Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 13, 2023: SOAP #5062: Nehemiah 9-10; Acts 2

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 2:22 “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus was the theme of Peter’s message.   The worst that wicked men could do to Jesus (putting him to death) became the basis for the greatest demonstration of his indestructible life (his resurrection).   “It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him!”   

APPLICATION:  With Christ living in me, I need never fear what man can do to me!  The worst that man can do to me simply becomes the basis for a great demonstration of that Indestructible Life living in me!              

PRAYER:  Lord, please help me to remember.  The life you live in me has already been proven to be greater than death.  Wow!   Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Andrew had some x-rays done today, and they are awaiting the results.  I just spoke with Doris on Facebook message.  God has put peace and joy in her heart.  She is praising the Lord for how God is with Andrew.  He will remain in the hospital under observation until they get the x-ray results. Doris appreciates the members of the SOAP team who have been faithful to visit Pastor Andrew and pray with them.   I am praying that what Satan meant for evil with Pastor Andrew, God is working out for His glory!   Amen!  

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 12, 2023: SOAP #5061: Nehemiah 7-8; Acts 1

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 1:1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

OBSERVATION:  It does not take long before Luke introduces the Holy Spirit into the book of Acts.  The Holy Spirit is a shared emphasis in both books written by Luke. 

In the gospel of Luke we see the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus.  In the book of Acts we see the importance of the same Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.  The same Holy Spirit that came upon Jesus when baptized in water before he stepped out in ministry, is the same Holy Spirit that came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost! 

APPLICATION:  The disciples walked with Jesus.  They were with Him when they were in the same location.  The Holy Spirit walks with me!  Even more, He shares my location!  He is always with me!  My body is a living temple of the Holy Spirit!

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, how I need you!  I need your input as I write the daily SOAPs.  Draw my attention to the passage you desire to emphasize.  Enlighten my thoughts to communicate truth.  Speak to me as I write them and to each reader as they read.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

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

Friends, Thanks to all who are praying for Pastor Andrew.  I know he had some x-rays today, but do not know what they showed.  He was scheduled to be in Kenya, but ???  Let’s keep praying for him and I will keep you informed as I am able.   Leon  😊 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 11, 2023: SOAP #5060: Nehemiah 5-6; Psalm 146; Luke 24

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 24:14 They [two disciples on the road to Emmaus] were talking with each other about everything that had happened. [events around the crucifixion in Jerusalem] 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him….
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself….
32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

OBSERVATION:  There were so many things for them to talk about.  Their hearts were heavy, having just witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus.  This Stranger seemed interested; He asked questions; He seemed to have personal understanding of the situation.   He explained things from the scriptures.  Even though their hearts were heavy with sorrow, His words were on fire. 

APPLICATION:  So, what should I do when walking under a heavy load of grief, or care, or physical turmoil?   I should do what these two disciples did; I should let Him talk!   He already knows what is on my heart; I should let Him tell me what is on His heart!  I must be careful not to “over-talk” Him.  I need what He has to say!  

PRAYER:  Lord, I heard someone say that you gave us two ears and one mouth so that we would listen twice as much as we speak.  I am not sure that is right for every situation, but I am quite certain that what you have to say to me is much more important than what I have to say to you.  Lord, when you are talking, I want to be a good listener.  I want to be faithful in reading your Word.  Holy Spirit, burn my heart with the word that is for me today.  Amen

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

Thank you for praying for Pastor Andrew.  He asked for some coffee and food yesterday!  The doctor refused to take x-rays until they gathered enough money to pay for them.  They should have enough now.  Join me in praying that the x-rays will not only show what has been damaged, but will also show evidence of God’s healing touch.  May God be glorified.  Also pray for Andrew’s wife, Doris, and the SOAP ministry team. 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 10, 2023: SOAP #5059: Nehemiah 3-4; Luke 23

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 23:22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore, I will have him punished and then release him.” 23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand.

OBSERVATION:  Several times (verses 4, 14, 15 and 22; and Herod in verse 15) Pilate had declared Jesus to be innocent yet he caves to the shouts of the people. Was this the same crowd who just a few days earlier had shouted “Hosanna” as Jesus came into the city riding on the donkey?  Surely there were some in the crowd who had been healed or had a relative or close friend healed by Jesus.  Could it have been possible that some in the crowd had eaten the bread with the 5,000?  Why listen to this crowd? Didn’t Pilate have all Rome behind him?  Yet he gave the shout of the crowd more weight than the justice of Rome.

APPLICATION:  There is only one voice that remains constantly in line with truth and with God’s will — the voice of the Holy Spirit.  The more I learn to recognize His voice and the closer I walk to following His voice, the more I will fulfill the purpose God has for me.  

Prayerfully considering what God speaks through the Bible sharpens my sensitivity to the voice of the Spirit.  And stepping out in faith to do what He has told me builds my confidence to obey even more quickly next time.  It is the process of maturing from being His child to becoming His son, especially when His voice leads me contrary to the voice of the crowd.

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, cause me to hear, understand, and obey what you say to me.  Thank you for developing maturity in my life. May there be no stopping of my growth in knowing and serving you.  Make me a profitable servant, I pray. 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 09, 2023: SOAP #5058: Nehemiah 1-2; Psalm 133-134; Luke 22

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 134:1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.
3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.

OBSERVATION:  In my understanding, there was 24-hour worship in the temple.  Priests and musicians were assigned their times to minister to the Lord.  Those who ministered at night were no less important than those who ministered in the day.  God is just as worthy of praise through the night as He is through the day.

APPLICATION:  Whether it was working nights at a gas station after high school graduation in Belleville, Kansas; or night duty on a hospital ward at MCRD in San Diego, California; or a night radio watch on a mountain top in Viet Nam; I enjoyed the presence of the Lord!  There were fewer interruptions to break my focus on the Lord.  I found Him just as awake and just as active in the night as in the day.

I have also found the wonderful benefit of praise when I am going through a “dark” time in my life.  Praise keeps my focus on Him and not on the difficulties. Praise activates my faith.  And praise is very special to God when brought as a sacrifice. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you are the God who never slumbers or sleeps.  You are the God of the dark side as well as the light side of the earth.  I am so thankful that you are my God!   Amen

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

Thanks everyone for praying for Pastor Andrew.  I do not have any update on his condition today, so I am trusting the Lord for his recovery.  God is a God of miracles.  His trip to Central Africa is probably on hold, but I will let everyone know as I know.  I will attach a daily note to the daily SOAP.        

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 07, 2023: SOAP #5056: Ezra 9-10; Psalm 131; Luke 21

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 21:34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”

OBSERVATION:  Trouble is coming, but in so many ways, trouble is already here.  Jesus warned us that perilous times would come to “all those who live on the face of the whole earth.”  That includes all SOAP readers.  Trouble is increasing in this world every day. 

APPLICATION:  Two things today need our urgent prayers.  First:  Israel was attached today.  This trouble can be seen as a part of the end-time prophecies when Jesus is to return to earth.  Second:  Pastor Andrew was attacked and robbed on his way to purchase air tickets for SOAP ministry in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.  He was found lying in a ditch by someone who called an ambulance.  He has a broken arm and is unconscious in a Freetown hospital.  Members of the SOAP team joined with his wife to pray. 

Pastor Andrew is a key part of the SOAP ministry in Africa.  The SOAP is God’s ministry.  God is directing it and He provides for it.  God called Pastor Andrew to spread the SOAPs across Africa. 

PRAYER:  Lord, there are so many needs to bring before your throne of Grace.  Work through the national leaders in Israel.  And work through the medical personnel serving Pastor Andrew.  Raise him up for your glory.  Amen

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

Below is a letter from Bishop Sam-jolly regarding the above: 

God bless you Pastor Leon

I pray that you are doing well and your family.

I am really sad to informed you that I received an urgent call this afternoon from Pastor Andrew’s wife Doris Bobor that her husband Pastor Andrew was attacked by some Armed robbers this 6:00 pm he was thurthured and was under gunpoint. According to her they made away with his belongings, including his Phones ,hug amount of money [money for his airplane ticket],his documents, his passport,  according to her someone meet him at the roadside bleeding on his head and the person  rushed  him to  the hospital on conscious 

They Doctors administered  first aid treatment immediately inother to revive him and after 30minites he regained consciousness that was when the Doctors were able to called and informed his wife and she rushed to the hospital to see his husband Pastor Andrew.

Pastor Leon it was the grace and  mercy of God that Pastor Andrew survived the attack else those arm rubbers wound have killed him.

Rubbers are attacking people on daily basis in our country.

 presently all the SOAP MINISTRY team in Freetown  are in the hospital with him, his wife and children and also Pastors here with him at the hospital 

But the Doctors have given him treatment and he is resting right now but He lost everything. 

He has serious wound on his head and also his left hand bone shifted as well. I have also informed all the SOAP ministry in Sierra Leone and also Bishop Emmanuel in Liberia about the present condition of Pastor Andrew.

Please please let us all join hands together to pray for him please.

God bless you Pastor Leon.

 Your faithful servant.

Bishop Sam -jolly

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 07, 2023: SOAP #5056: Ezra 7-8; Luke 20

SCRIPTURE:  Ezra (NIV) 7:27 Praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way 28 and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king’s powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.

OBSERVATION:  Ezra did not take courage because King Artaxerxes was sending him back to Jerusalem to restore the temple.  He did not take courage because the King had generously provided finances from the royal treasury.  He did not take courage because the King had provided letters to the neighboring countries to help Ezra in his mission.  He did not take courage because of those who would accompany him back to Jerusalem.  Ezra took courage to move ahead because the hand of the LORD God was on him!  Using the phrase “the hand of the LORD my God was on me” Ezra was saying that he had a conscience awareness of God’s presence and God’s nudging him in the way he should go.

APPLICATION:  When I am discouraged or tired, I can look for a fresh source of strength.  I might look for a break in my full schedule.  I may look for a way to offload some responsibilities.  I might look for something to distract me for a while.  But the times I have the most strength is when I have a conscience awareness of God’s presence.

Having a conversation with HIM as I read His word or taking a quiet walk admiring His creation…these work to make me aware of His presence.  That He is always with me is truth that I accept by faith.  But I appreciate those times I become consciously aware of His Presence.  He awakens my spirit. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I know you are always with me; however, I greatly appreciate the times you make me especially aware of your presence.  During those times you impart your peace and strength. Amen

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

Special Note for October 7, 2023

Dear friends, 

Next week will be a big step forward for the SOAP ministry.  Pastor Andrew Borbor will be going to Central Africa, visiting Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania for the SOAP ministry.  God gave him a vision to spread the SOAPs across Africa.  What God has done in West Africa is proof of God’s favor and blessing upon this ministry.  They have already been spreading in Central Africa, but Pastor Andrew’s visit will help them see what God can do.  Please keep him and his travels in your prayers. 

Pastor Andrew wrote:  “I will be in Kenya with Pastor Victor Daraja from the 12th to the 28th October 2020, we will be having Crusade and conferences about the SOAP MINISTRY in Kenya. And also I will be in Uganda from the 30th to the 5nd of November to have a conference about the SOAP MINISTRY in Uganda. I will also be going to Tanzania to have a conference about the SOAP MINISTRY to teach pastors and leaders about the SOAP MINISTRY starting from the 7th to the 11th November 2023. So be praying for me as I go those three countries with the SOAP MINISTRY.”

In Uganda he will be with: Pastor Isaac,  p.o box 339. Ogembo. Country Code 254. Kisii, Uganda.

In Kenya, He will be with Pastor Victor Daraja Makokha Kenya *Address .o Box 624-50205 Webuye via misikhu. *Email Address: Victordaraja@gmail.com. *Phone no: +254701625906, +254110726042

Hopefully I will have the information for Tanzania to post before too long. 

This SOAP ministry is God’s ministry.  Day by day He works His word into our hearts and actions.  In daily honoring HIM, we bring Joy to His heart.  There is so much in this world that hurts God’s heart, let’s try to make God a Happy God!   😊 

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!   

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 06, 2023: SOAP #5055: Esther 9-10; Luke 19

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 19:5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner’.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now, I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

OBSERVATION:  Not only was it good for Zacchaeus that Jesus would come to his house, but it was also good for others.  The poor would benefit from his generosity.  People who had been cheated would be refunded.  When Jesus comes into someone’s life, not only do they get forgiveness, peace, and joy in their lives, those living around them will benefit from their new attitudes.

APPLICATION:  Jesus works within me by removing the heavy load of guilt and he also gives me peace and joy.   But not only is His presence good for me, it is good for those around me.  They benefit from the attitudes that Christ brings with Him and begins expressing through me.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, may it be easy for those around me to see Jesus living in my life. May they be blest as I accept and forgive them, just as I have been accepted and forgiven.  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 05, 2023: SOAP #5054: Esther 3-8; Luke 18

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 18:15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17 I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

OBSERVATION:  The disciples did not want Jesus to be bothered with unimportant matters.  Many people were present to hear Jesus teach and many were there hoping to see a miracle.  The presence of the children were seen as hindrances. 

But not to Jesus.  He had the important matters wait while He took care of what was most important. 

APPLICATION:  If the Lord has brought children into our home, through normal birth, through adoption, through ministry to orphans…we should consider ourselves blessed.  We have a ministry that is important to Jesus.  We must count on—depend on—the Lord’s provision. I should read the scriptures that tell of Jesus miraculous provision.  I should read them aloud to the Lord.  I should tell Him, “Do it again!”  

God may not provide in the way we expect.  But we should receive His provision with a grateful heart. 

PRAYER:  Lord, around the world there are children in need of a touch from you today.  Wherever I am, may my hands be your hands extended to them.   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 04, 2023: SOAP #5053: Esther 1-2; Psalm 150; Luke 17

SCRIPTURE:  Esther (NIV) 2:7 Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This girl, who was also known as Esther, was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died….
20 But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai’s instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.

OBSERVATION:  The providence of God in placing this young girl in the care of Mordecai is easily seen!  Major disruptions in her life had found her without a father or mother.  So, the responsibility for her care was accepted by her cousin.  The hand of God can be seen in all of it.  

Esther honored Mordecai’s directions even when she became queen.

APPLICATION:  Looking back, it is easy to see the providential hand of God in moving my wife, Sharon from Delaware to California where her stepmother, Mary, had a great influence in her early years.  Like Mordecai, Mary raised Sharon as her “own” daughter.  Mary and Mordecai are to be greatly honored for taking two young girls and raising them as their own daughters. 

Like Esther, Sharon has honored Mary as her mother even as Esther honored Mordecai as her father. 

PRAYER:  Lord, bless the people who have opened their hearts and homes to the special assignment of caring for another’s child as their own.  Give them extra strength, grace, and wisdom.  May your provision always be sufficient.  Fill their hearts with great joy as these children develop into men and women of God!  May they reap a harvest of honor from the lives they raise as their own children.  Amen. 

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