Tag Archives: god

HIS Yoke!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 24, 2025: SOAP #5621:  1Samuel 28,29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

OBSERVATION:   There are so many good thoughts flowing from this passage.  Here is one I have not used before.  The nature of Jesus words are not given as a command, but as an invitation. 

The farmer would place two oxen in the yoke then lead them off to work in the field.  In this passage, Jesus is not putting the yoke on me; He is inviting me to take the yoke…to take His yoke!  

APPLICATION:   To take His yoke, I may need to shed other yokes that I have walked into, or others have placed on me.  If the yoke I am in is causing me to be weary and burdened, I need to ask, “Lord is this the ministry you have for me?”  The Lord’s yoke is for us should be a place of rest!  

Sometimes I am in the right yoke but pulling ahead of the Lord.  I feel like the whole ministry is depending on me.  I must learn to stay in step with the Lord, for only then will the yoke be easy and the pull light. 

Instead of working hard on my vision which I am doing for the Lord, I need to be working on HIS vision which I am doing WITH the Lord!  

PRAYER:   Lord, your call was not for Leon to work hard to see how successful Leon could be in working for you.  Your call was for Leon to join in what You are already doing.  I want to work in your yoke and keep in step with you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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My Honor, Privilege, and Joy

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 23, 2025: SOAP #5620:  1Samuel 27; 1Chronicles 9; Psalm 141; Matthew 10

SCRIPTURE:   Matthew (NIV) 10:40 “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. 41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

OBSERVATION:   Jesus takes personally how others treat us!  We are His children; we identify with Him.  He is our Lord; He identifies with us. 

For several years in the US Navy, I served on a Commodore’s staff.  When sent by the Commodore to inspect a ship, the Commodore was very interested in how I was received.  When we were not welcome, we did not complain, nor did we try to prove why we should be given permission to inspect the ship.  We merely reported back to the Commodore!  He made the phone call.  He had the ship’s captain come to his office.  He spoke to the captain.  The captain returned to the ship, gave us a call and welcomed us to his ship.  The Commodore took it personally!   Jesus takes it personally!

The Commodore had invested his authority in me; but Jesus has invested His LIFE in me!   If the Commodore took people’s reaction to me personally, how much more would Jesus take personally how people treat me!!!  

APPLICATION:   The Commodore sent me to his ships, but he never accompanied me.  But what a difference with Jesus!   He not only sends me, but He accompanies me!   What people do to me, they do to HIM!  No wonder He takes it personally!  

Knowing that Jesus is with me gives me courage to step out and do what I believe He is leading me to do.  His presence helps me overcome any fear that the enemy tries to put in my heart.  It is such a privilege to represent the omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent Creator of all things. 

PRAYER:   Lord, it is an honor to know that the King of Glory uses me for His purpose.  Be it something great, or something very small, it is my joy to serve you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Focusing on Staying Close

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 22, 2025: SOAP #5619:  1Samuel 25,26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.  8  My soul clings to you, your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:8 (KJV) My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.

OBSERVATION:   Verse 8 brings to mind the toddler just learning to walk.  He stays close to mom.  He clings to her clothes.  Where she goes, he goes.  He is alarmed when he cannot see her.  He is under mom’s feet and she almost stumbles over him.   He is following hard after his mother.  It is his work to stay close.   

APPLICATION:   That is the way I should be with God.  I should cling to Him.  I should follow hard after Him.  In His presence I have protection, provision, and fellowship.    

(This should not be too hard for me to do, seeing that He lives in my heart.  I cannot get any closer than that!  But the way to stay close is to keep Him active in my thoughts.  Thoughts of Him should be a part every consideration.  What are His thoughts about each decision and choice I make.  In my mind and heart I can always have a continuing conversation.)

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, I want to stay close, where I can enjoy your presence.  I want to be close enough where it is easy for you to speak to me.  May I never grow so big and strong that I think I can make it on my own.  May you always know where I am—right next to you!    Amen

Pastor Leon
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Fulfilling His Purpose for Me!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 21, 2025: SOAP #5618:  1Samuel 24; 1Chronicles 8; Psalm 57, 58; Matthew 8

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 57:2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who fulfils his purpose for me…
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

OBSERVATION:   David was in trouble as King Saul was seeking to kill him.  At this time in David’s life, Saul’s intense hatred for him was ruining his life, yet David had confidence that God would fulfill His purpose.  David called out to the One greater than the king!  He called on God Most High!   God had a purpose for David; that purpose was God’s responsibility; God was able to bring it to pass!    King Saul could not stop God’s purpose for David!   

So often when we think about God having a purpose for someone, we think of the great characters in the Bible that God used in key ways.  But God had a purpose for the parents who gave them life, and a home, and provisions and schooling.  In considering God having a purpose, we may overlook Ruth and Nehemiah or Paul’s nephew in Acts.                      

APPLICATION:   The same God Most High has a purpose for me.  Nothing can stop Him from fulfilling His purpose!  He sent His love and faithfulness through His Son Jesus.  He sends His love and faithfulness through the presence of His Holy Spirit.  He is loving to me and faithful to Himself.    

God has a purpose for every SOAP reader.  He may even have a special purpose for today.  God may lead you to a special time of prayer for your spouse or children.  God may bring one person into your life today for you to encourage, or to give your testimony, or to pray with as they give their life to Jesus.  God’s purpose for you will never be something you cannot do.  But being faithful, you will discover He is working through you. 

PRAYER:   God Most High, you are fulfilling your purpose for me.  You sent your Son Jesus to provide for my salvation.  You now send your Holy Spirit to empower me to fulfill your purpose.  I trust your love and faithfulness.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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The Living Jesus seen through my actions!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 20, 2025: SOAP #5617:  1Samuel 23; Psalm 31,54; Matthew 7

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 7:21 Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven.  Only those who do what my Father in heaven wants will enter.  …
24 “So then, everyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise man.  He builds his house on the rock. 
25 The rain comes down.  The water rises.  The winds blow and beat against that house.  But it does not fall.  It is built on the rock.   

OBSERVATION:   Jesus knew what he was talking about.  He came to do the will of the Father.  He said that the works he did were really the Father’s works and the words he spoke were also the Father’s. 

Doing the Father’s will led Him to the cross and the grave.  It also led him through the resurrection back to the glory at His Father’s side.     

APPLICATION:   The first work of being a Christian is to believe.   I must believe that the work of Jesus on the cross is the full payment for my sins.  Forgiveness is amazing grace offered to me; I receive it by faith. 

That my life belongs to Jesus can be easily seen by others as I do what He directs. 

Salvation starts in my heart but finds expressions through my actions and words.  If there is no outward expression, there is probably no inward life.  After all, faith without works is dead.

PRAYER:   Lord, not just a hearer, but a doer is what you expect from me.  May my hands and feet please you as much as my heart.  And, Lord, as we celebrate your resurrection today, may it become clear to others that You are alive and living in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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He Already Knows

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 19, 2025: SOAP #5616:  1Samuel 22; Psalm 17,35; Matthew 6

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 6:31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

OBSERVATION:   Our Heavenly Father who created us already knows we need “these things.”  He created our bodies to need them. 

People in the world go to great effort to obtain “these things.”  Here we are instructed to put our efforts on the priorities of God’s structure of authority and doing things right.  When we do that, God will provide the “these things” we need.

APPLICATION:   God has been faithful in providing what I need.  I have no reason to believe He is going to stop. 

I want Him to have no reason to believe that I will stop seeking first His kingdom.

NOTE: To those who have taken orphans into their care, here is a verse to take to the Lord in prayer.  When you are short on food, drink, and/or clothing, go to God with your Bible open to this passage and your finger on these verses.  Then listen and obey.  There are many scriptures upon which those caring for children can stand to bolster their faith.  Seek to bring those children into becoming fruitful members of God’s kingdom. 

PRAYER:   Lord, you know what I need, and I thank you for your faithful provision!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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The Identifying Mark

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 18, 2025: SOAP #5615:  1Samuel 20-21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5

SCRIPTURE:   Matthew (NIV) 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

OBSERVATION:   Love is not only a dominate part of God’s character, He desires that His creation have love as a dominant part of their character!  It was because of love that God send His son to die in our stead for our sins.  (John 3:16)   He said that love would be a distinguishing characteristic of His disciples. (John 13:35)   It is to be the identifying mark that identifies us with Him!  It leaves no mark on our body, but everyone knows it is there! 

APPLICATION:   The love God wants for His people is not a reaction love, but an acting love.  It is not love that returns a favor; it is love that is given when no favor is expected in return.  Simple put, it is the love that God has extended to me.                                                                                                                                                                

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, I who have been loved so much need your help to love those around me.  Let you love flow through me to someone who needs that love today.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Programmed for Victory!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 17, 2025: SOAP #5614:  1Samuel 19; 1Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. [read through verse 11]

OBSERVATION:   The devil tempted Jesus in each of the three ways mentioned in 1 John 2:15-16, the lust of the flesh (turning stone into bread to satisfy hunger), the lust of the eyes (look at all the kingdoms I will give you if you worship me), and the pride of life (prove you are God, the Son.)  

Jesus proved victorious in each! And He used only what was available to us—-The written Word!  Jesus was being properly prepared to be the perfect sacrifice. Jesus was being tempted in the exact same points as Eve in the garden. The devil’s tactics had not changed. (Gen 3: 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom…)

As Jesus overcame Satan in these same temptations, He proved Himself to be the perfect sacrifice for sin. Paul wrote, “He Who knew no sin … ”  It was not because He had not been tempted or tested.

APPLICATION:   Jesus is not only the perfect sacrifice for sin, He is also the perfect One to live in our lives and heart.  HE HAS ALREADY OVERCOME EVERY TEMPTATION WE WILL BE FACING!!!  He knows what it is like.  He knows what it takes to overcome temptation!  

God is not leaving us like Adam and Eve in the garden, No!  1,  He has given us the same Word/scriptures that Jesus used, 2, Jesus, the Great Victor over temptation lives within us, and 3, God has given us the same Holy Spirit that was with Jesus when He was tempted!!!  God has programmed believers for victory over temptation.

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, You have not left me, like Adam and Eve in the garden, to deal with temptation on my own.  You knew I would only fail.  So, you have given me 1 Your Word, 2 The presence of Your Son, Jesus, and 3 The Holy Spirit to accompany me through each day.  You have programmed me for VICTORY!  May my daily life bring you glory!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Wisdom

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 16, 2025: SOAP #5612:  1Samuel 18; 1Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3

SCRIPTURE:  1Samuel (KJV) 18:5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely…
1Samuel (KJV) 18:14 And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him. 15 Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him.
1Samuel (KJV) 18:30 …David behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by.

OBSERVATION:   David was young, but wise.  He did not act foolishly.  His wisdom was appreciated by others because they could see it in his actions.  Wisdom comes more with maturity than with age. 

Wisdom is more than intelligence and knowledge.  Wisdom is understanding how to apply knowledge.  It is understanding what truth applies to a given situation.  Priorities are set by wisdom.  Wisdom gathers applicable truth and determines a course of action and sets the timeline for that action. 

APPLICATION:   Wisdom is communicated to me through daily reading the Bible and in listening to the Holy Spirit who is my constant companion.  The wisest thing I can do is to listen to Him and do as He directs. 

The Gospels show the life of Christ while he lived here on earth and since I am presently on earth, I find wisdom from learning how he lived.  Wisdom should be seen in my actions.     

Wisdom emphasizes the importance of my eternal life and where I will spend eternity.  Wisdom searches out the important choices that need to be made. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit may your presence in my life be seen by what you lead me to do.  May the wisdom of your Word be visible in my words and actions. Wisdom shows me that I need to receive forgiveness for the things I have done wrong.  Wisdom shows me that Jesus died on the cross as payment for my sins.  In wisdom, I have accepted His forgiveness.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Growing in Jesus

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 14, 2025: SOAP #5611:  1Samuel 15-16; 1Chronicles 5; Matthew 1

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 1:18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:  His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.  19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.  

OBSERVATION:   Here is an extremely important portion of scripture.  For Jesus to be the acceptable sacrifice to pay for sin, His blood line had to be sinless.  In these verses we see that Mary’s pregnancy was not by Joseph, but by the Holy Spirit.  Being born of Mary, Jesus is the Son of man.  Being impregnated by the Holy Spirit, Jesus is the Son of God. 

Being the son of Mary, Jesus was fully human and could physically suffer and die.  Being the Son of God, He was sinless.  When He died on the cross, his death was not needed to cover any personal sins.  So, His sinless death is accepted as payment for the sins of those who accept Him into their lives.     

APPLICATION:   Jesus most often referred to Himself as the “Son of Man.”  Jesus laid aside His deity to live on earth as a man full of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus is proof that the Holy Spirit can live in a human body.  As the Son of Man full of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is my example.   I too must live my life full of the Holy Spirit, being led to live my life like Jesus!  To be like Jesus, I must live my life full of the Holy Spirit!   I must learn to let Him take the lead.  The Holy Spirit helps me understand how to apply the scriptures to my life.   

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, live in me the life you lived in Jesus as He walked this earth.  May the character and nature of Jesus be seen in me. May I grow in love and grace.  Help me see things as Jesus sees them.  In Jesus Name I pray, Amen

Pastor Leon
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