Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 17, 2023: SOAP #5066: Job 1-2; Acts 6-7

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 7:8 Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs. 9 “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.

OBSERVATION:  Joseph was sold as a slave yet became ruler under Pharaoh over Egypt!   No mention is made of his education, nor of his physique.  He was a slave, so his ancestry did not matter.  He was not rich so could not purchase this position.  The key characteristic of Joseph: “God was with him!” 

APPLICATION:  The presence of God in my life is the most important factor in being successful.  Being successful is making God smile!  His presence gives me access to his wisdom, understanding, power, and abilities.  I do not possess those characteristics in myself, for apart from Him I can do nothing.  (John 15:5)   But He shares them with me and expresses them through me so “with Him, I can do all things!”  (Philippians 4:13, Luke 1:37)

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, with the coming of the Holy Spirit, we can all live in your presence and enjoy the blessings provided by Your involvement in our daily lives.  Expand my understanding of your presence.  In Jesus Name, Amen. 

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

Pastor Andrew is still in the hospital.  I received the following from his wife, Doris.  “They didn’t release the x-ray results today due to mechanical failure. We were till 4mp since morning.  Andrew was exhausted and hungry I had to run home and prepare food for him to eat. We had a stressed full day today Daddy. We are going back there tomorrow”  Keep praying for everything to clear.   

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 16, 2023: SOAP #5065: Malachi 3-4; Psalm 148; Acts 5

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 5:32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

OBSERVATION:  In the context this refers to the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus, but it is a truth that can be applied to everyday and everything I experience. 

I know what happened; I was there.  AND the Holy Spirit knows what happened; HE WAS THERE TOO!!!  

In fact, His understanding of what happened is much greater than mine!  

APPLICATION:  Instead of me praying to explain all the details of what happened, I should be asking HIM to fill me in on the details of what happened!  

If I would take time to listen to the Holy Spirit as I am praying, I would probably hear Him saying, “I already know; Leon, I already know!” 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, knowing you and trusting you, I can leave what I do not understand in your care.  When the time is right, you will fill in what is lacking in my understanding. 

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

Pastor Andrew update:  The results from the x-rays should be back tomorrow (Monday) and Doris thinks he will be released to return home then. 
Here are two notes from Pastor Andrew’s wife: 

#1.  He has started recovery and moving around the hospital, he has started eating as wel
#2.  He’s still in the hospital, and we are patiently waiting for the x-ray results to be out. As for the internet I don’t know because his phone was stolen as it is right now he didn’t have a phone to browse internet.        
Lets pray for God to provide a good phone for Pastor Andrew.  Perhaps, if he is unable to travel to Central Africa, he can do a video conference. 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 15, 2023: SOAP #5064: Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1-2; Acts 4

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 4:10   then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 He is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ 12 Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

OBSERVATION:  What a dirty trick it would have been for God the Father to send his son to die for the sins of man if there had been another way for man to be saved.   Jesus was convinced that there was no other way.  He had to die or man could not be free from sin.  In this verse Peter is speaking before the religious leaders of Israel.  Peter and John had been arrested because of a healing done in the name of Jesus who these leaders had recently crucified.

APPLICATION:  God the Father was so convinced that there was no other way for man to be saved that He sent His only son to die for my sins.  Jesus was so convinced that there was no other way that He was willing to suffer the great agony of the cross.  The apostles were so convinced that they were willing to go to jail and give their lives for telling others that Jesus is the ONLY way. 

Now it is my turn. 

PRAYER:  Lord, You are the only way.  There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved!   Lord, I believe that you are the only way.  Now help me act like it is true.  Holy Spirit, help me tell others.   Amen

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

I believe Pastor Andrew is still in the hospital, but do not know that for sure.  I do not know what the x-rays showed.  I apologize for not being able to answer obvious questions.  I have had no personal contact with Pastor Andrew since the ordeal.  Thank you for your prayers.  I believe God is answering them and will restore Pastor Andrew to his ministry.  Amen        

Heard Far Away

SCRIPTURE:  Nehemiah (NIV) 12:40 The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; …
43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

OBSERVATION:  The wall around Jerusalem had been repaired and was now being dedicated.  Two choirs marched on top of the wall in opposite directions giving praise to God for what had been accomplished.  When they rejoined and took their place in the house of God, they had great joy. 

APPLICATION:  The Bible says, “the sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.”  Their neighbors heard the sound.  Their enemies heard the sound.  But even greater, heaven heard that sound!   It was heard at the throne of God Almighty!!!  

I always want God to know that I appreciate what He has done and is doing!   He may hear it from someone else, but I definitely want Him to hear it from me!  May the sounds of my rejoicing be heard far away!!!  May the sound of my rejoicing be heard in heaven!   May God know He is greatly appreciated!  

PRAYER:  Oh Lord, if anyone should have a heart full of rejoicing, it is me!   When people come around me, may they expect to hear something good that you have done for me.  Amen

Pastor Leon

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 14, 2023: SOAP #5063: Nehemiah 11-12; Psalm 1; Acts 3

SCRIPTURE:  Nehemiah (NIV) 12:40 The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; …
43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.

OBSERVATION:  The wall around Jerusalem had been repaired and was now being dedicated.  Two choirs marched on top of the wall in opposite directions giving praise to God for what had been accomplished.  When they rejoined and took their place in the house of God, they had great joy. 

APPLICATION:  The Bible says, “the sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.”  Their neighbors heard the sound.  Their enemies heard the sound.  But even greater, heaven heard that sound!   It was heard at the throne of God Almighty!!!  

I always want God to know that I appreciate what He has done and is doing!   He may hear it from someone else, but I definitely want Him to hear it from me!  May the sounds of my rejoicing be heard far away!!!  May the sound of my rejoicing be heard in heaven!   May God know He is greatly appreciated!  

PRAYER:  Oh Lord, if anyone should have a heart full of rejoicing, it is me!   When people come around me, may they expect to hear something good that you have done for me.  Amen

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 13, 2023: SOAP #5062: Nehemiah 9-10; Acts 2

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 2:22 “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus was the theme of Peter’s message.   The worst that wicked men could do to Jesus (putting him to death) became the basis for the greatest demonstration of his indestructible life (his resurrection).   “It was impossible for death to keep its hold on him!”   

APPLICATION:  With Christ living in me, I need never fear what man can do to me!  The worst that man can do to me simply becomes the basis for a great demonstration of that Indestructible Life living in me!              

PRAYER:  Lord, please help me to remember.  The life you live in me has already been proven to be greater than death.  Wow!   Amen. 

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

Pastor Andrew had some x-rays done today, and they are awaiting the results.  I just spoke with Doris on Facebook message.  God has put peace and joy in her heart.  She is praising the Lord for how God is with Andrew.  He will remain in the hospital under observation until they get the x-ray results. Doris appreciates the members of the SOAP team who have been faithful to visit Pastor Andrew and pray with them.   I am praying that what Satan meant for evil with Pastor Andrew, God is working out for His glory!   Amen!  

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 12, 2023: SOAP #5061: Nehemiah 7-8; Acts 1

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 1:1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.

OBSERVATION:  It does not take long before Luke introduces the Holy Spirit into the book of Acts.  The Holy Spirit is a shared emphasis in both books written by Luke. 

In the gospel of Luke we see the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus.  In the book of Acts we see the importance of the same Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.  The same Holy Spirit that came upon Jesus when baptized in water before he stepped out in ministry, is the same Holy Spirit that came upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost! 

APPLICATION:  The disciples walked with Jesus.  They were with Him when they were in the same location.  The Holy Spirit walks with me!  Even more, He shares my location!  He is always with me!  My body is a living temple of the Holy Spirit!

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, how I need you!  I need your input as I write the daily SOAPs.  Draw my attention to the passage you desire to emphasize.  Enlighten my thoughts to communicate truth.  Speak to me as I write them and to each reader as they read.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

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

Friends, Thanks to all who are praying for Pastor Andrew.  I know he had some x-rays today, but do not know what they showed.  He was scheduled to be in Kenya, but ???  Let’s keep praying for him and I will keep you informed as I am able.   Leon  😊 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 11, 2023: SOAP #5060: Nehemiah 5-6; Psalm 146; Luke 24

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 24:14 They [two disciples on the road to Emmaus] were talking with each other about everything that had happened. [events around the crucifixion in Jerusalem] 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him….
27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself….
32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

OBSERVATION:  There were so many things for them to talk about.  Their hearts were heavy, having just witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus.  This Stranger seemed interested; He asked questions; He seemed to have personal understanding of the situation.   He explained things from the scriptures.  Even though their hearts were heavy with sorrow, His words were on fire. 

APPLICATION:  So, what should I do when walking under a heavy load of grief, or care, or physical turmoil?   I should do what these two disciples did; I should let Him talk!   He already knows what is on my heart; I should let Him tell me what is on His heart!  I must be careful not to “over-talk” Him.  I need what He has to say!  

PRAYER:  Lord, I heard someone say that you gave us two ears and one mouth so that we would listen twice as much as we speak.  I am not sure that is right for every situation, but I am quite certain that what you have to say to me is much more important than what I have to say to you.  Lord, when you are talking, I want to be a good listener.  I want to be faithful in reading your Word.  Holy Spirit, burn my heart with the word that is for me today.  Amen

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

Thank you for praying for Pastor Andrew.  He asked for some coffee and food yesterday!  The doctor refused to take x-rays until they gathered enough money to pay for them.  They should have enough now.  Join me in praying that the x-rays will not only show what has been damaged, but will also show evidence of God’s healing touch.  May God be glorified.  Also pray for Andrew’s wife, Doris, and the SOAP ministry team. 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 10, 2023: SOAP #5059: Nehemiah 3-4; Luke 23

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 23:22 For the third time he spoke to them: “Why? What crime has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for the death penalty. Therefore, I will have him punished and then release him.” 23 But with loud shouts they insistently demanded that he be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided to grant their demand.

OBSERVATION:  Several times (verses 4, 14, 15 and 22; and Herod in verse 15) Pilate had declared Jesus to be innocent yet he caves to the shouts of the people. Was this the same crowd who just a few days earlier had shouted “Hosanna” as Jesus came into the city riding on the donkey?  Surely there were some in the crowd who had been healed or had a relative or close friend healed by Jesus.  Could it have been possible that some in the crowd had eaten the bread with the 5,000?  Why listen to this crowd? Didn’t Pilate have all Rome behind him?  Yet he gave the shout of the crowd more weight than the justice of Rome.

APPLICATION:  There is only one voice that remains constantly in line with truth and with God’s will — the voice of the Holy Spirit.  The more I learn to recognize His voice and the closer I walk to following His voice, the more I will fulfill the purpose God has for me.  

Prayerfully considering what God speaks through the Bible sharpens my sensitivity to the voice of the Spirit.  And stepping out in faith to do what He has told me builds my confidence to obey even more quickly next time.  It is the process of maturing from being His child to becoming His son, especially when His voice leads me contrary to the voice of the crowd.

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, cause me to hear, understand, and obey what you say to me.  Thank you for developing maturity in my life. May there be no stopping of my growth in knowing and serving you.  Make me a profitable servant, I pray. Amen

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 09, 2023: SOAP #5058: Nehemiah 1-2; Psalm 133-134; Luke 22

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 134:1 Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD.
2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.
3 May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.

OBSERVATION:  In my understanding, there was 24-hour worship in the temple.  Priests and musicians were assigned their times to minister to the Lord.  Those who ministered at night were no less important than those who ministered in the day.  God is just as worthy of praise through the night as He is through the day.

APPLICATION:  Whether it was working nights at a gas station after high school graduation in Belleville, Kansas; or night duty on a hospital ward at MCRD in San Diego, California; or a night radio watch on a mountain top in Viet Nam; I enjoyed the presence of the Lord!  There were fewer interruptions to break my focus on the Lord.  I found Him just as awake and just as active in the night as in the day.

I have also found the wonderful benefit of praise when I am going through a “dark” time in my life.  Praise keeps my focus on Him and not on the difficulties. Praise activates my faith.  And praise is very special to God when brought as a sacrifice. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you are the God who never slumbers or sleeps.  You are the God of the dark side as well as the light side of the earth.  I am so thankful that you are my God!   Amen

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

Thanks everyone for praying for Pastor Andrew.  I do not have any update on his condition today, so I am trusting the Lord for his recovery.  God is a God of miracles.  His trip to Central Africa is probably on hold, but I will let everyone know as I know.  I will attach a daily note to the daily SOAP.