Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 27, 2024: SOAP #5259: 2Samuel 2; 1Chronicles 11; Psalm 142; Matthew 14

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 142:1 I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift up my voice to the LORD for mercy. 2 I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. 3 When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me.

OBSERVATION: The life of a believer is to be a victorious life.  Of course, the idea that it is a victorious life shows that we will have battles.  Satan, and people he uses interfere with what we do for the Lord. 

APPLICATION:  Two times the SOAP ministry has made a concerted effort to reach into East Africa.  Pastor Andrew had money in hand to purchase air tickets to travel to Kenya when he was robbed and left lying in a ditch unconscious until found by a “good Samaritan” who took him to a hospital.  Thanks to all who prayed.  

Recently, as Bishop Emmanuel was moving through the countries of West Africa, installing computers and printers, God was speaking to him about East Africa.  He wanted to gather the West Africa SOAP Team to pray and plan for reaching East Africa.   Upon returning home, he has been under satan’s attack and spent much time in the hospital. 

Earlier this evening, my brother, Dennis, called me to tell me what the Lord had shown him.  God is growing the SOAP ministry into a Kingdom ministry.  It is bigger than any person, bigger than any church, bigger than any denomination, bigger than any country.  God is using individuals and groups to fulfill His plan for SOAP.  Their common motivation is love for God and a desire to see HIS word planted in the hearts of people.  We want to bring joy to God’s heart when He sees people applying His Word to their heart!   

As a Kingdom ministry, Dennis said we should have people committed to praying for the SOAP ministry.  Their commitment would be to listen for the call of the Holy Spirit and to pray.  Sometimes it will be for individuals distributing the SOAPs, sometimes for computers and printers, sometimes for countries…  Sometimes during the day and sometimes at night. 

PRAYER: Lord, whenever you call, we will listen and respond.  We thank you for using the SOAPs in our lives.  We thank you for using us to move them along to others.  Holy Spirit, as you have coordinated and directed every part of this ministry, we know you will do the same with this prayer ministry.   Amen 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 26, 2024: SOAP #5258: 2Samuel 1; Psalm 140; Matthew 13 

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 13:31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.”

OBSERVATION: A mustard seed, so small, it appears rather insignificant; yet it contains the life of a large plant.  So large that birds can perch on its branches.  The seed could be misjudged by those who do not understand what it contains.

APPLICATION:  Some of the seeds God gives us to plant are such small deeds that we can easily misjudge them. Yet when they are done in Jesus’ name, they contain the life of Jesus!

The Holy Spirit within impresses us to give a word of encouragement or offer a cup of cold water (or hot coffee), or even a simple smile.  We may misjudge the seed God wants us to plant in our friend’s life because it seems so insignificant.  Surely no one will notice.  Surely it will not make a difference.  What good can come out of such a small thing?  We may be tempted to skip over the small deed in search of something greater.  Only God can see ahead to know what will come from the tiny seeds we plant today.

And should it really be so small that no one notices, we can be assured that Jesus notices and He is the one we are living to please.  There should be some things we do that no one sees; they are just done “for His eyes only!” 

PRAYER:  Lord, help me be faithful in the little things today. Even if it is only a smile, may it be given in honor of you and for your glory. Holy Spirit, show me some things I can do “for HIS eyes only.”  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Personal update:  I was able to get my physical for bus driving, but it is only for a three-month period.  To get it for a year, I will need a cardiologist to give the results of a specific test.  I am thinking that this might be my last year, but the Lord so clearly directed me to drive the school bus, I want His clear direction to stop.   The MRI is now scheduled for next Tuesday.  I appreciate your prayers.  😊 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 25, 2024: SOAP #5257: 1Samuel 30,31; 1Chronicles 10; Matthew 12

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 12:33 “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

OBSERVATION: When the heart is full and begins to overflow — that is when the contents of the heart become visible.  It is interesting to hear people who have unexpectedly received a reward making a thank-you speech.  Their priorities can be seen.  The same can be said for someone who has unexpectedly been overtaken by some tragedy.

APPLICATION:  What comes out of my mouth when I do not have time to think?  In the moment of surprise, or physical pain, or an emotional jar — what comes flying out of my mouth?

It is important to fill all the shelves, cupboards, and closets in my heart and mind with God’s word.  When someone open a closet containing 70+ years of my memories may they get a good dose of God’s Word!

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help me fill my life with so much of the word that every memory cannot be shared without becoming a testimony of Jesus in my life.  May memories be full of what Jesus was doing in my life and what He was speaking to me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 24, 2024: SOAP #5256: 1Samuel 28,29; Psalm 109; Matthew 11

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

OBSERVATION: Perhaps many can identify with the heavy burden they are carrying and being tied or yoked to a heavy burden.  You are getting worn out.  Your strength has been used up.  You need a place of rest. 

Jesus is speaking to you.  He is calling you to Himself.  He is calling you to His side.    Leave your yoke; leave your burden; take His yoke and learn from walking in the yoke with Him.  His burden is much heavier than the one you were carrying but being yoked to Him you find that He carries the load! 

APPLICATION:  Jesus did not promise to get into your yoke with you.  Surely that would make your load easier, but that is not what He said.  He invited you to get into HIS yoke with Him!  

The world, the enemy, even the church loves to get us carrying a heavy load that zaps our strength.  Remember, Jesus said “HIS yoke is easy and HIS burden is light!”

SOAP ministry is HIS ministry.  We are yoked with Jesus.  His joy is our strength.  We are not responsible for its success; it is HIS ministry; He is responsible!  He is the One who sparks a person’s heart when they first read a SOAP.  He is the One who calls people and envisions them with their part.  Yes we are all yoked together, but it is because we are all yoked to HIM! 

PRAYER:  Lord, those involved in SOAP ministry are all part of a team working under your direction.  We know that lives are changed by the faithful application of Your word.  We know that changed lives bring you joy.  Lord, Your joy is our pay and reward.  Since this is Your ministry, we look to you for any necessary resources.  We are finding You to be a faithful ministry leader.  I pray that each one who participated in this ministry may participate in Your joy!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 23, 2024: SOAP #5255: 1Samuel 27; 1Chronicles 9; Psalm 141; Matthew 10

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 10:16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.  17 “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.  18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

OBSERVATION: Here the sent one is doing the sending. Jesus had been sent from the Father, and now Jesus is sending his disciples. 

Jesus had been sent to a tough assignment—to be crucified for the sins of man!  And here Jesus is not promising the disciples an easy assignment.  They will be arrested, flogged, and brought before governors and kings where they will give witness.  

But look at the promise.  They will not be alone.  They will not need to rely on their wisdom.  They will have the accompanying Holy Spirit to give them words to speak and who will be speaking through them!    

APPLICATION:  I too have the promise of the Holy Spirit being always with me!  It is so important that I learn to rely on the Holy Spirit to give me what to say and to speak through me.  It is important that I pause before opening my mouth to listen to what the Holy Spirit speaks into my heart or whispers into my mind. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I know you are with me.  Your presence and anointing reveal the person and ministry of Jesus in my life.  May I grow in following your lead.  Guide me as I read the Word.  Highlight for me what you are saying to me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Today I had my physical exam needed to continue bus driving.  They needed a paper from my cardiologist which I did not have.  So I was given a temporary extension for three months.  This will allow me to drive through 22 July 20,24.  If I get the release from the cardiologist I will need to start the physical process anew.  I still have not heard about rescheduling the MRI.  I am thinking it will be this week.  I am also thinking that God may be bringing my bus driving to an end.  It is good to know that HE is LORD!   “I don’t know about tomorrow, but I know who holds tomorrow!”  😊 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 22, 2024: SOAP #5254: 1Samuel 25,26; Psalm 63; Matthew 9

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
Matthew 10:1 He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

OBSERVATION: Jesus felt deep concern; he felt compassion for the people, so what was the plan?  His plan was to send workers with His message and in His authority. 

Jesus wants us to pray for the fulfillment of His desires.  Then He will equip and send us in fulfillment of His desires! 

APPLICATION:  God has sent me to the people around me because He loves them.  When I talk to those around me, I am talking to people who were created in God’s image and are greatly loved by God.

PRAYER:  Lord, when I am bothered by what someone says or does, remind me of how much you love them and how special they are to you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 21, 2024: SOAP #5253: 1Samuel 27; 1Chronicles 9; Psalm 141; Matthew 10

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 10:19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time, you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

OBSERVATION: I have watched old movie scenes of communication lines being cut in the Civil War, and in World War I.  I have seen scenes of establishing and breaking communication in World War II.  As a hospital corpsman with a Marine unit in Viet Nam, I usually stayed by the platoon lieutenant and the radio man.  I learned from personal observation the importance of good communication.   Good communication is understandable and up to date.  We trusted the one sending the messages to know the big picture of the war and how we would best serve.

APPLICATION:  As I am engaged in spiritual warfare, God has provided the greatest communication system ever used.  It is the presence of his Holy Spirit dwelling in me 24 hours every day!  Wow! 

He is present in every situation.  He is always with me; He knows what I am facing.  He knows when the problems I face are because of my own making.  He knows what is in the hearts and minds of those I encounter. 

As I learn to limit distractions and focus on hearing his voice, I find his communication to be both understandable and up-to-date.  Better than that, it is up to the minute, even the second!   God has the big picture, and I can trust Him to use me to bring victory for His glory!

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I have found that very seldom do I understand the big picture.  Many times my vision is locked into my circumstances.  But I am learning that there is wisdom in taking time to listen to you.  I know that doing what you say is the best way to deal with present troubles and to prepare for the future.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Personal note:  I want to thank those who have prayed for me during the past several days.  A dear friend counseled me to contact the MRI location and ask them some questions; and to make sure they know that I have a pacemaker.  They did not know; their facility is not able to do MRIs for people with pacemakers, so it is presently being rescheduled at a different facility.  Praise the Lord.  I expect it will be this coming week.  Also, on Monday I am to get a physical for another year of bus driving.  Because of an irregular heartbeat I am required to get a physical every year.  So, when the Lord brings me to your mind, pray for me.  If it is time, after 14 years, to stop driving the bus, may the Lord make His will clear.  😊   Leon  

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 20, 2024: SOAP #5252: 1Samuel 23; Psalm 31,54; Matthew 7

(reworked from last year) 

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

OBSERVATION: How amazing to serve a God who wants to be asked!   Earthly fathers love to fill the requests of their children.  And the same is true of our Heavenly Father.  He loves to express His love in tangible means.  He wants others to see that His children are blest!   They will want to be His children too!

Each verse in the passage above has an emphasis on “asking.”  To whom does God give the good gifts in verse 11?   …”to those who ask HIM!”  God often uses other people to answer our prayers, but He wants us to direct our asking to Him. 

People I have asked in the past were willing to help, so it becomes easy to have faith that they will help again.  But, “HOW MUCH MORE” is our Heavenly Father willing to give…much more willing to give to us that anyone else we may be asking. 

APPLICATION:  Considering the passage of scripture above, why would I ask anyone else?  Am I really His child?  Do I really believe that His word is true?  Do I believe that He can provide my needs?  Do I believe that He loves me enough to take care of me?  Do I think God needs my help to answer my prayers?

If I promised my son that I would give him money needed for a special project, and then the next day I overheard him asking his uncle for money for the same project … I would wonder if my son really trusted me.  Did he doubt my word?  Yet, I have done that to God, many times.

PRAYER:  Forgive me Lord for not standing on your promises.  Forgive me for having more faith in people than in you.  Increase my faith as I grow in your word.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 19, 2024: SOAP #5251: 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.
2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
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: Our Heavenly Father has a special place in His heart for the needy.  Proverbs 19:17 tells us that giving to the needy is loaning to the Lord who will reward them.  Here Jesus said that the way we give can cancel our reward!!!  In giving so that people will see our generosity, we are trading our Heavenly Father’s reward for the reward of honor from men!!!   That is a bad trade!!! 

APPLICATION:  We surely do not want to miss the Lord’s reward.  We know that He is loving and abundantly generous.  We clearly do not want to disqualify ourselves from His reward. 

Whenever I see pictures on Facebook of generosity being given to the poor, my heart hurts.  Many of those pictures come from poverty areas of the world.  They need the abundant blessing of the Lord.  They need the reward of our Heavenly Father. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help us to apply the scriptures to our activities.  We need the blessings of our Heavenly Father.  We do not want to miss even one.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 18, 2024: SOAP #5250: 1Samuel 20-21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5

(reworked) 

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

OBSERVATION: I remember an abandoned fire base in Viet Nam where I found some waxed cloth used as packing for ammunition.  When twisted tightly, it could be used as a crude candle.  The benefit of candles is light.  We place them in our homes where their light gives the greatest benefit.  And so God intentionally places His people where their lives will be best seen by others.

APPLICATION:  I do not have to make my light shine; I am to let my light shine.  It is the nature of light to be seen.  God does not want me hidden from the world, but He has carefully placed me where I will be seen.  It is not my wise words but my good deeds that men are to see.  And the result of their seeing my good works, they will praise God!

Our location is for HIS benefit!  The hard things we face are for HIS benefit.  He wants people to see how He can live and work in us.   Through our weaknesses people can see His strength!  

PRAYER:  Lord, when I find myself in a dark place remind me that you put me there to let your light shine through me.  Amen.

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