Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 5, 2024: SOAP #5177: Exodus 39-40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision.

OBSERVATION:  King Herod had just arrested James, the brother of John, and had him killed with a sword.  Then Peter was arrested and placed in jail until after Passover.  It was a desperate time; many people joined at Mary’s house to pray.  But Peter had confidence that things, his death or life, would work out for God’s glory.  So, what did he do?   He went to sleep.  The light and the presence of the angel did not wake him.  The angel had to strike him and speak to him.    

APPLICATION:  Like Peter bound with chains, asleep between two soldiers…  Like Jesus asleep on a boat in the middle of a storm…  Like Daniel asleep in the lion’s den…  With my heart at peace, I too can sleep.  The laws that govern this universe were made by the one who lives in me!   He is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent.  He controls the entrance and exit of the grave!  He is in control of things out of my control.  My faith allows me to sleep!  

PRAYER:  Lord to borrow some words from Civilla D. Martin: “I rest because I’m happy, I sleep because I’m free, For Your eye is on the sparrow, and I know You care for me.”  Amen.

Pastor Leon 
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 4, 2024: SOAP #5176: Exodus 37-38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 11:20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 22 News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

OBSERVATION:  God was keeping to his plan of reaching Gentiles, but it was new to the Jews of that day.   How would the Gentiles fit in to the Jewish church.  As the body of Jesus was being formed in a Jewish virgin, so the church was started among Jewish believers.   Mary could no more contain the baby in her womb, than could the believing Jews contain the church.  It was going to break out.  It happened at Cornelius’ house in Acts 10 and now in the city of Antioch. 

The evidence in Acts 10 was that the Gentiles spoke in other languages just like the Jews did on the day of Pentecost.  Now, Barnabas sees evidence of the grace of God and knows that God is indeed working in their lives.  The Bible does not tell us what the evidence was, but it was recognizable! 

APPLICATION:  Grace cannot be seen, but its evidence cannot be missed!   If I am a recipient of God’s grace, everyone will soon know.  The evidence will show in many ways. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I want my life to be full of evidence of Your Presence.  May your characteristics be worked into my personality.  May I become like You, Jesus.  In Your Name I pray,  Amen. 

Pastor Leon 
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 3, 2024: SOAP #5175: Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 10:19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”

OBSERVATION:  God told Peter that three men were looking for him and that Peter should go downstairs to meet them.  They had been sent by God to get Peter.  But there was one BIG piece of information that the Spirit did not tell Peter!  These men were gentiles and wanted Peter to come to the home of a Gentile!!! 

But in reading the verses 10-16 we see that God very specifically prepared Peter to take this assignment!  

When Peter arrived, they were awaiting to hear what God was going to say through Peter.  He started by giving the testimony of the Jews, recounting some history and what Jesus had done.   In verse 44 we read that his sermon was interrupted because the Holy Spirit came on these Gentiles the same way as He came of the Jewish believers on the Day of Pentecost!    

APPLICATION:  God ALWAYS sees the big picture.  He never sends us without proper preparation!  He has put in us what is needed.  If it was not there, He would have sent someone else!  

And God ALWAYS sends the Holy Spirit to accompany us!  He will give us what to say.  He will interrupt us.  He will do what only He can do.  When we leave, He will remain behind to follow-up. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, a large part of my preparation for each day is recognizing your Presence!   I know that I will face things beyond my ability, but I will face nothing beyond your ability!  Empower me with your presence as you have been doing ever since the day of Pentecost!   I pray in the mighty Name of Jesus.  Amen

Pastor Leon  
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 2, 2024: SOAP #5174: Exodus 33-34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 33:2 I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 3 Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”…
13 … “Remember that this nation is your people.”
15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

OBSERVATION:  Moses had it right!  These were God’s people.  God had chosen him (Moses) to lead God’s people.  This was God’s doings!  God was responsible!

Moses realized that it was God’s presence that made God’s people unique from all other nations. 

APPLICATION:  The same is true with this SOAP ministry.  It was God’s idea for me to write SOAPs.  My first response was like the first response of Moses  Now, after 15 years of SOAPs, I and those now working with the SOAPs recognize God’s hand at work. 

We are not working for the Lord; we are working with the Lord!  We are not asking Him to bless what we are doing; we are asking for the privilege of being a part of what He is doing! 

Like Moses, I have only one requirement of the Lord:  I will go where He sends me, I will go when He sends me, on one condition:  That HE GOES WITH ME! 

PRAYER:  Lord, not only for the SOAP ministry, but for every ministry of every reader, we agree to go wherever we can feel your strong hand and sense your presence.  We are living with you, walking with you, and working with you.  It is our privilege to be a part of what you are doing.  Amen

Pastor Leon  
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 1, 2024: SOAP #5173: Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 31:2  “See I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3  and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.
6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also, I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you:

OBSERVATION:  God had delivered Israel from Egypt.  By the pillar of fire at night and the cloud in the day, God led them to Sinai where He gave the 10 Commandments to Moses and an assignment to the Israelites.  They were to build Him a tabernacle—a place where He could dwell with them.  God had specific instructions for them to follow, but He did not give every specific detail. 

For that, God chose Bezalel and appointed Oholiab and “gave skill to all the craftsmen.”

APPLICATION:  When God gives me an assignment or a task, He will provide the knowledge and skill to accomplish His will.  God is not depending on my wisdom.  God already knows my limitations.  God is depending on my obedience. 

It may be a dominant thought, or a gentle persuasion, but I can learn to recognize how God speaks to me.  If I am faithful in His word, I will easily recognize what is contrary to His will and will not fall for any of the enemies’ deceptions. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, speak to me, teach me to recognize your voice.  May I find the joy of doing what pleases you.  Use me for your glory.  Amen

Pastor Leon 
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 31, 2024: SOAP #5172: Exodus 28-29; Acts 7

(reworked)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 7:55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

OBSERVATION:  From reading this verse one might get the idea that Stephen was in a great revival, full of the Holy Spirit, and having visions of God!  He saw the resurrected and ascended Jesus!    This verse gives us insight into what was happening inside Stephen. 

The verses before and after give insight into Stephen’s circumstances.  He was not in a revival.  The people around Stephen were furious at what he had just told them.  In a very short time, they would take him out of the city and stoned him to death.  The One inside Stephen was greater than the ones surrounding him–even greater than what might happen to him!

And look who was watching.  Not only was heaven taking note of how Stephen was being treated, Acts 8:1 reveals that Saul, the future Apostle Paul, was watching too!

APPLICATION:  Praise the Lord my circumstances do not have to rule my spirit!  I can be full of the Holy Spirit no matter what is happening around me or to me!  

And there are people watching my life today, to see how I handle the tough times.  I want them to see in me what Saul saw in Stephen.

PRAYER:  Lord, as Saul was watching Stephen that day, there are people watching my life today.  I need Your Holy Spirit.  I want to stay full of Your Spirit. I want a revival in my heart that can be seen by others.  Amen.

Pastor Leon  
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 30, 2024: SOAP #5171: Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 6:3 Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”…
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

OBSERVATION:  Church growth brought problems.  Not everything that needed to be done was getting done.  So those in church leadership divided the responsibilities and gave authority to others to serve those in the body needing assistance. 

They chose men KNOWN to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.  These men had a good reputation.  They were known for making wise decisions.  These actions brought even more growth. 

APPLICATION:  The knowledge of the Word of God spread.  Of course, the disciples were giving their attention “to prayer and the ministry of the word.”  How important this was as there were no written Bibles.  The only copies of the scriptures were in the temple and synagogues.  Yet, without Bibles, the “word of God spread!” 

Obviously, the Holy Spirit was working in the church through the leaders. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, we need your help in ministering to people today.  We might not be the leaders, but may each of us be known to be “full of the Spirit and wisdom!” Amen

Pastor Leon  
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 29, 2024: SOAP #5170: Exodus 23-24; Psalm 14; Acts 5

Lord, Do It Again! 

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 5:42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

OBSERVATION:  I commented on this verse last year, but the Lord showed me a new emphasis.  Last year, the SOAP was about location.  They met “in the temple courts and from house to house.”  Today, the emphasis is not location but timing.  They met “Day after day.” 

Bibles had not yet been printed.  If they could have afforded one, they were not even yet for sale in the market.  The early believers needed to know the truth that is now recorded in the scriptures.  It had not been recorded in writing; it was still in the minds of those who were witnesses of Jesus.  Their hunger to know about Jesus and what He taught caused them to gather with other believers and listen to what the Holy Spirit would speak through the early church leaders, or read letters from those who had been with Jesus.

APPLICATION:  Today, many believers have their personal copy of the Bible.  They can have time each day set aside for reading and praying.  Those of us who have Bibles, should be willing to invite others, (daily?), into our homes where the Bible can be read aloud.  Others may not be able to read or cannot afford to buy a Bible but they can listen to God’s Word being read.  That is how the early church in the book of Acts began!  

Having believers strong in the Word of God is one of a pastor’s greatest responsibilities.  Anyone who can read, can read the Bible for others to hear.  The power is in the Word of God…not on the pages or in the book, but in the Word of God.  God honors His Word! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, when we consider how the church has grown out of meetings in homes, schools, on riverbanks to where it is today…DO IT AGAIN around the world.  Send a mighty revival in Africa and Asia and anywhere your Word is honored.  In the strong Name of Jesus we pray, Amen

Pastor Leon  
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 28, 2024: SOAP #5169: Exodus 21-22; Psalm 12; Acts 4

(worked)

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 12:6 And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.

OBSERVATION:  Silver that has been purified in an earthen furnace, then purified again, and then purified again up to seven times, would surely be considered pure.  

The Word of God does not need a furnace to purify it; it is already purer than silver that has been refined seven times.  Generation after generation, decade after decade, year after year, God’s Word is placed in earthen furnaces — in the hearts of people.

APPLICATION:  Find a family who has held the Word of God in high regard for generations and see the purity of the Word shining through. 

Find a person who has held the Word of God in high regard for decades and see its effect on that life. 

God’s Word is not put in the furnace to make it pure, but to prove it is pure.  It can take the heat!  And those who hide it in their hearts discover that they too can take the heat.  It continues to be proven pure time and time again.

PRAYER:  Lord, Your word is pure.  It remains trustworthy and true.  It continues to be a proven foundation for every life.  Amen

Pastor Leon 
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
January 27, 2024: SOAP #5168: Exodus 17-20; Acts 3

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 3:2 Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

OBSERVATION:  Money is an important part of ministry, but lack of money is never a reason to stop ministering.  The ministry that Jesus left the church was based on the power of the Holy Spirit rather than the power of money!

APPLICATION:  I believe I will give an account to the Lord of how I use the money He provides or enables me to earn, but how much more will I be held accountable for the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit he has given me!

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, forgive me for the times I have hindered the flow of your ministry through me.  Find me a willing and useful vessel through which you can flow.  Use me today however you deem best.   Amen

Pastor Leon  
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January 2024 SOAP UPDATE:    

Greetings to all in Jesus’ Name! 

When I started writing the SOAPs 15 years ago, I never dreamed that they would grow to the point where money would be useful to purchase computers and printers, paper and ink, and payment for internet access.  But that is what has happened.  It was God’s direction to me to write them.  God has been faithful to give me scriptures each day and what to write.  And God has been faithful in providing for the expansion of this ministry. 

When God directed me to start writing SOAPs, He also directed me to start driving a school bus.  Obviously, God had a plan; the money from driving the bus carried the SOAP ministry for the first ten years.  Then God began sending some support from time to time which has lately become more regular.  As the ministry has expanded, God’s provision has expanded. 

I never want to ask people to give!  It is God’s ministry; we only look to HIM for finances.  His provision is the proof that He considers it His ministry.  He will use people, but the motivation must come from their heart. 

The greatest way I see SOAP and money melted together is in testimonies of how God provides.  …and there have been so many testimonies!!!  

There is no official organization and to my knowledge, no one presently working with SOAPs receives a salary.  Many are making personal sacrifices to make the SOAPs available to others.

There is a team of 7-8 Christian leaders in 4-5 West African countries who want to purchase 85 laptops/printers to provide SOAPs for 4-5 nations. They are doing it on their own. They are very committed brothers and sisters who have been working with SOAPs for several years. They have seen a tremendous impact on their churches with the use of the SOAPs and want to see it spread through the 17 countries of West Africa. After this, they have a goal of helping the East African countries grow the SOAP ministry.

The bulk of money from past similar endeavors has come from Africa! But they will receive it from whoever wants to give. They have many testimonies of spiritual growth through SOAP use.

I do not want to see SOAPs as a fundraiser operation, so have limited my personal push. But I will gladly respond to your questions and pass along what is sent to me.

A day is coming when I will need to stop bus driving to take care of more SOAP ministries…Lord give me wisdom. There just is not enough time in the day to cover everything. Ha! 

Leon