Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

February 20: Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27

Scripture: Psalm 23:1 NIV The Lord is my shepherd.

Observation: If not the most well-known portion of scriptures, Psalm 23 must be in the top two or three. I believe what makes this psalm such a favorite of so many is the fourth word. In the six verses there are twelve personal pronouns (me, my, and I).

Application: This was one of the first scripture passages I learned as a child. As I grew older and came to know and better understand MY Shepherd, this psalm has grown in value to me. Jesus is my personal Good Shepherd. This is how He takes care of me.
It is good to quote with the parents of a new-born baby in faith that the Good Shepherd will guide and protect their family, and especially this new child. I have quoted it with a family standing around the bedside of a dying parent. MY Shepherd gives courage and hope.

Prayer: Lord, although you are the Creator of all things, yet you see yourself as Leon’s Shepherd! That is indeed amazing! I can rest in your love and care. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Permission to speak…

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

February 19: Numbers 5-6; Psalm 22; Acts 26

Scripture: Acts 26: 1 NIV Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself. ”So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense:

Observation: Festus, the ruler of Judea, was bringing Paul before King Agrippa in order to determine what charges should be brought against Paul who was being sent for trial before Caesar. Paul was given what we all have: the right to speak for ourselves.

Application: When I stand before God, only Jesus will speak for me. How proper it is that while here on earth, I speak for Him. In fact, God, Himself has given me permission to speak! My words and my actions speak for me in testimony of Jesus!

Prayer: Lord, may my actions speak so loud that if I do not have opportunity to use words, may those around me clearly see my appreciation for you! Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

February 18: Numbers 3-4; Acts 25

Scripture: Numbers 3:17 NIV These were the names of the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath and Merari.

Observation: In this chapter we have listed the three sons of Levi and their sons. We also see their assignments in transporting the tabernacle through the wilderness into the Promised Land. The sons of Gershon are assigned the coverings and hangings (verse 25-26). The sons of Kohath are assigned the furniture (verse 31). And the sons of Merari are assigned the boards of the tabernacle and the pillars of the fence (verses 36-37) .

Application: Sometimes God gives me a specific individual assignment; sometimes God gives a specific assignment to my family, or my church, or to a ministry of which I am a part. I must be faithful in both settings.

Prayer: Lord, may I find joy in serving you individually and joy in serving you as a part of a larger ministry. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

February 17: Numbers 1-2; Acts 24

Scripture: Numbers 2:1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron…

Observation: "The LORD said to Moses and Aaron… " This phrase, or one very similar, is repeated over 50 times in the book of Numbers, and over 130 times in the Pentateuch.

In Genesis 1, we find that one of the first three things revealed about God (one, that He is, and two, that he creates) is that He is a speaker. "And God said … " God talks. God has much to say. God communicates. Here in Numbers that truth is emphasized again.

The emphasis I see in Numbers is the personal aspect. God said all of this to Moses and Aaron. God talks to people.

A second emphasis that when God speaks so much, it is that he wants to use those people to speak to others. It is not all for their own personal benefit. It is to make them more valuable to God and to others.

Application: What God says to me today is not just for my benefit. I must be faithful to pass it along to others. God speaks to me and through me.

Prayer: Lord, I want to be faithful to apply your word to my life and to pass it along to others who may find you saying the same thing to them. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

February 16: Leviticus 26-27; Acts 23

Scripture: Acts 23:23 NIV Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.
24 Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”

Observation: Paul had been taken into custody by the Romans. One might think this was a bad place for Paul to be. But really it was a safe place for Paul to be. Forty Jewish zealots had bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. When the Romans heard about their plan, they put together a detachment that was more than enough to protect Paul, and they delivered Paul to a place of safety.

Application: That which confines me may be what God is using to protect me.

Prayer: Lord, I can trust you to work out your perfect plan for my life. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

February 15: Leviticus 25; Psalm 25-26; Acts 22

Scripture: Psalm 26:2 NIV Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind;

Observation: David was asking the Lord to examine his heart and mind. The heart is the seat of our emotions. What makes us joyful? What makes us really glad? What puts a permanent smile on our face? The mind is the seat of our thinking and choosing. How many of our thoughts center on God? When making decisions, how often do we consider what would best please God?

Application: In Navy boot camp and in Hospital Corps School, we regularly opened our living quarters to inspections. My heart and my mind are the living quarters for my inner life.

Prayer: Lord, I invite you to inspect my inner living quarters. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

February 14: Leviticus 23-24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

Scripture: Psalm 24:1 NIV The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.

Observation: The world belongs to the Lord by right of creation. He made it. The creative abilities of men can only be expressed by using what God originally created. Only God created something out of nothing.

Application: Since God is the original creator and created all the building blocks out of which I can create…
Since God loves me so much He was willing to send His Son to die for my sins…
Since I have committed my life to honor Him…
Then it is logical for me to expect that God will help me create what I need to accomplish His will!

Prayer: Lord, I know that You are the Creator of all things and that I can trust you. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

February 13: Leviticus 20-22; Acts 20

Scripture: Acts 20:20 NIV You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.

Observation: In the field of optometry, we refer to people having perfect eye sight as having 20/20 vision. Here in Acts 20:20 Paul was speaking to the elders of the church at Ephesus. I have heard people referring to this verse as giving a 20/20 vision for the church. There must be both public meetings AND from house to house.

Application: Being a part of a congregation of believers who meet publically and regularly is an important part of my Christian life. But just as important is my life at home. My church should be concerned that I attend the weekly public meetings, but they should also be concerned about getting the Word into my life at home.

Prayer: Lord, I was so blest by the public meeting this past Sunday. I sensed Your Presence in our worship and in the ministry of the Word. I am also enjoying Your Presence as I study your Word here at home. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

February 12: Leviticus 18-19; Psalm 13; Acts 19

Scripture: Psalm 13:5 NIV But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.

6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

Observation: In the beginning of this Psalm of only 6 verses, David is bemoaning the trouble he is going through. But in these last two verses He rejoices in God’s salvation. He sings the Lord’s praise because He knows that in looking at the whole of his life, the Lord has been good!

Application: As I look back over my life, I agree with David!. I have had some tough times, but without question, the Lord has been good to Leon!

Prayer: Lord, life is not always good, but You are always good. You have surely been good to me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

February 11: Leviticus 15-17; Acts 18

Scripture: Acts NIV 18:24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of
Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.
25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor[a] and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.
26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed.
28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.

Observation: Apollos had a good mind and good knowledge of the Scriptures. When He began to speak publically Priscilla and Aquila recognized that there were some things missing in his teaching. When they approached Apollos, they found a most important characteristic: Apollos was teachable. Because he was teachable, he became very useful.

Application: How important it is to remain teachable as I grow older. There is still so much to learn. My ministry to others can grow even more effective if I am willing to be teachable.

Prayer: Lord, You are the master Teacher! Continue to teach me Your Word. Use others in my life as you used Priscilla and Aquila in the life of Apollos. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!