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How it ends!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 09, 2026: SOAP #6001: 2Samuel 17; Psalm 71; Matthew 26

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 26:2 Jesus speaks of His crucifixion
verse 12 Jesus speaks of His burial
verse 21 Jesus speaks of His betrayal
verse 31 Jesus speaks of the disciples forsaking Him
verse 32 Jesus speaks of his resurrection!

OBSERVATION: This passage of scripture all takes place before Jesus had been arrested.  He was well aware of what was about to happen.  It would not end with His death, but with His resurrection!

He knew what he had to go through; He also knew where it would all end!  He knew of the victory that would be his after his suffering and death. 

APPLICATION: The Lord is well aware of what is ahead for me.  He knows the hard times that may be ahead.  He knows how it will end.  He knows it will end in victory! 

Even before entering the hard time before me, I can speak of the victory that will be mine when it is over. 

Like Jesus, even before my death, I can speak of the victory ahead—of the glory of my future abode!  And when my family grieves at my funeral, they can rejoice at the victory I have gained in heaven!   Because I have assured them of my destination, they can have a measure of joy during their grieving!  

PRAYER:  Lord, when it seems there is no way to deal with trouble except to take it head on and go through it, help me remember that you already know how it will end.  You already know the victory ahead!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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A Double Blessing

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 08, 2026: SOAP #6000: 2Samuel 15, 16; Psalm 32; Matthew 25

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.

OBSERVATION: What a freedom is experienced when our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus.  What a relief to be free from carrying the burden of sin.  It is a burden that people can become so accustomed to that they almost do not consider it a burden—that is until it is released.  Then they realize a tremendous weight is gone!  Of all the blessings one can receive from the Lord, the greatest just might be forgiveness. 

APPLICATION: If Leon confesses his sins, God is faithful and just to forgive Leon and to cleanse Leon from all unrighteousness!!!  (1John 1:9)

Along with forgiveness, another special blessing is that the Holy Spirit comes to live in my life as a counselor and guide.  God has provided a double blessing:  first; by the death of His Son on the cross I am forgiven for my sins, AND second; He sends the Holy Spirit to live in me and to help me keep from sinning. 

PRAYER:  Lord, Thank you for blessing me with your forgiveness!  I am forgiven!  I am free!  And thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to accompany me through every day of this life.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Lord, Teach me and Lead me

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 07, 2026: SOAP #5999: 2Samuel 13, 14; Matthew 24

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 24:4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no-one deceives you.
5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. …  11  and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. …
24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible.

OBSERVATION: To be deceived is to believe a lie.  Jesus said of Satan: “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)  It seems obvious that deception is Satan’s main game. 

In verse 4 above, Jesus warns us.  Yet in verse 5 and 11 we find that many people will be deceived.  And in verse 24 we see that Satan tries to deceive even the “elect.”

APPLICATION: Since Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) I need to keep close to Him and ask the Holy Spirit Who has been given to guide me into all truth (John 16:13) check everything that comes into my mind.   

The Holy Spirit dwells in me.  As I am walking with the Lord through each day, the Holy Spirit communicates with me in my heart, in my spirit.  Our relationship is growing.  Of course, I should not knowingly do something that I know is contrary to God or His Word.  But in areas that I do not know the will of God:  when I feel or sense trouble in my heart, I know I need to change directions, or slow down, or do something different.  If I have peace in my heart, I believe I can move ahead correctly.

I learn by trial and error, but the sooner I learn to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, life will go smoother for me.  Sometimes the Holy Spirit will place a thought in my heart/mind that I cannot ignore.  I must pay attention!

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, cause a question to arise in my heart every time I am about to be deceived into believing a lie.  Teach me how you speak to me.  Keep me free from deception.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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May HE enjoy living in me!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 06, 2026: SOAP #5998: 2Samuel 11, 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 23:25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
27 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean.

OBSERVATION: A life that is acceptable to God starts on the inside.  The inside is always more important than the outside!  The inside sets the standard for the outside.  If the inside is good, the outside will not be allowed to remain bad.  If the inside is bad, the outside can be made to look good to hide the inside.  So, cleaning up the outside is not a guarantee that the inside will follow.       

APPLICATION: I must remember that God lives inside me and is the first to become aware of my thoughts and attitudes.   By the time they get to the outside where others see them, they are often made more acceptable, but God sees them from the beginning.  If I want God to enjoy living in me, I will need His help in rearranging my thoughts and attitudes.  If I set myself to know His Word and to keep myself aware of His presence, I will be able to count on His help in setting both the inside and the outside of my life in proper order. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, how I need your help to clean up the inside, to keep it clean, and to express Your life on the outside.  May others see evidence of your presence in me.  But most of all, I want you to feel at home in me. May you enjoy living in me. You bring me great joy; may I also bring you joy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Growing in Trust!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 05, 2026: SOAP #5997: 2Samuel 10; 1Chronicles 20; Psalm 20; Matthew 22

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 20:6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.

OBSERVATION: Everybody puts their trust somewhere.  I do not think we can live without putting trust in someone or something.  Every relationship requires some trust.  To develop a deep, close relationship takes learning how to trust.  Through trial and error we learn to trust someone, and they learn to trust us. 

Through trial and error we learn who or what is worthy of our trust.  If it passes our trial, we give more trust.  If it fails, we withhold our trust. 

APPLICATION: The more I know the Lord, the more I trust the Lord.  The more I test His word, the more I learn to trust Him. 

Trusting Him; it is so logical.  He is so able!  He is so trustworthy!    

PRAYER:  “Jesus, Jesus, How I trust you! How I’ve proved you o’re and o’re.  Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus! O for grace to trust you more.” (William J. Kirkpatrick)  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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A God-given Gift!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 04, 2026: SOAP #5996: 2Samuel 8,9; 1Chronicles 18,19; Matthew 21

SCRIPTURE:  1Chronicles (NIV) 18:13 He put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory everywhere he went.  14 David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people.

OBSERVATION: Everything about David being the King of Israel was orchestrated by God—from his anointing as a young boy called from tending sheep, to killing Goliath, to serving in King Saul’s house, to escaping death from the hand of King Saul, to leading in military victories, to becoming the King.  God made David King, and as King, God gave him victory “everywhere he went.” 

David responded by not living selfishly, but by serving the people.  God did not give the people to David; God gave David to the people!  His authority was a tool he used to serve others.  He served them by doing what was just and right! 

APPLICATION: I need to see myself as God’s servant that he has given to those around me.  How others serve me is not nearly as important as how I serve them.   Whatever authority God has given me is not to be used to make things easier for myself, but to be a blessing to others.   

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, guide me into doing what is just and right for those you have assigned me to serve. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Here is how you do it!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 03, 2026: SOAP #5995: 2Samuel 7; 1Chronicles 17; Psalm 2; Matthew 20

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 20:25 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

OBSERVATION: Leadership issues in the Bible are much different than those found in the world, especially in political leaders today.  In some countries, key leaders may have the title “Public Servant” and they use the term “ministry” to describe their office, but it seems they have forgotten what those words mean.  They use their authority to rule and control, instead as a tool to serve others. 

APPLICATION: “How does this work,” I may ask.  Jesus says, “…just as the Son of Man…”  He is saying, “Here’s the way, just follow my example.”  Even in this He is serving me by giving himself as my example.  The emphasis in the gospels is not so much what we can do for Jesus, but what Jesus does for us!!!  And as I grow in my spiritual life, my focus will not be on what others can do for me, but what I can do for others.

I should not be surprised that the Spirit of Jesus dwelling in me inspires me to serves others.  I should not be surprised when I suddenly become aware of a need—the Spirit is showing me an opportunity to serve.  It is usually a need far beyond my ability to meet but when I step out in faith God either multiplies my little or fills in what is missing. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I am your servant.  Use me for your glory today.  Use me to serve others.  I find joy in bringing you pleasure—in making you smile.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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My Touch

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 02, 2026: SOAP #5994: 1Chronicles 16; Psalm 106; Matthew 19

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 19:13 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them.  But the disciples rebuked them.  14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”  15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

OBSERVATION: The disciples overlooked children because they were small and their contribution did not have value in their eyes.  The children would interrupt the important ministry of Jesus. 

But to Jesus, the children were not an interruption.  Ministry to adults could be interrupted for ministry to children.  They were at the heart of why He came.   People who minister to children are extensions of His heart! 

APPLICATION: Jesus still places his hands on little children.  He considered my hands as His own and He touches them through me. 

When Jesus forgave my sins, He entered my heart as my Lord.  He is Lord of my whole body and that would include my hands.  I should consider my hands as His hands and as instruments of His peace.  He can use my words to raise faith in those hearing the Word and He can use my hands to release faith in those needing healing.  My touch can release the blessing of the Lord! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, my hands belong to you; let my touch minister Your Presence and favor.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Becoming like Jesus!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 01, 2026: SOAP #5993: 1Chronicles 14, 15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 18:21  Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?  As many as seven times?” 
22  Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

OBSERVATION: I am thinking that Peter must have been proud of himself to suggest that he should forgive seven times.  In practice, people may forgive one or two times, maybe three—but Peter was suggesting seven times.  Seven would be quite a stretch for most people. 

But as magnanimous as seven would seem, it does not even come close to Jesus’ requirements. 

APPLICATION: Was Jesus speaking in extremes just to make a point that it is important to forgive?  I do not think so.  Why?  Because that is the way Jesus has treated me.  He has forgiven me seventy-seven times… and even more! 

I believe He wants forgiveness to become a major part of my life.   In my strength, this is impossible, but I now have the Great Forgiver living inside of me.  He not only forgives me, but also helps me to forgive others!   He tells me that I must forgive if I want Him to forgive me (Matthew  6:14-15).  The Holy Spirit is developing the character of Jesus in me.       

PRAYER:  Lord, I depend on you to help me forgive.  Help forgiveness to become a part of my character.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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His Presence!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 30, 2026:  SOAP #5992: 2Samuel 6; 1Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew 17:4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
Matthew 17:14 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him.
15  “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water”…
18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment.

OBSERVATION: Peter was right; it had been good for them to be there on the mountain as Moses and Elijah returned for a visit with Jesus.  Peter wanted to extend the time on the mountain.  He did not want this time to end. 

But Jesus did not come to the earth to live on a mountain.  He came to live among people and pay the price for their sins by dying on a cross! 

It was good for them to have been there, but it would not have been good for the boy with seizures if they had stayed.        

APPLICATION: When I walk with Jesus, I walk according to His purposes, not according to what pleases me.  I find that when he takes me to a “mountain-top” time he also returns with me to my daily life.  It is good for me to get away; it should be good for others that I return. 

Note:  Moses and Elijah did not come to visit Peter, James, and John, but to be with Jesus!  It was His Presence that really made the time special!  And when they returned from the mountain, it was His Presence that brought the deliverance of the boy. 

PRAYER:  Lord, on a mountain or in a valley, it is Your Presence that makes the difference in my life.  Forgive me of the thoughts and actions that offend You.  I want Your Presence to be most important in my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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