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.

A Notable Difference!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 27, 2025: SOAP #5593:  Judges 1-3; 1Corinthians 12

SCRIPTURE:  Judges (NIV) 3:1 These are the nations the LORD left to test all those Israelites who had not experienced any of the wars in Canaan 2 (he did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience): …
4 They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD’s commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses.

OBSERVATION:   God had a plan laid out very clearly through Moses that they were to completely drive out all the inhabitants of the land.  However, they did not obey.  Here (verse 1,2,4) we see that God can even use their disobedience.  God is sovereign.  He is never boxed in.  Our disobedience may foil His best plan, but He remains with numberless ways to bring about His plan.  What trouble these remaining Canaanites would cause the Israelites, but God would use them for His glory.

God used these nations to teach the Israelites who had no battle experience how to war.  God would use these nations to bring temptation to Israel, to put a choice before Israel.  Who would Israel choose to serve?  Would they remember what God had done for their nation, or would they forget and make their choices based on present conditions? 

Israel’s choices would be obvious to all; and God’s pleasure/blessings would also be obvious to all.  Not only was God teaching Israel, He was/is also teaching all who would read and learn.

APPLICATION:   The same God has laid the same choices before us today.  If we have lived long enough we should be able to see how God has blest us when we walked close to Him and the difference in how the world treated us when we did not follow God’s ways. 

If you have not been a believer very long, talk to someone who has been a believer and follower of Jesus for years and see if they can give some personal examples of the difference of living close to Jesus verses living without relying on Him. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I want to have a close, daily relationship with You.   Be my best friend.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Turning Problems into Blessings!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 26, 2025: SOAP #5592:  Joshua 23-24; Psalm 44; 1Corinthians 11

SCRIPTURE:  Joshua (NIV) 23:9 The LORD has driven out before you great and powerful nations; to this day no one has been able to withstand you.
10 One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as he promised.  
11 So be very careful to love the LORD your God. 

OBSERVATION:   Joshua was giving Israel his farewell message.  He encourages them by recounting what God has done, and he warns them of the dangers of breaking God’s laws. 

It was not their power, but their God who made them victorious over their enemies.  It was not their numbers, but their God that sent the enemy running.         

APPLICATION:   My God’s presence is more powerful than my problems.  His presence changes the odds to my favor!   What could only be seen at first as a danger, ends up working out for my good.   

God has often changed my problems into blessings. 

When my efforts only seem to make things worse, I can quietly read His Word and let Him work.  When my words seem to fall on deaf ears, I can be quiet and let Him do the talking.  His words may be pushed aside, but people cannot turn a deaf ear to God.  In one way or another, His message will get through! 

PRAYER:   Mighty God, You are my God!  Nothing is impossible with you!  With you all things are possible!  You are not tired or worn out.  You are ever fresh!  As you promised, I can count on you to work all things together for my good.   Amen

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


The SOAP team in West Africa has finished up in Burkina Faso.  They left behind over 5,000 new believers and 150 cell groups!!!  Each cell group has an Arabic Bible.  They also installed several computers and printers which will be receiving the SOAPs every day.  A brother will be translating them into Arabic.   Tomorrow they will be starting in another West African country.  Pray for them.  😊 

The Value of Mistakes!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 25, 2025: SOAP #5591:  Joshua 21-22; Psalm 47; 1Corinthians 10

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 10:11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warning for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 

OBSERVATION:   These things happened TO THEM…as a warning FOR US. In the previous verses, four examples are given:  idolatry, sexual immorality, testing God, and grumbling.  Each was punished by God and recorded so that others would learn.   

APPLICATION:   It is good for me to learn from the mistakes of others.  Although not the only place, surely one of the best places to learn such lessons is in the Bible.  The Bible does not hide the sins and mistakes of leaders.  How I limit my understanding of God’s ways when I neglect reading His Word!   

And it is good to let others learn from my mistakes.  I should not allow the sin of pride to cause me to hide my mistakes from those under my authority or influence, especially from children.  They too will make mistakes, so they need a good example of acknowledging their wrongs.  They need a good example of how to apologize.  They need a good example of how to depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit for the change needed.    

Our lives are too valuable to ignore the lessons to be learned from mistakes.  I can forgive someone their sin against me, but I can also learn from it so that I do not sin against someone else.  And by not hiding my sins, I am allowing others to learn from me. 

PRAYER:   Lord, thank you for the Bible!   Thank you for not covering up the faults of the leaders.  I do not have to be perfect to be used by You.   Lord, may I be a good example of how to repent and apologize to others.  Use me as an example of how to overcome temptation and failure.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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NO MORE Wilderness Living in the Promised Land!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 24, 2025: SOAP #5590:  Joshua 18-20; 1Corinthians 9

SCRIPTURE:  Joshua (NIV) 18:1 The whole assembly of the Israelites gathered at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. The country was brought under their control, 2 but there were still seven Israelite tribes who had not yet received their inheritance. 3 So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?

OBSERVATION:   The big battles had been won, and the country was under Israel’s control.  But seven of the twelve tribes had not claimed their tribal inheritance, settled into their area, established their homes and made it theirs.  They had been tent-living in the wilderness for 40 years and they had become accustomed to that way of living.  Now it seemed they were willing to continue “wilderness” living in the promised land!!!

They did not need to live in tents any longer.  They could build and move into homes.  They could plant gardens.  They could develop communities.  Perhaps they had become too accustom to living in the wilderness. 

APPLICATION:   Jesus won the “big battle” for me on the cross.  He defeated Satan and secured my salvation.  As the Israelites needed to learn how to live in the Promised Land, I need to learn how to live in the Kingdom!  I need to study to apply God’s Word to my daily life.  I need to re-program my mind to think and talk Kingdom truth.  I need to stretch my faith to be stronger this year than it was last year.  None of this “wilderness living” in the Promised land for me! 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, put a check in my heart when I start thinking and talking like I am still living in the world.  With your help, I want to think, and talk, and live every moment like you are with me.  …for you really are!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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He’s my brother…

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 23, 2025: SOAP #5589:  Joshua 15-17; 1Corinthians 8

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 8:12 When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

OBSERVATION:   Paul knew that idol gods were really nothing and that meat sold in the market that had been dedicated to those idol gods was good meat; he was free to et that meat.  But if someone believed the idol was really a god and they saw Paul eating meat that had been dedicated to that idol, they may be offended and their spiritual life hindered.  So, Paul would refrain from eating that meat so he would not offend his brother. 

Paul’s love for his brother or sister in the Lord was greater than his desire to exercise his freedom.  Giving up his freedom was not done begrudgingly but willingly and lovingly. 

As I grow in my love for God I begin to value what He values.  If it is important to Him, it is important to me.  Members of His body are clearly important to Him, they should be to me also. 

APPLICATION:   The principle in this verse goes far beyond eating meats dedicated to some idol.  Sacrificing something I am free to do or something that is dear to me should not be a heavy burden when it is for my brother.  I am reminded of the song, “He ain’t heavy; he’s my brother.”  (A phrase popularized by Father Flanagan as the motto for Boy

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, I want to love my sisters and brothers as you love them.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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…just as He said…

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 22, 2025: SOAP #5588:  Joshua 12-14; 1Corinthians 7

(the Lord speaking to me through an old SOAP)

SCRIPTURE:  Joshua (NIV) 14:10 [Caleb speaking] “Now then, just as the LORD promised, he has kept me alive for forty-five years since the time he said this to Moses, while Israel moved about in the desert. So here I am today, eighty-five years old! 11 I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. 12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.” 13 Then Joshua blessed Caleb son of Jephunneh and gave him Hebron as his inheritance.

OBSERVATION:   The land was being divided among the 12 tribes of Israel and Caleb was claiming his portion of the promised land.   He was speaking with a lot of confidence.  Although he was 85 years old, he was still strong and vigorous, and he would drive out the Anakites with their large and fortified cities.   Caleb’s talk was not something he would have to back up.  God would be backing up Caleb’s words. 

Caleb was not depending on his strength and wisdom.  He had a Helper!   He was depending on his Helper and his Helper’s promise.   

APPLICATION:   Caleb’s Helper is my Helper too!  It has been 3700+ years since He helped Caleb take possession of what He had earlier promised Caleb.  Caleb’s Helper is with me and has spoken to me also!  God will do for me, “just as He said!”  

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, you are Caleb’s Helper!  You are still the omnipresent, omniscient, ever present, all wise and all-powerful Helper of those who trust you.  You are holy and loving, faithful and merciful.  I love you.  Thank you for speaking to me and being my Helper. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Highest Purpose!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 21, 2025: SOAP #5587:  Joshua 9-11; 1Corinthians 6

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 6:13b The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body….15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?     

OBSERVATION:   Although God created man and woman to be sexual creatures, sexual expression is clearly meant to be within the bounds of marriage.   As enjoyable as sexual intimacy was meant to be, that is not the highest purpose of the body.    

APPLICATION:   The primary—the highest purpose of my body is as a holy temple in which the Lord dwells.   My body is the place where My Lord and I enjoy fellowship.  My body is to be a place for God to enjoy.  

In being separate entities inhabiting the same body, we (God and I) enjoy wonderful fellowship.  Do I enjoy His presence?  Does He enjoy my presence? 

And in being joined as one spirit we enjoy expression, purpose and power in ministry.  Do I recognize God as a vital part of everything I do? We are in this together! 

PRAYER:   Lord Jesus, thank you for making my body your dwelling place and for allowing me to be a part of what you are doing in the earth.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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I am Dependent on Him

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 20, 2025: SOAP #5586:  Joshua 7-8; Psalm 69; 1Corinthians 5

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 69:13  But I pray to you, O LORD, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.
…
16  Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.

OBSERVATION:   The Psalmist was in trouble and looking for an answer from God.  He was not approaching God on the basis of how he deserved God’s love, but on the basis of God’s character.  He was counting on God’s goodness and love.  He was counting on God to show him favor and be merciful.  

APPLICATION:   It is humbling to realize how holy, just and righteous God is and how unworthy I am.  I have to depend on His mercy and His love for me.  He made a sacrifice so awesome that it more than covers my sins. 

Not only do I need to depend on Him, He wants me to depend on Him.  I must depend on Him when I am in trouble, when I am tempted, when I am tired, when I am disappointed, and when I am happy.  He wants me to depend on Him when things are going my way and when they are not. 

He often sends me into places where I will fail if I do not depend on Him.  He has actually placed His Holy Spirit in me, so it is easy to depend on Him. 

I do not need to go someplace to meet Him or wait until He arrives.  He is an ever-present help all the time. 

My life gives God opportunity to demonstrate how much He loves us and what He can do in response to our faith. 

PRAYER:   Lord, I am so thankful I can count on you. I count on your presence.  I count on you to put your thoughts in my mind.  You help me maintain a life of victory and restore victory to me when I fall.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Just AND Merciful!!!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 19, 2025: SOAP #5585:  Joshua 3-6; 1Corinthians 40

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 4:2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.  3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.  4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent.  It is the Lord who judges me.  5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes.  He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of people’s hearts.  At that time each will receive their praise from God. 

OBSERVATION:   People who rush to judgment often misjudge because they do not take time to evaluate the hidden motives. 

Some things are judged before their appointed time as being bad, but they are not bad just immature. 

Some things are judged good, but the hidden motives of the heart show that they are not good. 

APPLICATION:   God is the only perfect judge.  He knows me perfectly.  He knows the motives behind my actions.  He knows my weaknesses and immaturities. 

He is a JUST judge requiring full payment for sin.  Yet He is a MERCIFUL judge accepting the death of His own Son, Jesus, as the FULL PAYMENT for my sin!      

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you are my judge.  You know me; you understand me; but best of all, you love me!  You sent your son to die as payment for my sins.  You know my sins, yet when I confess them, you forgive me and give me a clean conscience!  You have forgiven ALL my sins; I give you ALL my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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What a delight!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 17, 2025: SOAP #5583:  Joshua 1-2; Psalm 37; 1Corinthians 3

SCRIPTURE:  :  Psalm (NIV) 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. …
23 If the LORD delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm;

OBSERVATION:   This Psalm gives me an assignment.  I am to “delight” myself in the Lord.  This is not something done to me, but something I choose to do.  It is not something that is difficult to do, for God is so amazing!  Our minds will never contain the whole of God.  There will always be something new that will bring joy as discovered. 

Delighting myself in God will definitely change the desires of my heart.  They will change from being temporal things to eternal things!   I will begin to see the eternal value of people and things around me.  I will begin to desire the things that HE wants to do!   It will be His joy to answer my prayers.  Soon I will be living a life that God will delight Himself in me!!!  

APPLICATION:   Here is a worthy goal for Leon.  To live my life in such a way that causes the LORD to delight in me.  God causes me much joy!   It is my pleasure to serve Him.  He is obviously worthy of my attention.  I delight in Him because of Him!   I want Him to delight in me because of me.   I want my choices to bring Him joy.    

Surely, He weeps when He sees the world He created, and the people for whom His Son suffered on the cross…when He sees them ignoring Him and making such self-destructive choices.  May we be the ones to bring Him joy. 

PRAYER:   Lord, I delight in you!  You are awesome.  You are perfect in all your ways.  I pray that my motives and actions will bring you joy and you will delight yourself in me!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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