Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 17, 2022: SOAP #4671: Ezekiel 42-44; Revelation 22

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
Genesis (NIV) 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 3 And God said…

OBSERVATION:  The same One present in Genesis 1:2 is here in Revelation 22:17. One of the first things we learned about God from Genesis was that He speaks!  One of the last things we see about God in the book of Revelation is that He speaks! In Genesis we saw The Speaker, speaking the world into existence.  In Revelation we see The Speaker continuing to speak.  Through the Spirit and the bride (the church) an invitation from God is extended to join in the fulfillment of the purposes of creation.  God’s plan in creation is fulfilled in the acceptance of this invitation.

APPLICATION: God’s plan for me was fulfilled when I confessed my sins and asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life.  He began placing His Word in my heart and mind.  He used my circumstances on the outside to mix with the Word on the inside.  With Him in control, all things really do work/mix together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose! (Romans 8:28) 

The circumstances we each have, mixed with the Scriptures we have hidden in our heart, make each of us unique to the Lord.  Only you can give glory to God in your unique way.  There is no one else in all creation like you.  And the same is for me.

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, from beginning to end, I am seeing the wisdom of having you as the Lord of my life. I surrender to you.  Use the uniqueness of me for your glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 16, 2022: SOAP #4670: Ezekiel 40-41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

OBSERVATION:  How clearly the Bible tells us that there are only two possible destinations.  The previous chapter ends with “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15 and 21:8) This chapter ends with entrance into the city being limited to “only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

APPLICATION: I am so thankful that I can be sure about my destination!  It is such an important matter!  It is not something to leave up to chance or “hope so.”  (1John 2:2-5)  I do not hope I will make it to heaven; I KNOW I will make it to heaven.  I am not depending on my good works to get me there, but my faith it is in Jesus’ payment for my sins on Calvary!  It was a totally sufficient sacrifice to cover all my sins.  The reality of my faith is expressed in my love for Him and in living my life for His glory.  The Holy Spirit living inside me guides me and gives me strength to live each day to honor Him. 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, my eternal destination is so important that it cannot be left to chance.  I know it is also important to you!  When I received your forgiveness, you placed your Holy Spirit within me to assure me that you have made everything right. Thank you for the peace and joy He brought to my heart and life! Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 15, 2022: SOAP #4669: Ezekiel 38-39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 20:11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

OBSERVATION:  My deeds may take up one line, or a whole page. My deeds may be entered on 100 pages. It makes no difference how many entries there are with my name in the books. The important thing: is my name written the THE BOOK OF LIFE.

APPLICATION: My SOAP friends, our names are written in THAT BOOK when we are born again. It is when I confess my sins and by faith receive His forgiveness purchased by the death of Jesus on the cross. It is when I confess Him as my Lord. His Spirit comes to live in my life, and I surrender everything to Him. It is when the purpose of my life changes from pleasing me to pleasing Him. Have you been born again? Is your name written in THE BOOK OF LIFE? I invite you to pray with me

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, I need a life changing event. I confess my sins and ask your forgiveness because Jesus, your Son died as payment for my sins. Holy Spirit, come and live your life in me. Help me make Jesus my Lord, owner, boss. Write my name in THE BOOK OF LIFE.  May I find true joy in serving you. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 14, 2022: SOAP #4668: Ezekiel 36-37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no-one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

OBSERVATION:  There are many portraits of Jesus in the Bible, but in these verses we have His final portrait. The one once lying in a manger is now seated on a white horse.  The son of Mary is now the Commander-in-Chief.  His words which were gracious are now a sharp sword.  The gentle man who blest little children is now the dispensing God’s wrath.  The one followed by twelve fishermen is now followed by the armies of heaven!  The suffering sacrifice is now the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!  He is the glorious LORD of Glory! 

APPLICATION: This is my Jesus.  This is the one I love and Who loves me!  I want my thoughts, my decisions, my words, and my actions to reveal to the world what an honor it is to have Him as my Lord!  The honor is more than I deserve.  It humbles me. 

PRAYER:  Lord, you are worthy; I worship you! Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 13, 2022: SOAP #4667: Ezekiel 33-35; Revelation 18

SCRIPTURE:  Ezekiel (NIV) 34:29 I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. 30 Then they will know that I, the LORD their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Sovereign LORD. 31 You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign LORD.’”

OBSERVATION:  This is a portion of God’s promise to Israel.  God desires a personal loving relationship with His people.  Israel was not just any nation, they were God’s nation; they were God’s people.

They depended on Him to be God.  He depended on them to obey and to represent Him among the nations. 

God wanted to be known as Israel’s God.  He wanted Israel to be known as God’s people! 

APPLICATION: I am not just any person; I am His person!  He is not just God; He is my God!  God wants me to live my life in such a way that it is obvious to the people around me that He is my God and I am His child. 

He depends on me to represent Him truthfully; He wants me to depend on Him to do what only He can do. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you are my God; I am your servant.  It is my honor and joy to be partnered with you.  As people get to know me, may they get to know you. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 12, 2022: SOAP #4666: Daniel 3-4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 81:14 how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes! 15 Those who hate the LORD would cringe before him, and their punishment would last forever. 16 But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”

OBSERVATION:  What promises we read from God!!!  With promises like the above, what can go wrong!  But the three verses above follow verse 13. 

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 81:13 “If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways,

OBSERVATION:  Verse 13 begins with “If my people…”  There is a condition to the promises in the verses that follow!   If they listen and do, God will do the promises in verses 14-16, but if they do not pay attention, God will not keep those promises.  (I must remember that the scriptures were not originally written with numbers for chapters and verses.  It is good to read a few verses before and after the verses that speak to me.)

APPLICATION:  God’s promises of punishment and judgment are just as true as His promises to bless and sustain.  I must remember that God is a Promise Keeper!  He does not just keep the promises I like.  He is true to His Word! 

PRAYER:   Lord, I want to be as careful to follow your directions as I want you to be in following your promises to sustain and keep me, to provide for me, and to take me to heaven.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 11, 2022: SOAP #4665: Daniel 1-2; Revelation 16

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 16:8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl [of God’s wrath vs.1] on the sun, and the sun was given power to scorch people with fire. 9 They were seared by the intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him. 10 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into darkness. Men gnawed their tongues in agony 11 and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.

OBSERVATION:  I am amazed at the response of sinful man.  God promised judgment if they sinned.  They sin and God keeps His word.  Their response is to curse God and refuse to repent.  Cursing God indicated that they are aware that these catastrophes came from Him, but they refuse to repent!  How illogical!  

APPLICATION: Sin has a strong hold on people.  It affects them physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.  It puts a lock on their thoughts so that they cannot see the obvious. 

It takes the unlocking, mind opening power of the Holy Spirit to break into a mind bound by sin.  He convicts us of sin and convinces us of the saving grace of Jesus.  It looks to me like the great influence of the Holy Spirit is removed when the church is removed.  The Holy Spirit that anointed Jesus, and then the early church, works through people.  When people who have yielded themselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit are removed, the influence of the Spirit is removed.  Sin remains and increases it control of people. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, keep me from underestimating the power of sin.  Convict me of sin.  Make sin, even what I consider small sins, repulsive to me.  I confess my sins and receive the forgiveness purchased for me on Calvary.  Make me holy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 9, 2022: SOAP #4663: Lamentations 3-5; Revelation 15

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 15:1 I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven angels with the seven last plagues—last, because with them God’s wrath is completed.

OBSERVATION:  With these plagues, God’s wrath is finished.  Here we read of God’s wrath being finished.  But we never read of God’s mercy or grace being finished!   For all eternity we will be able to talk about how terrible God’s wrath was.  And we will always be talking about how great IS his mercy and grace.  We will continue to enjoy the benefits of His mercy and grace. 

In heaven, we will better understand hell and from what God has saved us.  And, of course, we will better understand heaven, the benefits of his mercy and grace.  We will always be discovering something new about our eternal home for which we will be thankful. 

APPLICATION: Even though my present understanding is limited about the greatness of God’s mercy and grace, they should both be constant themes of my praise and worship. 

God’s wrath is an emotional expression of his anger.  He has every right to be angry.  But even in His wrath and anger He remains perfectly holy.  His anger does not drive Him beyond His holiness.  In anger He remains just. 

For God to remain holy and yet be merciful and gracious, the wrath I deserved was poured out on Jesus at the cross!  

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, the more I understand about your wrath, the more I appreciate your mercy and grace, and the more I appreciate what Jesus took for me on the cross. My heart overflows with gratitude!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 9, 2022: SOAP #4663: Lamentations 1-2; Obadiah; Revelation 14

SCRIPTURE:  Obadiah (NIV) 18 The house of Jacob will be a fire and the house of Joseph a flame; the house of Esau will be stubble, and they will set it on fire and consume it. There will be no survivors from the house of Esau.” The LORD has spoken. 19 People from the Negev will occupy the mountains of Esau, and people from the foothills will possess the land of the Philistines. They will occupy the fields of Ephraim and Samaria, and Benjamin will possess Gilead. 20 This company of Israelite exiles who are in Canaan will possess the land as far as Zarephath; the exiles from Jerusalem who are in Sepharad will possess the towns of the Negev.
21 Deliverers will go up on Mount Zion to govern the mountains of Esau. And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.

OBSERVATION:  The book of Obadiah is a prophecy directed to Edom, the descendants of Esau.  Edom will be held accountable for how they had treated Israel.  “There will be no survivors from the house of Esau. The LORD has spoken.”  It sounds final, but the prophet has more to say. 

The prophet ends his prophecy with seven very strong words: “And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.”  When all is over, when all is said and done, “And the kingdom will be the LORD’s.!”  

APPLICATION: Whatever happens to me, or to the nation in which I live, I can draw strength and courage from those seven last words.  I belong to a kingdom that has no end.  It is ruled by a King who has no end!   It is a kingdom that expresses the true nature of the King.  As a subject of that kingdom, I have the same priorities as the King.  The characteristics of the King are being worked into me. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, work in me, make me a true expression of King Jesus.  I pray that His nature will be easily seen in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 8, 2022: SOAP #4662: Jeremiah 42-44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 48: Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. 2 It is beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth. Like the utmost heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King.

OBSERVATION:  In the building and the history of Jerusalem, the psalmist found proof of God’s greatness!  In its walls and in its temple, the psalmist saw God’s design.  God was visible wherever he looked. 

APPLICATION: This morning as I drove the school bus several children became excited; they saw a doe (a female deer) and two small baby deer in a pasture near the road.  As I slowly drove ahead, the mother deer crossed the road in front of the bus.  She was followed shortly by one small baby deer and then a second.  My heart rejoiced at God’s handiwork on display.  But even more, my heart rejoiced at the excitement of the children. 

God’s handiwork is always on display.  But many times, I am too busy with my schedule to take time to consider what is right before my eyes.  I miss the opportunity to give my most worthy God the praise He deserves. 

PRAYER:   Lord, indeed, you are great and most worthy of praise.  Holy Spirit, slow me down enough to be able to see creation’s beauty.  May my mouth be quick to give you praise.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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