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.

Who is in your boat?

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 25, 2025: SOAP #5563:  Numbers 17-18; Psalm 29; Mark 4

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 4:37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

OBSERVATION:   At least three of Jesus disciples were fishermen. (Peter, James and John) Quite probably others were too.  So, as people with knowledge and experience, they knew what a storm could do to a small boat.  They were afraid.  They looked at their environment.  They looked at their boat.  They probably heard fear filled comments of those who were not fishermen.  Surely, they were frantically bailing out the water from the waves breaking over and swamping the boat.  This was a serious situation!   They had every reason to fear.  It would have been unnatural not to fear. 

BUT there was something that could overcome such fear.  Faith!  Not faith in their ability as fishermen, nor faith in people on the shore.  Only faith in Jesus!  …and He was present with them!!!!    He was already in their boat!!! 

APPLICATION:   We all face storms that can swamp our physical bodies, our family relationships, our finances, whatever boat we are in.  We are powerless against them.  We all face trouble that only Jesus can solve. 

Is Jesus in your boat?  You are either in a storm, or a storm will be coming.  We all have faith, but where is your faith?  The object of our faith must be worthy and capable.  Jesus is both!   I invite you to pray with me…

PRAYER:   Lord, I need you in my boat.  You see the things that are beyond my ability.  I place my faith in you to forgive my sins.  Make me clean in my heart and mind.  I set you as the Lord of my life. 

Pastor Leon
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Continuing His Ministry!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 24, 2025: SOAP #5562:  Numbers 14-16; Mark 3

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 3:1 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone….”

OBSERVATION:   The religious leaders were watching Jesus to see what He would do.  But they were not the only ones watching.  Jesus was watching too.  He saw someone with a need. 

APPLICATION:   Just because people are looking for me to make a mistake, or to do the wrong thing, or to do something they can criticize, I need to focus my attention on doing the right thing.  I need to focus on those nearby with needs.  I need to focus on how I can be a blessing. 

I have been sent into the world as Jesus was sent into the world.  I should do as He did.  He lives inside me and wants to continue His ministry through me. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, guide my gaze to those around me who need a word of encouragement, or a helping hand, or a blessing.  Flow through me.  Lord, may I be your hand extended to a hurting world.  Use me to continue your ministry.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Living Out My Mission!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 23, 2025: SOAP #5561:  Numbers 12-13; Psalm 90; Mark 2

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 2:16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the “sinners” and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

OBSERVATION:   The Pharisees prided themselves on keeping the law.  They talked the part and they dressed the part.  It would not be difficult to recognize them on the streets of Jerusalem. 

The people with whom Jesus was eating were just “tax collectors and sinners.”  Religious people need not waste their time.  Oh…, but to Jesus…, they were so much more!  He would die for these people.  They were important to him!   They were valuable.  Jesus was living out His mission.       

APPLICATION:   I need to be careful not to treat people going through hard times, or who disagree with me, as though they have no value.  They need Jesus and Jesus died for them.   I need to love them like Jesus loves them.  How unlike Jesus I am to ignore them or push them away.     

PRAYER:   Lord, people going through hard times need You.  Love them through me.  Help me to see them as you see them.  Through my life, may people be drawn to you and not repelled from you.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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A Well-Used Path!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 22, 2025: SOAP #5560:  Numbers 10-11; Psalm 27; Mark 1

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 1:2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”—3 “a voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” 4 And so John came,

OBSERVATION:   Mark begins his gospel telling about John the Baptist who had been prophesied in Isaiah 40.  He was to introduce Jesus.  He was to “prepare the way for the Lord,” What caught my attention was the phrase “make straight paths for him.”  One can travel two ways on a path, so, the path would be a way for Jesus to move to the people, and a way for people to move to Jesus. 

Straight speaks to me of being not crooked and level.  It speaks of easing the journey and being able to look and see what is ahead. 

APPLICATION:   For those who have committed their life to Jesus and invited Him to live in their life as Lord, our lives become a path that Jesus can travel to the people around us.  Our lives also becomes a path that our family and friends can travel to Jesus. 

We should make sure our lives are a straight path to Jesus.  We should remove things that may make Jesus hard to see.  Our lives should provide a “straight” path to Jesus, a path without things that block the view of Jesus.  May people quickly and easily see Jesus in all we do, in every conversation and every action. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, make my life a path that Jesus can easily travel to get to those around me, and that those around me can easily see and get to Jesus.  Lord, may my life be a well-used path between you and those around me.  Amen         

Pastor Leon
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Getting answers!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 21, 2025: SOAP #5559:  Numbers 8-9; Acts 28

SCRIPTURE:  Numbers (NIV) 9:6 But some of them could not celebrate the Passover on that day because they were ceremonially unclean on account of a dead body. So, they came to Moses and Aaron that same day 7 and said to Moses, “We have become unclean because of a dead body, but why should we be kept from presenting the LORD’s offering with the other Israelites at the appointed time?”
8 Moses answered them, “Wait until I find out what the LORD commands concerning you.” 9 Then the LORD said to Moses, 10 “Tell the Israelites:…

OBSERVATION:   This verse indicates the level of relationship Moses had with God. He would meet with God. He would ask God about this matter.  God would answer.  Moses would get back to these people with the answer.

Moses had a history of speaking to God.  Moses was confident that God had made him the leader.  He knew he was responsible for leading these people, but he also knew that direction could only come from the Lord.  His reply indicates that he believes God had an answer for this problem and that God would tell it to him.

APPLICATION:   I have often responded to people, “Let me pray about this matter and see if God will give me an answer.”  How weak my response is compared to Moses!

When we know God made us leaders, or God gave us children, or God made us to be a pastor or teacher or God put these neighbors or fellow workers near us, then we can trust Him to provide answers.  Let your children know that you will take their questions to God and get back to them with His answer. 

PRAYER:   Lord, as I step out in faith to be what you have given me to be—a parent, a pastor, a teacher, a friend—I look to you for direction.  You already know my limitations, and I am becoming more aware that you have no limitations, except my unbelief.  I trust your love and your wisdom.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Preparing for the next assignment!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 20, 2025: SOAP #5558:  Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 27:3 The next day we landed at Sidon; and Julius, in kindness to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs. 4 From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us.

OBSERVATION:   Paul was traveling as a prisoner by ship from Jerusalem to Rome.   As they were taking a short break from the sea, Paul was allowed to spend time with some friends.   When the break was over, they picked up the journey where they had left off, back out at sea. 

APPLICATION:   While in high school, I played two sports, basketball and football.  Football (not soccer but American style football) was my favorite.  One reason I enjoyed playing football more than basketball was the huddle!  After each play, it was time to relax as we received the plan for the next play.  However in basketball, it seemed to me that we never stopped, that is until the coach called a time out.  

Thank the Lord for breaks!  Thank the Lord for safe harbors in which I can stop for a rest.   I know I will have to pick up and go again, but the pause refreshes and I can refocus.  As ten days ago, the Lord told me my season for bus driving is over, I am now in a break time. 

NOTE:  In visiting a sick friend, perhaps one in the hospital, I may be able to provide a needed break from their thoughts being stuck on their obvious problem.  I may be able to help them refocus on their priority.  Through a scripture and prayer, through a short time of fellowship, God can use me to lift the eyes of their heart to the LORD!  His Presence brings refreshing and healing.  He is like a sip of cool refreshing water. 

PRAYER:   Lord, thank You for the “breaks” You have placed in my life.  Like a wise basketball coach, You call time-outs at critical times. Help me to take full advantage of these breaks to enjoy Your presence and refocus on why You have me here.  Prepare me for the next assignment.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Standing, Living, Ministering on HIS promises!

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Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 19, 2025: SOAP #5557:  Numbers 5-6; Psalm 22; Acts 26

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 26:15 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ “‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them

OBSERVATION:   Here the Apostle Paul is telling of how he met the Lord.  He must have been greatly surprised that the Lord was the very one He had been persecuting!  He was probably even more surprised that this Jesus did not come with revenge, but with an assignment.  Paul was being sent to people from whom he would need to be rescued.  Even before the first time Paul needed to be rescued, he had already received the promise of rescue from the Lord!

APPLICATION:   Experiencing trouble is not an indication that I have missed the Lord.  I should not be surprised when trouble comes my way.  And I too have the promise of the Lord to be with me and to bring me not to a life free from trouble, but to a life victorious over trouble.   Like Andre Couch sang:  “…if I never had a problem, I’d never know that God could solve them; I’d never know what faith in God can do.” 

God already knows what it will take to accomplish the assignment He has given me.  I wonder if God is not hurt when I look to others to do what He has already promised to do!  He knows my limitations.  He knew them when He gave me the assignment!  He not only wants to accomplish something through me, at the same time He wants to accomplish something in me.  He is growing my faith!  2Chronicles 20:12 “…We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you!”

PRAYER:   Lord, if you send me to a place in which I will need rescue, you will rescue.  If you send me to a place that needs provision, you will provide.  If you send me to a place that needs a message, you will give the message.   Lord, my eyes are on you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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It can happen to you too!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 18, 2025: SOAP #5556:  Numbers 3-4; Acts 25

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 25:25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death, but because he made his appeal to the Emperor I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore, I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.”

OBSERVATION:   Festus was having trouble.  He knew Paul was innocent. (Verse 25)  But, in order to please the Jews, he had kept Paul as a prisoner.  He wanted to take Paul to Jerusalem for trial; but then Paul appealed to Caesar.  Now Festus was obligated to send Paul to Rome, but he did not know what charges should be made against Paul. 

APPLICATION:   When it comes to the devil dealing with me, he has the same problem Festus had with Paul.  He cannot find any charges that will stick.  Even the ones of which I was guilty will not stick because they have already been paid for and forgiven by the blood of Jesus!   How frustrating that must be for the devil! 

Of course, I had to confess my sins but when I did, I discovered that He is faithful and just to forgive and He cleansed me from all unrighteousness! (1John 1:9)

SOAP reader, here is your opportunity.  You too can experience the forgiveness that is provided by the death of Jesus.  He was born without sin, and lived without sin, yet he died as though he had sinned.  Now his death is offered to anyone who will receive it as the payment for their sins!!!  So amazing and may be difficult to believe, but it is true!  

PRAYER:   Lord, I confess my sins to you.  Thank You for being faithful and true, for forgiving and cleansing me from all unrighteousness. You make me just like I never sinned!  The devil cannot find a charge that will stick.  I am grateful and set you as the Lord of my life.  My life is now yours! Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Still Speaking!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 17, 2025: SOAP #5555:  Numbers 1-2; Acts 24

SCRIPTURE:  Numbers 1:1  The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came out of Egypt. He said:

OBSERVATION:   God speaks in time.  On a certain day, in a certain month, in a certain year, God spoke…and, this is what He said.  It is not some general idea that one cannot tell when it came or from where it came.

APPLICATION:   God speaks to me through His word each day as I journal my SOAP.  Sometimes it is fresh insight or emphasis of previous notes or study; often it is something I have never seen before.  Sometimes my interest seems drawn to a specific verse, but I do not know why until I start writing—then it becomes clear. 

God also speaks by His Spirit into my mind, inserting His thoughts into my mind; like the summer day in 2010 when I turned a corner in the city of Wichita and before my eyes was a school bus with a “Drivers Needed” banner.  In my heart I heard, “You could drive a school bus.”  Then last Sunday when I heard Him say, “Your season for bus driving is over.”  This past week I was scheduled for some refresher training.  I thought, I will finish out this school year on the bus.  There was some trouble in scheduling the trainers to work with me, and I complained to the Lord.  He said, “I did not tell you that bus driving was coming to a close, but that it is over.”  So, I told those in the bus office, “It is over.”  Tomorrow a new season starts for me. 

PRAYER:   Lord, You are a speaker, and I am thankful I can count on you to speak to me.  You have a long history of speaking to people.  We, You and I, have history in your speaking to me.  May you find me faithful and careful in listening and obeying.   Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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The SOAP conference trip has a short delay.  Pastor Andrew wrote me that in Mali, 27,000 came to the conferences and “17,000 people gave their life to Jesus.”  So, they are staying a few days to do some discipleship training before moving on to Cote d’Ivoire.  As there is a shortage of Bibles (none in the stores for purchase) they would like to leave 500 Bibles with the 5 churches they will establish before leaving.  Some pastors do not have Bibles.  Please pray for these new churches and for Bibles.    

He knows!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 16, 2025: SOAP #5554:  Leviticus 26-27; Acts 23

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage!  As you have testified about me in Jerusalem so you must also testify in Rome.”

OBSERVATION:   Paul could be encouraged because of four things:  First: the Lord was with him!   Second: The Lord spoke to him!  Third: The Lord knew what he had been doing and was aware of his situation!  Fourth: The Lord had future plans for him!       

APPLICATION:   Bus driving is over for me, but the Lord is with me!  The Lord speaks to me!  The Lord knows what I have been doing!  The Lord still has plans for SOAP ministry and for me!   I am encouraged in the Lord!    

PRAYER:   Lord, thank you for the power of your Presence.  Thank you for the strength of your Word.  Thank you for the comfort of knowing that you are aware of my circumstances.  Thank you for the joy of knowing you still have things for me to do!  Thank you for the joy of seeing the SOAP ministry being used in Africa.  I am humbled!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Andrew and Bishop Emmanuel have finished two days of SOAP conferences in Mali.  It is a French speaking country and predominately Muslim.  27,000 people attended the two conferences and there were “17,000 people who gave their life to Jesus.”  They will be having four days of discipleship training and establishing 5 new churches before leaving for Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday.  They are also looking for money to have some Bibles purchased and shipped in from Sierra Leone.  They have found no Bibles for sale in Mali.  Some pastors do not have Bibles.   In many ways, this is a Book of Acts journey.  Keep this ministry team in your prayers.