Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 19, 2026:  SOAP #5950:   Joshua 7-8; Psalm 69; 1Corinthians 5

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? 7 Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.

OBSERVATION: Their boasting about being God’s children was not good; there was sin in their midst.  Their testimony was marred by the sin.  Taking care of the sin was a priority.  Sin, like yeast, grows and spreads.  We are not told to get rid of the “whole batch” but get rid of the “old yeast.”

Before coming to Christ for His forgiveness and justification, sin was a part of their nature.  The whole batch of their life was affected by sin.  But now, the blood of the sacrifice made them a new creation!  They are a “new batch without yeast!”  Yes, that is what they “really are!” 

The yeast (sin) must be removed through confession and forgiveness before it “works through the whole batch of dough.”

APPLICATION: I am so glad that God has not only provided for my becoming a new creation; He has also provided for me to stay clean.  As I walk through the world, it is certain that I will need my feet washed.  The attitudes of the world stick in my heart and thoughts.  If not confessed and forgiven, they linger on in me.  In an unguarded moment they show themselves in my words and actions.  The longer I allow them to remain, the more affect they will have in my life.  They will become a hindrance to my testimony. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father thank you for your forgiveness provided by the blood of Jesus.  Holy Spirit, thank you for convicting me when sin tries to take control in my life.  Apply the Word to my heart and mind and make me a vessel of honor for you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 18, 2026:  SOAP #5949:   Joshua 1-2; Psalm 37; 1Corinthians 3

SCRIPTURE:  Joshua (NIV) 1:1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country— to the Great Sea on the west.  5 No-one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

OBSERVATION:  Moses had led the people of Israel out of Egypt.  He had negotiated with Pharaoh.   He had been God’s spokesperson in declaring the plagues that destroyed Egypt.  He had led them all the way across the desert, then in the desert for forty years.   

Moses was gone, but God was still speaking!  All is well! 

APPLICATION:  As long as I can hear from God, all is well.  There is no problem for which He does not have an answer!  I need to spend time listening, spend time with His Word, and be faithful joining with other believers.  The eternal God is an eternal speaker.  We must listen. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, being able to hear you is the greatest asset I have.  Thank you for speaking to me. Teach me to listen.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 17, 2026:  SOAP #5948:   Deuteronomy 32-34; 1Corinthians 2

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 2:12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment: “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

OBSERVATION:  What an amazing statement: “But we have the mind of Christ.” When we were saved, or “born again,” the Holy Spirit became a permanent resident in our lives. 

Much of our spiritual growth is learning to hear how the Holy Spirit talks to us.  We grow as we recognize His voice and do what He tells us.  It is by trial and error that we grow in recognizing his voice.  Many times, He will confirm what He is saying by bringing a second message through a second source, such as a scripture we are reading, or a preacher’s sermon, or a song, or through the words of a dear friend, or even a SOAP. 

APPLICATION:  We must grow in appreciation of the Presence of the Holy Spirit who is omniscient, omnipresent.  He is the author of the scriptures.

We must not interpret our circumstances as though we are in the dark.  We must not interpret our lack of knowledge, or lack of understanding as though we are hopeless.  At all times we have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside!

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, Jesus knew what I would need, so He sent you to me!  I pray we will grow in our friendship.  You are my teacher and guide.  Amen

Pastor                                        
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 16, 2026:  SOAP #5947:   Deuteronomy 30-31; Psalm 40; 1Corinthians 1

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

OBSERVATION:  In considering that Jesus was crucified, both the Jews and Greeks had trouble believing.  Jesus did not look very wise or powerful as He hung on the cross.    He looked foolish and weak.  But what a victory was won on Calvary!!!  What wisdom is displayed in the courts of heaven!!! 
This verse is a foundation for Paul’s writing to the Romans (8:28):  we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to his purpose. 

APPLICATION:  God understands; He understands perfectly.  God will not always do what I think best, but He will always do what IS best.  I can trust Him even when I do not understand Him.  The more I read the Bible, the more I know that to be true.  The older I get, the more I know that to be true.   I must be careful not to accuse God of not knowing what to do, or not caring, or not being able to work out what I think is best. 

NOTE:  I am now 78 years old, a senior citizen who has walked with Jesus all my life, I should have the most joy and the greatest faith and be the least selfish.  Knowing God’s faithfulness, I should be patient.  I should be quick to encourage others to step out in faith.  It is easy for me to look back and see the wisdom of God working through my hard times. 

PRAYER:  Lord, everything about you, is greater than anything I have been, or am now, or will ever be.  Obviously, it would be foolish not to trust you.  My life is in your hands.  Amen

Pastor                                        
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 15, 2026:  SOAP #5946:   Deuteronomy 28-29; Galatians 6

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.

OBSERVATION:  There are several verses in the Bible about how we are to treat those around us.  Many know the Golden Rule:  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (Matthew 7:12)   Jesus summarized the last 6 commandments with: Love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39)   Then Jesus raised the bar by commanding His disciples:  Love one another as I have loved you. (John 13:34-35)

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul gives some understanding how we are to apply Christ’s command.  We are to carry each other’s burdens. 

Yet we are not to become dependent on the church.  Just two verses later Paul writes:  Galatians (NIV) 6:4 “Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.”

APPLICATION:  The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write this, so I am confident that the same Holy Spirit can lead me to the burdens God would have me carry for my brother or sister.  And I can depend on the Holy Spirit to help and show me how I can carry my own personal burdens. 

The emphasis is on what I can do for others and not on what I can get others to do for me.  Once the Holy Spirit has helped me to carry my burdens He will start showing me how I can help carry someone else’s burden. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, today help me fulfill the law of Christ.  Amen

Pastor                                        
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 14, 2026:  SOAP #5945:   Deuteronomy 25-27; Galatians 5

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. …
13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

OBSERVATION:  Freedom—what an important word!  Freedom—what a desirable state!   Freedom—what a costly privilege!   Freedom—so very important to people. But man’s freedom is even more important to God! 

Being loved and served by those who have no freedom to resist, that would not be a testimony to God’s greatness.  But when those who are free come to experience God’s great love and begin to see God’s unique worthiness—when those begin to love and serve him—when the free ones choose death over denying their relationship with such a loving God—that proves how they consider Him worthy of their devotion. 

APPLICATION:  In a perfect environment Satan chose to rebel against God.  Now in this sinful environment God is gathering a body of believers (the church) who become fully convinced that God is worthy and use their freedom to honor God.  And in so doing put Satan to shame!     

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, thank you for freedom!  Thank you for the freedom to choose you over the world.  Forgive me for the times I have taken that freedom so lightly.  May the choices I have freedom to make every day, in little and big things, bring you honor.  May they demonstrate my love for you.   Amen

Pastor                                        
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 13, 2026:  SOAP #5944:   Deuteronomy 22-24; Galatians 4

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 4:4 But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, 5 to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

OBSERVATION:  Why did Jesus come? Why was he born of a woman?  Why was he born under the law?  He did it to redeem us that we might become in every sense His.  We are truly God’s children.  His purpose is for each of us to mature spiritually into “sons.” 

Jesus stood where we stood to enable us to stand where He stands!   He came under the law, to fulfill the law, not for Himself, for He was born without sin, and never committed a sin.  He never needed a sacrifice for His sins. But He became the perfect sacrifice for sins of man. .   

He made it possible for us to receive the FULL RIGHT of sons.  We start as children and begin to grow in understanding the WORD and grow in developing His character.  We each have the FULL RIGHT to be mature sons, but our level of maturity will depend on our yielding ourselves to  the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION:  Today I am God’s child.  I am a part of His family.   God has brought me into His family and given me the goal to become like His SON Jesus.  Of course, for me to ever realize that goal, I will need the continual guidance of the Holy Spirit leading me, just as He led Jesus. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, may I hear your voice clearly today as you guide me in becoming more like Jesus.  Amen. 

Pastor                                        
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 12, 2026:  SOAP #5943:   Deuteronomy 19-21; Galatians 3

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 3:25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. 26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

OBSERVATION:  My heart rejoices in the truth Paul stated in the above passage.  What Christ accomplished on the cross not only freed those who were “under supervision of the law,” it united all who have faith in Christ into the body of Christ. 

APPLICATION:  SOAP readers, no matter where you live, if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, WE “ARE ALL ONE IN CHRIST JESUS!!!”   Africans, Asians, Americans, women, men, wealthy, poor—we are one in Christ Jesus!  We are all members of the same body.  We all have the life of Christ within us.  We are all blessed by the presence of the Holy Spirit! 

Before long, we will all be together around the throne of heaven! We will all be rewarded there for our faithfulness here.  We may not meet in this life, but surely, we will meet in heaven!  What a day that will be!! 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, to know that “we are all one in Christ Jesus, filles my heart with joy.  Today, bless each one with a joyful awareness of your presence.  Amen.

Pastor                                        
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 10, 2026:  SOAP #5941:   Deuteronomy 16-18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 2:8 For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9 James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.

OBSERVATION: Just as there are different members of the human body with each one doing an assigned part and all coordinated together to cause the body to function, so it is with the body of Christ.  God has different assignments for different members.  Peter and John were sent to minister to Jews; Paul and Barnabas were sent to minister to Gentiles.  God was working through both ministries.  God does not have us all in the same location doing the same thing.  

APPLICATION:  What we read in Galatians (about 50AD) can be easily seen in the church today (2026AD).  I write these SOAPs, and others in the body of Christ forward them on the internet, or print them, or distribute the printed copies.  God has different assignments for us. 

Acknowledge and appreciate the special assignment God has given you.  Use your gifts to fulfill your assignment to glorify God.  Baking, sowing, babysitting, doing what enables someone else to live for God’s glory.  Use your opportunities to give witness to the love and goodness of God in your life. 

PRAYER:  Lord, each of us are a part of your body.  We are here to express your life where you have placed us.  Shine through us.  May people see you living in us, we pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon                                        
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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