Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 22, 2023: SOAP #5071: Job 11-12; Acts 15-16

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 15:7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

OBSERVATION:  The early church was going through a tough transition.  Gentiles were being saved and becoming a part of the church.  They were wrestling with the question as to whether or not the Gentiles would have to become Jewish believers and keep the Law of Moses.  Here Peter reminded them that God had already decided the issue.  God had given them the Gentile believers the Holy Spirit just as he had given to the Jewish believers on the day of Pentecost.  God had not required them to become Jewish.

APPLICATION:  There have been times when I struggled with what was acceptable or unacceptable.  In searching the scriptures and prayer, I have usually discovered that God had already decided the issue.  I have found that the more I get to know Him, the better I am able to discern what is acceptable and what is unacceptable.  The more I learn to listen to the Holy Spirit, the better I am able to hear the warning buzzers that sound in my heart and mind.  I am like a child and the Holy Spirit is my divine parent. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I want to become so close to you, so familiar with your character, and so in touch with your Spirit that being able to understand what is acceptable and unacceptable to you will be clear in my thinking.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Today in the mail came a check to cover the cost of a new phone for Pastor Andrew!!!  It is enough to get a top-rated phone in Sierra Leone!   I will deposit it Monday morning and send it.  He should be able to participate in the conference via smart phone!    There was is much rejoicing in my heart and in the Borbor home!   …and in heaven!   Thanks to everyone for praying.  Keep praying for Pastor Andrew’s complete recovery.  

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 21, 2023: SOAP #5070: Job 9-10; Acts 13-14

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 13:3 [in Antioch] So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off…
14:26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

OBSERVATION:  Their journey was complete, but not their responsibility.  They had to report back to those who had sent them. 

APPLICATION:  It is so easy to ask people to pray for us, especially on Facebook. If I am sincere about asking people to pray for me, then I should be considerate in reporting back as to how God answered those prayers. 

When I do not report back…
#1. I rob God of the glory that would be given to Him because He answered their prayers. 
#2. I rob people of knowing the answers to their prayers that would cause their faith to grow. And…
#3. I rob myself of an opportunity to express appreciation.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, my heart is full of appreciation for all you have done for me.  So, appreciation should naturally overflow to those who pray for me, who encourage and assist me.  I know you have heard and answered many prayers made on my behalf.  Bless each one who prayed for me. May I be quick to express my appreciation.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

My appreciation goes to all who prayed for Pastor Andrew.  God sent along a “good Samaritan” who rescued him while he was unconscious and took him to a hospital.  God has answered our prayers in having him released from the hospital to back home.  God is answering our prayers as the doctor is still working in his home for more complete recovery.  Prayer is still needed for a smart phone through which he can make video conference calls.  The Lord be praised!                   

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 20, 2023: SOAP #5069: Job 6-8; Acts 12

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 12:24 But the word of God continued to increase and spread.

OBSERVATION:  Steven had been stoned to death.  Saul had traveled from city to city to take believers as prisoners to Jerusalem.  James had been recently put to death by Herod.  Peter was then thrown into prison from which he miraculously escaped, being let out of prison by an angel.  The social and political climate was not conducive to Christianity, but the church continued to “increase and spread.”

APPLICATION:  I believe that a revival is coming to the church in America, brought on by a social and political environment that is very hostile to Christianity.  Every invading army brings its weapons to subdue the nation they are invading.  An invading force has come across our southern border.  Hidden among the invaders are those with drugs to push.  And many are looking for financial support from the government which is already strapped with debt.  Bankruptcy is hard on an individual, or family, but what will it do to a nation? 

The church is being attacked by social agendas pushing things contrary to the Word of God. 

It is time for the church to call upon heaven to become involved in the decisions of individuals and government.  The Holy Spirit at work in the church will cause it to “increase and spread.”  Christians today should be spirit filled, spirit empowered, and spirit led. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I know the goal is not to save governments, but individuals.  Heaven already has a good government and does not need one from earth!!!  Heaven is looking for people!  Use us to bring people to you.  In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Andrew was releases from the hospital today!!!  Praise the Lord!   😊  Thanks for everybody’s prayers.  And thanks to God for hearing our prayers and restoring Pastor Andrew to ministry.  Amen     

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 19, 2023: SOAP #5068: Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10-11

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 11:12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus had been with them in a physical, a seeable and feelable body.  He spoke to them with a hearable voice. The Holy Spirit had no physical body, yet Peter heard Him speak so clearly that he obeyed His direction.

The early disciples had no Holy Bible, no pocket New Testament, no app on a cellular phone.  Yet they heard the Spirit speak to them and recognized His “voice.”  

APPLICATION:  The disciples walked and talked with the Holy Spirit as they had done with Jesus.  Since the same Holy Spirit dwells in me, I should expect a similar relationship.  I too can walk and talk with the Holy Spirit!  I need to pay attention to thoughts that come to my mind.  Thoughts that cannot be linked to the progression of my thinking, thoughts that line up with the Bible, thoughts that are persistent and refuse to be ignored — those thought are quite probably the Holy Spirit speaking to me.  As I step out in obeying those thoughts and see the Holy Spirit backing them up, I gain confidence in following through with other similar thoughts.  

When questioning if a thought is really the Holy Spirit speaking to me, I ask myself, “If I ignore those thoughts will I later feel that I missed the Lord?”  When the answer is “yes,” I push my doubts and fears aside and move ahead.

NOTE:  A church short on Bibles, should be strong in teaching people to listen to the Holy Spirit!  The Holy Spirit may use mature Christians to help new Christians judge what thoughts/ideas are of God.

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, you are a wonderful Treasure given to me by Jesus.  You are valuable to me.  Work with me to develop the same relationship you shared with the early church.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Andrew’s wife, Doris was unable to cash the “money order” today because the office was closed today.  So, tomorrow will be Pastor Andrew’s release from the hospital.  Praise the Lord!  Now a good smart phone is needed.  A brother generously offered an “I” phone, but it is incompatible with the system in Sierra Leone.  Believe with us; it is another opportunity to trust the Lord for HIS provision. 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 18, 2023: SOAP #5067: Job 3-4; Acts 8-9

SCRIPTURE:  Job (NIV) 3:11 “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? 12 Why were there knees to receive me and breasts that I might be nursed?…
4:3 Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. 4 Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees.

OBSERVATION:  Job’s sufferings caused him to ask “why?”  In considering his own circumstances, it did not make sense.  In chapter 4, Eliphaz reminds Job of what he has taught others. 

But God had bigger lessons for Job.  God was using Job to write a whole book in the Bible.  Throughout centuries, people would read this book and consider what God said. 

APPLICATION:  The most difficult thing I am facing might be the very thing that God is using to give me greater understanding of How awesome He is and how I can trust Him!  

He may be preparing a testimony that will bless and encourage others. 

God may be making me more useful for His glory.

PRAYER:  Lord, many times in my prayers, I have said, “Lord Jesus, it is all for you.”  Forgive me for looking at situations selfishly and not from your point of view.  Amen  

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Information from Pastor Andrew’s wife, Doris:

Bishop Sam and others have contributed greatly to our feeding here at home and Pastor Andrew’s feeding ever since he was attacked and admitted.        The Doctors also said he’s supposed to be discharged today but we should pay the sum of $120 for the hospital bills of the days he spent there, the Doctor also said he will continue treatment at home immediately he got discharged.   //From Leon:  Praise the Lord!!!  Pastor Andrew should be out today in answer to our prayers.  Thanks to all for praying.  Now, if you will, pray for SOAP expansion into Central Africa.  A conference has been organized (October 27-29) to which Pastor Andrew or myself might be able to minister through our phones.  

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 17, 2023: SOAP #5066: Job 1-2; Acts 6-7

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 7:8 Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs. 9 “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.

OBSERVATION:  Joseph was sold as a slave yet became ruler under Pharaoh over Egypt!   No mention is made of his education, nor of his physique.  He was a slave, so his ancestry did not matter.  He was not rich so could not purchase this position.  The key characteristic of Joseph: “God was with him!” 

APPLICATION:  The presence of God in my life is the most important factor in being successful.  Being successful is making God smile!  His presence gives me access to his wisdom, understanding, power, and abilities.  I do not possess those characteristics in myself, for apart from Him I can do nothing.  (John 15:5)   But He shares them with me and expresses them through me so “with Him, I can do all things!”  (Philippians 4:13, Luke 1:37)

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, with the coming of the Holy Spirit, we can all live in your presence and enjoy the blessings provided by Your involvement in our daily lives.  Expand my understanding of your presence.  In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Andrew is still in the hospital.  I received the following from his wife, Doris.  “They didn’t release the x-ray results today due to mechanical failure. We were till 4mp since morning.  Andrew was exhausted and hungry I had to run home and prepare food for him to eat. We had a stressed full day today Daddy. We are going back there tomorrow”  Keep praying for everything to clear.   

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 16, 2023: SOAP #5065: Malachi 3-4; Psalm 148; Acts 5

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 5:32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

OBSERVATION:  In the context this refers to the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus, but it is a truth that can be applied to everyday and everything I experience. 

I know what happened; I was there.  AND the Holy Spirit knows what happened; HE WAS THERE TOO!!!  

In fact, His understanding of what happened is much greater than mine!  

APPLICATION:  Instead of me praying to explain all the details of what happened, I should be asking HIM to fill me in on the details of what happened!  

If I would take time to listen to the Holy Spirit as I am praying, I would probably hear Him saying, “I already know; Leon, I already know!” 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, knowing you and trusting you, I can leave what I do not understand in your care.  When the time is right, you will fill in what is lacking in my understanding. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Andrew update:  The results from the x-rays should be back tomorrow (Monday) and Doris thinks he will be released to return home then. 
Here are two notes from Pastor Andrew’s wife: 

#1.  He has started recovery and moving around the hospital, he has started eating as wel
#2.  He’s still in the hospital, and we are patiently waiting for the x-ray results to be out. As for the internet I don’t know because his phone was stolen as it is right now he didn’t have a phone to browse internet.        
Lets pray for God to provide a good phone for Pastor Andrew.  Perhaps, if he is unable to travel to Central Africa, he can do a video conference. 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 15, 2023: SOAP #5064: Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1-2; Acts 4

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 4:10   then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

OBSERVATION:  What a dirty trick it would have been for God the Father to send his son to die for the sins of man if there had been another way for man to be saved.   Jesus was convinced that there was no other way.  He had to die or man could not be free from sin.  In this verse Peter is speaking before the religious leaders of Israel.  Peter and John had been arrested because of a healing done in the name of Jesus who these leaders had recently crucified.

APPLICATION:  God the Father was so convinced that there was no other way for man to be saved that He sent His only son to die for my sins.  Jesus was so convinced that there was no other way that He was willing to suffer the great agony of the cross.  The apostles were so convinced that they were willing to go to jail and give their lives for telling others that Jesus is the ONLY way. 

Now it is my turn. 

PRAYER:  Lord, You are the only way.  There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved!   Lord, I believe that you are the only way.  Now help me act like it is true.  Holy Spirit, help me tell others.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

I believe Pastor Andrew is still in the hospital, but do not know that for sure.  I do not know what the x-rays showed.  I apologize for not being able to answer obvious questions.  I have had no personal contact with Pastor Andrew since the ordeal.  Thank you for your prayers.  I believe God is answering them and will restore Pastor Andrew to his ministry.  Amen        

Heard Far Away

SCRIPTURE:  Nehemiah (NIV) 12:40 The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; …
43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

OBSERVATION:  The wall around Jerusalem had been repaired and was now being dedicated.  Two choirs marched on top of the wall in opposite directions giving praise to God for what had been accomplished.  When they rejoined and took their place in the house of God, they had great joy. 

APPLICATION:  The Bible says, “the sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.”  Their neighbors heard the sound.  Their enemies heard the sound.  But even greater, heaven heard that sound!   It was heard at the throne of God Almighty!!!  

I always want God to know that I appreciate what He has done and is doing!   He may hear it from someone else, but I definitely want Him to hear it from me!  May the sounds of my rejoicing be heard far away!!!  May the sound of my rejoicing be heard in heaven!   May God know He is greatly appreciated!  

PRAYER:  Oh Lord, if anyone should have a heart full of rejoicing, it is me!   When people come around me, may they expect to hear something good that you have done for me.  Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 14, 2023: SOAP #5063: Nehemiah 11-12; Psalm 1; Acts 3

SCRIPTURE:  Nehemiah (NIV) 12:40 The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; …
43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

OBSERVATION:  The wall around Jerusalem had been repaired and was now being dedicated.  Two choirs marched on top of the wall in opposite directions giving praise to God for what had been accomplished.  When they rejoined and took their place in the house of God, they had great joy. 

APPLICATION:  The Bible says, “the sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.”  Their neighbors heard the sound.  Their enemies heard the sound.  But even greater, heaven heard that sound!   It was heard at the throne of God Almighty!!!  

I always want God to know that I appreciate what He has done and is doing!   He may hear it from someone else, but I definitely want Him to hear it from me!  May the sounds of my rejoicing be heard far away!!!  May the sound of my rejoicing be heard in heaven!   May God know He is greatly appreciated!  

PRAYER:  Oh Lord, if anyone should have a heart full of rejoicing, it is me!   When people come around me, may they expect to hear something good that you have done for me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon