Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 10, 2024: SOAP #5272: 2Samuel 18; Psalm 56; Matthew 27

(reworked from 2010)

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 27: 63 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
65 “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

OBSERVATION:  They were interested in keeping people from breaking into the tomb; they were not considering that Someone might be breaking out!  They made the tomb as secure as they knew how, but it was not enough.  The heavy stone, the Roman seal, the Roman guard, and death itself could not keep Jesus from breaking out of that tomb. 

APPLICATION:  It is truly amazing for me to have the resurrected Jesus living in me.  There is no power in the world or universe strong enough to box Him in.  Satan may try to box me in and put me in a grave.  He may use the latest technology.  He may do his best.  People may do their best.  But people, religious leaders, governmental leaders and Satan himself have already met their match at the empty tomb!   Satan has no power to entomb me in fear or doubt, or despair, or discouragement, or unhappiness.  I only need to remind him.  The resurrected life of Christ within me can never be entombed again!  

PRAYER:  Lord, I never want to forget your power to break out of that tomb.  I never want to forget that same power is at work in me.  Amen. 

Personal note:  I received a call with the results of the MRI.  I have three spots on my prostate and a biopsy is needed to determine how serious they are and what course of action should be taken.  Obviously, I do not need a consultation to determine that the main course of action is prayer and trusting God!   😊   I will be sent to a urologist for consultation and possible scheduling a biopsy within the next few weeks.  I will keep you informed.  Thanks for your prayers. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 09, 2024: SOAP #5271: 2Samuel 17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 26:73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away.” 74 Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, “I don t know the man!” Immediately a cock crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the cock crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus was on trial, and Peter was close by.  Peter had just denied knowing Jesus two times.  But the way he talked gave him away.  Probably those from Galilee had unique and recognizable ways of saying certain words.  So, Peter began to curse and swear.  The accent may identify Peter with Jesus, but the curse words were meant to break that tie. 

APPLICATION:  The way I talk has a lot to do with how others think of me.  Jesus’ presence in my life affects how I act and how I talk.  It affects the things I talk about and the way I talk about them.  Complaining and worrying is replaced with faith-filled words of what God can do. 

The way I talk can have a lot to do with how others think of Jesus.  My faith can encourage their faith. 

That Jesus is living on the inside should be easily recognized by my speech.      

PRAYER:  Lord, you are living inside me; I want to be careful not to offend you with my conversation today.  And may people see you in my actions and hear you in my words as you live your life through me today.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 08, 2024: SOAP #5270: 2Samuel 15, 16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 25:37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’  40 “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’…
45 “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

OBSERVATION:  Jesus takes personally what we do for the poor and needy. We are to do it as unto Him and He takes it as if it were done to Him!  

Matthew 6:2-4 tells us that our Heavenly Father is watching such ministry that is done in secret and He rewards it.  But when such ministry is done to gain the praise of people than that becomes their “reward in full.” 

APPLICATION:  If that is the way Jesus takes such ministry, then we should minister to the poor and needy as though they were Jesus.  For sure, they are not Jesus, but we should treat them with kindness and respect as we treat Jesus.  We should honor the fact that they are the creation of God and bear His likeness and image.  Even if they do not know that they are the creation of God and carry His image, we know and we should treat them accordingly. 

PRAYER:  Lord, your word says that we are not to do such ministry for the world to see, but we can be assured that our Heavenly Father is watching!   (Matthew 6:2-4)   And when He sees, He rewards!  A reward from the Father is always much better than a reward from people.  May we not settle for less than a full reward from the Father!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 07, 2024: SOAP #5269: 2Samuel 13, 14; Matthew 24

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 24:45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.

OBSERVATION:  In the Bible we often read of people referring to Jesus as Lord.  Many Christians today call Him Lord.  If someone living in this area mentions “the Lord” it is commonly taken that they are speaking of Jesus. 

When I call Jesus Lord or refer to Him as Lord, by my words I am implying that I am his servant. 

Being His servant has responsibilities as well as the potential of great reward.

APPLICATION:  What a blessing to think about heaven and the rewards God has prepared for us.  I like to sing songs about heaven.  

But it is also important that I carry out the responsibilities of being His servant.  I need to understand that the assignments given a servant are not for the pleasure of the servant but the pleasure of the Lord!

PRAYER:  Lord, as your servant, may I bring you pleasure.  What is your pleasure for me today? Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 06, 2024: SOAP #5268: 2Samuel 11, 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 51:1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.

Observation:  In Psalm 51 David begs forgiveness from God, not on the basis of who David is, but on the basis of who God is.  David did not make excuses for his sin, nor did he beg mercy because he was the king of Israel.  He did not say, “Remember, I killed Goliath.”  David did not say, “I am just a man and she was a beautiful woman, Lord, what did you expect.”  No, David knew sin could be removed because there was something greater than sin. Sin kills.  Sin destroys.  Sin is powerful, but not all-powerful.  There is something stronger than sin.  There is a power greater than the power of sin!   It is God’s mercy, His unfailing love, His great compassion.    

Much later one of Jesus disciples would write “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9

Application:  David was miserable.  He knew that the death of an animal could never provide an equal payment for his sins.   Somehow God’s “unfailing love and great compassion” would have to come through in forgiving him and washing away all his iniquity.   John, having been a witness to the crucifixion and the resurrected Jesus, understood that God did exactly what David needed, and what Leon would need! 

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, John understood what both David and I needed.  I also needed my sins forgiven and cleansing from all unrighteousness.  Thank you for providing what David and I needed.  We receive your forgiveness and cleansing with great thanksgiving.  Amen

Friend, this SOAP God gave me for today, has minor changes from one several years back.  If you feel the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart, make the prayer above your personal prayer. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 05, 2024: SOAP #5267: 2Samuel 10; 1Chronicles 20; Psalm 20; Matthew 22

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 20:6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

OBSERVATION:  We cannot live without trust.  Eating at a restaurant requires trust that the cook we cannot see will prepare the food properly.  Driving a car requires trusting people we did not watch to assemble the parts safely.  Think of all the people we trust when we find our seat on an airplane!  We watch the time so that we will arrive at the set time, trusting the person we are meeting will be doing the same thing.  What trust we put in medical personnel!

There are many things in which we can place our trust.  Some are worthy of limited trust, and some are not.  Only God is worthy of full trust.  Only He is worthy of all our trust.

APPLICATION:  It is important that I keep the Lord, His promises, and His presence in my active memory.   The truth of God and His character, the truth of His promises need to be a part of every thought process.  Trusting God is acting like what I know about Him is true.

PRAYER:  “Jesus, Jesus, How I trust you! How I’ve proved you o’re and o’re.  Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus! O for grace to trust you more.” (William J. Kirkpatrick)  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 04, 2024: SOAP #5263: 2Samuel 8,9; 1Chronicles 18,19; Matthew 21

SCRIPTURE:  2Samuel 8:6 He put garrisons in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to him and brought tribute. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went. …
14 He put garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went.

OBSERVATION:  Surely David invested effort in procuring victory, but the Bible gives him no credit.  All the credit and glory belonged to the Lord.  “The LORD gave David victory wherever he went!”  Victory was not because David was such a great general, but because he served such a great God!  Victory came at the Lord’s prerogative. He could have given it to another, but He gave it to David.  They were David’s victories.  The glory was the LORD’s.  The LORD gave victory to David; David gave glory to God!  The victory belonged to David, but the glory belonged to the LORD! 

APPLICATION:  I remember reading a note from a friend as I was heading to the hospital for surgery on my heart.  “The Lord is going with you,” read the note.  I heard God say, “No, I am not!”  Panic started to sweep my thoughts.  What should I do?  Then the Lord spoke, “You are going with me!”  

There are people today who are struggling to serve the Lord.  They cannot understand why people do not help them in their work for the Lord.  They are short on provision.  Many do not realize that there is more than just serving the Lord.  We must be SERVING WITH THE LORD!!!  He is still the Chief Servant.  We are not asking HIM to help us do what we think is best, or the way we think is best.  We are servants with HIM; He sets the way we serve and the timing of our service.  He wants our service to honor the Father even more than we do.  We must be yoked to Him!   

PRAYER:  Lord, every day I must confess, “I am with you!  You know where to find the Father’s supply.  What would you have me do today?”  Amen 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 3, 2024: SOAP #5265: 2Samuel 7; 1Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 20:25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

OBSERVATION: Jesus gathered his disciples to teach them the difference between the world and God’s kingdom.  In the world, people look for who they can rule, who they can control.  In God’s kingdom, people motivated by love look for who they can serve.  Then Jesus told them to see him as the example.  “Do it the same way I do it,” “Watch me.” 

Then as they left Jericho and headed toward Jerusalem, Jesus showed them just how to do what He had told them.   

APPLICATION:  Matthew (NIV) 20:29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” 34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

His compassion led Him to get involved in being their servant! 

PRAYER: Lord, Many times I have sung, “Lord make me like you; give me a heart filled with love and make me like you.”  May your compassion move me to get involved in the needs around me.  Lord, touch through me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 2, 2024: SOAP #5264: 1Chronicles 16; Psalm 106; Matthew 19

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

OBSERVATION: The disciples were looking out for Jesus.  He was important and should not be interrupted with insignificant issues.  They rebuked the adults who brought children to Jesus.   Jesus did not wait until the disciples were alone with Him to correct the issue.  He immediately corrected the disciples in public.

Children are not insignificant!  They are not to be considered an interruption!  They were too important to be overlooked!  In placing His hands on the children, Jesus did not give them significance; He merely recognized the significance they already had as being made in the image of God.  They already had significance because their lives would pass on into eternity.  …because they had angels assigned to represent them (Matthew 18:10).  …because their lives held so much potential. 

Of course, the One who created them and would soon give His life for them would not allow them to be overlooked!  

APPLICATION:  Blest are the people who serve in church nurseries, or work in children’s ministries, or take care of orphans!  They are doing the ministry of Jesus.  They have these verses and many others to emphasize the importance of children.  They can stand in their faith praying for the needs of the children.  In prayer, they can quote the very words of Jesus regarding the importance of children.  In prayer, they can bring the “little children to Him” because “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as them.”

These little children carry the image of the One who became a baby in a manger.  He made them; He knows what they need!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, as you sent the magi with gifts to provide for the Christ-child, send provision for the orphans being cared for by your people today.  In Jesus Name…Amen

Pastor Leon
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Just a note:  Pastors and church leaders, like Jesus, set a good example of valuing the children in your congregations.  Personally encourage the parents.  Ask God to give you a personal way of ministering to the children in your fellowship. 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 1, 2024: SOAP #5263: 1Chronicles 14,45; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 18:4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea….
10 “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

OBSERVATION:  What a special promise for people working with children.  If God has placed children in your home, you are indeed blest!  God is present to help you care for the children in your care.  When you have a need, you have a ready source to whom you can go.    

When you welcomed a child, you welcomed the Lord!!!  Be faithful to do what He tells you to do but let Him do what He does best.  He is a good promise keeper!  Find His promises in His word and believe that He will keep them!  

APPLICATION:  Raise the children, teach and train the children as Jesus would.  Count on His presence.  Do not let the lack of provision to do what you would like to do stop you from doing anything.  Use what you have and count on the Lord’s presence.  He has wonderful ways to take little and make it much!  

If you are wondering what ministry you can do in your church, tell the pastor you would like to work with children.  You want to see if God really keeps His promise!   If you are already working with children, your own children or with orphans, look for the promises of God regarding ministry to children. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, how you love children, and how you love those who minister to children.  I ask you give each one caring for children a promise from your word.  Raise them up in ministry.  Make their lives an example to others.  Make their ministry a visible example of your care and provision.  May others see how you bless those who bless children.  …in Jesus Name, Amen. 

Personal:  I had the MRI today and should hear the results on the 9^th of May.  Thank to those who prayed for me.  😊   As to the SOAP above, the Lord wants me to tell someone to read in Genesis about Ishmael.  He wants to build your faith.    

Pastor Leon
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