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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.

He takes it personally!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 23, 2026:  SOAP #5985:   1Samuel 27; 1Chronicles 9; Psalm 141; Matthew 10

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 10:40 “He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.

OBSERVATION: How people receive me is of great concern to Jesus.  He dwells in me; He is personally involved in what happens to me.  I am more than representing Him, our lives are intertwined.  Of course, it should affect how I live my life, how I talk and act.  I must conduct my life in a way that honors Him. 

Our lives being so intertwined, people honoring or mistreating me are doing it to Jesus!  And the truth progresses on because the life of Jesus is even more intertwined with our Heavenly Father.  They are doing it to the Father. 

APPLICATION: As an enlisted man in the US Navy, I was privileged to serve on a Commodore’s staff.  When I visited a ship to conduct a medical inspection, the Captain gave me more respect than my rank deserved because when he saw me, he saw the Commodore.  The Captain knew that he would be answering to the Commodore for my report. 

I was just a lowly enlisted man dealing with earthly Captains and an earthly Commodore.  But as a born-again believers, we are walking under the Lordship of Jesus Christ!  We can expect God to deal with issues of how we are received. 

For those teams going this week into the Muslim areas of Guinea, or individuals going to work every day, we are representing the Creator of the earth, and what is more, He is with us; He has made us His dwelling place!  

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, teach me to walk solely in the authority given me.  Inspire me to use that authority to change my family and my world.  Keep reminding me that you are not only sending me, you are going with me; and how I am received is how you are received!  Amen

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

Seeable Faith!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 22, 2026:  SOAP #5984:  1Samuel 25,26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 9:2  Some men brought to him a paralytic, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”

OBSERVATION: The faith of those bringing this crippled man to Jesus was visible.  Jesus saw their faith.  Their faith was visible because they had put their faith in action.   Their faith was that Jesus could heal this man.  So, they did a very logical thing; they picked him up and took him to Jesus.

They did not say, “It is too bad that our friend cannot get to Jesus,” NO, they said, “Let’s us take him to Jesus!” 

Last week a hospitalized gentleman in Sierra Leone wanted to go and be baptized, but the doctor would not release him to go.  So the man had his son hire a motorbike to take him.  The SOAP workers encouraged him to return to the hospital, he was so sick.  But Apostle Alex said that since he is here lets go ahead and baptize him.  When he came up out of the water, he was healed!  His faith was evident.  Everyone could see his faith.  But most important, God saw his faith!  

APPLICATION: When I am praying for someone else, I need to be open to doing something that demonstrates my faith.  I need to make my faith visible. 

PRAYER:  Lord, may my faith be visible!  I want you and those around me to be able to SEE my faith.   Amen. 

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

Blest to be a blessing!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 21, 2026:  SOAP #5983:   1Samuel 24; 1Chronicles 8; Psalm 57, 58; Matthew 8

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 8:14 When Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying in bed with a fever.
15 He touched her hand and the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. 

OBSERVATION: Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law provided two things.  First, it provided relief from suffering.  The fever and all that accompanied it was gone.   Second, it provided opportunity to serve Jesus.  She was enabled to use her gifts to serve. 

She did not just sit back and enjoy the fact that she had been blest; she made herself a blessing! 

APPLICATION: God has blest me in many ways.  It is good to enjoy His blessings.  I believe He enjoys that I enjoy His blessings.  But He receives even more joy when I take those blessings and use them to bless others.   I can tell others what God has done for me to encourage them to believe God for what He will do for them.  And, I can share my blessings with others; I can give part of what I have been given.     

The blessings/gifts I receive from THE GREAT GIVER, enables me to bless/give to others. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, You are a giver and your blessings enable me to be a giver like you.  Show me how to bless others with the blessings you have given me.  Amen

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

What starts in the heart does not stay in the heart!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 20, 2026:  SOAP #5982:   1Samuel 23; Psalm 31,54; Matthew 7

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 7:21  Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven.  Only those who do what my Father in heaven wants will enter.  …
24  “So then, everyone who hears my words and puts them into practice is like a wise man.  He builds his house on the rock. 
25  The rain comes down.  The water rises.  The winds blow and beat against that house.  But it does not fall.  It is built on the rock.   

OBSERVATION: Jesus knew what he was talking about.  He came to do the will of the Father.  He said that the works he did were really the Father’s works and the words he spoke were also the Father’s.  Doing the Father’s will led Him to the cross and the grave.  It also led him through the resurrection back to the glory at His Father’s side.     

APPLICATION: The first work of being a Christian is to believe.   I must believe that the work of Jesus on the cross is the full payment for my sins.  Forgiveness is amazing grace offered to me which I receive by faith.  That my life belongs to Jesus can be easily seen by others as I do what He directs.  Salvation starts in my heart but finds expressions through my actions and words.  If there is no outward expression, there is probably no inward life.  After all, faith without works is dead.    

PRAYER:  Lord, not just a hearer, but a doer is what you expect from me.  May my hands and feet please you as much as my heart.  Amen

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

WHat motivates our giving?

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 19, 2026:  SOAP #5981:   1Samuel 22; Psalm 17,35; Matthew 6

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 6:1 “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven… 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

OBSERVATION: Acts of righteousness are good and kind things which are expected of a person claiming to be a Christian.   They are done to please God and/or serve others.  When they are done so people will notice, their thank you and compliments will be the only payment one should expect.  When they are done quietly and go unnoticed by others, the Heavenly Father takes responsibility for the reward.  And He is the GREAT Rewarder!  

APPLICATION: When everyone sees me do something kind for another person, or ministry, two things happen: 1, the need of the other is met.  And 2, they appreciate me and make me look good. 

But when no one knows that I have done something kind for another person, or ministry, three things happen: 1. the need of the other is met.  2, not knowing who to thank, they give thanks and glory to God and make Him look good.  And 3, my reward comes from God! 

When a church offers a gift for an offering, and a greater gift for a larger offering, they are robbing the givers of rewards from our Heavenly Father.  Those “giving” are just settling for a cheap earthly gift when they could have had an eternal blessing from their Heavenly Father! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you look beyond our gifts; you are always looking at our hearts.  May our gifts be expressions of your love.  May our “acts of righteousness” give many people reason to appreciate you and give you praise.  Amen

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

Living the Impossible Life!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 18, 2026:  SOAP #5980:   1Samuel 20-21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

OBSERVATION:  The love God wants for His people is not a reaction love, but an acting love. It is not love in return for a favor.  It is love that is given when nothing has been received deserving love.  It is a love given even when the opposite is expected.  And it is given without a promise of returned love.

APPLICATION: Simply put, it is the love that God has extended to me!  My love is to be a response to His love for me. 

One might say, “It is impossible to love like that.  It is not natural.”  And they would be right.  It is impossible for fallen, sinful man to live up to God’s holy standards.  If man was to love like that, God would need to live in him and love through him!  And that is the beauty of the Christian life!   God lives His life in me and through me!!!  I am living the impossible life because God is living His life in and through me!  

PRAYER:   Lord, because of your death on the cross in payment for sin, forgive me and cleanse me from all sin.  Come and live in me.  Come live and love through me.  Teach me your ways. May my life bring you joy today.  Amen.

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

HE is still at work in this world!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 17, 2026:  SOAP #5979:   1Samuel 19; 1Chronicles 7; Psalm 59; Matthew 4

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24 News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. 25 Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him.

OBSERVATION: Healing was always a major part of Jesus’ ministry.  It still is!   Last week (April 8,2026)in Sierra Leone a man (Mohammed Ishaka)scheduled to be baptized was quite sick in the hospital.  The doctor said he was too sick and would not release him to go to the baptism.  He was too sick to walk.  After the doctor left the man had his son call a moped cycle to take him.  The SOAP people saw that he was too sick to be baptized, but Apostle Alex said that since he was there they should go ahead and baptize him.  He came up out of the water completely healed!!

So this is the testimony I received yesterday:  “…and now this is the greatest testimony that ever happened in the history of the SOAP MINISTRY in Sierra Leone all the sick people who came from different hospital’s after the baptism all of them was healed from their sickness and this create a lot of panic from the hospitals some hospitals close their gate for the sick people not to come out some of the sick people the doctor was following them to come and some of those doctors are Christians and those doctor was telling the SOAP MINISTRY team leader Apostle Alex for the SOAP MINISTRY team to come to the hospitals to pray for the sick people but Apostle Alex said we do not have time to go to the hospital because our time is limited so we was not able to go to the hospital because we was having only 3 days remaining, Also we do not baptize everyone especially those name who was on the list because the crowd was too much especially those who are coming from the hospital and other places…” Pastor Elijah

APPLICATION: God is alive TODAY! 

PRAYER:  Lord, you are still alive and active in our world today!  You love people and want us to express your love to them.  Find us faithful.  Amen

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 16, 2026:  SOAP #5978:   1Samuel 18; 1Chronicles 6; Psalm 11; Matthew 3

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

OBSERVATION: The One who had willingly emptied Himself of His God-ness to live on earth as the Son of Man, was now empowered by the same Holy Spirit who was present at creation (Genesis 1:2). This was the same Holy Spirit the angel spoke of when explaining to Joseph, that Mary’s pregnancy was the work of the Spirit of God. (Matthew 1:18 & 20). The Holy Spirit was a major part of Jesus life and ministry.

APPLICATION: I am called to be like Jesus. I also want my Heavenly Father to be pleased with me. 

But I am often not sure how Jesus would live in 2026. The specifics are not always obvious. I need the Holy Spirit to help me in living like Jesus in my clothes, in my family, in my city.  I need the Holy Spirit active in my life.  I need to be like Jesus in hearing and following the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, among the many changes I face today, the one thing that has never changed is my need for You, Your presence in my life, and Your daily direction. Make me like Jesus! Amen.

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

God is moving on!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 15, 2026:  SOAP #5977:   1Samuel 17; Psalm 9; Matthew 2

SCRIPTURE:  1Samuel (NIV) 17:36 [David talking to King Saul before going off to fight Goliath.  He had just tried on Saul’s armor and did not feel it right.  So, he would take what he knew: a sling and some rocks.]  Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 
37 The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you.”

OBSERVATION: David did not see the battle as the others saw it.  Most saw it as a fight between the Philistines and the Israelites.   Goliath, the nine-foot tall giant, wanted to define it as a battle between himself and one Israelite soldier.  David saw it as it truly was—a battle between Goliath and the Living God!  

This was far more than just the Israelites against the Philistines.  David had no doubt who would win this battle!  He did not need to look for a better weapon, the sling with stones in his hand would work fine. 

APPLICATION: When I find myself in a conflict, I too need to identify who is involved.  I need to boldly declare myself to be on God’s side.  Like David, I need to use whatever is available to me and trust the outcome to God!  If God is with me, I do not need to wait until I have more money, or better equipment.   

SOAP teams from Sierra Leone and Liberia have been invited and are now preparing for a crusade in Guinea Conakry.  They are not taking public-address systems and musical instruments; they are just taking SOAPs.  They will simply be walking in the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit!   Let’s pray for them!

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, it is not how much money I have, or how great my plan.  It is knowing that I am on your side and trusting you!  We are not asking you to help us do what we want, but we are surrendering ourselves to you to do what you want. Amen

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

All They Were Meant To Be

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 14, 2026:  SOAP #5976:   1Samuel 15-16; 1Chronicles 5; Matthew 1

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 1:20  … an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22  All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23  “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”— which means, “God with us.” 24  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25  But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

OBSERVATION: God saw Joseph as an honorable man.  He was a man who could be entrusted with Mary who was entrusted with the baby Jesus.  Joseph would take Mary as his wife yet withhold himself from the joys of marriage until Jesus was born.  Joseph would not mess up God’s plan.  He would patiently allow the plan of God to work itself to completion. 

APPLICATION: What has God entrusted to me as Mary to Joseph?  What special gifts has He placed in their lives?  Will I provide a safe environment for them to develop their gifts?  Will I encourage them to fulfill the purpose God has put in their heart?

May our homes be good environments to build faith and learn that serving Jesus is a great honor.  It is more of a joy than a burden.    It is more than worth any sacrifice we may need to make.  Being faithful in little things leads to great opportunities. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, how wise of you to place the pregnant Mary in the care of Joseph.  May you find me faithful in caring for those you have entrusted to me.  May they become all you mean for them to be.  Amen

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