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
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

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
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

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
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

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
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

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
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

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
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

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
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

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
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 08, 2022: SOAP #4753: 1Timothy 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 4:13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

OBSERVATION:  Paul is writing to Timothy who he considered his son in the Lord.  Timothy had been left behind in Ephesus to oversee the growth of the church.  Among many instructions Paul gives, here we read that Paul encouraged Timothy to read the Bible aloud in public, as well as preaching the word and teaching the word. 

The scriptures are so important to believers!  They give us God’s priorities and His plan for our lives.  The Holy Spirit speaks to us personally as we read the Bible. 

In the three practices given to Timothy, reading is mentioned before preaching and teaching.  The personal knowledge of the word we get through reading and hearing, helps us discern what we hear in the sermon and Bible class. 

APPLICATION: In Paul’s day, public reading was important.  Most homes did not have a copy of the Bible.  So public reading would provide knowledge to the believer to enable him to make judgments.  In places where Bibles are not readily available today in the homes of believers, church leadership should take Paul’s instructions to Timothy very personally and seriously.  They should set aside time in each gathering for the public reading of the scriptures. 

For those of us who have multiple copies of the scriptures in our homes, even on our phones, we must make sure that our busy lives do not crowd out time for reading the scriptures! 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, in your wisdom, you provided what your children need.  You provided your Son as the sacrifice for our sins.  You provided the Holy Spirit to always accompany us.  You provided the Bible for spiritual growth.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 07, 2022: SOAP #4752: Colossians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Colossians (NIV) 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. …
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

OBSERVATION:  So, what does all the truth about our exalted Savior and Lord mean to me?  So, how does it affect me since I have been raised with Christ and seated with him in heavenly places?  Paul is glad we asked, and he takes chapter three to tell us what it means for us.  He tells us how we “wear” this truth.  In a general form, verse 23 draws it all together: “Whatever you do…”  

APPLICATION: Having the Creator of heaven and earth living inside me should make a noticeable difference!  

When I let myself become distracted, I start acting like I can only depend on myself to deal with the problems facing me.  Then I find that the problems are too big for me.  I am defeated before I start. 

But when I fill my mind with thoughts about HIM, about His ability, about what He has done in the past…faith arises in my heart!   I have confidence in Him, and it shows. 

PRAYER:   Lord Jesus, having you living inside me makes a BIG difference.  You expand the boundaries of possibility. I know I can count on you! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon