Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 01, 2026: SOAP #6054: Isaiah 1-3; Titus 3

SCRIPTURE:  Titus (NIV) 3:14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives. 15 Everyone with me sends you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

OBSERVATION:  Titus had been left behind in Crete to bring order to the new church by recognizing the leaders and giving them responsibility. The church did not have any Bibles, so Paul’s letter was giving Titus instruction for teaching and leading the church. As he closes, Paul gives a short overview of what church people should be like: (1) dedicated to doing good, (2) providing for their own daily needs, and (3) not time wasters/good workers.

Obviously not everyone who starts attending church will be mature in their thinking about life.  They need to learn about being responsible.  But before the people can be expected to learn, the church leaders must have a mental picture of how Christians should behave and act.  Paul was making certain that Titus had such a picture. 

APPLICATION: Under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, church leaders should teach Bible concepts about living and serving.  And they should also set a good example.  The presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the believers will apply the word that is taught and will help them grow in these areas, doing good, providing for family, and being a good worker.  Their lives will become a witness to people living around them and working with them.  The church will have a good reputation in their community. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help me communicate your word in a way that is easy to understand.  Help me live my life as an example of commitment and diligence.  And Holy Spirit, I especially pray for those who do not have a Bible.  Fill their heart with your presence.  Speak clearly and loudly enough so they cannot miss what you are saying to them.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 29, 2026: SOAP #6052: Amos 4-6; Psalm 86,87; Titus 1

SCRIPTURE:  Titus 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. 

APPLICATION:  Knowledge of Who God is and what He can do, and what He has done, and knowledge that God is with me and guiding my steps helped me remain calm when the doctor told me that they have discovered a blood clot in my heart.  The plan is to run a very small vacuum through a blood vessel into my heart and vacuum out the clot.  (Procedure scheduled for July 16, 2026.)

There is great peace in knowing that God is with me.  Instead of fretting over the problem, I can look for an opportunity to let Jesus shine through me.  My problem becomes an opportunity for unexpected ministry.  Instead of begging HIM to go with me, I am committed to go with HIM.   NOTE:  any knowledge I gain should lead to making me a better servant of the Lord and give me more opportunity to serve others. 

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.  I am so thankful that I know you and not just know about you!  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 28, 2026: SOAP #6051: Amos 1-3, Psalm 80; 2Timothy 4

SCRIPTURE:  2Timothy (NIV) 4:16 [THE PAST] At my first defense, no-one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
18 [THE FUTURE] The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

OBSERVATION:  In verses 16-17, Paul shares about his past.  He had to face charges alone—But the Lord was on his side and brought deliverance.  In verse 18, Paul jumps to the future—The Lord will rescue him and will bring him safely to the heavenly kingdom!  

The only way I know to get from the past to the future is to go through the present.  What is happening in Paul’s present?  Chapter 1 verse 12 tells us that he is suffering.  Chapter 2 verses 8-9 tell us that he is in chains.  Earlier in chapter 4 we read that he is already being poured out and that his departure (death) is soon. 

APPLICATION:  Some people get so caught up feeling miserable and complaining about present troubles that they forget what God has done in the past and what He has promised for the future!   Sometimes I need to forget about my present troubles, review what God has done for me in the past and remind myself of God’s future promises.  From what I have learned from past victories and what I see in future promises, I gain strength to face today’s troubles.   

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, forgive me for wasting time worrying about my problems.  What you have done for me in the past assures me that you have my present in control.  And Your promises provide a glimpse of what my future holds.  Today I can walk with you in faith that all things work together for good.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 27, 2026: SOAP #6050: 2Kings 13,14; 2Chronicles 25; 2Timothy 3

SCRIPTURE:  2Timothy (NIV) 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 1 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

OBSERVATION:    What a powerful verse for every believer.  The scripture is useful in teaching us, showing us where we are wrong, showing us how to do things right and helping us grow in righteousness.  I am saved only by the work of Jesus.  I am not saved by my works, but I am saved to work. 

This passage shows us that God has something special for each believer.  He wants us to be useful in His kingdom.  The scripture works in us to make us useful.  We are to be useful to God and useful to others.  Life is too short to waste our time here.  For as long as God has us here, He has something for us to do.

APPLICATION:  By God’s word I am equipped for every good work that comes my way as His servant.  It is not the verses on the pages of a Bible, nor the scriptures at the top of a SOAP page, but the scriptures in our heart that are being applied to our daily lives. 

When I refuse to work or serve in the body of Christ, I am not useful to the Kingdom.  I am wasting what God has given me.  I am not living up to the potential God has placed in me.  Simply put, I am not very Christ-like.  Jesus “went around doing good  …  ” Acts 10:38.

Note: consider the above verses along with 2Timothy 1:7 “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” The scriptures are the equipment I need; the Holy Spirit is the empowerment I need.

PRAYER:  Lord, it is your will that I be useful in your kingdom; so, it is your will that I be equipped and empowered.  As I study the scriptures, empower me with your Holy Spirit.  Use me for fruitful ministry.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 26, 2026: SOAP #6049: Jonah 1-4; 2Timothy 2

SCRIPTURE:  2Timothy (NIV) 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.

OBSERVATION:    If Satan was trying to limit the spread of the gospel by putting chains on the Apostle Paul and putting him in prison, it would have to be noted as his second greatest failure.  Of course, the first would be causing the death of Jesus who had never sinned and was not under the curse of death.  Without His death, there would be no resurrection!!!

The second greatest failure of Satan would be putting the Apostle Paul in prison.  It resulted in Paul having time to write letters under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit!   Paul could not get out, and the Holy Spirit could not be kept out!!!!   Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul wrote letters that have gone far beyond Paul’s limitations of traveling and of time!!!  

APPLICATION:  We all experience limitations.  We can be restricted by poor health, by limited finances, by location, by lack of understanding, by available resources, etc.   BUT God’s Word is not limited.  It is not chained!   When all Paul could do was write letters, he wrote letters.  How glad we are today to be able to read those letters!   Remember: Paul could not get out, and the Holy Spirit could not be kept out!  

The church in Guinea-Conakry has a very limited number of Bibles.  But God is using miracles, and traveling ministers, and people praying for Africa, and givers, and SOAPs to establish His church.  God is not limited!  The blood of Jesus has no limitations to forgive sin!  The power of the Holy Spirit is unlimited!  

PRAYER:  Lord, limitations can be used to focus my attention on what you really want me to do.  Help me not to be disappointed or discouraged because of the limitations I face.  Use the limitations to set the timing for my life.   May my faith lift me to see above and beyond the limitations.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 25, 2026: SOAP #6048: Joel 1-3; 2Timothy 1

SCRIPTURE:  2Timothy (NIV) 1:9 …This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

OBSERVATION:  Before the beginning of time, God had purposed to demonstrate His great love by creating a man who had the ability to prove his love by choice.  Satan would be allowed to tempt that creation, and at some point, one would sin and break the special bond between man and his Creator.  That sin would be passed along to all descendants of the first sinner.  God’s great love would then have an avenue of revelation in that God would send Jesus to live with the limitations of a man yet live without sinning.  Then when Jesus was crucified, His blood was the payment to atone for all who believe and accept Him as Lord. 

The plan was there all the time, but it was only fully revealed through the life and death of Jesus.  Because of God’s love for man, and His character that is faithful to His promises, people could benefit from Jesus’ sacrifice even before He came to earth.  God allowed animal sacrifices to be made prior to the actual sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, on the cross. 

APPLICATION:  Now that the sacrifice of Jesus is complete, He has risen from the dead and has returned to His throne in heaven, we can be assured of being forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness when we confess our sins to Him!  (1John 1:9)   The reality of being forgiven results in the joy of a right relationship with God.  We show our appreciation in living our lives in honor of the One who so loved us! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, help me fully appreciate that I have been forgiven and saved from eternal damnation in hell.  Help me to express that appreciation by honoring the One who took my place on the cross.  Help me bring joy to His heart. Help me make Him smile,  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 22, 2026: SOAP #6045: 2Kings 8,9; 2Chronicles 21; 1Timothy 4

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 4:12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

OBSERVATION:    Paul was writing to Timothy, his young son in the Lord.  He was leaving some instructions on how to lead the church.  Publicly reading the scriptures linked here to preaching and teaching.  It was a part of services in the temple and synagogues, so it would carry over to the gatherings of the early church.  Reading from the scriptures would give a high level of authority to the preaching and teaching.  Doctrine has its foundation in the written Word of God! 

And in a day when scrolls were very few and books not yet being printed, how else would believers get to know the word (letters from Paul, etc.) unless someone read it to them! 

APPLICATION:  Here is a simple ministry that everyone reading this SOAP is qualified and capable of doing:  Reading the Word of God out loud! 

Today, if there are people living in your neighborhood who do not have a Bible, or cannot read, I encourage you to set a time each day or each week for them to come to your home, or yard, to hearers you read the Bible! 

If you are a believer and do not have a personal copy of the Bible, listen carefully as it is read in the gatherings of believers.

For a ministry to elderly people who may have trouble with their eyesight—read the Word of God to them.  For a ministry to your family around the dinner table—read the Word of God.  When visiting the hospital—read the Word of God.

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, use this simple idea to spark ministries that reach the lost and strengthen believers.  May the Word of God, which you inspired, be powerful in the lives of the readers and the hearers.  In Jesus Name,  Amen!

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 21, 2026: SOAP #6044: 2Kings 6,7; 2Chronicles 20; 1Timothy 3

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy 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 along with the commandments God gave instructions for 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 die 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 death on the cross is payment for my sins and restores me; His Spirit-life within empowers me to live a godly life!   Wow!!!  

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for your forgiveness!  And thank you for living in me!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 19, 2026: SOAP #6042: 2Kings 1-3; Psalm 82; 1Timothy 1

SCRIPTURE:  1Timothy (NIV) 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.  13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  What does God consider important?  God considered Paul faithful.  Faithfulness is far more important than ability.  Ability has to do with skill; faithfulness has to do with character.   Ability is useless without faithfulness.  Someone may have great ability, but if they are not faithful, their ability cannot be depended on.  Faithfulness makes ability available.  God could count on Paul to be where needed and to represent Him truthfully.

APPLICATION:  How God sees me is more important than how people see me.  People may consider my abilities, but God considers my faithfulness.  He has proved many times that His abilities can easily fill in my weaknesses.  However, faithfulness is different.  Lack of faithfulness on my part removes the opportunity for me to use my abilities and for Him to use His abilities through me.

There may be times when I see a task as small and not very important.  I push it aside and leave it for someone else to do.  All the time I am professing that I will be faithful in the big things.  But the size of the task makes no difference in faithfulness.  Faithfulness in that which is little prepares me for faithfulness in that which is large.  And who am I to set importance?  The small thing may have much more importance in God’s kingdom than the thing I consider to be large. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, when I am faithful, I am like you.  I count on your faithfulness.  I want you to be able to count on my faithfulness.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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