Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 14, 2023: SOAP #5124: Hebrews 12-13; Jude

SCRIPTURE:  Jude (NIV) 1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: 2 Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

OBSERVATION:  Jude’s greeting to his short letter reminds us of a foundational truth that we may overlook.  We focus on the love of Jesus.  He came, He suffered, and He died on the cross for us. 

Sometimes we do not think that in all Jesus did, He was sent by the Father.  He demonstrated love, the love of the Father for fallen, sinful man.  Most of us have memorized John 3:16:  For GOD SO LOVED the world that HE SENT HIS ONLY SON… 

The love we see in Jesus is the same love that is in the Father!  What the Son loves, the Father loves. 

The Father sent His Son to take the penalty for my sins and He sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in me and flow through me. 

APPLICATION:  The Father loves me!  I am the center focus of His plans in creation.  He, who sent His son to die for my sins loves me.  He is concerned about my struggles. 

PRAYER:  Jesus, I know you love me.  I see expressions of your love every day.  Heavenly Father, thank you for Jude’s words of assurance that you love me too.  My heart overflows with appreciation, praise and worship.  May my life glorify you.  Amen

Pastor Leon  
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 13, 2023: SOAP #5123: . Hebrews 9-11 (repeat from 2010)

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 11:13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.  14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.

OBSERVATION:  What a special thing to say.  May it be engraved on tomb stones.  May it be fixed in the minds of people left behind.  “These people were still living by faith when they died.” 

It appears at times that a person’s faith died before they died.  What a tragedy!  What a privilege to visit with an elderly person whose faith is now stronger than when they first became a Christian.  Their faith has taken them to death’s door, and they are looking for that “country” God has promised.

Growing older should be growing stronger — stronger in faith.  Our physical strength may weaken, but our faith should continue to grow stronger.

APPLICATION:  As I grow older, I find that I have become more concerned about my physical health.  I have more check-ups at the doctor’s office.  I exercise more.  I take vitamins and meds for my heart.  My care for my spiritual man should increase also.  I should be reading the Bible more.  I should stay in touch with other believers more. 

Am I content with my present location, or am I looking for that heavenly country?

PRAYER:  Lord, I want to be living by faith when I die.    Amen.

Pastor Leon  
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 12, 2023: SOAP #5122: Hebrews 5-8

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 7:23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

OBSERVATION:  A prophet is one sent from God with God’s message.  A priest is one chosen from among men who approaches God on behalf of man.  For Jesus, the Son of God, to be a priest, it was necessary for Him to enter the stream of humanity as a baby human.  He laid aside His divinity and took on the limitations of humanity.  Having no earthly father, he entered humanity as Adam had first been created, without sin.

The Perfect Priest needed a Perfect Sacrifice.  And for that He provided Himself, His own life.  The sacrifice was once, and for all time.  It has been completed.  It is sufficient to cover all the sins of man.  Yes, the sacrifice is complete, but Jesus remains our Priest, our High Priest!   He still bears the scars of His sacrifice before our Heavenly Father.  He still represents man before God.  He lives forever as our permanent priest!

APPLICATION:  Knowing that I have God’s own Son as my Perfect Priest standing before God the Father bearing the scars of His Perfect Sacrifice — what could be too great a sacrifice for me to make for Him?   I am humbled beyond words.  My life is not my own!

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, I am so undeserving of your great sacrifice and of having you represent me before the throne of heaven.  Saying “thank you” is where I start but it cannot be where my appreciation ends.  All I am and all I have is yours. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 11, 2023: SOAP #5121: Philemon; Hebrews 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.

OBSERVATION:  One of the main goals I see in this chapter is that we finish with a faith as strong as when we first started to believe.  

What is considered “little sins” can creep into our lives and deceive us into believing that “little sins” will not hurt us.  We then, little by little, become hardened to the things of God.  The things of the world are not quite as dangerous as we once thought, and the things of God are not quite as important as we once thought.   Encouragement helps keep us on course.

A simple word of encouragement can help carry a heavy load.  It can lift a person over discouragement and disappointment.                                                        

APPLICATION:  I need to be encouraged daily by the input of others into my life. 
And daily I need to encourage those around me. 

I am encouraged to be faithful as I remember the saying on my parent’s wall: “Only one life, will soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last!”

I have found two great sources of personal encouragement:  daily Bible reading and singing songs of worship.

PRAYER:  Lord, help me to be open to encouragement from others and make me an encourager.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 10, 2023: SOAP #5120: 2Timothy 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  2Timothy 4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

OBSERVATION:  Paul was writing from prison, yet he was “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus.”  His circumstances did not cloud the fact that he was in God’s will and doing God’s calling.  He was writing to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy, but much more, he was writing to 2000 years of believers still to be born!  He wrote as though Jesus was right there with him; He really was!

APPLICATION:  I am so thankful that the Lord is with me in every circumstance.  Many times, I appreciate the strong assurance of His presence that stirs in my heart as I am at my desk writing the SOAPs.  Sometimes God is speaking to me; sometimes I sense Him speaking through the SOAP to someone else.   

But, even when I do not have a sensation of His presence, I know that He is with me.  Knowing that He is with me keeps my faith strong.  It keeps me looking at things from His point of view, keeps me looking for evidence of His  work. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, the greatest thing I have in life is an awareness of your presence.  Knowing that you are with me gives me peace, joy, confidence, boldness,

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 09, 2023: SOAP #5119: 1Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  Titus (NIV) 1:1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness—

OBSERVATION:  Paul’s purpose was to build up the body of Christ by encouraging their faith and increasing their knowledge of the truth.  “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” Paul wrote in 1Corinthians 8:1.  But here Paul gives the purpose of knowledge — to lead us to godliness.  Knowledge of the truth should make us better lovers of God and of others.  That knowledge gives us confidence!  We respond to life in godly ways. 

APPLICATION:  Knowledge of the character of God, His omniscience assures me that He understands my problems better than I do. Knowledge of His wisdom assures me that He already knows what needs to be done.  Knowledge of His power gives me faith to trust Him. 

Knowledge that God is with me and guiding my steps helps me remain calm when unexpected problems/trouble comes my way.  There is great peace in knowing that God is with me.  Instead of fretting over the problem, I can look for opportunities to let Jesus shine through. 

Like Paul in Acts 27:33-44, our confidence in God affects everyone around us. 

If I have confidence in what I now about God, I should act like it!

Then problems become opportunities for unexpected ministries.

PRAYER:  Lord, the knowledge that you are faithful to take care of my problem sets me free to look for the opportunity to serve you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 08, 2023: SOAP #5118: 1Timothy 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 3:16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

OBSERVATION:  The mystery of godliness:  That God wanted people to be “godly” is without question.  The Ten Commandments provided guidelines as to how we were to live.   But the law was broken even before it was given, and God knew that the people living with the law were also not going to be able to keep it.  So, along with the commandments God gave instructions for animal sacrifices to be made when the commandments were broken!   The law did not have the power inherent to enable the people to keep it.  So why would God give a law that surely would be broken?  That is the mystery!  And the answer to the mystery is Jesus!  God would demonstrate both His holiness and His love in sending His Son to be the perfect and only acceptable sacrifice for our sins.  His payment for our sins restores us and His living within us empowers us to live a life of love!

APPLICATION:  The life Jesus lives within me has already successfully dealt with every temptation I face!  As I learn to rely on His life within, I begin to understand this great mystery of how I can live a life pleasing to God.   His payment for my sins restores me and His life within empowers me!   Wow!

What God has done for Leon, He will do for every SOAP reader.  Tell Him you are a sinner and request His forgiveness.  Tell Him the only way you will be able to live up to His standards is if He will come and live in you.  Thank Him for coming into your life.  Tell Him He is now the Lord of your life.  Then thanks Him!  

PRAYER:  Thank you, Lord, for forgiving me and living this life with me.  I know I will need your help to live in a way that pleases you.  Help me grow every day.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Update re: Pastor Andrew.  Pastor Andrew, his wife Doris and three or four leaders in the SOAP ministry in Sierra Leone spent 5-6 hours in the doctor’s office yesterday for a through evaluation.  The doctor said Pastor Andrew is completely well!  Praise the Lord!   He will be released on Friday.  The Medicine to take home will be covered by SOAP ministry friends.  Of the $480 needed to pay the hospital before his release 180 will be covered by members of the SOAP team leaving $300.  Yesterday I received a check to be sent to them for whatever might be needed—the amount $300!!!   There are some remaining expenses for their family, but God has some funds coming that will cover those.  (ie. Their home refrigerator was sold to get money to pay the blood bank.) 

The devil tried to destroy Pastor Andrew and his wife Doris, but God…!   But God has plans for them and the SOAP ministry.  Thanks to the BIG SOAP TEAM, God has proved the victor!  

I know there are many needs in Asia and Africa.  There are many worthy causes to which God may lead you, or me, to give.  I believe God wanted us to become aware of Pastor Andrew’s plight because he was specifically involved in SOAP ministry when he was first attacked.  He was on his way to purchase air tickets for traveling to Kenya where he would teach about how SOAPs can be used.  God used a SOAP reader to purchase a new phone which was used to do the Kenyan conference.  It will be used again and again in the future.  

Money is not the most important part, but it is an important part of any ministry.  So, it is important to have a good understanding of who is responsible for the money.  If I am responsible, then the pressure is on me to motivate people to give.  But if God is responsible, the pressure is on Him!  He can speak to people’s hearts and lead them to give.  When the motivation comes from HIM it is much more effective. 

Generations Church has opened an account (Generations Church Local Missions) into which I can deposit money and send it out with a debit card.  I cannot withdraw money, nor write any checks on that account.  People who give will receive a statement for tax deductions and I do not have to consider income to that account as personal income (which I did in the past.)  Leon 😊 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 07, 2023: SOAP #5117: Colossians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Colossians (NIV) 1:19 For God was pleased to have all his fulness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

OBSERVATION:  These verses and others within the context show that the peace came through the shed blood on the cross, not the time in the grave!  The victory was won on the cross!  Christ entered the grave as The Victor! There are times when many of us would be quite content to escape the trials and troubles and be raptured into heaven.  But God wants us to learn to walk in victory here!  We do not have to wait until we get to heaven to live in victory; we are to enter heaven as victors!

APPLICATION:  Understanding that I am already a victor because of the victory Christ won for me, gives me the courage and strength to walk and talk like a victor now.  Even as I am engaged in the struggle, I fight like a victor.  I keep my head up.  I do not have a defeated attitude.  Praise and thanksgiving are a regular part of my vocabulary.

In me lives the undefeated champion of life!   Whatever I am facing, He has already been there!  He has already faced the toughest temptation that Satan could muster.  He not only faced it, He defeated it!  He refused the temptation of the devil in the wilderness at the beginning of the years of ministry, AND He refused to give in to the physical agony and mental torment of dying the death of a sinner on the cross, separated from God. 

PRAYER:  Lord, it was for me you died.  It was my sins you carried to the cross.  You now live in me as the Victor!   Can you help me?  There is no question.  Yes, you can!  I commit myself to your Lordship.  Holy Spirit, help me not to run ahead or lag behind, but keep in step with The Master.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 06, 2023: SOAP #5116: Philippians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians (NIV) 1:4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  Paul’s joy in his prayers for those in Philippi comes from two sources.  First, he has joy because they are partners together in ministry.  They had been sending money, enabling Paul to focus on His ministry.  Note: the partnering was not in the Philippians asking Paul for His support, but them choosing to support Paul.  And it was not Paul asking for their support.  I believe it was the Holy Spirit impressing it on the Philippians hearts to support Paul with their finances.

A second source of Paul’s joy came from the truth that the work started in Philippi was an eternal work.  The Eternal God had started the work; the Eternal God was presently working in them; and the Eternal God would complete what He had started!!! It would continue long after Paul was gone! 

APPLICATION:  That same Eternal God is at work today.  Children born into our families are eternal lives.  Their lives will continue long after life on earth is over.  When they surrender their lives to Jesus and follow Him, we can rejoice that God will continue His work in and through them. 

This SOAP ministry was started by the Lord.  He is the one who has caused it to grow.  He is the one who sets a partner relationship with those who do the translating, the printing, the forwarding, the setting up of print centers, the purchase of printers, paper and ink, the distribution, etc.  Those who hand a copy of the SOAP to another person, and those who forward an email are all a part of God’s team.   In God’s eyes, they may be the most important part!   

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, your Holy Spirit has organized and unofficial SOAP ministry team that reaches into many nations.  It brings me joy being a part of such a team.  We are all your servants and serve you joyfully.  In Jesus Name we pray, Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 05, 2023: SOAP #5115: Ephesians 5-6; Psalm 119:1-80

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

OBSERVATION:  Every day each person is faced with many choices.  Wisdom can be seen in which opportunities are chosen. 

Because the days are evil many opportunities face us to do evil.  But for each opportunity to do evil, there is an opportunity to do what honors the Lord.  People can make a choice to get drunk on wine, or they can choose to be filled with the Spirit of God. 

“Evil days” may be a good reason to play it safe; but Paul here urges us to seize every opportunity.  “Evil days” are not a reason to fearfully hold back, but to courageously push forward.

APPLICATION: Being retired does not mean I have less opportunities, but more.  I am finding that to make the most of every opportunity the Lord brings my way often means that I must pass on some “opportunities” the world brings my way.  For the opportunity to give more in the offering at church, I may have to pass up the opportunity to buy a meal at McDonalds or a new shirt at Wal*Mart.

PRAYER:  Lord, help me to quickly recognize the opportunities that come my way, and then courageously step out to honor you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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From Doris Borbor today:  “… today we thank God for pastor Andrew he was able to sit down today and we started talking there is much much improvement since he has started taking the treatment since yesterday and today now he can talk clearly and you can understand now he can sit up and we can talk. That’s why the Doctor told me today that we should get the remaining medicine and injection for him he said after we get all the remaining medicine and he started treating him properly he said from now to Friday he will discharge him to go home that’s why the Doctor said he really want us to get all the remaining medicine. To God be the glory and Praise the Lord Amen.” 
Today I received and sent enough money to cover the remaining medicine.  Money coming will go toward the hospital bill.  I asked Doris to read the Bible to him when she takes his meals.  Pray with me for God to use the Word to protect his mind and induce healing.  Leon 😊