February 07, 2021: SOAP #4084:  Leviticus 4-6; Acts 14

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 14:26 From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. 27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

OBSERVATION:  Paul and Silas had been sent out on a missionary journey by the Holy Spirit and by the church in Antioch. (Acts 13:3-4) They had completed their circuit and were now back in Antioch. 

They had one thing left to do:  give a report to the ones who had sent them out and had been praying for them.  

APPLICATION: It is so easy to ask people to pray for us, especially on Facebook. (It should be called “Facelessbook” because we cannot see the faces of those to whom we are talking.)  Some people put things on Facebook that should be kept for their personal diary and not put out for the public to read! 

If I am sincere about asking people to pray for me, then I should be considerate in reporting back as to how God answered those prayers.  When I do not report back, I rob God of the glory that would be given to Him because He answered their prayers.  I rob people of knowing the answers to their prayers that would cause their faith to grow.  I rob myself of an opportunity to express appreciation.   

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, my heart is full of appreciation for all you have done for me.  So, it should naturally overflow to those who pray for me, encourage me, assist me, etc.  I know you have heard and answered many prayers made on my behalf.  Bless each one who prayed for me. Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

My personal SOAP saga:  Yesterday I finished my second full week of bus driving.  My wife, Sharon, and I often comment on how much we appreciate the many people who prayed for us.  There were times we felt carried along by someone’s prayer.  We serve a faithful God!   😊 

February 06, 2021: SOAP #4083:  Leviticus 1-3: Acts 13

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 13:7b. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10 “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11 Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord. 

OBSERVATION:  People had been talking and the proconsul wanted to hear for himself.  Elymas felt threatened and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.  But when the proconsul “saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching of the Lord.”  

Obviously the “teaching of the Lord” was not just something a person heard, but something they could also see!   Seeing led to believing!   

APPLICATION:  My life is my ministry.  It is important what people hear, but it is also important what people see!  What is seen has a great impact on what they believe.  The sanctification provided by Jesus on the cross was instantaneous when I believed.  Now the Holy Spirit is developing sanctification in my life.    

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, as you are working in and through me, work out the ways of the world and work in the ways of heaven.  Make me more like Jesus!   Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

My personal SOAP saga: 

February 05, 2021: SOAP #4082:  Exodus 39-40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 40:34 Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out— until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.

OBSERVATION:  God was keeping His promise to Abraham.  The big picture was that His children would cross the wilderness and make Canaan their home.  But the little picture—the day-by-day leading of the Holy Spirit was as important as the big picture.  The Holy Spirit, like the cloud, is with me all day, every day.  I must keep my ears and heart open to His stirring.

APPLICATION:  For me, the big picture is that I am going to heaven!  My sins are forgiven by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross.  For me, the little picture is as important as the big picture.  The Holy Spirit, like the cloud, is with me all day, every day.  I must keep my ears and heart open to His stirring. 

Carefully following the day-by-day leading of the Holy Spirit may be important to help someone else settle the big picture.  Following the Spirit’s leading will affect the rewards I receive in heaven.  Following the Spirit’s daily leading is the best way to bring joy the Father’s heart who sacrificed so much for me. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, the best guarantee of being where you will want me tomorrow, is to be where you want me today.  Help me not be so future focused that I miss out on today. Today you have something, big or little, that is important for my tomorrow. Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

February 04, 2021: SOAP #4081:  Exodus 37-38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.
     The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.
      The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.
      The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
      they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

OBSERVATION:  David, the author of this psalm is not asking a question; he is stating truth. He is not asking if the law, the statutes, the precepts, the commands of the LORD, the ordinances of the LORD–David is not asking if these are valuable. He is declaring truth. He is declaring that these are more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey.

APPLICATION:  If I consider the Word of the LORD “more precious than gold,” it should not take a stranger long to realize the value of the Word in my life.  After just a few minutes of conversation, they would know the value I place of the scriptures.  A quick around my home should cause a stranger to realize that I consider the Word of God more precious than “much pure gold.”

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, anoint me with a greater appreciation and value of God’s Word.  May those around me quickly come to know that Leon values the scriptures. Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

February 03, 2021: SOAP #4080:  Exodus 35-36; Acts 10

Bezalel to Peter

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 35:30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts— 32 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 33 to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship.
Acts (NIV) 10:5 [An angel to Cornelius] Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter….
19 [The Spirit of God to Peter] While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. 20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”

OBSERVATION: Bezalel and Peter.  Two different men in two different settings.  Same Spirit of God enabling them to fulfill two important assignments.  Bezalel chosen and anointed by the Spirit to craft the furniture for the Tabernacle in which God would dwell in the midst of His people.  Peter chosen and anointed by the same Spirit to formally introduce the gospel to the Gentiles.  Bezale served at the beginning of the tabernacle/temple ministry; Peter served in declaring that the tabernacle/temple ministry was complete!  God, by His Spirit would not be limited to an earthly Jewish tabernacle but would dwell in His church of both Jews and Gentiles!  

APPLICATION:  That same Holy Spirit uses people today.  A Christian at work gives a word of witness.  A friend invites them to church.  A greeter gives them a heart-felt welcome and a smile.  The pastor preaches a Holy Spirit anointed message. And yet another leads them in a prayer of repentance and surrender.  The first had the ministry of Bezalel; the last had the ministry of Peter.  God used many prophets and kings in the years between Bezalel and Peter. All had a part in the work of the Lord!  All—from the witness at work to the altar prayer—were led by the same Holy Spirit! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit use me in the progression of your work in someone’s life today.  May I be found faithful in the place you have assigned me.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

February 02, 2021: SOAP #4079:  Exodus 33-34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 
11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

OBSERVATION:  My attention has been drawn to the first phrase: “I have set the LORD always before me.” 

APPLICATION:  For me, this means that I in my thinking, God is always present.  I do not think about anything around me without thinking of His presence.  What I see; He sees.  What I hear; He hears.  What He thinks about the issues surrounding me is important to me.  I want to know what He thinks. I know His thoughts are not my thoughts, but I want to know what His thoughts are. 

What hurts His feelings?  What causes Him pain?  What pleases Him?  What brings Him joy?

What about my actions; do they please Him and make Him smile?  What actions of mine are offensive to Him?

PRAYER: Jesus, not only before me, but I have set you as Lord in my heart.  It is a high honor to have you living in me.  Like a good host, may I bring you joy and make you smile.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

February 01, 2021: SOAP #4078:  Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 8:26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he started out, and on his way, he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

OBSERVATION:  Philip was directed to the road running between Jerusalem and Gaza.  Philip could have assumed that God was sending him to Gaza and taken a shortcut.  But He would have missed God’s assignment.  As Philip was moving in the direction (on his way v.27) God sent him, he met the Ethiopian eunuch. 

APPLICATION:  It was as I was “on my way” in preparation to be a missionary, that God sent me into the US Navy.  It was as I was “on my way” to a retirement in the military that God directed me to be the pastor of Bayview Chapel, Kaneohe, Hawaii.  It was as I was “on my way” as the pastor that God showed me to move to Kansas.  It was as I was “on my way” into retirement that God directed me to begin writing SOAPs.  God was leading me in directions, not to destinations. 

I have found that as I traveled in the direction God sent me, at the right place, He changed my direction.  He was not pointing to another destination; He was pointing in another direction.  In looking back, I remember those calls to a life as a missionary.  I remember the songs I sang.  I remember the times of surrender to His will.  Yet God did not direct me to a specific mission field.  But now my heart is full of awesome gratitude at how God is fulfilling His first call on Leon.  Through the SOAP ministry, every day I get to minister in 3-4 countries in Asia and 4-5 countries in Africa. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know that there are times when you lead people to destinations (like Jonah to Nineveh) but the pattern for me is in direction.  Continue to lead me by your Holy Spirit for my good and your glory!  Amen 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

My personal SOAP saga: 

January 31, 2021: SOAP #4077:  Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 27:44 “So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. 45 Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. 46 They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.

OBSERVATION:  In these verses, God is not claiming the Israelites as His children, but He is claiming to be their God!  In these verses I see that God in his great love is not emphasizing that the Israelites identify with Him, but that He identifies with them!  It was the LORD God who delivered them from Egypt.  He brought them out of Egypt!  They did not come out on their own strength.  At His direction they had built a tabernacle and now it is the LORD God who would be living among them!  He was coming down to live at their level.   The LORD God wanted to be known as their God. 

APPLICATION:   Claiming to be God’s child may not impress the enemy, but when God claims to be my God…that is different!   When my enemy is attacking, I may call out, “I am a child of God.”  If the enemy does not listen to me, the Creator speaks up, “Back off, I am the LORD!  I am the LORD Leon’s God!”   

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, teach to depend on the LORD my God.  Teach me trust that He will do for me as He did for the Israelites when they crossed the wilderness. Instead of looking to friends on earth for help, teach me to go to the LORD my God.   Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

My personal SOAP saga:  Yesterday I finished my first full week of bus driving since my heart surgery and follow-up problems.  I am still not asking God to go with me through each day, but to confess that I am going with Him!  He is my Lord; He directs my path.  My heart is so full of gratitude for everyone’s prayers, I must say “Thank you,” one more time!   😊 

January 30, 2021: SOAP #4076:  Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

SCRIPTURE:  Exodus (NIV) 25:2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give. 3 These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze; 4 blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen; goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood; 6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breast piece.

OBSERVATION:  God tells them to bring an offering.  Then He tells them what to give!  This is a nation that has been in Egypt for 430 years, the last long portion as slaves.  How could God expect a nation of slaves to give gold, silver, bronze, etc.?  God had thought of that problem ahead of time.  On the night the Israelites left Egypt, they were told to ask the Egyptians for silver, gold, and articles of clothing. The Egyptians were glad to be rid of the Israelites, so they gave them anything they desired.  It was because of the Israelites that every first born had died. (Exodus 12:35-36) 

When God told them what to give, He already knew what they had!  He was the one who caused the Egyptians to be “favorably disposed” to the Israelites.  So, God was only asking them to give what had been given to them!  They carried out of Egypt what was needed for the assignment to build the tabernacle. 

APPLICATION:   I find myself in the same situation as the Israelites.  God desires an offering from me.  He knows what I have because He gave it to me.  He often tells me what to give.  In giving, I am becoming a part of something much greater than myself, or my own plans.  God has already given me what He desires from me.  If I believe He gave it to me, then I can freely give it away; He gave it to me, and He can do it again!   God values a gift based on the sacrifice; sometimes the smaller gift includes the larger sacrifice. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, when I became a part of your family, you are making me like you.  You are a giver; You are making me a giver.  You gave the greatest gift when you gave your Son.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

January 29, 2021: SOAP #4075:  Exodus 23-24; Psalm 14; Acts 5

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 5:42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

OBSERVATION:  It was not until 1440 that Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press.  So, the church in the book of Acts had no Bibles in their home.  They could not have a daily Bible reading plan.  Yet the early church did not have a lack of spirituality due to a lack of Bibles.  The Holy Spirit was present in their gatherings.  Anointed teachers taught them spiritual truth. 

There are places in the world today where no Bible is available in their language, or affordable in the marketplace.  Yet they too need daily spiritual input.  As in the book of Acts church, daily gatherings would be a priority for teaching, fellowship, worship, and prayer.  As in the book of Acts, these could be in public places and from house to house.    

In all places we need the spiritual provided through gathering with other believers, but it would be a greater requirement in places where personal Bible reading is not available. 

APPLICATION:   If I am serious about my physical life (which will eventually die), then I am serious about food.  I do not consider it an inconvenience to pause several times a day just to eat.   So, if I am serious about my spiritual life (which will never die) I must be serious about spiritual intake.  I need it daily!

PRAYER: Lord, it is not my Sunday life, but my daily life that shows how much I love you.  May my daily life show how important you are to me. Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!