Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 097, 2025:  SOAP #5850: 1Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  Titus (NIV) 2:14 (Jesus) who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

OBSERVATION:  One characteristic of people who belong to Jesus is that they are “eager to do what is good.”  It may be a burden.  It may not be easy.  But they are eager because they want to please the Lord.  They want to please Him because they love Him.  People who are eager usually do not complain.  People who are eager accept the challenge before them joyfully. 

APPLICATION:  If there was ever anyone eager to do something it should be me eager to do what pleases the Lord.  Even as the eagerness of others challenges me, my eagerness should be an example to others.     

When other people find out that I am a Christian and am committed to the Lord, I do not want them to think that it is my burden, but that it is my pleasure to serve the Lord.  And when it becomes a burden, I want to bear it joyfully in honor of all He has done for me!   Like my dad told me, “It is worth the sacrifice to follow Jesus!.”  It definitely is!  –both for this life and for eternity!  

PRAYER:  Lord, I want you to see in me an eagerness to do what pleases you.  It is my privilege to serve you.  Amen. 

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 08, 2025:  SOAP #5849: 1Timothy 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

OBSERVATION:  What a powerful statement, clearly stating the purpose for God sending His Son into this world.  What was true when Jesus died on the cross was still true when the Apostle Paul was writing this letter to Timothy. 

And nothing has changed in this statement.  Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is still in this world saving people from their sins!  

A team of 2000 Sierra Leonians are out on a three-week crusade to reach their nation for Jesus.  They have printed a million SOAPs and are divided into ten teams to distribute the SOAPs and tell people about Jesus!  

APPLICATION:  Reports of the first three days contain many healings and miracles and 28,700 commitments to Jesus as Lord for all the days of their lives!!!  Jesus is alive and well!  His Spirit is at work in our world.  Many home Bible Fellowship groups have been started. 

Jesus wants to work in my world, and your world too.  Today is the day of salvation.  Perhaps giving your friend a copy of a SOAP may open the door to tell them about what Jesus has done for you.  God has placed an anointing on these SOAPs and is using them for His glory.  I believe the anointing is activated when they are given to someone. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it is not necessary for me to be able to explain the why and how of your working in my world.  But it is necessary for me to listen and obey.   Use me for your glory, I pray.  In Jesus Name, Amen

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 07, 2025:  SOAP #5848: Colossians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Colossians (NIV) 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

OBSERVATION:  Paul was carrying out his service to the body of Christ with the understanding that it was God’s will.  He was not working under his own authority.  He had not chosen this assignment for himself.  He had been chosen for this assignment by God. 

APPLICATION:  It is important for me to understand that I am a retired pastor writing daily SOAP devotions by the will of God.  It is God’s assignment for me.  And for 15+ years, during the school year, I was a school bus driver by the will of God.  It is God’s assignment.   Then on February 9, 2025, as I was listening to our pastor preach about the seasons of life, God clearly said to me, “Your season for bus driving is over.”  My assignments come from God, and He can move me at His will.  Things were in place at the bus barn that another driver could take my place, so God had worked it all together for good.  My assignment is to write the SOAPs as He gives the inspiration.  God is over inspiration, distribution and funding.  And, I must say, HE IS DOING A GREAT JOB!  

Seeing my labor as being God’s affects me in two ways.  First, I must carry out my assignment to the best of my ability.  I am working for the Lord!  Sloppiness is not allowed.  God deserves only the best from me. 

Second, I can count on His help and provision.  It is God’s assignment.  It is his work I am doing.  I expect that the God of all creation will take care of those doing his will. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, whatever my assignment for today, keep reminding me for Whom I am working.  Amen

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 06, 2025:  SOAP #5847: Philippians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians (NIV) 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,

OBSERVATION:  Here begins one of the most important passages regarding Christ. He stepped down from deity to humanity. He steps down from being served to being a servant. He steps down from being the author of life to embrace death. He is then exalted, not by himself, but by another (God the Father) to the highest place! 

Here His attitude is presented as an example for us to follow.

This passage is based on an understanding that I can control my attitude. My attitude is not captive of my circumstances. I am responsible for my attitude. 

APPLICATION:   My attitude is to be the same as his.  The King James Version of the Bible reads, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”  I am to direct my thoughts in the same manner He did.  Living in a sinful world makes this difficult, BUT having Jesus, living in me, makes it possible. 

PRAYER:   Lord, there are times when others recognize a bad attitude in me before I do.  I have become blind to seeing myself clearly.  Especially in those times, I need your Holy Spirit to help me see myself.  Lord, I want you to shine through me.  Amen. 

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 05, 2025:  SOAP #5846: Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119:1-80

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 5:8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.

OBSERVATION:  What a difference is made when we accept Jesus as our Lord and
Savior.  When He, by His Spirit, comes to live in my life everything changes.  How would it be possible for things not to change!  

He puts thoughts in my mind.  I can sense when he is pleased or unpleased with what I am saying or doing.  I find great personal joy when I know I am pleasing Him.  

APPLICATION:  Wanting to please HIM, means that I need to “find out what pleases the Lord.”  Talking with Him in prayer.  Asking and listening.  Reading the scriptures. Attending a gathering of people where they listen to a pastor or teacher explain the scriptures.  Talking with someone who has been a believer longer than myself. 

Your growth as a believer is more important to the Holy Spirit than it is to you.  If you truly want to “find out what pleases the Lord,” you will find that He wants that even more than you.  It will be a fruitful search; He will make sure you are successful.  He loves you and wants you to appreciate Him!                                                                   

PRAYER:  Lord, you did not suffer and die on the cross so that we can be friends from a distance.  You brought us into your family.  You are our closest friend.  May you get joy from us as we get joy from you.  Amen

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 04, 2025:  SOAP #5845: Ephesians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 1:4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

OBSERVATION:  What a wonderful plan God had even before the creation of the world.  He planned that His children would be holy and blameless as we come before Him.  He planned that Jesus would come and give His life as the payment for our sins so that we may be holy and blameless. 

This was all done, not because someone bigger then God was twisting His arm to do this for us, but because it was His pleasure and will!  It was His choice to send Jesus to be the payment for our sins!  He knew that it would prove to be a great victory and bring Him, and The Son honor and glory!

APPLICATION:  So, it is our responsibility, and joy, to live to the praise of God’s glorious grace that has been given us through the death and life of Jesus. 

Let my testimony show what He has done for me.  I was lost in sin and unable to save myself.  But Jesus came, took my sins to the cross, forgave me, and now actually lives in my heart!!!  It is for me to live my life in a way that brings glory and honor to God. 

PRAYER:  Lord, through my actions and my words may people see you living inside as the Lord of Leon!  May my life be “to the praise of your glorious grace” which has been freely given to me.  Thank you. Amen

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 02, 2025:  SOAP #5843: Romans 9-12

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 9:1 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit—

OBSERVATION:  The author here emphasizes the veracity of what he is saying.  May each of us be able to give this witness of our words.

The spirit dwells in our hearts.  He communicates to us by His presence.  I can sense His joy when He is greatly pleased, His peace with all is well, or His concern when He is uncomfortable with something I have said or done. 

The Holy Spirit gives special watchful care over our words.  It is good for us to learn early to listen to the voice of the Spirit of God.  We must first learn to recognize that voice, then we must carefully listen for that voice. 

The Spirit may speak gently as an uneasy “feeling” in our heart.  The Spirit may speak loudly by strongly bringing a scripture to our mind that indicates the direction for that moment.  The Spirit may speak through another person. 

We listen and obey Him to our blessing.  We ignore Him to our loss.

APPLICATION:  The Holy Spirit has many ways to “confirm” His words and His ways.  The better we know the Scriptures, we will find truth that can be applied to our current situation.  At other times God will confirm His word through a message from another believer.  God will use what they say to “shine a light” in our heart and mind. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I want to be a good listener.  I want to hear what you are saying to me.  Guard my words to give good counsel to those around me.  Holy Spirit, confirm my words with your peace.  Anoint the 2,000+ who, for the next three weeks, are carrying SOAPs to the people of Sierra Leone.  Speak through them; confirm your word with signs and wonders.  And may many souls come to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior!  Amen

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 01, 2025:  SOAP #5842: Romans 5-8

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

OBSERVATION:  Here we read that our justification came by faith. Along with being cleansed and made as though we had never sinned came peace.  Our sins destroyed any hope we might have had to ever have peace with God, but through the Lord Jesus Christ and His work on the cross, we have peace!!!  This is not something that we will be given in the future, but something we have now, in the present!

We have peace with Jesus Christ as “our Lord.”  He has the power of decision; He has the power of directing; we have peace.  He alone, through His Holy Spirit, can establish peace and maintain peace with God.

APPLICATION:   So, what do I do now with my life?  I surrender it to Jesus!  He is my LORD!   He has made me to be His dwelling place.  I talk with Him and listen to hear what He says to me.  I live in ways that please Him.  I talk in ways that please Him.  I make some time to spend just with Him AND I treat Him as my faithful companion throughout each day. 

PRAYER:   Lord, you have done so much for me.  You have forgiven my sins.  You have put peace and joy in my heart.  You are with me now AND you have given me promises of spending eternity with you!  You gave your life for my sake; I now want to live for your sake.  Amen

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 30, 2025:  SOAP #5840: Romans 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 4:21 [Abraham] being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.  22 This is why “it was credited to him a righteousness.”

OBSERVATION: The challenge of faith is choosing the right foundation.  Faith is no better than the foundation on which it is placed.  Life cannot be lived without faith.  We put faith in the people from whom we buy our food and those who service our vehicles.  When we depend on others, we are exercising faith. Whether they come through or not is not based on our faith but on their faithfulness, on their character.  Sometimes we discover that our faith has been placed on something that is untrustworthy. 

Abraham’s faith was in God’s promise.  Behind the Promise of God is the Character of God.  God’s Word is fully trustworthy because God is fully trustworthy.  Abraham was fully persuaded.  Abraham was a friend of God.  He knew God.  Abraham’s faith was not faith based on what Abraham commanded God to do, or what Abraham desired God to do; this was faith based on what God promised to do.

APPLICATION: Faith may be weak or strong, but it is not bad.  It is the choice as to where I place my faith that is right or wrong.  I can make a bad decision to put my faith in my works to get me to heaven.  I can make a bad decision to place my faith in an idol.  I must make the right decision to put my faith in Him (Jesus) who is trustworthy and capable!

PRAYER:  Holy God, you are the only worthy foundation for my faith.  You fulfilled your promise to send Jesus, your Son, to die for my sins.  I receive Him as my Lord and Savior. My faith is in His sacrifice and that you will honor His sacrifice for my sins.  Amen

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