Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 24, 2026: SOAP #6016: 1Kings 9; 2Chronicles 8; Psalm 136; Romans 5

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: The emphasis on chapter four was on the faith of Abraham.  At the end of chapter four, the author applies the faith concept to us. Chapter five begins, “Therefore, since WE … “

In the first five verses:  WE have been justified, WE have peace, WE
We have all this, not because of our works, but our faith.  We have been justified through faith!

Here in verse one, we read that our justification came by faith. This is not the promise of justification that we will receive at a later time, but what we have presently.  Along with being cleansed and made as though we had never sinned comes peace.  Our sins destroyed any hope we might have had regarding peace with God, but through the Lord Jesus Christ and His work on the cross, we have peace.  Again, this is not something that we will be given in the future, but something we have now in the present!

APPLICATION:  We have peace when Jesus Christ becomes “our Lord.”  When He has the power of decision, the power of directing, we have peace.  He alone, through His Holy Spirit, can establish peace and maintain peace with God.  It is by our faith placed in Jesus Christ that we enjoy freely the riches of God plan for our lives.  We are not working or struggling to enter this place of blessing.  This is not a progressive attainment.  We are not in the process of climbing the mountain to gain God’s favor.  We are presently standing on the mountain top. The action is complete.  The struggle is over!  The action was completed on the cross and it was over when Jesus cried, “It is finished!”

PRAYER:  Lord, with my faith in you, I have great peace.  I have confidence in what you have provided for me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 23, 2026: SOAP #6015: 2Chronicles 6, 7; Psalm 135; Romans 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 to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness— for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

OBSERVATION: Behind the Word of God is the Character of God.  God’s Word is fully trustworthy because God is fully trustworthy.  Abraham was fully persuaded.  He was convinced.  There was no doubt.  Abraham was a friend of God.  He knew God.

This was not faith based on what Abraham commanded God to do, or what Abraham desired God to do, or what Abraham would have liked God to do; this was faith based on what God promised to do.

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.  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 misplaced, placed in something that proved un-trustworthy.

APPLICATION:  My faith may be weak or strong, but it is not bad.  The choice as to where I place my faith 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.  When God created man, He placed within man the capability of trust and faith.  Further in Romans we are even told that God gave a “measure of faith” to everyone.  I am commanded to “have faith in God.”

PRAYER:  Lord, I choose to place my faith in you and your Word.  You said if I would confess my sins, you would forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  You promised to make my life your living place.  Thank you for forgiving me, accepting me, and living in me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 22, 2026: SOAP #6014: 1Kings 8; 2Chronicles 5; Psalm 99; Romans 3

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 3:23  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.  25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.  He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. 

OBSERVATION: Christ is just.  He is perfect in his intent and actions.  He only does what is right!  He is just AND He is so much more.  His sacrifice is of such great value that it is more than sufficient to pay the penalty for all my sins!  So when I receive by faith that sacrifice as the payment for my sins, I am justified. He is just and He justifies me!  In His sight He makes me just-as-if-I’d never sinned!  It is the way He sees me!  That is the only thing that counts for entrance into heaven!  

APPLICATION:  How the Creator of the Universe would love me to such a degree is beyond my comprehension.  But He does!!!  Although I do not understand it, I believe it is true!  Believing that his death is sufficient as payment for my sins, confessing my sins to Him, thanking Him for His forgiveness results in becoming a new creation in Christ Jesus!  It is amazing!  

PRAYER:  Lord, How can I say thanks for all you have done for me!  And Lord, my heart overflows in praise when I consider all who have received you as Lord and Savior during the past six months.  Touch their lives as they read this SOAP.  May their hearts overflow with thanksgiving as they consider what you have done for them. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 21, 2026: SOAP #6013: 1Kings 7; 2Chronicles 4; Psalm 98; Romans 2

SCRIPTURE:  Romans 2:13  For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.

OBSERVATION: It is not just having the Law, nor just hearing the Law, but keeping the Law that will cause one to be declared righteous. If one wants to be declared righteous by a just God Who shows no favoritism, then one needs only to perfectly keep the law, not breaking even one of its tenants even once. 

Now, can I be “declared righteous” on the basis of perfectly keeping the law?  No!  It is already way too late for me.  I have already broken the law.  And according to Romans 3:23 everyone else is in the same predicament.  For me, and everyone else, there must be another way!   Thank God, He Himself provided that other way!    

APPLICATION:  The sinless Jesus willingly died; I can accept His death as the payment for my sins.  In heaven it will also be accepted as payment for my sins.  Now I can be “declared righteous” on the basis of Jesus perfectly keeping the law and giving His life as payment for my sins! 

It is not only that His death in the past pays for my sins but His life presently in me helps me live in victory!   (What an amazing thought!)  Now, out of a heart overflowing with gratitude, I let Him live His life in me!  We (Jesus and me) are working together on this life known as Leon.  My life is not yet what it will be, but it is not what it was!   

PRAYER:  Lord, Even though I am continually learning how to live to please you, I still see so many places I fail.  Even today I need your forgiveness.  Thank you that your sacrifice never fails to provide that needed forgiveness.  And thank you for living inside me.   Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 20, 2026: SOAP #6012: 1Kings 6; 2Chronicles 3; Psalm 97; Romans 1

SCRIPTURE:  Romans 1: 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

OBSERVATION: What is it about the Gospel that saves?  In the Gospel there is a righteousness that can replace my unrighteousness.  It makes me eligible for and acceptable in heaven!   It is nothing less than the righteousness of Jesus! That righteousness is available, but somehow I have to come to know about it.  In the Gospel that righteousness is brought to my attention.  The Gospel is the Good News that enlightens me!  The righteousness was procured on the cross by the death of God’s Son, and it is offered in grace.  God offers it; I must receive it. 
How is it received? It is received by faith!   Believing He meant what He said, I say, “Thank you.!”  I invite Him into my life as my Lord.  If it were offered in return for good works, then I would have to earn it.  But it is offered by grace, and received through faith.  There is no payment required on my part.  It is not given based on my worth.  From the first day I received that righteousness applied to my record in heaven, to the day I check in, I am righteous by faith.  I do not become more deserving of that righteousness as I progress through my Christian life. No, it is by faith from the first to the last!

APPLICATION:  So how am I to live?  I am to live by faith.  The way I conduct my life indicates that I am trusting in God’s action taken on my behalf.  I speak of my Heavenly Father in such terms that everyone knows of my appreciation.  I treat others with great grace for the great “Grace Giver” lives inside me.  I keep my word, because the great “Word-Keeper” lives inside me.  I do everything to please Him.  I am not easily discouraged because my faith assures me that He Who has brought me this far will certainly not drop me now!

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for paying for my sin. May my life today be an expression of my appreciation for all you have done for me.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 19, 2026: SOAP #6011: 1Kings 4, 5; 2Chronicles 2; Psalm 101; 2Thessalonians 3

SCRIPTURE:  2Thessalonians (NIV) 3:10   For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule:  “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
11   We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive.  They are not busy; they are busybodies.
12   Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat.
13   And as for you, brothers and sisters never tire of doing what is good. 

OBSERVATION: A person who is able to work but not willing to work still expects to eat.  Paul says not to feed him.  He is not living according to God’s word.  Just because someone does not work, does not mean he is inactive.  He may become a “busybody” expending his energy on things that are disruptive.  His activities do not add value to himself or to anyone else. 

APPLICATION:  I hear the Lord saying to me that I should not let myself get so weary that I stop doing what is helpful.  I need to do things that add value to my life and the lives of others.  I need to give my body physical rest and keep my thoughts focused on Jesus.  I need to be a worshipping worker; after all God is looking for worshippers.

PRAYER:  Lord, nothing refreshes me more than sensing your Presence and knowing that what I am doing pleases you.  May my work add value to my day and to those around me. Holy Spirit, show me things I can do to add value to my day.  It is my desire to help people value your presence.  Amen

Pastor Leon  
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 18, 2026: SOAP #6010: 1Kings 3; 2Chronicles 1; Psalm 78; 2Thessalonians 2

SCRIPTURE:  2Thessalonians (NIV) 2:13 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

OBSERVATION:  This is Paul’s letter to people who had come to know Jesus through his ministry.  Some had heard him preach; others had read his letters.

APPLICATION:  Like the people to whom Paul was writing, there are many people today in Guinea Conakry who have recently claimed Jesus as their Lord and received His forgiveness.  Some responded to hearing the word of God being preached, some responded to seeing the great miracles by which proved His presence and validated the message preached.  Paul encouraged their faith through visits and letters. 

Pray with me that God will enable us to provide Bibles, especially for those leading groups of new believers.  Also pray that God will use me to write SOAPs that will teach and encourage them to grow in faith! 

PRAYER:  Lord, you see the need for the new believers to come to understand the wonderful history of your working here with the people on earth.  We are so thankful that they have become a part of our family and we look forward to spending eternity in heaven with them.  We agree together in prayer for you to bless them and be close to them each day.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 16, 2026: SOAP #6008: 1Kings 1: 1Chronicles 28; Psalm 91; 1Thessalonians 5

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

OBSERVATION: Verse 24: what a statement!  It is a statement of God’s character and His willingness to carry through.

As to God’s character, I see basically two major sides.  There is Love and Holiness.  These two are quite different yet mix together into Goodness. If either were missing, we would not think of God as “Good.” At times these seem to oppose each other but are completely reconciled in the cross.  For it is there the righteous demands of our Holy God are paid in Love by none other than Himself!

Faithfulness is an expression of Holiness.  Out of holiness comes justice, righteousness, purity, faithfulness, etc.  God is Holy. God is Faithful!

God is faithful to act according to His character.  When Paul writes, “He will do it,”  he is referring to the prayer of blessing in the previous verse.  God will bless them by sanctifying them through and through.  God will keep them blameless!

APPLICATION: For those desiring to be holy and pure, what a special blessing to know that God is more desiring of this than we are and that He is working to keep us that way!  Of course we want to live holy, but on our own, we will not find much success.  It is only as we rely on Him and live in an abiding relationship with Him that we have any hope of succeeding.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it is such a joy and privilege to know you through your Son Jesus and through the presence of your Holy Spirit that came to live in us when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  We are blest.  Amen

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

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 16, 2026: SOAP #6008: 1Kings 1: 1Chronicles 28; Psalm 91; 1Thessalonians 5

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.

OBSERVATION: Verse 24: what a statement!  It is a statement of God’s character and His willingness to carry through.

As to God’s character, I see basically two major sides.  There is Love and Holiness.  These two are quite different yet mix together into Goodness. If either were missing, we would not think of God as “Good.” At times these seem to oppose each other but are completely reconciled in the cross.  For it is there the righteous demands of our Holy God are paid in Love by none other than Himself!

Faithfulness is an expression of Holiness.  Out of holiness comes justice, righteousness, purity, faithfulness, etc.  God is Holy. God is Faithful!

God is faithful to act according to His character.  When Paul writes, “He will do it,”  he is referring to the prayer of blessing in the previous verse.  God will bless them by sanctifying them through and through.  God will keep them blameless!

APPLICATION: For those desiring to be holy and pure, what a special blessing to know that God is more desiring of this than we are and that He is working to keep us that way!  Of course we want to live holy, but on our own, we will not find much success.  It is only as we rely on Him and live in an abiding relationship with Him that we have any hope of succeeding.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, it is such a joy and privilege to know you through your Son Jesus and through the presence of your Holy Spirit that came to live in us when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior.  We are blest.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 15, 2026: SOAP #6007: 1Chronicles 25-27; 1Thessalonians 4

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.

OBSERVATION: It is good to read these words for ourselves, but Paul here is telling us to use these words to minister to each other.  He did not write “encourage yourself,” but “encourage each other.” Not only are we to take comfort and encouragement from these words, we are to give comfort and encouragement with these words.  We are to use these words and the thoughts they communicate to build each other up and help each other through the tough times.

APPLICATION: God not only ministers to me as I read His Word, He equips me to minister to others.  With the Word that ministered to me, He uses me to minister to others.    

Get some of God’s word in you each day.  You may read a few verses in the Bible or only the verses at the top of a SOAP page, whatever it is, God will use it in your life or He will bring it to you to use in helping somebody else. 

PRAYER:  Lord, Your Word works in me and through me.  Use me today to pass along what you have given me.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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