Before or After?

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 24, 2028: SOAP #5682: 2Kings 11,12; 2Chronicles 24; 1Timothy 6

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 6:5a   …people of corrupt mind…who think that godliness is a means to financial gain
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 
8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 

OBSERVATION:   Money is an important part of our life and is an avenue through which we can express our priorities.  Earthly money will have no value in heaven.  God did not place us on earth with a given amount of money, and we will not be allowed to take any of it with us.  It is how we use money here that gives it eternal value. 

APPLICATION:  Some of the great challenges of my life have to do with the proper use of money.  One challenge is to get the best value available out of the money I have.  Money is valuable and should not be wasted on unimportant matters.  Money can be used on earth to affect eternal changes we will see in heaven.  Another challenge is to trust God that he has and will provide what I need to fulfill his will.  It is easier to do God’s will with other people’s money rather than believe God can multiply what I already have.  My third challenge is how to invest what I have in ministry that will best enhance God’s Kingdom.  People arriving in heaven will not go to the bank teller to check on the size of their account.  But people arriving in heaven will be greeted by others who are there because of how they invested their money on earth! 

Money counselors often council their clients on how to invest their money to have enough money to take enjoy life before they die.  The Bible counsels us to invest our money to enjoy life after we die!  Hmmm. 

PRAYER:   Lord, I need the help of the Holy Spirit to wisely use the money you have made available to me.  May Your priorities be easily seen in how I use money.   When I get to heaven, I want to look back and rejoice at how I handled your money.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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First of all!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 23, 2028: SOAP #5681: 2Kings 10; 2Chronicles 22,23; 1Timothy 5

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy 5:4 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.

OBSERVATION:   What we believe about God must be more than talk.  It must be more than going to meetings at a church building.  It is how we live all week long.  It is how we treat our family, including our parents and grandparents.  Note: this is “first of all” to be learned! 

Caring for parents and grandparents can be a heavy burden, hopefully a joyful burden, but not always so.  Those with such responsibilities can be encouraged by this verse.  First, they are validating their faith.  Second, they are doing what is right.  Third, they are pleasing God.   

APPLICATION:  For some of us today, this verse is an encouragement that we are pleasing God in caring for our loved one.  We are making God smile. 

For others, we may need to send an appreciation note to a brother or sister who is caring for our parents.  There may be some way we can share in the burden. 

And for those us whose parents or grandparents are in retirement quarters, care homes, convalescent hospitals, etc. we can be faithful to visit, send letters, and make phone calls. 

“For this is pleasing to God.”

PRAYER:   Lord, I want my love for You to be seen in how I treat others, especially my family.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Note:  Please be in prayer for a SOAP Team from West Africa preparing to visit East Africa, (Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda)  The goal is to leave on the 30th of June.  Pray for finances and traveling mercies.  Pray for making contact with people who are already receiving the SOAPs.  But mostly pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon each one who is a part of this ministry. 

He has Prepared Us for Victory!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 22, 2028: SOAP #5680: 2Kings 8,9; 2Chronicles 21; 1Timothy 4

(Armor of God #13-last)

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 6:13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

OBSERVATION:  Here is the last one in this series on the Armor of God.  These verses (10-18) speak to me in seven ways.  They tell me that:
First: …troubled days are ahead.
Second:  …God is aware of what is coming.
Third: …God wants me to be victorious.
Fourth: …God has provided specific things to help me overcome evil. 
Fifth: …it is my responsibility to put on the armor.
Sixth: …I need to be fully dressed, not just with the comfortable items.
Seventh: …I must prepare myself now so that when evil comes, I will stand. 

APPLICATION: Preparation is such an important part of life.  It is a natural part of every day.  A parent prepares meals to be ready for their family.  A pastor prepares a message for the church.  A worker prepares the clothes they will wear to work early the next morning.  We all look ahead and make preparation for what we see coming. 

Troubled days are coming.  Temptations are coming.  I want to be victorious!  God wants me to be victorious!  God has done His part by preparing His armor.  I do my part putting it on! 

PRAYER:   Lord, you are not sending me into battle unprepared.  You have designed your armor for me to be victorious!  AND you have given your Holy Spirit to always be with me!  You have designed me for victorious living.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Prayer

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 21, 2028: SOAP #5679: 2Kings 6,7; 2Chronicles 20; 1Timothy 3

Armor of God #12)

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

OBSERVATION:   Paul concludes his list of the whole armor of God with prayer.  What would the armor be without prayer, after all a soldier must be in communication with his superior?

We are instructed how to pray: “pray in the Spirit.” From within the context of Paul’s writings we could understand that this would at least include praying in tongues.  It is good to know that our spirit can continue praying even when our mind is occupied elsewhere.  Of course, even praying in our native tongue (or as Paul writes to the Corinthians, praying with understanding) should be under the guidance and anointing of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit understands the need perfectly; how we need His help today!

We are also to pray on all occasions.  Pray without ceasing. Pray in the pit of despair, pray on the mountain top, and at all places in-between.  There is no occasion in which prayer is inappropriate.

We are also to pray with all types of prayer.  i.e.  intercession, petition, supplication, thanksgiving, praise, worship, etc.

APPLICATION:  We are to be alert and never stop praying.  Certainly, if someone is alert, they should have no trouble praying.  There is always more prayer needs than time to pray!

PRAYER:  Lord, You taught your disciples to pray.  You even gave them a pattern prayer which many can repeat without much thought.  Lord, you gave us good examples of praying as you walked along the road and as you went to special places to pray.  And even more than all this, You sent the Holy Spirit to develop a special relationship with each of us and lead us to pray, even to pray through us!  Obviously, prayer is important!   Amen

Pastor Leon
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The Sword of the Spirit

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 20, 2028: SOAP #5678: 2Kings 4,5; Psalm 83; 1Timothy 2

(Armor of God #11)

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

OBSERVATION:   Jesus is our great example of using the Word of God to withstand Satan’s temptations.  (Matthew 4:1-11)   With every temptation that Satan brought to Him, Jesus quoted the Scriptures.  

It is good to remember that when Jesus was being tempted, He had just come from the river where He was baptized by John.  It was there that the Holy Spirit descended on Him in the form of a dove.  And so, when dealing with Satan’s temptations, He used “the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

It is quite proper to call the scriptures the Sword of the Spirit because they were written in the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  (2Peter 1:21)  It is good to know that even if we do not have a personal copy of the scriptures, we do have a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit living inside.  He is the author of all the scriptures!!!  

APPLICATION:  The Word of God is a defensive weapon; it is also an offensive weapon.  It is an offensive weapon when we move out in obedience to what the Spirit of God has told us.  When we know we are moving in accordance with what God has spoken to us, we can move in faith, confident that He is with us and will bring about His desired effect. 

PRAYER:   Lord, speak to me.  Speak to me through the scriptures.  Speak to my heart throughout each day.  Your voice carries your Word.  And when I speak your Word and move out in obedience to your Word the enemy is defeated and you are glorified!   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Helmet of Salvation

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 19, 2028: SOAP #5677: 2Kings 1-3; Psalm 82; 1Timothy 1

(Armor of God #10)

SCRIPTURE: Ephesians (NIV) 6:16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

OBSERVATION:   The helmet of salvation is given to us to protect our brain, our thoughts.  The helmet speaks of “know-so” aspect of our salvation that the apostle John wrote about in his first letter. “We know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us!” (1John 3:24)

Praise God, salvation includes the brain!  Praise God for peace of mind!  Praise God that our thoughts can be brought in line with the truth that our sins have been washed clean by the blood of Jesus’ death on the cross.  Praise God that I can know that I have been accepted into the body of Christ! 

APPLICATION:  Praise God that I am not a mind and have to live by whatever thoughts cross my thinking.  I am not a mind, but I have a mind that I can use for the glory of God.  My thoughts do not run my life.  Jesus is the Lord of my life and my thoughts. (1Corinthians 10:3-5)  Every thought must be submitted to Him who is the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)

PRAYER:   Lord, how I think is so important in living my life for you.  The enemy knows that and is always throwing thought barbs to get my mind to doubt you and the work you are doing in my life.  Thank you for the helmet of salvation, your word that gives me confidence.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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“

The Shield of Faith

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 18, 2028: SOAP #5676: 1Kings 22; 2Chronicales 18,19; Colossians 4

(Armor of God #9)

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

OBSERVATION:   The shield of faith is not in place of all the aforementioned items of our armor; it is in addition. There is no part of the armor that is unimportant.  We need to keep it all in place.  

And as all the others are important, so is the shield of faith!  It must not be left behind.  It is our faith that extinguishes all the “flaming arrows” or “fiery darts” sent our way at the impetus of the devil.  He is wicked and desires to destroy us.  But our faith is stronger than anything he can throw our way.  After all, the Bible says we can extinguish ALL the flaming arrows/darts!   Praise God!

Faith is the mental confidence that what we know or have been told is real and true.  We are so confident that we base our decisions and actions on its reality.  Others may disagree, but we are convinced!  

APPLICATION:  God has given to all men “the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).  Faith does not have a steady level in our lives.  Our faith can dwindle (1Timothy 4:1); Our faith can grow (2Corinthians 10:15; 2Thessalonians 1:3).  A Smith Wigglesworth book is entitled “Ever Increasing Faith.”  That is what we should want to have said about our faith. 

We must recognize when God is speaking to us and to act accordingly. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, work in my life to increase my faith.  Help me to understand what God is saying to me.  Help me to apply God’s Words to my life.  May each “flaming arrow” that the enemy shoots into my thoughts be quickly extinguished.  Guide me in putting my faith into action.  Anoint me to better serve as you work to continue the ministry of Jesus in the world today.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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The “GO” of the GOspel

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 17, 2028: SOAP #5675: 1Kings 20,21; 2Chronicles 17; Colossians 3

(Armor of God #8)

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

OBSERVATION:   In 1969, upon arriving at Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division in the northern area of South Viet Nam, I quickly learned how important shoes are in war. A man is greatly disadvantaged to have sore feet or poor footing.  Footwear must be comfortable enough not to cause sores, yet strong enough to protect.  They must protect the ankles from turning and provide grip on the many surfaces over which the battle will transpire.  Many times, we would cross a river, or move along in a mountain stream, only to climb to the ridge on the other side.  Feet softened by the water, and beginning to dry, tend to crack in the climb.  And I soon learned that descending the mountain was much harder on feet than climbing.

All of this to emphasize the importance of feet in warfare!   Our feet need to be fitted with the proper shoes.  The shoes need to fit.

APPLICATION:  This part of the armor emphasizes the “go” of the Gospel.  An army in the barracks is subject to many inside troubles, arguing, fighting, etc.  But at army in the field, engaging the enemy has little personality problems.  We must come to realize that the very fact that we are taking the battle to the enemy is a major part of our armor.  The devil will not be so available for attacking us if he must defend himself against our attack.  Like David with his sling, let’s run to the battle!  (1 Samuel 17:48)

PRAYER:   Lord, you did not place your Holy Spirit within us and give us this armor so that we would set back and watch the world pass us by.  Obviously, you intend for us to be actively sharing the gospel with others.  Teach each of us the unique ways we can effectively take this good news to others.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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The Breastplate

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 16, 2028: SOAP #5674: 1Kings 17-19; Colossians 2

(Armor of God #7)

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

OBSERVATION:   The breast plate is worn on the outside of the chest to protect organs on the inside of the rib cage.  Although it protects digestive organs, the greatest concern is about the lungs, and especially the heart. 

Righteousness is holiness in action.  It is a breastplate of living right.  It is doing what pleases our Heavenly Father.  Daily reading the scriptures is a good way to help us live a life pleasing to Him.  But the best way is to learn how the Holy Spirit speaks to us. 

I find that when I start to do something that displeases my Father, the Holy Spirit troubles my heart.  I get the feeling that something is not right.  I get a sense that this is not something I should be doing at all, or something I should not do now.  I let the peace of God help me make good decisions. 

I cannot remember ever being sorry for following what the Holy Spirit told me to do, but I have felt remorse or guilt when I ignored His leading. 

APPLICATION:  My heart is protected from anxiety and worry when I keep the breastplate in place by obeying God’s Word and doing what the Holy Spirit who lives inside me tells me.  He keeps me from having a guilty conscience. 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, thank you for the breastplate of righteousness.  May I never consider it to heavy a burden to carry and be tempted to lay it aside.  Keep me pure.  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen

Pastor Leon
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Dear SOAP readers,  Last week several computers and printers were installed in a new area for SOAP.   At a meeting to explain the SOAPS and share about Jesus, a large number of people responded to the call to make Jesus Lord of their lives.  Keep them in your prayers for their growth in loving Jesus.  Pray for the leaders that God will use to help them joyfully grow in faith. 

Importance of Truth!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 15, 2028: SOAP #5673: 1Kings 16; 2Chronicles 15,16; Colossians 1

(Armor of God #6)

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 6:13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

OBSERVATION:   It is not that we have the belt of truth hanging in our closet, or slung over our shoulder, but it must be buckled round our waist.  Truth gives proper perspective on all matters.  It sets priorities.  It delineates what is necessary and what is optional. 

A soldier must enter the battle on the side of truth.  Knowing that he is fighting for truth gives him stamina and courage.  Truth may not be convenient, but it is always necessary. 

APPLICATION:  Truth tells us that it is not our co-worker or neighbor we are fighting, it is the devil.  Truth tells us that our co-worker or neighbor is as important to our Commander-in-Chief as we are!  That truth helps us to maintain the proper love and respect for those still serving in the enemy’s army.  We were once in that army with them, and it is our prayer that soon they will join us in God’s army. 

PRAYER:   Jesus, you claimed to be the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)  Just having you living in my heart makes truth very important.  May my truthfulness please you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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