Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 1, 2024: SOAP #5263: 1Chronicles 14,45; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 18:4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea….
10 “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

OBSERVATION:  What a special promise for people working with children.  If God has placed children in your home, you are indeed blest!  God is present to help you care for the children in your care.  When you have a need, you have a ready source to whom you can go.    

When you welcomed a child, you welcomed the Lord!!!  Be faithful to do what He tells you to do but let Him do what He does best.  He is a good promise keeper!  Find His promises in His word and believe that He will keep them!  

APPLICATION:  Raise the children, teach and train the children as Jesus would.  Count on His presence.  Do not let the lack of provision to do what you would like to do stop you from doing anything.  Use what you have and count on the Lord’s presence.  He has wonderful ways to take little and make it much!  

If you are wondering what ministry you can do in your church, tell the pastor you would like to work with children.  You want to see if God really keeps His promise!   If you are already working with children, your own children or with orphans, look for the promises of God regarding ministry to children. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, how you love children, and how you love those who minister to children.  I ask you give each one caring for children a promise from your word.  Raise them up in ministry.  Make their lives an example to others.  Make their ministry a visible example of your care and provision.  May others see how you bless those who bless children.  …in Jesus Name, Amen. 

Personal:  I had the MRI today and should hear the results on the 9^th of May.  Thank to those who prayed for me.  😊   As to the SOAP above, the Lord wants me to tell someone to read in Genesis about Ishmael.  He wants to build your faith.    

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 30, 2024: SOAP #5262: 2Samuel 6; 1Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 68:19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah

OBSERVATION: David, the psalmist, presents God as majestic over all the earth and the peoples of the earth. He has total victory over his enemies. He is the mighty general leading a great army. His chariots are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands! Yet he cares for his people. He bears their burdens!

Read the entire psalm and consider the greatness of God.  He is a busy God, but he cares for each individual and carries their burdens!  

APPLICATION:  While other gods were burdens that their worshippers had to carry, my God daily carries my burdens! He uses His strength to serve me! 

I do not have to make God be the God of my life, I just have to let Him BE the God of my life.  I do not have to make God carry my burdens, I just let Him carry my burdens.  I do not have to convince God that I am having trouble, I just rest in the truth that He already knows. 

PRAYER: Lord, in a few hours, an MRI will only tell doctors what YOU already know!   There is peace and joy in my heart now because of your presence.  Whatever is in me, you are in there with it!   Obviously, you are not alarmed or very concerned about what they will find.  The one thing that does concern me:  I want people to see evidence of you living in me.  I want them to see what the MRI will not be able to show them.  Holy Spirit, make the presence of Jesus very evident to all helping me tomorrow!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 29, 2024: SOAP #5261: 2Samuel 4,5; Psalm 139; Matthew 16

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 16:13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.

OBSERVATION: Jesus could have told his disciples a parable and given them a lesson on where he came from…on who sent Him.  But He didn’t.  He asked them a question.  What they thought was important to Jesus. 

Peter’s confession was proof to Jesus that the Holy Spirit was ministering with Him and that the Father was also active in what Jesus was doing.  Through the many miracles and the teaching of Jesus, Simon could have said, “Jesus you have been sent from God.”  But with a strong conviction in his heart he clearly stated, “You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God!” 

APPLICATION:  Following Jesus is more than a mental acknowledgement that He is someone to follow.  We need the conviction in our heart and mind that Jesus is God, The Son!  He is the Messiah promised to take away the sins of the earth.  It takes more than a mental agreement from reading or hearing; it takes the stirring of the Holy Spirit in our lives till we become convinced of the truth that Jesus died for our sins; he was buried and rose to life on the third day; and He is coming back to earth!    It is the conviction of truth in our heart that we accept by faith.  The first proof of our faith is our confession which seals our new birth!  

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the promised Messiah.  I believe that you died to provide a proper payment for my sins.  I confess my sins and seek your forgiveness.  From the promises in the Bible, I know I have your forgiveness.  I confess you as my Lord and Savior as in Your Name I pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 28, 2024: SOAP #5260: 2Samuel 3; 1Chronicles 12; Matthew 15

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 15:33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” 34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” 35  He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterwards the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand, besides women and children.

OBSERVATION: The seven loaves and the few small fish were put in Jesus hands.  He gave thanks, broke them into pieces and gave them to the disciples to give to the people.  4,000 people had plenty to eat and they picked up seven basketfuls of leftovers!  

The leftovers were of the same quality as what was eaten.  They had been blessed by the same hands.  They came from the same source. 

APPLICATION:  The leftovers were proof that the need had been met.  The leftovers were proof that Jesus provides abundantly.  The leftovers served as memory stimulators after the need had been met. 

Every miracle of Jesus has leftovers.  The joy that comes from God’s work remains with us.  It is a leftover that comes every time we recall what God did.  After the need is met, we are left with a good memory.   Another leftover is the testimony we can share with others.  The joy is shared when our brothers and sisters hear what God has done for us!   Another leftover is the increased faith we gain as we recall what God has done. Perhaps the greatest leftover is a fresh awareness that God is willing to get involved with my problems and He is able to make a difference!  

PRAYER: Lord, now at 76 years, I have a life full of leftovers, full of memories and testimonies.  But with you in my life, you never let them grow stale.  Like your Word, they are always fresh.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 27, 2024: SOAP #5259: 2Samuel 2; 1Chronicles 11; Psalm 142; Matthew 14

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 142:1 I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. 2 I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. 3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me.

OBSERVATION: The life of a believer is to be a victorious life.  Of course, the idea that it is a victorious life shows that we will have battles.  Satan, and people he uses interfere with what we do for the Lord. 

APPLICATION:  Two times the SOAP ministry has made a concerted effort to reach into East Africa.  Pastor Andrew had money in hand to purchase air tickets to travel to Kenya when he was robbed and left lying in a ditch unconscious until found by a “good Samaritan” who took him to a hospital.  Thanks to all who prayed.  

Recently, as Bishop Emmanuel was moving through the countries of West Africa, installing computers and printers, God was speaking to him about East Africa.  He wanted to gather the West Africa SOAP Team to pray and plan for reaching East Africa.   Upon returning home, he has been under satan’s attack and spent much time in the hospital. 

Earlier this evening, my brother, Dennis, called me to tell me what the Lord had shown him.  God is growing the SOAP ministry into a Kingdom ministry.  It is bigger than any person, bigger than any church, bigger than any denomination, bigger than any country.  God is using individuals and groups to fulfill His plan for SOAP.  Their common motivation is love for God and a desire to see HIS word planted in the hearts of people.  We want to bring joy to God’s heart when He sees people applying His Word to their heart!   

As a Kingdom ministry, Dennis said we should have people committed to praying for the SOAP ministry.  Their commitment would be to listen for the call of the Holy Spirit and to pray.  Sometimes it will be for individuals distributing the SOAPs, sometimes for computers and printers, sometimes for countries…  Sometimes during the day and sometimes at night. 

PRAYER: Lord, whenever you call, we will listen and respond.  We thank you for using the SOAPs in our lives.  We thank you for using us to move them along to others.  Holy Spirit, as you have coordinated and directed every part of this ministry, we know you will do the same with this prayer ministry.   Amen 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 26, 2024: SOAP #5258: 2Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13 

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 13:31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.”

OBSERVATION: A mustard seed, so small, it appears rather insignificant; yet it contains the life of a large plant.  So large that birds can perch on its branches.  The seed could be misjudged by those who do not understand what it contains.

APPLICATION:  Some of the seeds God gives us to plant are such small deeds that we can easily misjudge them. Yet when they are done in Jesus’ name, they contain the life of Jesus!

The Holy Spirit within impresses us to give a word of encouragement or offer a cup of cold water (or hot coffee), or even a simple smile.  We may misjudge the seed God wants us to plant in our friend’s life because it seems so insignificant.  Surely no one will notice.  Surely it will not make a difference.  What good can come out of such a small thing?  We may be tempted to skip over the small deed in search of something greater.  Only God can see ahead to know what will come from the tiny seeds we plant today.

And should it really be so small that no one notices, we can be assured that Jesus notices and He is the one we are living to please.  There should be some things we do that no one sees; they are just done “for His eyes only!” 

PRAYER:  Lord, help me be faithful in the little things today. Even if it is only a smile, may it be given in honor of you and for your glory. Holy Spirit, show me some things I can do “for HIS eyes only.”  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Personal update:  I was able to get my physical for bus driving, but it is only for a three-month period.  To get it for a year, I will need a cardiologist to give the results of a specific test.  I am thinking that this might be my last year, but the Lord so clearly directed me to drive the school bus, I want His clear direction to stop.   The MRI is now scheduled for next Tuesday.  I appreciate your prayers.  😊 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 25, 2024: SOAP #5257: 1Samuel 30,31; 1Chronicles 10; Matthew 12

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 12:33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

OBSERVATION: When the heart is full and begins to overflow — that is when the contents of the heart become visible.  It is interesting to hear people who have unexpectedly received a reward making a thank-you speech.  Their priorities can be seen.  The same can be said for someone who has unexpectedly been overtaken by some tragedy.

APPLICATION:  What comes out of my mouth when I do not have time to think?  In the moment of surprise, or physical pain, or an emotional jar — what comes flying out of my mouth?

It is important to fill all the shelves, cupboards, and closets in my heart and mind with God’s word.  When someone open a closet containing 70+ years of my memories may they get a good dose of God’s Word!

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help me fill my life with so much of the word that every memory cannot be shared without becoming a testimony of Jesus in my life.  May memories be full of what Jesus was doing in my life and what He was speaking to me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 24, 2024: SOAP #5256: 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: Perhaps many can identify with the heavy burden they are carrying and being tied or yoked to a heavy burden.  You are getting worn out.  Your strength has been used up.  You need a place of rest. 

Jesus is speaking to you.  He is calling you to Himself.  He is calling you to His side.    Leave your yoke; leave your burden; take His yoke and learn from walking in the yoke with Him.  His burden is much heavier than the one you were carrying but being yoked to Him you find that He carries the load! 

APPLICATION:  Jesus did not promise to get into your yoke with you.  Surely that would make your load easier, but that is not what He said.  He invited you to get into HIS yoke with Him!  

The world, the enemy, even the church loves to get us carrying a heavy load that zaps our strength.  Remember, Jesus said “HIS yoke is easy and HIS burden is light!”

SOAP ministry is HIS ministry.  We are yoked with Jesus.  His joy is our strength.  We are not responsible for its success; it is HIS ministry; He is responsible!  He is the One who sparks a person’s heart when they first read a SOAP.  He is the One who calls people and envisions them with their part.  Yes we are all yoked together, but it is because we are all yoked to HIM! 

PRAYER:  Lord, those involved in SOAP ministry are all part of a team working under your direction.  We know that lives are changed by the faithful application of Your word.  We know that changed lives bring you joy.  Lord, Your joy is our pay and reward.  Since this is Your ministry, we look to you for any necessary resources.  We are finding You to be a faithful ministry leader.  I pray that each one who participated in this ministry may participate in Your joy!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 23, 2024: SOAP #5255: 1Samuel 27; 1Chronicles 9; Psalm 141; Matthew 10

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 10:16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.  17 “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.  18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

OBSERVATION: Here the sent one is doing the sending. Jesus had been sent from the Father, and now Jesus is sending his disciples. 

Jesus had been sent to a tough assignment—to be crucified for the sins of man!  And here Jesus is not promising the disciples an easy assignment.  They will be arrested, flogged, and brought before governors and kings where they will give witness.  

But look at the promise.  They will not be alone.  They will not need to rely on their wisdom.  They will have the accompanying Holy Spirit to give them words to speak and who will be speaking through them!    

APPLICATION:  I too have the promise of the Holy Spirit being always with me!  It is so important that I learn to rely on the Holy Spirit to give me what to say and to speak through me.  It is important that I pause before opening my mouth to listen to what the Holy Spirit speaks into my heart or whispers into my mind. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I know you are with me.  Your presence and anointing reveal the person and ministry of Jesus in my life.  May I grow in following your lead.  Guide me as I read the Word.  Highlight for me what you are saying to me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Today I had my physical exam needed to continue bus driving.  They needed a paper from my cardiologist which I did not have.  So I was given a temporary extension for three months.  This will allow me to drive through 22 July 20,24.  If I get the release from the cardiologist I will need to start the physical process anew.  I still have not heard about rescheduling the MRI.  I am thinking it will be this week.  I am also thinking that God may be bringing my bus driving to an end.  It is good to know that HE is LORD!   “I don’t know about tomorrow, but I know who holds tomorrow!”  😊 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 22, 2024: SOAP #5254: 1Samuel 25,26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

OBSERVATION: Jesus felt deep concern; he felt compassion for the people, so what was the plan?  His plan was to send workers with His message and in His authority. 

Jesus wants us to pray for the fulfillment of His desires.  Then He will equip and send us in fulfillment of His desires! 

APPLICATION:  God has sent me to the people around me because He loves them.  When I talk to those around me, I am talking to people who were created in God’s image and are greatly loved by God.

PRAYER:  Lord, when I am bothered by what someone says or does, remind me of how much you love them and how special they are to you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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