Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 01, 2025: SOAP #5751: Ezekiel 15, 16; Psalm 70; Revelation 6

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 6:15 Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains.
16 They called to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb!
17 For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

OBSERVATION:  One does not have to read in the Bible very long to discover that God has a great capacity to love, also a great capacity for wrath.   

He is not a disinterested third party that hardly ever takes a second thought about the people He has placed on this planet.  He is very interested!  

He greatly loves His creation.  And that which He greatly loves can stir His great anger!      

APPLICATION: When I love someone, I want to know their likes and dislikes.  I want to do things that bring them pleasure—things that are good for them.   I want to observe what they do and understand why.  Before long I am not surprised at how they react when confronted with various circumstances.  I want to know God in such a way.  I want to understand why He does what He does.     

PRAYER Holy Spirit, from what I read in the scriptures I have come to believe that the Heavenly Father wants me to know Him in such a close way that I can understand His heart.  You, Holy Spirit, are the key to revealing His heart to me. (John 16:13)  You are the teacher I need.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 30, 2025: SOAP #5749: Ezekiel 8-11; Revelation 4

SCRIPTURE:  Ezekiel (NIV) 8:1 In the sixth year, in the sixth month on the fifth day, while I was sitting in my house and the elders of Judah were sitting before me, the hand of the Sovereign LORD came upon me there.

OBSERVATION:  When God interacts with man, He enters man’s reality.  He works in man’s environment.  He works on man’s calendar and in man’s time.  The reality of God speaking to Ezekiel was so strong and clear that it was time-stamped in Ezekiel’s memory. 

As I visited with a friend today, he spoke of a specific day, in a specific jail cell where his life changed.  He can now see God’s hand previously working in his life, but that was the moment God’s power broke through all the addictions and he has been “clean” for the past six+ years!  Wow!!! 

There have been times when God has definitely spoken to me (Leon).  Remembering the circumstances helps me remember the message.  I remember kneeling at the platform in the Larned AG church. (1953)  I remember driving away from a stop sign in Wichita. (2010)  I remember Woodston Camp. (1964)  I remember an altar at the Kailua Church. (1972)  I remember the mountains south of the DMZ. (1969)  I remember the office of Bayview Chapel. (1989)  I remember…  Remembering where I was helps me remember what He said.     

APPLICATION:  When God has clearly spoken to us, it is good to write down what God has said.  It may also be good to write down the date and some description of what was happening in our day or life at that time.  

PRAYER:  Lord, Your words are precious, I do not want to forget them. Thank you for walking with me AND TALKING with me, not just in life changing moments, but every day!  That God talks to me, how special is that!!! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 29, 2025: SOAP #5748: Ezekiel 4-7; Revelation 3

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

OBSERVATION:  In the last message to the seven churches in Revelation 2 & 3, we have this invitation.  The Lord is standing on the outside and is knocking to gain entrance.  He wants to be on the inside but will not enter unless invited. 

If invited, He will eat with them, have fellowship with them.  He will sit at the table of their life and participate with what they have.  AND they will eat with Him at the table prepared for Him!  They will have fellowship with Him!

APPLICATION:  There can be no question as to who gets the better deal!  Jesus sitting at my table, eating what I have to eat, OR me sitting with him on His throne and eating what He has to eat, enjoying what is prepared in heaven for Him!!!  

Whatever I have, I consider it HIS.  He always has the seat of honor in my house.  From what I see in the scriptures He is saving a special seat for me;  I want to make sure He gets the best seat here that I can possibly provide. 

PRAYER:  Lord, you are welcome in my life and my home.  I want you feel comfortable living in me.  I want my words, thoughts, and actions not offend you.  Please feel free to correct me and show me how I can improve.  May you enjoy living in me and sharing my life.  It is a great honor to have you living in me, and it would give me much pleasure to know that you enjoy living in me.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 28, 2025: SOAP #5747: Ezekiel 1-3; Revelation 2

SCRIPTURE:  Revelation (NIV) 2:11  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes will not be hurt at all by the second death…. 17  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches…. 29  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  3:6,13,22,29

OBSERVATION:  Chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation contain 7 individual messages to 7 churches.  Each message ends with the same message.  They are to use their ears to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. 

Communication is such an important God given ability.  When He created man, it was His practice to appear in the garden to spend time with His creation. (Genesis 3:8)  God clearly created man to communicate with each other and to communicate with Him. 

Speaking is a very important part of communication, but just as important is listening.  I think of hearing as listening to understand.  Ears make listening possible, but God wants more that that we hear sounds.  He wants us to “hear” His message, to understand and respond. 

APPLICATION:  The SOAP method of Bible reading helps insure we “hear” what God is saying.  The APPLICATION emphasizes the personal aspect of God’s Word.  I read it, but what does it mean to me?  What is my response to what God is saying? 

There is an important part that follows “hearing” what God is saying; it is “doing” what we hear God speaking to us.   Our “doing” shows God that we understand what He said and are trying to put it into practice.  It shows God that we heard Him. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I pray for the SOAP readers who are working to apply Your word to their lives.  Fill their hearts with peace and joy.  Show them the benefit of truly hearing what you are speaking.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 25, 2025: SOAP #5744: Jeremiah 37-39; Psalm 79; 2John

SCRIPTURE:  2John (NIV) 12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

OBSERVATION:  As I finish a two-week visit to place we once lived and ministered for 12+ years, I have enjoyed a level of fellowship that is not available through letter writing.  Even as I write this SOAP, four dear Samoan friends met us in the hotel lobby for an hour of special fellowship. To be able to enjoy the company of loved ones, to ask and answer questions, to see facial expressions, to hear the tone of voice—these allow communication on a deeper level.  Their presence was an expression of their love.   

John loved the ones to whom he was writing, and he desired a heart-felt conversation with them.  He wanted the benefit of follow-up questions to make sure they understood his message. 

APPLICATION:  Sometimes I read the Bible like it is a letter from a dear friend that I have not seen for a long time.  I receive the information into my thoughts and see what I might apply.  

OH…BUT…there are times when Jesus is in the room and is reading the scriptures with me and to me!!!   It is like a face-to-face meeting!  

PRAYER:  Lord, your presence adds value to the days of our lives.  Knowing that you are with us and speaking to us, makes your words alive.  Your presence adds fresh insight to what we read.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 21, 2025: SOAP #5740: Jeremiah 21, 24, 27; Psalm 118; 1John 2

SCRIPTURE:  1JOHN 2:1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

OBSERVATION:  God’s desire for us is to live without sinning.  That becomes John’s desire in writing his letter.  John’s prayer for his readers as he was writing, was that that they not sin.  But being human John knew that sinning was highly likely.  Before we become believers in Jesus, our lives are very susceptible to sin.  It seems to be part of our nature.  Oh, but when Jesus moves into our life, we have a new nature.  

The Holy Sprit tries to speak to us about potential sin!  He warns us.  We ignore His warnings to our peril.  In these verses we see that Jesus who made the necessary sacrifice for our sins, who  suffered and died for our sins, who experienced death, hell, and the grave for our sins…He is still involved in defending us to the Father. 

APPLICATION:  When I realize what Jesus has done for me and how little I have done for Him, I want Him to receive my heart-felt, never-ending appreciation.  Knowing what Jesus has done for me is a great motivator to live din-free.

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, helping me to live above sin is not some minor issue in your work with me.  It is a major part of your plan.  I set my heart to work you priorities into my life.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 18, 2025: SOAP #5737: Jeremiah 26, 35-36; John 20

SCRIPTURE:  John (N IV)  20:30 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.
31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

OBSERVATION:   Surely the writers of the gospels had trouble considering what to write in their gospels.   Everything Jesus said and did was important.  What should they write; what should they leave out?  Of course, the Holy Spirit led and inspired them.  

Today, I found myself in a similar situation.  I was asked to preach in the church I pastored 13+ years 20 years ago.  I sensed that the Lord wanted me to bring them up to date on what God is doing in my life.  There are so many testimonies of God’s working, almost a new testimony every day!  SOAP testimonies are always fresh! 

I did not have time to tell them everything; I had to depend on the Holy Spirit to give the testimonies that would best minister to the people. 

APPLICATION:  Each day we must be listening to the Holy Spirit about what we should say to each person we meet.  Especially when someone seems open for a conversation, we need to follow through with what God brings into our thoughts. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I surrender my thoughts and my words to you.  What you have to say to them is so much more important than what I would say, so I speak through me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 16, 2025: SOAP #5735: 2Kings 24; Jeremiah 22; Psalm 112; John 18

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 18:3 So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”…
10  Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

OBSERVATION:   Jesus did not let His knowledge and understanding of what needed to be done cause Him shrink back from the assignment.  The plan had been set even before the fall in Genesis 3.  (1Peter 1:20)  Jesus’ part was set before His birth.  Now was the time to set it all in motion.  So, with eyes wide open and clear understanding, He moved ahead.  He took the initiative. 

He was moving ahead to do the greatest thing ever done for man.  Making a way for man’s sins to be wiped off every record!  Yet it was not his thoughts of sinful man that motivated Him—it was His thoughts of the Father! 

APPLICATION:  Many things can motivate me: a personal struggle, a hard time at work, the struggle of a friend.  It may be the desire of a reward. 

I need to consider how I can please my Heavenly Father.  What can I do that will make Him smile.  What is the cup He has given me to drink?

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, I know there is a lot in this world that causes you pain.  May I be one who brings pleasure to you in how I conduct my words and actions.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 14, 2025: SOAP #5733: Jeremiah 16-17; Psalm 96; John 16

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 16:32 “But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

OBSERVATION:   As I read the above passage, I read into it some disappointment in Jesus.  He knew that He was coming into the most difficult time of His earthly ministry.  He knew that everyone would abandon Him.  He would be all alone. 
     Yet He would not be alone; His Heavenly Father would be with Him!  He had an eternal relationship with the Father.  He had not sinned and caused that relationship to be broken. 
     I believe that relationship remained secure until on the cross, when He who knew no sin, became sin for us and He cried, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me!”  He walked the full way to the cross, abandoned by man, but not by His Father!  

APPLICATION:  A thought stirs my heart: I have the same Heavenly Father as Jesus!  Whatever happens, I too can say, “I am not alone for my Father is with me!”
     It was Jesus who taught us to pray, “Our Father…”  When I say “Our” that means mine and yours.  When Jesus taught me to pray, “Our Father…” that means Leon’s Father AND Jesus’ Father!  
     If Jesus can say, “My Father is always with me,” then Leon can say, “My Father is always with me.  And if Leon can say it, then any SOAP reader who has a personal relationship with Jesus can say it too!!!   

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, you are always with me.  I can walk in the confidence of Your Presence.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 14, 2025: SOAP #5733: Jeremiah 16-17; Psalm 96; John 16

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 16:7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you….
13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

OBSERVATION:  How could it ever be good for Jesus to leave?  To the disciples, He was their leader.  He was the one who performed the miracles.  He could answer their questions, and His answers quieted the mocking and scheming questions of the religious leaders.  Surely, they could not understand how His leaving could be good!  

But God had a plan! God was present in Jesus Who was limited to one place and at one time.  It had to be that way for blood to be shed that would cover the sins of man.  But once that was accomplished, Jesus, limited to a glorified yet human body could return to His place with the Father.  Then the Holy Spirit with no physical limitations, came to take over the plan of God, not by walking with man, but by living in man!!!  It is really SO MUCH BETTER!  

APPLICATION: It is SOOO GOOOD!!!   We can have a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit than the disciples had with Jesus!  

Not to appreciate the Holy Spirit shows that we do not value Him.  It shows that we do not understand what He can do in our lives.  If we really want to please Jesus, the Holy Spirit will show us how that works in each individual life. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, I value your presence in my life and how you lead me each day.  I love reading the scriptures with you.  You show me things that specifically apply to me, and things I can send out in these SOAPs.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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