Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 04, 2023: SOAP #5114: Ephesians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Ephesians (NIV) 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no-one can boast. 10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

OBSERVATION:  This scripture indicates that God had assignments in place before we arrived on the scene. These tasks were prepared with us in mind that we would be fulfilled in participating with Him in His great work. Of course, they are designed way beyond our personal abilities. They were designed to make us dependent on the indwelling Holy Spirit for completion. They force us to keep in close relationship, which is His number one goal for each of us.

APPLICATION:  I knew God’s call on my life as a young child.  I made major plans according to that call.  Then God interrupted my plans and sent me much different than how I had planned to fulfill His calling.  Sometime later He  gave me a place of ministry that seemed to fulfill the original calling…Then He clearly directed me to a location completely contrary to the expectations I had as a child.  But I had to do what God was telling me.  Upon stepping down from being a senior pastor, the new pastor asked me to start writing SOAPs.  And through God’s expansion of His ministry, God’s original call is being fulfilled in a much greater way that I ever dreamed.  Of course, God knew what He was doing all the time!  

Not only did God prepare the SOAP concept for me; He prepared my life, my heart, my understanding to be able to write them.  It is humbling to see how God has been at work for all those years. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, being obedient and faithful gives you the time to properly prepare us in advance for your assignments.  Continue your work through the SOAPs.  Continue your work in Pastor Andrew.  May your healing and restoring work be seen in him.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 03, 2023: SOAP #5113: Romans 13-16

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION:  God gives us endurance and encouragement.  How does he do that?  He gives them to us through the Scriptures.  The Word strengthens us to endure, and the Word encourages us to continue moving forward in faith. 

This was written to people who did not have a copy of the Bible in their home or a personal app on their phone.  This was written to people who heard the word when the church gathered and then worked to apply it in their everyday life. 

APPLICATION:  To the students departing the bus I drive, I often tell them, “Take your smile with you.  Don’t leave it on the bus.  You will need your smile today.  It is hard to sweep up smiles.”  Maybe preachers should say the same thing.

It is not the Word of God in a book on a desk or shelf at home.  The Word was preached and taught in church, but we did not leave it there!  It is the Word of God that is in our thoughts and in our heart.  It is the Word of God on which we are meditating.  Our thoughts are changed and soon our actions are changed!  We think differently; and then we act differently. 

The Word in our heart is the voice of the Holy Spirit saying, “Don’t give up!  You are going to make it!  He is coming soon!  Count on me; I am with you!”

PRAYER:  Lord, meditating on your word brings encouragement and endurance!  It also brings healing!  Holy Spirit remind us to read a portion of God’s Word every time we visit someone sick.  Amen! 

Pastor Leon
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Note from Pastor Andrew’s wife:  Yes Daddy I always see him everyday three times for the day to give him the pop and his medicine. He also talk to me about is talking is not clear and not shouting since the surgery the doctor don’t allow him to sit down or to walk he always lying down it’s only me the Doctor allowed to see him everyday for apart from me no other person to enter into the room to see him or to talk with him. He is recovering little by little but the Doctor have advice us strongly even this morning that we should try to get all the medicine that he had advised us to buy so that we can give to him to recover quickly because the doctor said is only when we get all the medicine that will help him to recover quickly. That’s why I am praying strongly that God will make a provision for us to get all the remaining medicine for him because everyday I see Pastor Andrew I am not happy in that hospital. God bless you dad let us continue to pray for him. Doris. 
Less than 100 is remaining on the cost of the medicine and I will be able to send it Monday.  The doctors only do according to what has been paid.  It sure makes me appreciate what we have in Jesus!  

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 02, 2023: SOAP #5112: Romans 9-12

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.

OBSERVATION:  Sometimes there is a great temptation to” get even,” or to “make someone pay” for their wrong.   But Vengeance is best left in the hands of the Almighty God; no one can escape His re-payment.  It is best left in the hands of the Holy God who will not further the cause of sin.  It is best left in the hands of the All-wise God who understands and cannot be fooled, and who is able to work through all things for our good and His glory.   It is best left in the hands of our Creator God who made us and knows how to make the punishment fit the crime.  It is best left in the hands of the Loving God who passionately loves both the victim and the offender. 

APPLICATION:  I must be careful not to take vengeance into my own hands and crowd God out of the picture.  When I do, I only make a bad situation worse. 
When I truly consider God’s character, it becomes obvious that He is the proper one to “avenge” and “repay.”

So what should I do?  Release the responsibility for revenge into God’s hands.  AND look for an opportunity to do something good for my offender. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, grow your character in me.  May your love be easily seen in my actions and reactions.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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God is at work in Sierra Leone with Pastor Andrew.  After surgery to relieve the pressure In his head, he remains in the “emergency room” with no visitors except his wife, Doris who takes him his meals.  Doris has been able to pay back the money she borrowed for the blood needed for the surgery and purchase some, but not all, of the medicine the doctor has prescribed.  Mentioning Pastor Andrew before God’s throne is bringing the victory.  God has much in store for Africa through him. 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
December 01, 2023: SOAP #5111: Romans 5-8

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 8:3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so, he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

OBSERVATION:  A Mother knows that it is important to warn her child of the dangers in the room, but she also understands that now he is focused on those things, and they hold an attraction for him.  So, she, who has experienced the grief they can bring, now stays with the child, and works to keep the child’s focus on herself and those things she knows are harmful.  Her presence is protection for her child.  Her wisdom is now available to the child.  Her experience and maturity are now available to guide and protect the child.  Her presence makes all the difference.

If she had just warned the child, then left the room, the child would soon wander into the forbidden area, but her watchful eye keeps him safe.

Her warning teaches, but her presence insures!  How true of our walk with God.  God desires that we learn and grow in understanding, so He gives us His Word, the Bible.  God also knows that we need His watchful eye on us, so He gives us His Holy Spirit.

APPLICATION:  And in addition to all this, it is the joy of the mother to spend the time with her child, and so it is not grievous for God to spend the personal time with each of us!   He joys in us even as a mother in her children.  Let us be the children who bring our Heavenly Parent much joy!

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you knew how important it would be for your presence to be with us.  Even after being forgiven, we still need your Presence.  Thank you for your Holy Spirit.  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
November 30, 2023: SOAP #5110.: Romans 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 3:20 Therefore no-one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.

OBSERVATION:  As creation is a self-portrait of God’s being, so the law is a self-portrait of God’s moral character.  It is absolutely perfect. It is so holy that man is unable to keep it.  In order to be acceptable before God, man needs help—lots of help!   In the tabernacle and temple, God accepted animal sacrifices.  They could not atone for man’s sin, but when done in faith, God accepted them as a stand-in sacrifice until the one perfect sacrifice would be made. 

From the depths of the hopelessness seen in verse 20, we are lifted to the height of hope in verse 21! There is another way to right standing with God.  There is another way to obtain righteousness.  And since it is righteousness from God, we can be assured that it is acceptable before God! Although this righteousness is apart from the law, it has been prophesied in the law itself and in the prophets. Every time a sacrifice (as required of the Law) was made, it was a prophecy of one coming who would put an end to sacrifices!   Every time a son of Adam stood as priest before God (as required by the law) it was a prophecy of One coming who was worthy to stand in His own sinless garments before God!

APPLICATION:  The hopelessness of verse 20 is offset by hope offered in verse 21 “to all who believe.”  The “believer” receives a “righteousness from God!”  It is received through faith in Jesus.  The sinless blood of Jesus covers my sins and I am made just-as-if-I’d never sinned!  

PRAYER:  Jesus, my faith is in you and your death on the cross as the sacrifice for my sins.  I receive your forgiveness and invite you to live in me and through me as my Lord!  Amen. 

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

I have not heard anything today from Pastor Andrew.  He will be in the hospital for at least a week to monitor his medications and progress.  Thanks to everyone for praying.  God is faithfully at work in and through and for Pastor Andrew. 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 29, 2023: SOAP #5109.: 1Thes 4-5; 2Thes 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 4:14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

OBSERVATION:  We believe!  We are believers!  Our faith is founded upon historical fact.  We believe Jesus was crucified.  He died.  But that is not all we believe.  We believe that Jesus rose from death.  Jesus came back to life.  Jesus proved that death is not the end.  Jesus passed through death and returned.

APPLICATION:  AND SO  …    Believing the first part logically leads us to believe the second part. Because we believe Jesus died and rose, we also believe that those who have died while believing in Him will accompany Him when He returns.  As Paul wrote in another place, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” {2Co 5:8 } They are with the Lord as their body lies asleep in death. They will come with the Lord when He returns to this earth.

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for the assurance we have that the parting of death for those who die knowing you is only temporary.  Amen

NOTE:  As I was reading this verse my thoughts were drawn to those who have experienced the death of a loved one this past year.  This will be the first Christmas season without them.  May the One Jesus sent to be our Comforter, the Holy Spirit use this SOAP to ease some of the pain.  As great as the pain has been in the separation, even greater will be the joy in being reunited in the presence of God. 

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

A note re: Pastor Andrew in Sierra Leone.  As a lingering result of the robbery and assault he developed some severe headaches for which the doctor needed to do surgery.  The money for the surgery was finally gathered, then the doctors wanted Doris to supply five units of blood before they would do the surgery.  She sold their refrigerator and borrowed $75 to purchase the blood; the doctors did the surgery.  Praise the Lord, Pastor Andrew is doing well in recovery and will be there for another week.  Please continue to pray for Pastor Andrew as he recovers, and for his wife Doris who still needs to repay the loan and purchase special meals the doctors have ordered. 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 28, 2023: SOAP #5108.: Matthew 28; 1Thes 1-3

SCRIPTURE:  1Thessalonians (NIV) 3:11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.

OBSERVATION:  Paul loved the believers in Thessalonica and would love to visit them, but his life was not his own.  God the Father and the Lord Jesus would have to “clear the way” for a visit back to Thessalonica. That speaks to me of two things:  clearing the calendar to schedule a time for such a visit AND providing necessary provisions for the trip. 

When God had clearly given an assignment in one location, Paul was not free to leave whenever he wanted and go to another location.  God was Paul’s calendar keeper!  God must “clear the way” from the first before he moved on to a second. 

God was his banker and funded Paul’s ministry.  Sometimes Paul worked a job, sometimes people traveling with Paul took jobs, sometimes churches sent Paul support.   God’s funding depended on doing God’s will.  So, Paul needed God to “clear the way” for travel to Thessalonica.  The assurance of God’s authorization comes with the assurance of God’s provision.

APPLICATION:  It is important for me to walk in step with God, not to lag behind or to run ahead.  Walking in the center of His presence is where I find peace, the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s anointing, and the assurance of His full provision.  I get myself in trouble when I go it on my own. 

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, as my love and appreciation for you grows in my heart, so grows my desire to live in the center of your will.  Being sure of your will for me brings the assurance of your provision.  You “clear the way” for me to do as you direct.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 27, 2023: SOAP #5107.: Psalm 125; Matthew 26-27

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 26:2 “As you know, the Passover is two days away…[UNTIL] 27:35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there… [AND ONLY FIVE DAYS UNTIL] 27:5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

OBSERVATION: Just two days away from the darkest day on earth.  Man would kill his Creator!  Satan would incite men to kill the only One who had never sinned!  Religious leaders would break religious laws to bring about the death of the only One who had ever kept all the laws!  The hope of sick people who had only heard about the Healer would be dashed to pieces!  What a dark day!  … and in only two days!

But those of us who know the rest of the story know that it was just five days away from the greatest day ever!  In five days, the grave would be empty; death would be defeated!  In five days, sin would be atoned!  In five days, the Resurrected Jesus would appear with no indication that he had experienced the cruelty of a Roman crucifixion!  In five days, hope would overtake despair and joy would overtake sorrow!

APPLICATION:  There are times when great trouble is only two days away.  Sometimes God removes the trouble and give me victory; sometimes He leads me through the trouble to the victory only three days later!

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help me to always see trouble in the light of victory. Victory preventing the crisis is great, but often the victory after the crisis is even greater.  However it comes, my eyes are on you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 26, 2023: SOAP #510.: Matthew 23-25

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 23:14 “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey….
20 The man who had received the five talents brought the other five… I have gained five more.’ 21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
22 “The man with the two talents also came….see, I have gained two more.’ 23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

OBSERVATION:  Note that the one returning with 4 talents received the same commendation from the master as the one returning with 10.  As I wondered why, I was led back to verse 15: they were given talents “each according to his ability!” Then I understood that they were not being rewarded for fruitfulness, but for faithfulness!  (Faithfulness does result in fruitfulness, but God rewards the faithful.) 

APPLICATION:  How foolish it is to compare my accomplishments to those of others.  God is looking for faithfulness.  They may have been given more talents, or fewer than were given to me.  Their talents may be in different skills than mine.  What is important: am I making the most of every opportunity the Lord has brought to me?  Will I be faithful today to allow the Holy Spirit to flow through me today? 

PRAYER:  Lord, Jesus, there has never been a servant as faithful as you.  Work your faithfulness into my character.  Be your assignment large or small, I want you to find me faithful.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
November 25, 2023: SOAP #5105: Matthew 20-22

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 21:1 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. … 4  This took place to fulfil what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.

OBSERVATION:  Some assignments do not seem to be very important or glamorous, like going to get a donkey.  As he was writing his gospel, Luke goes on to tell us that this assignment, getting the donkey, was to fulfill prophecy. (Zechariah 9:9)  But there is no record of Jesus telling the disciples how important this was.  

APPLICATION:  Sometimes the Lord gives me an assignment that does not seem very spiritual. I cannot see how it matters. An act of kindness or a word of encouragement does not appear to have an important part in the Kingdom. I am thinking that if I do not follow through with what I believe God is prompting me to do, it will not make any difference.  Oh, but doing it may change a life!  

It is important for me to faithfully carry out His assignment. It is important to Him that I obey. It is important to me for He rewards His faithful servants. And it may be important to others in ways that I do not presently understand.  I do not know what just happened in the life of the one to whom I am sent.  It was just something Jesus told me to do.

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, it makes a difference for me to be faithful in carrying out your assignments. So, it is important that I learn to listen to your voice. Amen

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