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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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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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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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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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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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 13, 2028: SOAP #5671: 1Kings 13,14; 2Chronicles 12; Philippians 3

(Armor of God #4)

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God…13 Therefore put on the full armor of God… 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith… 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, 8 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

OBSERVATION:   God wants His people to be strong to fight against the enemy and to stand against temptation.  He has made special provisions for us to live in victory.  He has given us HIS armor!  The armor is hanging in the closet of His Word.  I must not leave it hanging in the closet.  I must take it out of the closet by reading His Word.  I must put it on by living my daily life like it is true!   I believe it is true, so I live and think and act like it is true, because it is!

APPLICATION:  God knows me perfectly.  He has provided the proper protection I need for today.  I put on His armor with a thankful heart and take on the day with faith. 

We have such great benefit in our new life in Christ.  We need only to take advantage of it.  Not just one part, not just the part we enjoy most, not just what we think we will be needing that day, but we are to put on the whole armor of God.  We do this to enable us to take our stand against the tricks of the devil. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, throughout this day, remind me that I am dressed in the armor of God.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 12, 2028: SOAP #5670: 1Kings 12; 2Chronicles 10,11; Philippians 2

(Armor of God #3)

NOTE:  During the next two plus weeks, I will be writing, sending, and posting SOAPs on the thoughts from Ephesians 6;10-18.  For those who do not have a Bible, every verse will be presented with appropriate observations and applications.  For the past 15 years I have often wanted to take more time with such a passage, but always moved on with the daily assigned reading.  I now strongly feel the Holy Spirit compelling me to do so.  I will be using some old SOAPs, combining SOAPs and writing new ones.  May the Holy Spirit anoint my heart as I write them and anoint your heart as you read them!  Amen

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 6:11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. …
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:   Two times in these verses we are commanded to put on or take up the FULL armor of God.  This is not an option.  God does not want us to encounter the enemy unprepared or only half prepared.   

If we understand who it is that we are fighting, we will appreciate this emphasis!  If we take time to understand each piece of the armor, we will appreciate its value. 

APPLICATION:  These verses do not tell me to just wait until God puts this armor on me.  These verses tell me to put it on.  This is for me to do.    I need to read these verses (Ephesians 6:10-18) to discover what this passage is saying to me. 

In faith expressed through the confession of my lips, I claim this armor as mine!  With the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, I begin to live like it is true, because it is!  

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, thank you for providing for me.  You knew what I would be facing, and you provided armor and weapons for me to be able to stand.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 11, 2028: SOAP #5669: Song of Solomon 5-8; Philippians 1

(Armor of God #2)

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power
11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

OBSERVATION:   Paul here encourages his readers to be strong in the Lord.   In the world today there are endless areas in which one can be strong.  A person’s strength may be in their physical body, or in some area of the physical world as agriculture, or engineering, or in relationships, or …   Growing strong in each area involves gaining knowledge and then applying knowledge.  Knowledge without application leaves one weak!  

Being strong in the Lord should be a priority for each of us.  As we become strong in our knowledge of Him, our faith in His mighty power grows.                 

APPLICATION:  As I grow in my knowledge of God’s word AND then apply it to my life, I grow stronger in my faith AND I learn to depend on His strength. 

The more I learn about God, the more my thoughts, speech, and actions change to align with the truth of who God is and what He has said.  People begin to see changes in me and may ask “why?”  Sometimes the changes are so small that we may not recognize them; family and close friends may recognize them before we do.  But with God living within us, it will be impossible not to change!  

PRAYER:   Lord, thank you for loving me.  Thank you for your Word.  May I have the courage to apply it—to think and act like it is true!   Amen

Pastor Leon
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