Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 8. 2024: SOAP #5484: 1Timothy 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.

OBSERVATION:   Paul was on his way to Damascus to arrest and imprison those who believed in Jesus when He personally met Jesus.  (Acts 9)   What a change.  Paul was re-programed with a burning desire to do everything possible to serve and please the One he had fought against.  In the verse above Paul acknowledges that his strength to serve comes from Jesus.  Jesus considered Paul to be faithful and assigned ministry for him to fulfill. 

Although our calling may not be as dramatic as Paul’s, we too should know that it is God who gives us the strength to carry through with the assignments He has given us.  Jesus considers us faithful and so He gives us assignments. 

APPLICATION:  Jesus is not looking for people with great ability, but people with great availability!   If you make yourself available to God, the Holy Spirit will work through you with His ability!  

There is no greater assignment given to people than to have God place a little child in their care!   As the baby Jesus was placed in Mary and Joseph’s lives, they faithfully carried out the responsibility to raise him. 

Child rearing is a high and holy assignment for which we should thank God that he gives us the strength, and with the presence of the Holy Spirit, the wisdom to carry through.  If you have children in your home, let them know that God is the one who placed them there.  Let them know it is a great joy to serve the Lord by serving those He loves.  Let them know that you are depending on God to give you wisdom and to provide for their needs. 

PRAYER:  Lord, may your love flow through us to those you place in our lives.  We receive your assignment with joy, knowing that you are faithful to enable us to do what you have assigned us to do.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 7. 2024: SOAP #5483: Colossians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:   Colossians (NIV) 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fulness dwell in him,

OBSERVATION:   We often limit our knowledge of Jesus to what we read in the Gospels.  He is the baby in the manger.  He is the thirsty man at the well asking for water.  He is the tired teacher sleeping in the boat.  He is even the suffering Savior and a resurrected Lord. 

But there is even more—so much more!!!   He is the creator of all things “in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities.”  He is before all things and He is the glue that holds everything together.  He is supreme over all!  All the fullness of God is in Jesus.  He is just as much God as the Father! 

APPLICATION:  And this is who lives in me!  I may think that since he is in my heart, he must be smaller than me!  I may think that since my thoughts can determine my actions, He must go along with what I think!   But NO! NO! NO!  He is supreme!  He alone is LORD! 

I can trust Him.  I can follow Him without fear.  I can do His bidding.  He is MY LORD! 

PRAYER:  Lord, as Christmas approaches, we will be focusing on your birth.  Help us remember that you really WERE that Baby in the manger, but you really ARE the Creator of all things in heaven and on earth.  You are bigger than any problem we bring to you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 6. 2024: SOAP #5482: Philippians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians (NIV) 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

OBSERVATION:   Paul is writing to the church he had started in Philippi.  He is writing from Prison.  He could have written about how the Jewish leaders had tried to kill him.  He could have written about how the Roman governor was taking the side of the Jews and how he was forced to appeal to Caesar.  He could have written about his trip to Rome on a boat that was destroyed in a storm.  He could have written about being in prison…BUT HE DIDN’T! 

He wrote about how all these troubles had served to “advance the gospel!”  I know it was not those troubles that advanced the gospel, but it was Paul’s attitude in those troubles that advanced the gospel! 

No wonder everyone in the palace guard heard about Jesus through Paul’s presence. 

APPLICATION:   We all have troubles.  Hopefully not as big as Paul’s, but troubles we have.  And when people come to visit, do they hear about how much pain we have, or how difficult it is to get the help we need, or the poor food we have to eat, or…  Or do they hear about the scripture we read in the Bible this morning, or about haw God has answered our prayer for someone we love, or about the wonderful message we heard on Sunday…

How many of the people with whom we come in contact know that Jesus is the main part of our life?

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, use me, my family, my work, my good and bad times, yes, and my troubles to spread an awareness of Jesus.  May people come to tie thoughts about me to thoughts about Jesus.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 5. 2024: SOAP #5481: Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119:1-80

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

OBSERVATION:   “Ambassador in chains,”  that is how Paul saw himself and described himself.  It would be proper for others to see Paul in this way and use this phrase to encourage him, but this is Paul speaking about himself! 

The chains were secondary; that he was an ambassador was the primary issue.  He did not ask them to pray for his release from the chains, but that he would boldly proclaim the message for which he was an ambassador! 

APPLICATION:  How do I see myself when I am in times and places of trouble?  Perhaps I should listen to how I request prayer for myself.  What is the first on my prayer request list?  Is it prostate cancer or SOAP ministry?   Is it for my comfort and ease or for God to be glorified in my life? 

Is it for my neighbor’s salvation or for their dog to be quiet?  Is it for the nurse to ease my discomfort or for the nurse to meet Jesus when coming to my hospital room? 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help me not to be distracted by the troubles surrounding me and be kept from seeing God’s hand at work through me in the lives of others.  In Jesus’ Name,  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 4. 2024: SOAP #5480: Ephesians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
14 who is a deposit guaranteeing (KJV the earnest) our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

OBSERVATION:   It is customary in the USA when making an offer to purchase a house, to give earnest money, which is a deposit guaranteeing that the rest will be coming, if the offer is accepted. 

It would be proper for God to require from us a down payment of some type on our heavenly inheritance.  But verse 14 says that God gives such a deposit to us!!! 

And as amazing as that thought is, even more amazing is what that deposit is—the deposit is the Holy Spirit!!!  Wow!!!

APPLICATION:  That God has kept His promise to send the Holy Spirit to live in me here is this world is proof that He will keep the other promises concerning my heavenly future. 

Entrance into heaven is based only on my trusting the sacrifice of Jesus to pay for my sins.  But my usefulness to God in heaven will be in accordance with my usefulness to God here.  Faithfulness on earth will be richly rewarded in heaven. 

This is where the Holy Spirit has such a great part in the lives of believers.  His presence empowers and energizes us to be active believers, living the truth found in the Bible.  His gifts (1Corinthians 12) raise our ministry level far above our human capabilities. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for sending the Holy Spirit!  May He move freely in my life and bring you much glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 3. 2024: SOAP #5479: Romans 13-16

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

OBSERVATION:   Here we find a powerful benediction or blessing that Paul gives to his readers.  He is calling on the “God of hope” to so fill them with “all joy and peace” that they would overflow with hope! 

Why look anywhere else, or to anybody else, for hope when the “God of hope” is our Heavenly Father!!!   He fills us with joy and we find contentment in our present circumstances.  He fills us with peace and the turmoil of unknown circumstances smooths out before us.  The God of peace oversees it all!   The indwelling Holy Spirit has power to overcome anything we face.  

APPLICATION:  “…that you may overflow with hope…” tells me that others should benefit from the hope that is in me.  When discouraged people are around me, some of my hope will spill onto them.   The power and gifts of the Holy Spirit are to make me a blessing to others—to lift them, to cause them to turn their eyes on Jesus and put their faith in Him. 

Some people may say that I have a positive attitude, but it is just faith that the God living in me is bigger than any problem I may face! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, in hope, may you fill SOAP readers with all joy and peace as they trust in you, so that they may have an abundantly overflowing hope by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 2. 2024: SOAP #5478: Romans 9-12

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

OBSERVATION:   Paul recognized that it takes two people to live at peace. There may be times when we cannot live in peace, but the reason should never be found in us.  I cannot force another person to live at peace with me. 

Living at peace, at times, will require overlooking and forgiving offences.   But because I have been forgiven, I am commanded to forgive.  And because my offenses have been covered with the blood of Jesus, I can cover other’s offences with my love.  My offences against God were much greater than another’s offence against me!      

The great “Peace Maker” has taken up residence in me.  He loves me.  He knows what is happening around and to me.  He knows my feelings.  I can ask His help to change the other person.  I can expect His help to change me! 

APPLICATION:   We cannot force another to live at peace with us, but as far as it depends on us we are to live peace. 

Since the Holy Spirit already knows the thoughts of the other person, He can lead me to say or do what will be most effective in gaining the peace. 

PRAYER:  Lord, help me remember the goal is not my ease or pleasure, but your glory!  I know you will receive the most glory if those around me join me in heaven.  Help me keep my eye on the prize.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 1. 2024: SOAP #5477: Romans 5-8

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

OBSERVATION:   We can live above condemnation as we keep our focus on the victory we have in Christ Jesus. The reason that there is no condemnation as stated in verse 1, is given in verse 2, there is a law that supersedes the law that brought condemnation.  Praise the Lord! The law of the Spirit of life was implemented by Christ Jesus.  His death on the cross legally broke the power of the law of sin and death.  His life now within us not only raises us to live above the requirements of the law of sin and death, but also continues to provide forgiveness and mercy as we confess our sins. 

Conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit to draw us closer to God. Condemnation is the work of the flesh to push us away from God. It often enters our life through our ears.  Condemnation says, “You are wrong; you will never make it!” Conviction comes from the Holy Spirit speaking into our hearts, “You are wrong; let me help you!”    

APPLICATION:   I must be careful to let the Holy Spirit do the convicting.  When I take on myself, it usually results in condemnation. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, convicting men of sin is your job. Help me to speak the truth clearly and lovingly.  I must leave the inside work to you.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 30. 2024: SOAP #5476: Romans 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Romans 3:21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,
23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:   At 282 feet below sea level, the “Badwater Basin” section of Death Valley is the lowest place in the western hemisphere.   Just 85 miles away with an elevation of 14, 505 feet is Mount Whitney, the highest place in the contiguous United States.   

As great as the contrast is between Death Valley and Mount Whitney, it pales in comparison with the contrast between verse 23 and 24.  Compare the hopelessness of all having sinned and fallen short of God’s glory to the ecstasy of being justified freely by His grace!!! 

APPLICATION:   My sin caused the low; His grace provides the high!   I used to see everything from a “Death Valley” perspective, but walking with the Lord, I am beginning to see things from a “Mount Whitney” perspective. 

PRAYER:   Lord, accepting your forgiveness and inviting you to live in my life has given me a whole new perspective, one from your point of view.  Troubles do not seem so bad.  Joys seem to shine brighter.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 29. 2024: SOAP #5475: 1Thes 4-5; 2Thes 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 5:16 Rejoice always; 17 Pray continually,
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

OBSERVATION:   One of the things Paul writes as he closes this letter is to pray continually.  If we really believe that God is always with us, then we should talk with him continually.  When someone comes to visit, we politely carry on a conversation with them.  Speaking with them is the best way to acknowledge their presence. 

Praying is the best way to acknowledge His Presence.  Continual prayer reminds us that we are in His Presence.  We should consider Him a part of every conversation. 

APPLICATION:   I almost always close my prayers with the word “Amen.”  Often I say, “In Jesus name, Amen.”  Amen means “so be it” or “may it be.”  It is a formal way of ending my prayers.

But saying “amen” is almost like saying “goodbye.” And if God is really with me continually, I never need to say “goodbye!”  God is always present. He is always a part of my life.  He is always a part of my conversation.   I should pray without ceasing.   He lives in my heart.  He hears every word I say. 

But another truth:  God is so important that there should be some time each day that I spend only with Him, time when He has my full attention—time when I can write down what He is saying.  It is too important to forget. 

PRABYER:   Lord, thank you for your continual presence.  And I like the special times it is just You and me.  I like to sing the old song to you: “You walk with me and You talk with me, and you tell me I am your own…” Amen

Pastor Leon
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