Indestructible Life!

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

October 13: Nehemiah 9-10; Acts 2

Scripture: Acts 2:22 "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.
23 This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

Observation: Jesus was the theme of Peter’s message. The worst that wicked men could do to Jesus (putting him to death) became the basis for the greatest demonstration of his indestructible life (his resurrection). “It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him!”

Application: With Christ living in me, I need never fear what man can do to me! The worst that man can do to me simply becomes the basis for a great demonstration of that Indestructible Life living in me!

Prayer: Lord, please help me to remember. The life you live in me has already been proven to be greater than death. Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

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

October 12: Nehemiah 7-8; Acts 1

Scripture: Acts 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

Observation: Jesus had just risen out of their sight. It must have been similar to Cape Canaveral, Florida during a Space Shuttle launch. Everyone would be looking up trying to get one last glimpse. But there comes a time when people have to move on. The angels reminded them of Jesus instructions. Earlier Peter, James and John had been with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration. They wanted to stay, but Jesus told them it was time to move on.

Application: There have been special times I have enjoyed being in the recognizable presence of God. God’s peace and love were overpowering. I would love to have stayed longer, but Jesus wanted me to move out into the world in which I live. As the purpose for the boat is to be in the water, the purpose for this body is to live in the world.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for those special times I have enjoyed your Presence. They prepare, and encourage, and empower me to move out and do your will. Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

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

October 11: Nehemiah 5-6; Psalm 146; Luke 24

Scripture: Luke 24:17 He (Jesus) asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast.
18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.

Observation: Jesus had been crucified, buried, and risen. Here he joined two men as they were returning home from the Passover celebration in Jerusalem. Cleophas and his friend mistook Jesus as a visitor in Jerusalem and started to fill him in on all the recent activity.

Application: I wonder how often I have treated Jesus as just a visitor. I think I have to fill him in on what has been happening to me. What I really need is for him to fill me in! He has been with me every step and every moment. He knows more about it than I do.

Prayer: Lord, may I never forget that you are so much more than a visitor in my life. You did not just arrive when I got sick or trouble came my way. Nothing in my life takes you by surprise! Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

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

October 10: Nehemiah 3-4; Luke 23

Scripture: Luke 23:47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man."

Observation: Who was this centurion and what had he just seen? He was the centurion in charge of the crucifixion of Jesus and he had just witnessed the death of Jesus. Four times Pilate had declared Jesus innocent. Pilate said that Herod had found Jesus innocent. The thief on the cross a sixth time and in this verse, the centurion makes the seventh declaration of the innocence of Jesus.

Application: Jesus was innocent; there is no question. Yet a holy God allowed his innocent son to die a terrible death. Why? There is only one reason, He was dying in my place, and I am not innocent!

Prayer: Lord, you died for me and now you live in me. Today I die to myself to live my life for you. May I bring you much joy. Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

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

October 9: Nehemiah 1-2; Psalm 133-134; Luke 22

Scripture: Luke 22:39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.
40 On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."
41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,

Observation: Luke gives us great insight into the life of Jesus by inserting two words here translated "as usual." Prayer was His custom. Going to a special place to pray was his custom. That is why Judas knew where to direct the Roman soldiers. Here we see that even after Jesus had dismissed Judas to do his evil, Jesus went to his usual place for prayer. The strength of Jesus character is seen in that he did not change his habits when trouble was coming. (The "as usual" also reminds me of Daniel’s praying. Note Daniel 6:10. Even after the king had signed the evil edict, Daniel prayed in the same manner as he had before.)

Application: May I have habits that do not change when trouble comes.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for using godly habits to work strength into my life. Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

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

October 8: Ezra 9-10; Psalm 131; Luke 21

Scripture: Luke 21: 25 "There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea.
26 Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Observation: Jesus spoke of troubling signs that will be seen in the last days. There will be signs in the heavens and on earth. When people on earth are in anguish and apprehension He tells them to look for His coming.

Application: There are times when I seem to be having more trouble than usual. In those times I need to stand up and look up. I need to expect and look for His presence.

Prayer: Lord, I count on your presence in time of trouble. I know when I look for you, I will find you! Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

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

October 7: Ezra 7-8; Luke 20

Scripture: Luke 20:1 One day as he was teaching the people in the temple courts and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him.
2 "Tell us by what authority you are doing these things," they said. "Who gave you this authority?"

Observation: The religious leaders were wondering where Jesus got his permission to teach and preach in the temple. They knew they had not given it to him. How ironic! Here is the One come to fulfill all the sacrifices ever made by a Jewish priest, and they question His authority!!!

Application: I can easily criticize the religious leaders for questioning Jesus authority to teach in the temple. But sometimes I do the same thing. I may not like what He does, or does not do. I question whether or not he has the right to do what he does. I have even called him “my Lord,” yet I sometimes question his right to carry out his plan for my life. Duh!

Prayer: Lord, I want to live my life so it is easily seen that you have the authority in my life and that any authority I have comes from you. Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

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

October 6: Esther 9-10; Luke 19

Scripture: Luke 19:3 NIV He (Zacchaeus) wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd.
4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today."
6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

Observation: It seems that Jesus was looking for Zack even more than Zack was looking for Jesus. Jesus had better plans for the day than Zack could ever have imagined. Zack wanted just a glimpse of Jesus; Jesus wanted to come to Zack’s house! Jesus wanted to spend time with Zack!

Application: How many times have I been willing to settle for just a glimpse when Jesus wanted something more? I would be willing to quickly read a couple of scriptures, but Jesus had something special to show me. I would be willing to greet someone with a quick “Hello,” but Jesus wanted me to stop and share His love.

Prayer: Lord, I want to live above my expectations for this day. I want to live out your expectations. So, where do we go from here? Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

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

October 5: Esther 3-8; Luke 18

Scripture: Luke 18:35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.
37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."
38 He called out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" …
41 "What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied.
42 Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight; your faith has healed you."
43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

Observation: The blind man heard something unusual; it caused him to ask questions. The end result was that he was healed.

Application: I would rejoice to hear that someone overheard something I said and they became interested enough to ask questions about Jesus. A goal of my conversations should be that people hear me talking about Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, you are central to my life. People should hear me talking about you. Holy Spirit guide my words so that people who hear me talk will be drawn to Jesus! Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!

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

October 4: Esther 1-2; Pslam 150; Luke 17

Scripture: Luke 17: 3 So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.
4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him."

Observation: Jesus is not speaking here to the one sinning, but to the one being sinned against! He is not speaking about the importance of repentance, but the importance of forgiveness! Forgiveness allows the hurt to move into the past and heal. Not forgiving keeps the hurt current and unable to heal.

Application: If I am talking big numbers, it is not how many times I have to forgive my brother, but how many times my Lord has already forgiven me!

Prayer: Lord, you indeed are The Great Expert on forgiveness! I am so thankful! Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!