Relationship Requirement

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 04, 2026: SOAP #6148: Esther 1-2; Psalm 150; Luke 17

SCRIPTURE:  Luke 17:3 So watch yourselves. “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.
4 If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”

OBSERVATION:  Jesus is not speaking here to the one sinning, but to the one being sinned against!  Repentance is important, but He is not speaking about repentance here; He is speaking about the importance of forgiving!    Forgiveness allows the hurt to move into the past and heal.  Not forgiving keeps the hurt current and unable to heal. 

Forgiveness is vital for maintaining relationships.  People who hold grudges and will not forgive are always in danger of losing friends. 

APPLICATION:   If I am talking big numbers, it is not how many times I have to forgive my brother, but how many times my Lord has already forgiven me!  I could never out-forgive the LORD!  But I depend on the presence of the Holy Spirit to help me forgive others.          

PRAYER:  Lord, you indeed are The Great Expert on forgiveness!  I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit who was with you is also always with me.  Amen.

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 03, 2026: SOAP #6147: Ezra 5-6; Psalm 138; Luke 16

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 138:6 Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly: but the proud he knows from afar.   

OBSERVATION:   The Lord is highly exalted above all creation, yet his eyes are drawn to the humble.  He knows the value of humility.  He is not looking for those who can put on a good show; he looks for those willing to work behind the scenes.  He is looking for those who serve faithfully even when no one is looking.  He who never sleeps and whose eyes are never closed sees what no one else sees.  He sees what people do when they think no one else is watching. 

He knows what the proud are doing, but his attention is drawn to the humble.     

APPLICATION:   It is important for little children to know that their mom or dad is watching.  If I want to have God’s attention and enjoy His presence “up close” I must learn to walk in humility.  I must be willing to serve those who cannot repay me.  I must serve with equal passion when people are watching and when no one is watching.  I am a child of the kingdom; my Heavenly Father is watching me!  

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, I pray that you enjoy watching me. Give me an opportunities to serve in ways that no one will know but you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com

The Gift of Me

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 02, 2026: SOAP #6146: Zechariah 13-14; Psalm 147; Luke 15

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 147:7 Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp. 8 He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. 9 He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call.
10 His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; 11 the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

OBSERVATION:  As birthdays or Christmas approach we start looking for a special gift for the people we love.  We want to give them something they will enjoy.  We want our gift to be special to them.  So, we make note of things they say, or what gets a lingering glance.  We are looking for information that we can use in choosing that perfect gift. 

For people who love God enough to want to give Him a special gift, here is a passage of scripture that gives us some good insight.  It tells us what delights Him, and what brings Him joy. 

APPLICATION: I not only want to find out what pleases the Lord, I want to BE what pleases the Lord.   May my life be a gift that pleases the Lord! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you are amazing!  I want to delight you with my life.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com