Tag Archives: psalms

Pleasing Him!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 30, 2028: SOAP #5688: Amos 7-9; Psalm 104; Titus 2

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm 104:33 I will sing to the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
34 May my meditation be pleasing to him,
as I rejoice in the LORD.

OBSERVATION:   After about thirty verses of God’s creation and how the Lord can rejoice in all his works, the writer now comes to God’s crowning creation: man.  If God can get glory from all the other creation, how much more should He get glory from man! 

So, the writer is going to sing; he is going to praise; and his desire is that even the thoughts in his mind be enjoyable to God. 

Especially for those of us who have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior. He is now Lord in resident!  In other words, He has made our life His home.  He is as close to us as our thoughts!  Surely we would wants our thoughts to be pleasing to Him!  

APPLICATION:  Usually I want to think about what I enjoy, about what I have done, or what I would like to be doing.  But I should think about things that He enjoys.  After all, He shares my life and knows my every thought. 

Often I find that when my thoughts are focusing on Him and His presence, He intertwines His thoughts with mine!  I discover strong, bold, dominant thoughts that did not come from my pattern of thinking.  I find that He is making His presence recognizable in my heart and is giving me thoughts that He does not want me to ignore! 

A safeguard He has given us is that His thoughts will never lead us contrary to the Bible.  He is faithful to confirm His word at another time and through another source.  God is faithful to us! 

PRAYER:   Lord, may my thoughts be pleasing to you.  And may you enjoy mixing your thoughts with mine today.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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That’s Who He Is!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 08, 2025: SOAP #5635:  2Samuel 15, 16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 32:2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.
3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah
5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD”—and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

OBSERVATION:   The weight of unconfessed sin is heavy.  It hinders a person during the day like the heat of summer wears him down.  It is difficult to peacefully sleep with a guilty conscience. 

Oh, but the humble acknowledgement of sin—the acknowledgement that it is my sin, what a relief!  The joy of forgiveness was always available, but my foolish pride often will not allow my confession. 

APPLICATION:   When I take the responsibility for my sin, Jesus takes the responsibility of removing the guilt!  His sacrifice on the cross has more than enough value to cancel my guilt!  

King David (in the Psalm above) was forgiven on the basis of what Jesus would do.  I am forgiven on the basis of what Jesus has already done!  

Later, after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, the apostle John wrote, “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)

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, you fully understand the evil nature of sin, even small sins.  Yet your love for man led you to make the perfect sacrifice.  Thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins.  Thank you, Jesus, for coming.  Thank you, Holy Spirit, for opening my eyes to receive the forgiveness Jesus provided. Jesus, you are my Lord and Savior!  You are my “sin-Bearer” and my  “guilt-Remover!”  Thank you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Forgiven!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 06, 2025: SOAP #5633:  2Samuel 11, 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

OBSERVATION:   What a joy and peace is theirs whose hearts are right with God.  Sometimes it is not appreciated until it is lost.  David had sinned and lost his joy.   He knew what it was like to have a heart at peace with God and full of His joy.  Perhaps he had not considered the high cost of spending a night with Bathsheba.  But the act was done, and Bathsheba’s husband had been murdered.  David had lost his peace and joy.  Only God could forgive and restore.      

APPLICATION:   Not only can God forgive and restore, He does it willingly to those who confess their sins and ask His forgiveness.  Through the death of His Son, Jesus, my debt has been covered.  I have been forgiven. Peace and joy are mine!     

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, If I confess my sins; you are faithful and just to forgive my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  (1John 1:9) With my mouth I confess that I have sinned; with my mouth I confess that Jesus is my Lord.  (Romans 10:9-10) Thank you for your forgiveness and the joy of your salvation.  I surrender my life to your control.  Help me to sense when you are pleased and/or displeased with how I think and what I do. Amen

Pastor Leon
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…because of The LORD!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 04, 2025: SOAP #5631:  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 belongs 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! 

The truth in this passage is the same truth I see in the SOAP ministry.  The LORD very clearly instructed me to start writing these devotions.  The LORD has faithfully given me something to write every day for the past 15+ years.  I have done no advertising; the LORD brings them to people’s attention.  The growth in the printing and distribution of the SOAPs can only be understood in that the LORD was working.  The LORD has caused them to spread in places I would have never gone, nor would current SOAP leaders gone.  The LORD takes this ministry personally. 

APPLICATION:   In preparation for battle, or for any ministry, the priority must always be ensuring that I am on the LORD’s side.  That must take priority over the LORD being on my side.  It is good to have the LORD on my side, but so much better when I am on His side!!!  It is good to work for the LORD, but so much better to work with the LORD.  I am assured of victory when I am doing what He is doing. 

PRAYER:   Lord, when I am working with you I have the assurance of your power and wisdom.  I can trust you for provision.  I can depend on you for direction.  You always have a plan and, in your timing, you will show me.  You will turn the struggles into victories.   Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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In This Together!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 25, 2025: SOAP #5622:  1Samuel 30,31; 1Chronicles 10; Matthew 12

SCRIPTURE:  1Samuel (NIV) 30:3 When David and his men came to Ziklag [their home at that time], they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 4 So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. 5 David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel.  6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

OBSERVATION:   What a verse!  Everything had gone wrong for David, even his men were turning against him, BUT David had a source to Whom he could turn for solace, support and strength.  It is important to note that David did not find strength in the LORD God, but in the LORD HIS GOD!  

God is a never-failing and eternal source.  He avails today as He did then for all who seek His comfort.  God is our refuge, an ever-present help in time of trouble!

APPLICATION:   It may be trouble that causes me to turn to God.  He may be my last ray of hope.  So, in my desperation I call upon Him and find Him to be strength and consolation. 

No, He does not give me strength; He becomes my strength; He is my strength; It is His presence!   He does not give me strength so that I can take it and run away on my own…NO, He becomes my strength!!!  I have strength in His presence! 

PRAYER:   Lord, I am finding that YOU are all I need!  In my relationship with you I have peace and joy.  I have the satisfaction of your approval as we walk through life together.  Surely, we are in this together!   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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Wherever & Whenever

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 06, 2025: SOAP #5603:  Ruth 3-4; Psalm 64, 65; 2Corinthians 6

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 65:1 Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled.  2 O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come.

OBSERVATION:   I see Zion as the place where people gathered to worship the Lord.  It was there they celebrated in His presence.  It was there they heard the decrees and judgments of the Lord.  It was there they brought their sacrifices.  It was a gathering place for worshippers. 

So, what is in Zion that makes God want to be present?  Praise!   The assembled worshippers are anticipating His arrival.  Their hearts have been cleansed from sin.  Their mind is anticipating His arrival.  Then His presence is recognized, and what happens? The place erupts in praise!   There are shouts of “Hallelujah!  Praise the Lord!.”  There are expressions of joy, clapping and dancing.  The King is present and they rejoice. 

APPLICATION:   Then the praise subsides, but not His presence.  And in the stillness of His presence the praise turns to worship!   They do not sing about Him, they sing to Him.  His presence stirs in their hearts and they respond in loving surrender.  He is God, Almighty.  He is our dearest friend!   The bride of Christ has moved from the wedding celebration into the intimacy of the bridal chamber where the relationship can reach new levels of love. 

Yes, praise awaits God in our gatherings, but the psalmist did not wait until he was in Zion to praise and worship the Lord.  As we read Psalms, we see that praise and worship should be a major part of our lives, wherever and whenever.  Praising Him for what He has done and worshipping Him for who He is. 

PRAYER:   Lord, you are worthy of my praise and worship. May you enjoy your days living in me.  May I always have praise in my heart ready for you.  May praise always be ready to spill out of my mouth.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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I am Dependent on Him

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 20, 2025: SOAP #5586:  Joshua 7-8; Psalm 69; 1Corinthians 5

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 69:13  But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.
…
16  Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.

OBSERVATION:   The Psalmist was in trouble and looking for an answer from God.  He was not approaching God on the basis of how he deserved God’s love, but on the basis of God’s character.  He was counting on God’s goodness and love.  He was counting on God to show him favor and be merciful.  

APPLICATION:   It is humbling to realize how holy, just and righteous God is and how unworthy I am.  I have to depend on His mercy and His love for me.  He made a sacrifice so awesome that it more than covers my sins. 

Not only do I need to depend on Him, He wants me to depend on Him.  I must depend on Him when I am in trouble, when I am tempted, when I am tired, when I am disappointed, and when I am happy.  He wants me to depend on Him when things are going my way and when they are not. 

He often sends me into places where I will fail if I do not depend on Him.  He has actually placed His Holy Spirit in me, so it is easy to depend on Him. 

I do not need to go someplace to meet Him or wait until He arrives.  He is an ever-present help all the time. 

My life gives God opportunity to demonstrate how much He loves us and what He can do in response to our faith. 

PRAYER:   Lord, I am so thankful I can count on you. I count on your presence.  I count on you to put your thoughts in my mind.  You help me maintain a life of victory and restore victory to me when I fall.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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What a delight!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 17, 2025: SOAP #5583:  Joshua 1-2; Psalm 37; 1Corinthians 3

SCRIPTURE:  :  Psalm (NIV) 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. …
23 If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm;

OBSERVATION:   This Psalm gives me an assignment.  I am to “delight” myself in the Lord.  This is not something done to me, but something I choose to do.  It is not something that is difficult to do, for God is so amazing!  Our minds will never contain the whole of God.  There will always be something new that will bring joy as discovered. 

Delighting myself in God will definitely change the desires of my heart.  They will change from being temporal things to eternal things!   I will begin to see the eternal value of people and things around me.  I will begin to desire the things that HE wants to do!   It will be His joy to answer my prayers.  Soon I will be living a life that God will delight Himself in me!!!  

APPLICATION:   Here is a worthy goal for Leon.  To live my life in such a way that causes the LORD to delight in me.  God causes me much joy!   It is my pleasure to serve Him.  He is obviously worthy of my attention.  I delight in Him because of Him!   I want Him to delight in me because of me.   I want my choices to bring Him joy.    

Surely, He weeps when He sees the world He created, and the people for whom His Son suffered on the cross…when He sees them ignoring Him and making such self-destructive choices.  May we be the ones to bring Him joy. 

PRAYER:   Lord, I delight in you!  You are awesome.  You are perfect in all your ways.  I pray that my motives and actions will bring you joy and you will delight yourself in me!   Amen

Pastor Leon
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