Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 27, 2023: SOAP #5076: Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27-28

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 28:7 [Shipwrecked on the island of Malta] There was an estate near by that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island… 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured…
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there [in Rome, awaiting his trial] in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION:  The limitations Paul experienced provided their own unique opportunities for ministry.  Being limited as a prisoner, Paul ministered to his guards.  Being limited on a ship, he ministered to the crew.  Being limited while shipwrecked, he ministered to the sick residents.  Being limited under guard to a rented house, he ministered to those who visited him.  Being limited in prison, he wrote letters!

APPLICATION:  Friends, may we never allow the limitations that surround us hinder the ministry of the Holy Spirit in and through us.  Every limitation opens another door of opportunity.  We may not have enough money to do one thing, but we have more time to do something else.  We may not be able to go to one destination, but we can minister where we are or nearby.  We may not have the needed supplies for what we would like to do, but we have the Holy Spirit anointing to do what the Spirit leads.

This week, Pastor Andrew is not able to travel in person to Kenya, but he can minister how to use the SOAPs through an internet video call on a phone the Lord provided. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, show us the opportunities we have in our limitations.  When we are serving you, we always have enough to do what you give us to do!   Amen

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

If you do not receive the SOAP, you can read them on the Facebook page “Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon.”  or  at soapsbyleon.wordpress.com  

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 26, 2023: SOAP #5075: Job 17; Acts 24-26

SCRIPTURE:  Job (NIV) 17:3 “Give me, O God, the pledge you demand. Who else will put up security for me?

OBSERVATION:  Job had come to the realization that he was incapable of meeting God’s demands.  It was not within Job to come up with something that would qualify as acceptable to God. 

God perfectly understood Job’s predicament and that is why He sent Jesus as the perfect sacrifice He demanded to cover our sins.

APPLICATION:  There is nothing I can do to atone for, to cover, to satisfy God’s demands.  I can only receive by faith His forgiveness and live in appreciation for what Jesus has done on my behalf.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I recognize that I have sinned and there is nothing I can give as an acceptable sacrifice to cover the offence against you of my sins.  I understand that you sent your Son, Jesus, to live a sinless life and then die as though He was a sinner.  His sinless blood was not needed to cover His sins, which He had none, therefore it is available to cover my sins.  I understand that if I confess my sins, you are faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness!  (1John 1:9)   I confess my sins and receive your forgiveness.  Thank you for making me your child.  Thank you for coming to live inside me.  I now set my life on a course to honor you.  In Jesus Name I pray, AMEN. 

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

Note from Pastor Andrew:  Cavalry greetings to you all in Jesus name Amen, I want to take this opportunity to thank the almighty God for spearing my life after been attached by arm rubbers and hospitalized two weeks ago I lost everything including the money, my Passport, phone and other documents ment for my travelling. I also want to thank my Daddy Pastor Leon and everyone who stood in the gap to pray for me may the good Lord bless you and your family in Jesus name Amen . I also want to thank you who supported my Daddy Pastor Leon financially to buy me a phone, thank you so very much. I’m great ful and back online to God be the glory I’m kindly asking you all to continue to pray for me as I’ll be hosting an online conference with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania about the SOAP MINISTRY Once more I thank you all and May the good Lord continue to bless you and your family in Jesus name Amen. Your Faithfully servant Pastor Andrew.

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 25, 2023: SOAP #5074: Job 16; Acts 21-23

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 23:11 The following night [while Paul was in prison] the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

OBSERVATION:  On his trip to Jerusalem, Paul had been warned many times that he would meet with trouble.  The prophetic words proved true.  Trouble had indeed found Paul.  Now in jail, the Lord appears to Paul.  Just the Lord’s Presence must have communicated to Paul several things:  first, “I know where you are!” And second, “I know how to get to you!”   The Lord’s words said first, “I know you have been faithful.”  And second, “I have more for you to do.”

APPLICATION:  Trouble is not an indication that I have missed God!  It is amazing to me that God was using Rome to protect the life of Paul.  He would later use Rome to provide the transportation to the city of Rome where God wanted Paul to give testimony.

That which limited Paul, only served to further his ministry.  And while he was in Rome’s prison he wrote his letters that took him around the world to generations of people living long after his death!

You may think you are limited, but God can use those limitations to spread your ministry further than you could ever have dreamed!  The “prison cell” you are in is not meant by God to limit your ministry, but to focus your ministry.  Instead of focusing on what you cannot do, focus on what you can do!  Leave the results to God! 

PRAYER:  Lord, help me not to be so concerned about what I cannot see but to focus more clearly on what I can see.  Amen.

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

#1.  I received a call today from Pastor Andrew using his new phone!!!  Our hearts rejoiced together for God’s provision.  Pastor Andrew did not have money for a phone; I did not have money for a phone; but God knew who did and God spoke to them to provide!!!   Now they will share in the heavenly rewards that will come.  
#2.  October 25 is the day Sharon and I were married 55 years ago!!!  Rejoice with us as we celebrate God’s sustaining power and provisions.  …as we celebrate the love we have for God and each other. 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 24, 2023: SOAP #5073: Job 15; Acts 19-20

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 20:36 When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. 37 They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. 38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

OBSERVATION:  Paul had just given them some farewell words of encouragement.  In a few minutes he would be boarding a ship and starting his journey back to Jerusalem.  But before leaving, they knelt together on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea and prayed.

APPLICATION:  In prayer we entrust those we love into the hands of God for His protection, His guidance, and His provision.   It is a good way of saying we have done all we can do and now they are in God’s hands.

Parents, be sure to pray for your children as they leave for school each day (…and as they grow older, each time there is a “good-bye.”)  May your prayers be strong in their minds as they move throughout their day.  Give them something to remember!  Let your prayers be the last words they hear as they go out the door for school, or as they leave for an extended trip.    

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you that I heard my Dad and Mom pray for me.  They lifted my name before the Creator of the world.  They asked you to bless me, to guide my steps, and to anoint me for service.  I thank you for your hand upon my son, Doron.  Fill his heart with the fulfillment and the great joy that is found in serving you.  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 23, 2023: SOAP #5072: Job 13-14; Acts 17-18

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 17:15 The men who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible. 16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the market-place day by day with those who happened to be there.

OBSERVATION:  Paul had arrived in Athens and had to await the arrival of Silas and Timothy.  Instead of taking a room and spending the time alone, he went out into the city and looked around.  He began talking with the Jews in the local synagogue as well as the people in the marketplace.   He used his “waiting-time” to interact with people.  He was invited to speak publicly at a place where people gathered to hear new ideas.   He made good use of his “waiting-time.”

APPLICATION:  Today I will have “waiting-times” before the time to begin my bus route, maybe in a doctor’s office, or in a grocery store check-out line; and, of course, stopped at a traffic lights.  Waiting times can be frustrating if I am in a hurry, BUT if I see it as an opportunity for the Lord, it can be turned into a blessing.

What do I do with my “waiting” time?  Do I look around?  Do I see who might be open to some conversation?  Do I take advantage of opportunities to present Jesus?  Speaking might not be possible, but praying always is!

PRAYER:  Lord, help me to have my spiritual eyes open to opportunities available in my “waiting-times.”  Amen.

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

Praise the Lord, Pastor Andrew will be getting a phone today!   The Lord provided specifically for the phone.  He should be able to participate in a conference in Kenya this week via the internet.  Praise the Lord!!!          

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 22, 2023: SOAP #5071: Job 11-12; Acts 15-16

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 15:7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.

OBSERVATION:  The early church was going through a tough transition.  Gentiles were being saved and becoming a part of the church.  They were wrestling with the question as to whether or not the Gentiles would have to become Jewish believers and keep the Law of Moses.  Here Peter reminded them that God had already decided the issue.  God had given them the Gentile believers the Holy Spirit just as he had given to the Jewish believers on the day of Pentecost.  God had not required them to become Jewish.

APPLICATION:  There have been times when I struggled with what was acceptable or unacceptable.  In searching the scriptures and prayer, I have usually discovered that God had already decided the issue.  I have found that the more I get to know Him, the better I am able to discern what is acceptable and what is unacceptable.  The more I learn to listen to the Holy Spirit, the better I am able to hear the warning buzzers that sound in my heart and mind.  I am like a child and the Holy Spirit is my divine parent. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I want to become so close to you, so familiar with your character, and so in touch with your Spirit that being able to understand what is acceptable and unacceptable to you will be clear in my thinking.   Amen

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

Today in the mail came a check to cover the cost of a new phone for Pastor Andrew!!!  It is enough to get a top-rated phone in Sierra Leone!   I will deposit it Monday morning and send it.  He should be able to participate in the conference via smart phone!    There was is much rejoicing in my heart and in the Borbor home!   …and in heaven!   Thanks to everyone for praying.  Keep praying for Pastor Andrew’s complete recovery.  

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 21, 2023: SOAP #5070: Job 9-10; Acts 13-14

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 13:3 [in Antioch] So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off…
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. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

OBSERVATION:  Their journey was complete, but not their responsibility.  They had to report back to those who had sent them. 

APPLICATION:  It is so easy to ask people to pray for us, especially on Facebook. 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…
#1. I rob God of the glory that would be given to Him because He answered their prayers. 
#2. I rob people of knowing the answers to their prayers that would cause their faith to grow. And…
#3. 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, appreciation should naturally overflow to those who pray for me, who encourage and assist me.  I know you have heard and answered many prayers made on my behalf.  Bless each one who prayed for me. May I be quick to express my appreciation.  Amen.

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

My appreciation goes to all who prayed for Pastor Andrew.  God sent along a “good Samaritan” who rescued him while he was unconscious and took him to a hospital.  God has answered our prayers in having him released from the hospital to back home.  God is answering our prayers as the doctor is still working in his home for more complete recovery.  Prayer is still needed for a smart phone through which he can make video conference calls.  The Lord be praised!                   

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 20, 2023: SOAP #5069: Job 6-8; Acts 12

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 12:24 But the word of God continued to increase and spread.

OBSERVATION:  Steven had been stoned to death.  Saul had traveled from city to city to take believers as prisoners to Jerusalem.  James had been recently put to death by Herod.  Peter was then thrown into prison from which he miraculously escaped, being let out of prison by an angel.  The social and political climate was not conducive to Christianity, but the church continued to “increase and spread.”

APPLICATION:  I believe that a revival is coming to the church in America, brought on by a social and political environment that is very hostile to Christianity.  Every invading army brings its weapons to subdue the nation they are invading.  An invading force has come across our southern border.  Hidden among the invaders are those with drugs to push.  And many are looking for financial support from the government which is already strapped with debt.  Bankruptcy is hard on an individual, or family, but what will it do to a nation? 

The church is being attacked by social agendas pushing things contrary to the Word of God. 

It is time for the church to call upon heaven to become involved in the decisions of individuals and government.  The Holy Spirit at work in the church will cause it to “increase and spread.”  Christians today should be spirit filled, spirit empowered, and spirit led. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I know the goal is not to save governments, but individuals.  Heaven already has a good government and does not need one from earth!!!  Heaven is looking for people!  Use us to bring people to you.  In Jesus Name we pray.  Amen

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

Pastor Andrew was releases from the hospital today!!!  Praise the Lord!   😊  Thanks for everybody’s prayers.  And thanks to God for hearing our prayers and restoring Pastor Andrew to ministry.  Amen     

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 19, 2023: SOAP #5068: Job 5; Psalm 108; Acts 10-11

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 11:12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus had been with them in a physical, a seeable and feelable body.  He spoke to them with a hearable voice. The Holy Spirit had no physical body, yet Peter heard Him speak so clearly that he obeyed His direction.

The early disciples had no Holy Bible, no pocket New Testament, no app on a cellular phone.  Yet they heard the Spirit speak to them and recognized His “voice.”  

APPLICATION:  The disciples walked and talked with the Holy Spirit as they had done with Jesus.  Since the same Holy Spirit dwells in me, I should expect a similar relationship.  I too can walk and talk with the Holy Spirit!  I need to pay attention to thoughts that come to my mind.  Thoughts that cannot be linked to the progression of my thinking, thoughts that line up with the Bible, thoughts that are persistent and refuse to be ignored — those thought are quite probably the Holy Spirit speaking to me.  As I step out in obeying those thoughts and see the Holy Spirit backing them up, I gain confidence in following through with other similar thoughts.  

When questioning if a thought is really the Holy Spirit speaking to me, I ask myself, “If I ignore those thoughts will I later feel that I missed the Lord?”  When the answer is “yes,” I push my doubts and fears aside and move ahead.

NOTE:  A church short on Bibles, should be strong in teaching people to listen to the Holy Spirit!  The Holy Spirit may use mature Christians to help new Christians judge what thoughts/ideas are of God.

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, you are a wonderful Treasure given to me by Jesus.  You are valuable to me.  Work with me to develop the same relationship you shared with the early church.  Amen

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

Pastor Andrew’s wife, Doris was unable to cash the “money order” today because the office was closed today.  So, tomorrow will be Pastor Andrew’s release from the hospital.  Praise the Lord!  Now a good smart phone is needed.  A brother generously offered an “I” phone, but it is incompatible with the system in Sierra Leone.  Believe with us; it is another opportunity to trust the Lord for HIS provision. 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 18, 2023: SOAP #5067: Job 3-4; Acts 8-9

SCRIPTURE:  Job (NIV) 3:11 “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? 12 Why were there knees to receive me and breasts that I might be nursed?…
4:3 Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. 4 Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees.

OBSERVATION:  Job’s sufferings caused him to ask “why?”  In considering his own circumstances, it did not make sense.  In chapter 4, Eliphaz reminds Job of what he has taught others. 

But God had bigger lessons for Job.  God was using Job to write a whole book in the Bible.  Throughout centuries, people would read this book and consider what God said. 

APPLICATION:  The most difficult thing I am facing might be the very thing that God is using to give me greater understanding of How awesome He is and how I can trust Him!  

He may be preparing a testimony that will bless and encourage others. 

God may be making me more useful for His glory.

PRAYER:  Lord, many times in my prayers, I have said, “Lord Jesus, it is all for you.”  Forgive me for looking at situations selfishly and not from your point of view.  Amen  

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

Information from Pastor Andrew’s wife, Doris:

Bishop Sam and others have contributed greatly to our feeding here at home and Pastor Andrew’s feeding ever since he was attacked and admitted.        The Doctors also said he’s supposed to be discharged today but we should pay the sum of $120 for the hospital bills of the days he spent there, the Doctor also said he will continue treatment at home immediately he got discharged.   //From Leon:  Praise the Lord!!!  Pastor Andrew should be out today in answer to our prayers.  Thanks to all for praying.  Now, if you will, pray for SOAP expansion into Central Africa.  A conference has been organized (October 27-29) to which Pastor Andrew or myself might be able to minister through our phones.