Author Archives: SOAPs by Leon

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About SOAPs by Leon

At the end of my first year in Bible College, the Lord sent me into the US Navy. It was at a serviceman's center in San Diego where I met and married Sharon. During the final years of the ten years I spent in the US Navy, most with the US Marine Corps as a hospital corpsman, I became the pastor of Bayview Chapel A/G in Kaneohe, Hawaii. After 17 years, the Lord sent us back to my birth state, Kansas, where we were pastors of Andover Assembly of God for 20 years. In retirement, the Lord has given me two assignments: first is to write these daily devotions. You are being allowed to eves drop in on what He is saying to me. You will notice the applications are usually in the first person. The second assignment is to drive a school bus. What a privilege to serve others in this practical way and to interact with people outside the church environment. My heart smiles as I continue to joyfully serve my God and others. :) A third assignment from the Kansas Assemblies of God is to be the ministry coordinator for the Kansas Senior Adult Ministries. My wife, Sharon and myself enjoy traveling around the state of Kansas, visiting the churches and encouraging ministry to senior adults and the ministries of senior adults.

By faith receiving a gift that I could never earn!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 25, 2025: SOAP #5652: 1Kings 10, 11; 2Chronicles 9; Romans 6

Continuing in Romans 4…

SCRIPTURE: and OBSERVATION:   Romans (NIV) 4:6  David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

The author has been teaching us from the example of Abraham, and will return in verse 9, but for these next three verses we will consider David.  David was being led by the same Holy Spirit when he wrote about God’s grace in Psalms 32.

How blessed it is to have righteousness credited to our account, especially when it comes from God.

If I am going to depend on the righteousness I can earn, it will be quite lacking to meet my need.  Most of my righteousness would consist of good intentions, but there would be selfish streaks running throughout.  The performance would be recognizable most of the time, however it would be flawed by times of my mind being full of myself. 

On the other hand, if God credits the righteousness of Jesus to me, then it will be righteousness with perfect intention at its heart, and perfect performance.  There will be no question on judgment day.  Clearly HIS righteousness is sufficient for me!   

With my righteousness, I will always be wondering if it is good enough.  I will not have much peace of mind for worrying if it will suffice for entrance into heaven.  With God’s righteousness, I have peace of mind.  There is no need to worry about whether it will meet His requirements!   It is better to receive as a gift what I could never earn!

APPLICATION:   Eternity is so important.  There are only two places to spend eternity:  heaven in God’s presence or hell with its torment away from God’s presence.  I must be sure of my eternal destination!  It can be a worrisome process: have I done enough to make sure I am going to the right place? 

What peace calms my troubled thoughts when by faith I receive Christ as my Lord and Savior for then my entrance into heaven will be based on what He has done instead of what I have done!!!  

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, on the basis of what Jesus has done for me, my sins are forgiven and you have taken me into your family as your child!  Thank you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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A SOAP from Romans – Possessing what I could never earn! 

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 23, 2025: SOAP #5650: 2Chronicles 6, 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4

Note: A continuation from Romans 4. 

SCRIPTURE: and OBSERVATION:   
Romans (NIV) 4  Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation.

Abraham did not work to earn his standing before God; he simply received it, and held on to it with the “hands” of faith.  This was not something earned, but given.  It is not a reward for services rendered, but a gift to one loved.  God was not obligated to Abraham.  God was gracious to Abraham!

5  However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Here is a good place to insert a thought about works.  Works are not unimportant.  God is very interested in our works.  He rewards our works.  However, works can never be the basis of our expectation as though God must pay us what we have earned.  Works do not precede faith; they come as a response to faith.  Works are what we do out of appreciation for the grace we have already received by faith.

Faith must have a sure foundation.  When our faith is in God and His work for our salvation, we receive the blessings of God’s righteousness credited to our account.  In God’s eyes, we become righteous.  Our sins are forgiven; our lives are cleansed.  We are justified!  We are made “just as if I’d” never sinned!  Amazing!  It is only through faith that I possess what I could never earn.

APPLICATION:   Sometimes it seems that it is too good to be true.  Salvation is a gift!  We could never earn it, but we can receive it by faith.  And the more we understand how hopelessly we were lost; the more we understand that Jesus is the sinless Son of God; the more we understand how much He left to die on a cross as payment for our sins; the more we understand what He is preparing for us—then the more we appreciate our salvation. 

If you love Him today, just wait until you know Him better; you will love Him more!  Indeed, He is worthy of all my love and service!  

PRAYER:  Lord, my heart overflows with appreciation as I reconsider the truth above.  My eyes overflow with tears.  I love you, Jesus!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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A SOAP from Romans – Simply by Faith!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 23, 2025: SOAP #5650: 2Chronicles 6, 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4

NOTE:  For the next few SOAPs, I believe the Lord would have me change the format.  I am concerned about the many new believers who have committed their lives to Jesus but have no copy of the Bible and may not have a knowledgeable leader from which to learn.  So, I will be using a longer passage of scripture, with each verse followed by an observation from a commentary I wrote years ago.  I will continue with more verses from the same passage for several consecutive days.  Below is Romans 4:2&3.

SCRIPTURE: and OBSERVATION:   Romans (NIV) 4:2  If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.

If it had been possible that Abraham could have worked hard enough to stand before God completely righteous, then he would indeed have had something about which to boast.  He would have been able to do what no man had ever done before or has ever since been able to do.  Ever since sin entered the picture it has been impossible for man to stand by himself before God.  The best we can offer is like dirty rags in comparison to God’s perfect holiness.

Abraham would not have been able to boast before God, because God judges perfectly and knows how far short our works come in purchasing the righteousness needed to stand before a holy God.  He would have never been able to boast before God!

3  What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

How was Abraham able to be the “friend of God?”  How did Abraham become the father of the nation, he who had no children of his own? It was simply by faith.  Abraham believed.  He believed what God said.

APPLICATION:   Forgiveness and salvation have been provided by the death of Jesus on the cross. In grace, they are offered to us.  We reach out with arms of faith to acknowledge that we receive them. (Ephesians 2:8-9)   Believing in our heart and confessing with our mouth!  Becoming God’s child is as simple as that!  (Romans 10: 9-10)  Now I begin to live like it is true, because it is!  

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins.  I receive Jesus to be my LORD.  I receive His forgiveness.  I now set my life to live in honor of what you have done for me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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What A Change!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 22, 2025: SOAP #5649: 1Kings 8; 2Chronicles 5; Psalm 99; Romans 3

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 3:22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:   NOTE: I repeat this SOAP from last year for the many new readers who have recently made Jesus to be Lord of their lives and accepted the forgiveness He offers.  Many do not have Bibles, so the verses above will help them better understand what God has done in their lives.  –and it is good review for us all! 

All have sinned and come short of God’s standard.  The Gentiles who are without God’s written code, nor the Jews who have God’s written code—neither were able to meet God’s holy requirements. The most glorious thing is that the truth expressed in verse 23 does not nullify the truth expressed in the next verse. 

For all, the second statement (are justified freely) is as equally available as the first statement (all have sinned) is absolutely true.  But for the believer, both are equally AND absolutely true. We have sinned and are justified! 

Both the Jews and Gentiles have sinned.  BUT both the Jews and Gentiles can be brought into right standing without any cost to themselves.  It is a gift freely given, one clearly not deserved!  It is given through the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus!  Our sins are forgiven! 

APPLICATION:  The better I understand how hopeless I was in sin, the better I appreciate the grace of God that justifies me—made me just-as-if-I’d never sinned!   I was hopelessly lost in sin, but now I am gloriously made clean!   What a great God!  How logical and proper to commit my whole life to him!  

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for saving me from sin and its results.  I am yours.  Use me as you desire.  Speak through me.  Touch through me.  Live through me.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Truth

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 21, 2025: SOAP #5648: 1Kings 7; 2Chronicles 4; Psalm 98; Romans 2

SCRIPTURE:  Romans 2:2  Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.

OBSERVATION:   God never uses feelings, or impressions, or false testimony as a basis for his judgments.  Human judges may at times have to rely on such, but not God. His judgments are always based on truth!  No one can fool Him!  No false testimony will be received.  No excuses will be allowed.

APPLICATION:   Truth is reality.  My opinions are just my opinions.  9 out of 10 people agreeing with me does not make my opinion more true.  9 out of 10 people disagreeing with me does not make my opinion less true.  Truth stands tall when the battle over opinions rages around it. Nothing is “more true” or “less true.” It is either true or it is not.  If I have low regard for truth in my private life, I will have low regard for truth in my public life.  Wherever I find it, truth is truth. 

In Jesus, I find one who claims to be “…the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)  He was either speaking truth or lying.  In the battle of many public and private opinions about Jesus, the truth of His words still stands! 

Those who have invited Jesus to live inside now have the Holy Spirit living within.  He is a great help to us in recognizing truth and error.  He can bring a warning or supporting thought to our mind, or stir a peaceful or uneasy feeling in our spirit. 

PRAYER:   Lord Jesus, you created all things, and all truth radiates from you.  No one understands reality like you. Help me live according to truth.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Jesus!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 20, 2025: SOAP #5647: 1Kings 6; 2Chronicles 3; Psalm 97; Romans 1

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God, by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

OBSERVATION:   Through the prophecies in the Old Testament we are assured that Jesus, as a descendent of David, is fully human.  It was the resurrection that “declared with power” that Jesus is the Son of God.    His death proved His humanness.  His resurrection proved His divinity.   His death showed Him to be the Son of man.  His resurrection showed Him to be the Son of God. 

Actions speak louder than words.  There are no words of Jesus that are more powerful than His resurrection.  No one was at the garden grave calling Jesus to come out of the tomb.  No one was speaking to His dead body to come back to life.  The only ones at the tomb were ones making sure no one would steal His dead body.  By His power as God the Son He rose from the grave!  He had laid down His life and He picked it up again.  What a powerful declaration!!!

APPLICATION:   Jesus, the Son of God, has already been and returned from where I am headed—the grave.  He is with me now and from this moment on!  

PRAYER:   Jesus, how powerfully you have spoken.  The truth of who you are fills my heart and life.  Your presence in my life assures me that I have nothing to fear! Amen

Pastor Leon
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Prayer Requests

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 19, 2025: SOAP #5646: 1Kings 4, 5; 2Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2Thessalonians 3

SCRIPTURE:  2Thessalonians (NIV) 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith.   But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

OBSERVATION:   As Paul begins to close this letter to the believers in Thessalonica, he gives them some prayer requests.  He requests are for himself and the ministry the Lord has given him to spread the gospel (good news of Jesus).  He asks them to pray that others receive and honor the gospel just as those in Thessalonica had done. 

Paul’s faith was in The Faithful One who is our protector.  Paul’s prayer is for God to continue revealing His love to them and through that love, they would persevere through the temptations and struggles they might have. 

APPLICATION:   My faith is also in God.  He started me in this SOAP ministry.  He is continuing to use it.  Like Paul, I am asking you to pray for this ministry.  Pray that others will be open to receive it as you have. 

If God has used it to encourage you, or to spark your faith, pray that God will use it to do the same in someone else.  If God has used it to help you persevere through temptations and struggles, pray that God will use it to do the same in someone else.  Whatever He has done for you, pray for God to use the SOAPs to do the same for someone else. 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, thank you for the ministry of the SOAP prayer team and of others who have lifted the SOAP ministry in prayer.   I know you have, and are, graciously answering their prayers in amazing ways.   May you be glorified and may their faith grow as you continue to answer their prayers.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Prayers that God likes to answer!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 18, 2025: SOAP #5645: 1Kings 3; 2Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2Thessalonians 2

SCRIPTURE:  1Kings (NIV) 3:7 “Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties….
9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.
11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice,
12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.
13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for— both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.

OBSERVATION:   This was Solomon’s prayer upon becoming King.  It was a prayer of humility and dependence on God.  In answering this prayer, God would make Solomon a better servant.  It was a prayer that pleased God!  God’s pleasure was expressed in abundantly answering the request, and then abundantly giving things not even requested.   

APPLICATION:   Is the Lord pleased with my prayers?  Do I ask in humility?  Are my prayers an expression of my dependence on Him?  Will the answer of my prayers make me a better servant?  Are my prayers ones He enjoys answering? 

PRAYER:   Lord, I want my prayers to please you.  I need your Holy Spirit to guide me in prayer and to pray through me.  May my prayers bring joy to your heart.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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My Prayer for SOAP Readers

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 17, 2025: SOAP #5644: 1Kings 2: 1Chronicles 29; Psalm 95; 2Thessalonians 1

SCRIPTURE:  2Thessalonians (NIV) 1:11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfil every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION:   Thinking about the coming judgment, Paul is always praying for His spiritual children.  His desire is that they receive gracious rewards rather than just punishment on that day.  (Is that not what any of us would desire for our family and friends?)

Paul wants their faith to be rewarded as they see their efforts succeed.  Of course, we are always called by God to do things that far exceed our abilities.  If we are to succeed, then God must use His power to bring them to fulfillment.

APPLICATION:   Like Paul, praying for the Thessalonians, I want God to look at the SOAP readers and say, “I am glad I sent Jesus for them.”  May they bring joy to God’s heart now and on Judgment Day.

Like Paul, I want SOAP readers to live in such a way that God happily hears their prayers and joyfully answers.

PRAYER:   Lord, lead the SOAP readers by your Holy Spirit.  Teach them what they can do to honor you.  Bless each of their efforts as they do what they believe you are showing them to do.  Heavenly Father, let them know that loving and serving Jesus brings you much joy.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Jesus Living Inside; Oh, What a Change!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 16, 2025: SOAP #5643: 1Kings 1: 1Chronicles 28; Psalm 91; 1Thessalonians 5

SCRIPTURE: 1Thessalonians (NIV) 5:1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

OBSERVATION:   Paul was writing to believers in the city of Thessalonica.  He was explaining the difference between what they had been before they had accepted Jesus as their Lord, and what they are now. They did not have Bibles, but they had the Holy Spirit living inside.  With their sins forgiven and the Holy Spirit living inside, they were more aware of what was happening around them in the world.  They looked at things differently! 

APPLICATION:   It is like the world around us is in darkness, but Jesus is light within us.  We begin to see things like He sees them.  With Jesus living inside, we should expect that He will help us see the world as He sees the world. 

Not only will the Holy Spirit change how we see things around us, He wants to express the love of Jesus through us.  As we continue to walk with Jesus, His nature will find ways to be expressed through us.  The Holy Spirit has been sent to be our teacher.  

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, in love You sent Jesus to die for our sins, then you sent the Holy Spirit to live in those whose sins have been forgiven.  Accepting Jesus has made us a new creation with a new life-source within.  By your Spirit, speak to our hearts that we may better know your great love and better share that love with those around us.  In Jesus Name we pray,  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Note:  In the past couple of weeks, about 25,000 new believers have joined us in reading the SOAPs.  Many do not have Bibles, but they do have the Holy Spirit!   They are like the people to whom the Scriptures were first written who also did not have Bibles.  Two prayer requests I have for all SOAP readers:  1. Pray that these new believers will learn to listen to the Holy Spirit, and 2.  Pray that God will lead me to write SOAPs that will help them grow and all of us to become stronger in our faith.   Thank you,  Leon.