Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 05, 2024: SOAP #5267: 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:  We cannot live without trust.  Eating at a restaurant requires trust that the cook we cannot see will prepare the food properly.  Driving a car requires trusting people we did not watch to assemble the parts safely.  Think of all the people we trust when we find our seat on an airplane!  We watch the time so that we will arrive at the set time, trusting the person we are meeting will be doing the same thing.  What trust we put in medical personnel!

There are many things in which we can place our trust.  Some are worthy of limited trust, and some are not.  Only God is worthy of full trust.  Only He is worthy of all our trust.

APPLICATION:  It is important that I keep the Lord, His promises, and His presence in my active memory.   The truth of God and His character, the truth of His promises need to be a part of every thought process.  Trusting God is acting like what I know about Him is true.

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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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 04, 2024: SOAP #5263: 2Samuel 8,9; 1Chronicles 18,19; Matthew 21

SCRIPTURE:  2Samuel 8:6 He put garrisons in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to him and brought tribute. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went. …
14 He put garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became subject to David. The LORD gave David victory wherever he went.

OBSERVATION:  Surely David invested effort in procuring victory, but the Bible gives him no credit.  All the credit and glory belonged to the Lord.  “The LORD gave David victory wherever he went!”  Victory was not because David was such a great general, but because he served such a great God!  Victory came at the Lord’s prerogative. He could have given it to another, but He gave it to David.  They were David’s victories.  The glory was the LORD’s.  The LORD gave victory to David; David gave glory to God!  The victory belonged to David, but the glory belonged to the LORD! 

APPLICATION:  I remember reading a note from a friend as I was heading to the hospital for surgery on my heart.  “The Lord is going with you,” read the note.  I heard God say, “No, I am not!”  Panic started to sweep my thoughts.  What should I do?  Then the Lord spoke, “You are going with me!”  

There are people today who are struggling to serve the Lord.  They cannot understand why people do not help them in their work for the Lord.  They are short on provision.  Many do not realize that there is more than just serving the Lord.  We must be SERVING WITH THE LORD!!!  He is still the Chief Servant.  We are not asking HIM to help us do what we think is best, or the way we think is best.  We are servants with HIM; He sets the way we serve and the timing of our service.  He wants our service to honor the Father even more than we do.  We must be yoked to Him!   

PRAYER:  Lord, every day I must confess, “I am with you!  You know where to find the Father’s supply.  What would you have me do today?”  Amen 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 3, 2024: SOAP #5265: 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: Jesus gathered his disciples to teach them the difference between the world and God’s kingdom.  In the world, people look for who they can rule, who they can control.  In God’s kingdom, people motivated by love look for who they can serve.  Then Jesus told them to see him as the example.  “Do it the same way I do it,” “Watch me.” 

Then as they left Jericho and headed toward Jerusalem, Jesus showed them just how to do what He had told them.   

APPLICATION:  Matthew (NIV) 20:29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” 32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” 34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

His compassion led Him to get involved in being their servant! 

PRAYER: Lord, Many times I have sung, “Lord make me like you; give me a heart filled with love and make me like you.”  May your compassion move me to get involved in the needs around me.  Lord, touch through me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 2, 2024: SOAP #5264: 1Chronicles 16; Psalm 106; Matthew 19

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 19:13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought 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 were looking out for Jesus.  He was important and should not be interrupted with insignificant issues.  They rebuked the adults who brought children to Jesus.   Jesus did not wait until the disciples were alone with Him to correct the issue.  He immediately corrected the disciples in public.

Children are not insignificant!  They are not to be considered an interruption!  They were too important to be overlooked!  In placing His hands on the children, Jesus did not give them significance; He merely recognized the significance they already had as being made in the image of God.  They already had significance because their lives would pass on into eternity.  …because they had angels assigned to represent them (Matthew 18:10).  …because their lives held so much potential. 

Of course, the One who created them and would soon give His life for them would not allow them to be overlooked!  

APPLICATION:  Blest are the people who serve in church nurseries, or work in children’s ministries, or take care of orphans!  They are doing the ministry of Jesus.  They have these verses and many others to emphasize the importance of children.  They can stand in their faith praying for the needs of the children.  In prayer, they can quote the very words of Jesus regarding the importance of children.  In prayer, they can bring the “little children to Him” because “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as them.”

These little children carry the image of the One who became a baby in a manger.  He made them; He knows what they need!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, as you sent the magi with gifts to provide for the Christ-child, send provision for the orphans being cared for by your people today.  In Jesus Name…Amen

Pastor Leon
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Just a note:  Pastors and church leaders, like Jesus, set a good example of valuing the children in your congregations.  Personally encourage the parents.  Ask God to give you a personal way of ministering to the children in your fellowship. 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 1, 2024: SOAP #5263: 1Chronicles 14,45; Psalm 132; Matthew 18

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 18:4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. 6 But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea….
10 “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

OBSERVATION:  What a special promise for people working with children.  If God has placed children in your home, you are indeed blest!  God is present to help you care for the children in your care.  When you have a need, you have a ready source to whom you can go.    

When you welcomed a child, you welcomed the Lord!!!  Be faithful to do what He tells you to do but let Him do what He does best.  He is a good promise keeper!  Find His promises in His word and believe that He will keep them!  

APPLICATION:  Raise the children, teach and train the children as Jesus would.  Count on His presence.  Do not let the lack of provision to do what you would like to do stop you from doing anything.  Use what you have and count on the Lord’s presence.  He has wonderful ways to take little and make it much!  

If you are wondering what ministry you can do in your church, tell the pastor you would like to work with children.  You want to see if God really keeps His promise!   If you are already working with children, your own children or with orphans, look for the promises of God regarding ministry to children. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, how you love children, and how you love those who minister to children.  I ask you give each one caring for children a promise from your word.  Raise them up in ministry.  Make their lives an example to others.  Make their ministry a visible example of your care and provision.  May others see how you bless those who bless children.  …in Jesus Name, Amen. 

Personal:  I had the MRI today and should hear the results on the 9^th of May.  Thank to those who prayed for me.  😊   As to the SOAP above, the Lord wants me to tell someone to read in Genesis about Ishmael.  He wants to build your faith.    

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 30, 2024: SOAP #5262: 2Samuel 6; 1Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 68:19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah

OBSERVATION: David, the psalmist, presents God as majestic over all the earth and the peoples of the earth. He has total victory over his enemies. He is the mighty general leading a great army. His chariots are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands! Yet he cares for his people. He bears their burdens!

Read the entire psalm and consider the greatness of God.  He is a busy God, but he cares for each individual and carries their burdens!  

APPLICATION:  While other gods were burdens that their worshippers had to carry, my God daily carries my burdens! He uses His strength to serve me! 

I do not have to make God be the God of my life, I just have to let Him BE the God of my life.  I do not have to make God carry my burdens, I just let Him carry my burdens.  I do not have to convince God that I am having trouble, I just rest in the truth that He already knows. 

PRAYER: Lord, in a few hours, an MRI will only tell doctors what YOU already know!   There is peace and joy in my heart now because of your presence.  Whatever is in me, you are in there with it!   Obviously, you are not alarmed or very concerned about what they will find.  The one thing that does concern me:  I want people to see evidence of you living in me.  I want them to see what the MRI will not be able to show them.  Holy Spirit, make the presence of Jesus very evident to all helping me tomorrow!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 29, 2024: SOAP #5261: 2Samuel 4,5; Psalm 139; Matthew 16

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 16:13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.

OBSERVATION: Jesus could have told his disciples a parable and given them a lesson on where he came from…on who sent Him.  But He didn’t.  He asked them a question.  What they thought was important to Jesus. 

Peter’s confession was proof to Jesus that the Holy Spirit was ministering with Him and that the Father was also active in what Jesus was doing.  Through the many miracles and the teaching of Jesus, Simon could have said, “Jesus you have been sent from God.”  But with a strong conviction in his heart he clearly stated, “You are the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God!” 

APPLICATION:  Following Jesus is more than a mental acknowledgement that He is someone to follow.  We need the conviction in our heart and mind that Jesus is God, The Son!  He is the Messiah promised to take away the sins of the earth.  It takes more than a mental agreement from reading or hearing; it takes the stirring of the Holy Spirit in our lives till we become convinced of the truth that Jesus died for our sins; he was buried and rose to life on the third day; and He is coming back to earth!    It is the conviction of truth in our heart that we accept by faith.  The first proof of our faith is our confession which seals our new birth!  

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I believe that you are the promised Messiah.  I believe that you died to provide a proper payment for my sins.  I confess my sins and seek your forgiveness.  From the promises in the Bible, I know I have your forgiveness.  I confess you as my Lord and Savior as in Your Name I pray.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 28, 2024: SOAP #5260: 2Samuel 3; 1Chronicles 12; Matthew 15

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 15:33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” 34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” 35  He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterwards the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand, besides women and children.

OBSERVATION: The seven loaves and the few small fish were put in Jesus hands.  He gave thanks, broke them into pieces and gave them to the disciples to give to the people.  4,000 people had plenty to eat and they picked up seven basketfuls of leftovers!  

The leftovers were of the same quality as what was eaten.  They had been blessed by the same hands.  They came from the same source. 

APPLICATION:  The leftovers were proof that the need had been met.  The leftovers were proof that Jesus provides abundantly.  The leftovers served as memory stimulators after the need had been met. 

Every miracle of Jesus has leftovers.  The joy that comes from God’s work remains with us.  It is a leftover that comes every time we recall what God did.  After the need is met, we are left with a good memory.   Another leftover is the testimony we can share with others.  The joy is shared when our brothers and sisters hear what God has done for us!   Another leftover is the increased faith we gain as we recall what God has done. Perhaps the greatest leftover is a fresh awareness that God is willing to get involved with my problems and He is able to make a difference!  

PRAYER: Lord, now at 76 years, I have a life full of leftovers, full of memories and testimonies.  But with you in my life, you never let them grow stale.  Like your Word, they are always fresh.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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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
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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
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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.  😊