Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 08, 2026:  SOAP #5970:   1Samuel 3-5; Psalm 77; 2Corinthians 8

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 8:3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.  Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.  5 And they went beyond our expectations; having given themselves first of all to the Lord, they gave themselves by the will of God also to us. 

OBSERVATION: The Corinthians believers were not just making a donation.  They gave according to their ability.  They gave beyond their ability.  They gave willingly.  They considered it a privilege to give.  They exceeded Paul’s expectations.  The Corinthians believers were givers.  Where did such sacrificial giving begin?  It began by giving “themselves first of all to the Lord.” 

APPLICATION:  Sharon and I have given ourselves to the Lord, and since we claim Jesus as our Lord, all that we have belongs to Him.  So, giving is not a matter of making a donation; it is much more.  Giving is willing and joyfully disbursing His money as He directs.    

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, May you have joy in increasing our finances because you have joy in seeing how we manage what you have already given.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com

I want to take this opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation for everyone who has participated in the SOAP ministry by giving.  When I started writing SOAPs I never expected such growth and fruitfulness.  When Pastor Andrew told me that he had a vision to help them spread across Africa, I told him that he had a bigger vision than I did.  But now I see that his vision was from the Lord.  It has been a blessing to me to see much of the financial support for the SOAP ministry come from Africa.  It is also a special blessing for God to allow many non-Africans to be a part of He is doing in Africa, and especially Muslim-Africa.  There is a powerful prayer ministry targeting Africa; God is a prayer-answering God!   And God has, through His people, provided finances to keep the SOAP ministry moving ahead!    May God’s blessings be easily recognized in each one who participates.  😊

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 06, 2026:  SOAP #5968:   Ruth 3-4; Psalm 64, 65; 2Corinthians 6

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 6:16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” [Ezekiel 27:37] 
17 “Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” [from Isaiah 52:11] 
18 “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” [Jeremiah 32:9]

OBSERVATION: Not “we were.”  Not “we will be.” But “WE ARE” the temple of the living God.  That is what we are right now!  

The various temples in my lifetime display what worshippers believe their god can do.  Appropriately, they are lifeless exhibits of lifeless gods.  Worshippers faithfully carry on hoping to appease the god’s anger or to gain some reward. 

Not so with The Lord God Almighty.  He is a living God and requires a living temple!  His worshippers, in whom He dwells, are His temple!  He does not relate to us as stones and mortar, but as a Father with His children.   

APPLICATION: My life is a temple of THE Living God!  My life should display God in a favorable way.  My worship and service should make God attractive.  My worship is not a lifeless ceremony from the past, but a living out of a current relationship with the King of kings and the Lord of lords!  We are friends!  He is my Father!   

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, I know that you are working for my good, even when you are correcting me.  Lord, I want to live my life for your good.  I want my life to be a place you love to live. I want to be your child that brings joy to your heart. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 05, 2026:  SOAP #5967:   Ruth 1-2; Psalm 53, 61; 2Corinthians 5

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 5:14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

OBSERVATION: Christ died for us and in response to His love, we have died to ourselves.  He is now alive with power over death and the grave.  His resurrected life now lives within those who believe!  They now have a higher purpose than to live for themselves; they now live for Him! 

APPLICATION: When a hero loses his life in the act of saving another, the one saved has been known to dedicate their life to the memory of the one who saved them.  When the hero is Jesus, and the one saved is Leon, the least I can do is to dedicate my life to living for Jesus! 

That makes sense, but that is not what I hear God saying to me.  He does not want me to live my life for Him, or in honor of HIM.  He wants much more.  He has a much bigger plan for me than I could ever accomplish for Him.  Even though I would do the best I can to honor Him, it would not rise to a level of which He is worthy.  He wants more than to join me in my life. What He wants is for me to surrender my life, to die to my own best intentions.  He wants to live His Life through me.  His plan is to live His resurrected life in and through me! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, show me how to crown Jesus as the One and Only King of my life.  To the he Resurrected Jesus I now surrender the full position and authority of Lord in the life of Leon.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 04, 2026:  SOAP #5966:   Judges 19-21; 2Corinthians 4

SCRIPTURE:  2Corinthians (NIV) 4:8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body.

OBSERVATION:  Now that we have been born again and have God’s Spirit living inside we discover a new purpose for our mortal bodies. They are to reveal His life.  As we die to our desires, we become alive to His ‘desires and our body becomes an avenue to express His life rather than ours. 

What an honor to carry the Presence of God in our life and to live as an expression of Him!  His love, joy, and peace become evident in our life. 

APPLICATION: People will notice the differences in our lives now that Jesus is Lord.  We may talk differently—not using some words or phrases—not being negative.  We may respond differently—with kindness instead of gruffness—with patience.  We may dress more modestly—being careful of of the printed messages on our clothing. 

Many times, it is the difficult things we are experiencing that get the attention of others.  They too experience difficulties and they take note of how we respond.  When we face the same troubles yet respond differently, they become aware that we have a different source of life.

PRAYER:   Lord, I want you to be seen in me.  In my choices, my actions, and especially my reactions, may people see you living in me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com

SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 31, 2026:  SOAP #5962:   Judges 9-10; Psalm 49; 1Corinthians 16

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 16:17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.  18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

OBSERVATION: Who has not needed to be refreshed at some time in their life?  After a long time of being responsible for that which holds a strong grip on the emotions, one feels emotionally drained, like a rung-out dish cloth.  We need a fresh approach to what we are facing.  We need to see things from God’s point of view.  We need to see things in the light of who God is. 

What a valuable ministry—the ministry of bringing refreshing to others!    It can be a ministry of encouraging words, thoughtful gifts, or just one’s presence.     

APPLICATION: What do I have that may be used to refresh others?  Perhaps a testimony of what God has done for me.  Perhaps a thoughtful gift.  Perhaps letting them know I am praying for them.  Perhaps a verse of scripture that I read earlier in the day.  Taking a moment to pray for them in their presence so they can hear their name lifted before the throne of Almighty God! 

Some people seem to naturally bring refreshing wherever they go.  But it is a ministry in which we should all seek to excel.     

PRAYER:  Lord make me keenly aware of people needing refreshing around me.  Holy Spirit flow through me in words and deeds to bring refreshing to others.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 30, 2026:  SOAP #5961:   Judges 8; Psalm 42; 1Corinthians 15 S.O.A.P.

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

OBSERVATION: What a fitting close to a chapter that begins with Christ’s resurrection and ends with our resurrection. Because of what Jesus has done for us (past). and because of what Jesus is going to do in us (future), verse 58 above tells me how I should live NOW (present).

APPLICATION: What is the key for living NOW (in the present).  Paul stated it so well in his letter to the churches in Galatia.  “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me.  The life I NOW live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) 

God has taken care of the past; God is preparing for the future; and right now, God is taking care of our present.  Jesus, by His Spirit, IS LIVING IN US!   Our “labor in the Lord” is really Christ living in us and working through us!  We submit to Him and follow His lead. 

PRAYER:  Jesus, you are more than an honored guest visiting in my life.  You are the permanent resident King.  I treat you as my Lord and you treat me as your family.  As I open myself to you, you open your heart to me.  May your presence be the dominate characteristic that is easily recognized by all who know and meet me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 28, 2026:  SOAP #5959:   Judges 4-5; Psalm 39, 41; 1Corinthians 13

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 41:1 Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. 2 The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes.

OBSERVATION:  In the Old Testament, David had one of the closest relationships with the LORD.  Much of God’s character is revealed in the Psalms.   David knew God and what moved the heart of God.   How a person considers and treats the “weak” makes a big difference to God.  A person who is kind to the weak has God’s attention.  “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.”  Proverbs 19:17 

APPLICATION:  Almost every day I receive requests for money to help the poor.  Many times those requesting money have taken orphans into their home and are trying to provide food, clothing, and shelter for them.  I have not been able to help them, but I try to point them to GOD.  I encourage them to find the many scriptures in the Bible that they can take in prayer to God.  He has promised to help them.  I have made no promise to them, but some have more faith that I will help them then that God will help them.  But consider the verses above!  GOD has made promises in His word to help those who care for the poor.     

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, reading through your Word reveals your character to me.  It shows me what you are like and how I can please you.  It shows me why you do what you do.  When I do what pleases you, I can have confidence that you will enable me do what pleases you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 27, 2026:  SOAP #5958:   Joshua 23-24; Psalm 44; 1Corinthians 11

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And in the church, God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts.

OBSERVATION:  In this chapter Paul is teaching us about the body of Christ. Here he uses our physical bodies to teach us about HIS body. Our bodies have many members (hands, feet, ears, etc.) but we have only one body. That is the way it is with Christ. Though each part is different, we are joined as only one body.  Just as each member of a physical body is uniquely different from all other members, so in the body of Christ, a person’s uniqueness makes them useful to the whole body.   None of us are the same even though we all share the same life. 

APPLICATION:  What God does in our physical bodies, and in His church, He is also doing in the SOAP ministry. The only reason that the SOAP is so effective in reaching people today is because everyone is not doing the same thing.  But when we are faithfully doing the part God has given us, God coordinates our unique ministries to one grand fruitful ministry.  Those called to pray are just as committed as those translating, as those printing, as those distributing, as those leading Bible fellowship groups, etc.   

PRAYER:  Lord, You are the head of this SOAP ministry.  I started writing them because of your specific direction.  You are the One who assigned others to translate and post or to print and distribute the SOAPs. You are the provider to which we all look.  It is our privilege to honor and serve the name of Jesus.  Amen 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 25, 2026:  SOAP #5956:   Joshua 21-22; Psalm 47; 1Corinthians 10

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 10:15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say.
16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus claimed to be the bread of life (John 6:35,48).  Whoever takes the communion bread and cup into their physical bodies is testifying that Jesus lives in in them.  He is the source of their spiritual life. 

Even though we have many differences, everyone who has the life of Jesus within them is a part of a single body.  We are all a part of one body.  We are all a part of HIS body.  We have all eaten of the bread of life.      

APPLICATION:  The challenge for me, and for all of us, is to bring our physical, daily lives in line with this spiritual truth.  All those who have Jesus, the bread of life, in their lives are a part of the body of Christ.  I need to be more aware of those around me in whom Jesus lives. 

The Presence of Jesus in my life often alerts me to the Presence of Jesus in someone close by.  It may be something they say or do.  It may be their reaction to something that just happened.  Following up with a comment or greeting will often spark a special time of fellowship and a new friendship. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, continually remind me of your children around me.  Use me to encourage them.  May your love and joy reach them through me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com