!

The only way I know to get from the past to the future is to go through the present.  What is happening in Paul’s present?  Chapter 1 verse 12 tells us that he is suffering.  Chapter 2 verses 8-9 tell us that he is in chains.  Earlier in chapter 4 we read that he is already being poured out and that his departure (death) is soon.

APPLICATION: Some people get so caught up feeling miserable and complaining about present troubles that they forget what God has done in the past and what He has promised for the future!   Like Paul, sometimes I need to forget about my present troubles, review what God has done for me in the past and remind myself of God’s future promises.  From past victories and future promises, I can gain strength to face today’s troubles.

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, forgive me for wasting time worrying about my problems.  What you have done for me in the past assures me that you have my present in control. Your promises provide a glimpse of what my future holds as I walk with you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 09, 2022: SOAP #4754: 1Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1 Timothy (NIV) 5:3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. ….
8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

OBSERVATION:  Mark 16:15 tells me to go into all the world.  Matthew 28:19 tells me to go to all nations.  My world starts at my right hand, encircles the earth, and reaches to my left hand.  All nations should include the nation in which I live.  Reaching the world starts with those who eat at the same table with me.  It starts with my family.  To be more concerned about those in far-away nations and ignore my own family misses the heart of true religion.  The above verses are in agreement with the teachings of Jesus.  Note:  Mark 7:10-13.

APPLICATION: When a person is concerned about reaching the older members of their family, or senior friends, they can rest assured that the Holy Spirit is also concerned.  Through spending time with our family members, we can become aware of their needs.  Know that God has already provided some way for us to minister to them.  Through prayer and Bible study, the Holy Spirit will reveal to us some specific things we can personally do. 

We minister to them as unto the Lord, knowing that “this is pleasing to God!” 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, I appreciate the blessings I have because Jesus spent time here on earth.  I appreciate the blessings I have in that the Holy Spirit spends time with me all day, every day.  Use my time to bless others.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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