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.

Depending on the Holy Spirit

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 03, 2026:  SOAP #5965:   Judges 17-18; Psalm 89; 2Corinthians 3

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 3:5 Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 
6 He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 

OBSERVATION: Paul had just claimed that the people of the church in Corinth were proof of his ministry.  Then he quickly acknowledges that their success was not because of their skills, but totally because of their dependence on God. 

APPLICATION: Whatever our assignment in the kingdom of God, it is important that we rely on the Holy Spirit.  Being a parent or a grandparent, being a worker or a leader, being a neighbor or a distant relative…whatever we are and wherever we live, we are important in God’s kingdom and serve an important responsibility. 

So, today I will be less stressed.  Today I will be more confident that I will succeed because I have more faith in God’s ability than my ability.  I will be more humble, knowing that success did not come because of my intelligence or my skills.  Today my life will become a living expression of the Life of Christ. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I want to live my life depending on you so that others can see you instead of me.  Amen

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

Thr Great Forgiver and me

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 02, 2026:  SOAP #5964:   Judges 13-16; 2Corinthians 2

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (MSSG) 2:10   So if you forgive him, I forgive him.  Don’t think I’m carrying around a list of personal grudges.  The fact is that I’m joining in with your forgiveness, as Christ is with us, guiding us.
11  After all, we don’t want to unwittingly give Satan an opening for yet more mischief—we are not oblivious to his sly ways! 

OBSERVATION: Satan loves it when people do not forgive.  He works to keep hurts and offences fresh in our minds.  He wants us to remember things from the past like they happened yesterday.  He wants us to still feel the pain.  Walls are set up that keep us apart.  We do not want to be close because we remember the hurt.   

APPLICATION: Forgiveness does not come from forgetting, but from choosing.  It is a choice to forgive.  Then I must remember the offence as forgiven. 

Every time the devil reminds me of the offense, I remind him that Jesus has forgiven my offences against him AND I have forgiven the offence against me.  Before long, the devil does not want me to think about the offense because he will have to listen to what Jesus has done for me! 

Forgiving is a choice; forgetting is a process.   

PRAYER:  Lord, you are The Great Forgiver!  You not only want me to forgive, but you help me to do so.  Thank you for your healing presence.   Amen

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

What God likes!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 01, 2026:  SOAP #5963:   Judges 11-12; Psalm 50; 2Corinthians 1

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 50:14 Sacrifice thank-offerings to God, fulfil your vows to the Most High, 15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
2Corinthians (NIV) !:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

OBSERVATION: Thank offerings express appreciation for what God has done in the past.  Prayer for help expresses confidence that He is able and faith that He will help!  He likes that!  He likes to be believed.  He likes to be needed.  He likes to show that He uses His power and ability on behalf of the weak and helpless. 

We must remember that after God has “comforted” us by providing what we need, we are to “comfort” others with what we have “receive from God.”  But until God has met our need, we should not beg others to give us what God has given them.  We are to take our needs to HIM and trust HIM to speak to others about “comforting” us.  We are to trust HIS promises! 

APPLICATION: My weaknesses do not bother God.  He is not staying awake all night worrying over my weaknesses.  He is not wringing His hands in concern over my inabilities.  God has more than enough strength, and more than enough ability to make up for my lack. God has unnumberable ways to meet my needs!!!  I can ask others to pray, but I should not depend on others to provide what God has promised. If God uses them, I can rejoice, but their motivation is God and not my need!     

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you like it when I depend on you.  My weakness provides you the opportunity to demonstrate your strength.  You express your love by doing what I cannot do for myself!  You forgave my sins!  I thank you.  I honor you. Amen

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

A Simple, yet Special Ministry

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SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 31, 2026:  SOAP #5962:   Judges 9-10; Psalm 49; 1Corinthians 16

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 16:17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.  18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

OBSERVATION: Who has not needed to be refreshed at some time in their life?  After a long time of being responsible for that which holds a strong grip on the emotions, one feels emotionally drained, like a rung-out dish cloth.  We need a fresh approach to what we are facing.  We need to see things from God’s point of view.  We need to see things in the light of who God is. 

What a valuable ministry—the ministry of bringing refreshing to others!    It can be a ministry of encouraging words, thoughtful gifts, or just one’s presence.     

APPLICATION: What do I have that may be used to refresh others?  Perhaps a testimony of what God has done for me.  Perhaps a thoughtful gift.  Perhaps letting them know I am praying for them.  Perhaps a verse of scripture that I read earlier in the day.  Taking a moment to pray for them in their presence so they can hear their name lifted before the throne of Almighty God! 

Some people seem to naturally bring refreshing wherever they go.  But it is a ministry in which we should all seek to excel.     

PRAYER:  Lord make me keenly aware of people needing refreshing around me.  Holy Spirit flow through me in words and deeds to bring refreshing to others.  Amen

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

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The Dominate Characteristic!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 30, 2026:  SOAP #5961:   Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1Corinthians 15 S.O.A.P.

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

OBSERVATION: What a fitting close to a chapter that begins with Christ’s resurrection and ends with our resurrection. Because of what Jesus has done for us (past). and because of what Jesus is going to do in us (future), verse 58 above tells me how I should live NOW (present).

APPLICATION: What is the key for living NOW (in the present).  Paul stated it so well in his letter to the churches in Galatia.  “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me.  The life I NOW live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) 

God has taken care of the past; God is preparing for the future; and right now, God is taking care of our present.  Jesus, by His Spirit, IS LIVING IN US!   Our “labor in the Lord” is really Christ living in us and working through us!  We submit to Him and follow His lead. 

PRAYER:  Jesus, you are more than an honored guest visiting in my life.  You are the permanent resident King.  I treat you as my Lord and you treat me as your family.  As I open myself to you, you open your heart to me.  May your presence be the dominate characteristic that is easily recognized by all who know and meet me. Amen

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

Excel in using what I have

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 29, 2026:  SOAP #5960:   Judges 6-7; Psalm 52; 1Corinthians 14

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 14:12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
1Corinthians (NIV) 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.

OBSERVATION:  Paul did not tell the church to try to “use” the gifts, but to try to “excel” in the gifts.  Obviously, God wants an abundance of gifts operating in the church.       

From the context, Paul is clearly speaking of the gifts given to each believer by the Holy Spirit.  But it is true of any gifts or talents God has given us.  We have not been blessed with talents or special abilities just for our own benefit.  God has distributed His various gifts and abilities among us to make us more useful to Him and to those around us!  

APPLICATION:  I think that Paul would write to today’s church that we should “USE” the gifts.  Once we use the spiritual gifts listed in this chapter, we can work to excel in them.  If I never, or seldom, use the gifts, I will never excel.   

But even more, whatever gift or talent or special ability or interest, or money, or possessions, or something I was born with, or have inherited or received, or earned, or received as an award, or anything in my life… just whatever I possess should be used for the Lord and for His glory!  I should seek to excel in using my talent for the Lord.   

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help us be the church today that Jesus desires and deserves.  I want to take your word seriously not just to use the gifts you have given me, but to make effort to excel in using what I have for your glory and the benefit of your church.  Amen

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

He helps me do what pleases Him!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 28, 2026:  SOAP #5959:   Judges 4-5; Psalm 39, 41; 1Corinthians 13

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 41:1 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. 2 The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.

OBSERVATION:  In the Old Testament, David had one of the closest relationships with the LORD.  Much of God’s character is revealed in the Psalms.   David knew God and what moved the heart of God.   How a person considers and treats the “weak” makes a big difference to God.  A person who is kind to the weak has God’s attention.  “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.”  Proverbs 19:17 

APPLICATION:  Almost every day I receive requests for money to help the poor.  Many times those requesting money have taken orphans into their home and are trying to provide food, clothing, and shelter for them.  I have not been able to help them, but I try to point them to GOD.  I encourage them to find the many scriptures in the Bible that they can take in prayer to God.  He has promised to help them.  I have made no promise to them, but some have more faith that I will help them then that God will help them.  But consider the verses above!  GOD has made promises in His word to help those who care for the poor.     

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, reading through your Word reveals your character to me.  It shows me what you are like and how I can please you.  It shows me why you do what you do.  When I do what pleases you, I can have confidence that you will enable me do what pleases you.  Amen

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

We Are All Members of ONE Body

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 27, 2026:  SOAP #5958:   Joshua 23-24; Psalm 44; 1Corinthians 11

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church, God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

OBSERVATION:  In this chapter Paul is teaching us about the body of Christ. Here he uses our physical bodies to teach us about HIS body. Our bodies have many members (hands, feet, ears, etc.) but we have only one body. That is the way it is with Christ. Though each part is different, we are joined as only one body.  Just as each member of a physical body is uniquely different from all other members, so in the body of Christ, a person’s uniqueness makes them useful to the whole body.   None of us are the same even though we all share the same life. 

APPLICATION:  What God does in our physical bodies, and in His church, He is also doing in the SOAP ministry. The only reason that the SOAP is so effective in reaching people today is because everyone is not doing the same thing.  But when we are faithfully doing the part God has given us, God coordinates our unique ministries to one grand fruitful ministry.  Those called to pray are just as committed as those translating, as those printing, as those distributing, as those leading Bible fellowship groups, etc.   

PRAYER:  Lord, You are the head of this SOAP ministry.  I started writing them because of your specific direction.  You are the One who assigned others to translate and post or to print and distribute the SOAPs. You are the provider to which we all look.  It is our privilege to honor and serve the name of Jesus.  Amen 

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

Loving God!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 26, 2026:  SOAP #5957:   Joshua 23-24; Psalm 44; 1Corinthians 11

SCRIPTURE:  Joshua 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 had led them in their conquest of the land that God had promised them.  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.  

Joshua would be leaving them, but God would always be there.  There would be a change in leaders, but not in their God!          

APPLICATION:  My God’s presence is more powerful than my problems.  His presence changes the odds to my favor!   

There will be changes in key people in my life, but never in my GOD.  Loving God and pleasing God must always be my first priority. 

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.  I 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
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com

Discovering HIS Presence in Others

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 25, 2026:  SOAP #5956:   Joshua 21-22; Psalm 47; 1Corinthians 10

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 10:15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.
16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus claimed to be the bread of life (John 6:35,48).  Whoever takes the communion bread and cup into their physical bodies is testifying that Jesus lives in in them.  He is the source of their spiritual life. 

Even though we have many differences, everyone who has the life of Jesus within them is a part of a single body.  We are all a part of one body.  We are all a part of HIS body.  We have all eaten of the bread of life.      

APPLICATION:  The challenge for me, and for all of us, is to bring our physical, daily lives in line with this spiritual truth.  All those who have Jesus, the bread of life, in their lives are a part of the body of Christ.  I need to be more aware of those around me in whom Jesus lives. 

The Presence of Jesus in my life often alerts me to the Presence of Jesus in someone close by.  It may be something they say or do.  It may be their reaction to something that just happened.  Following up with a comment or greeting will often spark a special time of fellowship and a new friendship. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, continually remind me of your children around me.  Use me to encourage them.  May your love and joy reach them through me.  Amen

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