Tag Archives: faith

My Victory is in Jesus!

Posted on by
Reply

8Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 11, 2025: SOAP #5577:  Deuteronomy 16-18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

OBSERVATION:   This verse stirs two very strong thoughts, the weakness of the law and the power of the cross.  It also leads me to consider how important my righteousness is to God. It is so important that He sent His Son to die!  Amazing!

The battle was won on the cross!  It was there that the price was paid.  It was there that Jesus won over the temptation of trying an easier way.  It was there that the power of Satan’s temptation to move outside the will of the Father was defeated!  Jesus would not give in to the devil’s temptation to move other than in His Father’s will!

Jesus entered death as The Triumphant One.  He remained true to His Father’s will even unto death!   He did not surrender Himself to the devil’s temptations.  He entered the grave as The Victorious One!   He came out as More than a Conqueror!   The three days in the grave was the victory lap taken after the race had been won!

APPLICATION:   When Jesus entered my life as Lord, it is like He takes a victory lap in me.  He breaks the power of sin in me.  He lives His life in me!  Once I was in bondage to sin, now I have the power to resist temptation.  I can confess the weakness of my flesh and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit!   I can claim the Name of Jesus!  I can speak out what God has done for me!   (Revelation 12:11)

PRAYER:  Lord, by your Holy Spirit, you lead me and empower me to live a life that honors you.  Teach me your way, O Lord, I pray.  Amen

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


Please pray for the SOAP Conference team that is now in Burkina Faso.  Pray for God to do miracles like in the book of Acts.  May many people be drawn to the Lord!  

What A Change!

Posted on by
Reply

8Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 10, 2025: SOAP #5576:  Deuteronomy 13-15; Galatians 1

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 1:22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”

OBSERVATION:   Paul was writing to the church in Galatia and giving some of his own testimony.  What a change Jesus had brought in Paul’s life!  It was a dramatic change, one that could be easily seen by people around him.  Once they feared Paul as he set about persecuting the church; now they praised God because of him.

From an avid supporter and defender of the Jewish law, one whose life was dedicated to keeping the Law pure, Saul/Paul was changed into one able to present the truth of Jesus from the Old Testament scriptures; into one who could not be stopped by beatings and whippings; into one willing to be in prison to defend Jesus; to one willing to give his own life because of what He believed to be truth!!!   What a change! 

Down through the ages, the change in Saul’s/Paul’s life been a key in bringing people to Jesus.  Like those in Galatia who had only heard about the change, since then people have only read about the change.  Paul’s testimony has been powerfully used by the Holy Spirit to bring change to others. 

APPLICATION:   May people today see the difference in our lives from what we used to be and the difference from those who have not yet had the great blessing of making Jesus the Lord of their lives.  What a change He has made in our lives.  It is a change that cannot be hidden. 

PRAYER:   Lord, you made a great change in Paul’s life (who was later known as the Apostle Paul.)  Now that you are living in me, I know you are still making changes in my life.  Use the changes to demonstrate the great benefit that comes with your Presence in a life.  Amen

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

“brought out TO BE brought in”

Posted on by
Reply

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 07, 2025: SOAP #5573:  Deuteronomy 5-6; Psalm 43; Mark 14

SCRIPTURE:  Deuteronomy (NIV) 6:20 In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?” 21 tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders— great and terrible—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. 23 But he brought us OUT from there to bring us IN and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers.

OBSERVATION:   The Israelites were to pass on to their children their history.  Living in slavery was not pleasant.  God did great miracles (the ten plagues) to deliver them from Egypt.  But God was not only interested in getting the Israelites OUT of Egypt, He wanted to get them IN the promised land. 

APPLICATION:   So many times, we want God to deliver us from some troubling situation.  We pray for God to help us get free.  But once free, we do not think about why God set us free.  He got us OUT of the troubles so that we can be IN a time of praise and thanksgiving.  We come IN to opportunities to tell others what God has done for us.  Our testimony gives God glory!  

He delivers me from debt so that I can tithe and have money to give to others.  He brings me out of a time of sickness so that I can be in a time using my strength to serve Him and others.  Etc.   

PRAYER:   Lord you are so faithful to lift me out of my despair and troubles.  You bring me to a time of rejoicing in Your presence, a time of thanksgiving for how you have helped me.  May I be faithful to enter a season of thanksgiving and praise for what you have done.  You gave me relief; I give you praise!  Amen

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

Here is an update from Pastor Andrew and Bishop Emmanuel: 
_______________________________________________________________________

Here in Niger the conference was very great I will bless the Lord for the people the two days conference the total people that are attended is the first day we have 7,500 people on the second day we have 9,000 people and today we know that the number is going to increase.

In the two days conference we have 1,800 people who give them life to Jesus and as today is the last day we are expecting more people to come and also to be safe we will be organizing a discipleship class tomorrow for the new convert who give the life to Jesus.

We have already organized as SOAP MINISTRY team here in Niger also we have teach them how to print the SOAPs too the computers and printer and also how to distribute the SOAPs to the people in the country everyday they have already started receiving their own SOAPs yesterday.

Tomorrow the discipleship class is going to start for all those who give their life to Jesus during the conference for 2 days class for all those who gave their life to Jesus  in the conference and we will send them to a different churches.

We will be leaving here on Saturday morning to Burkina Faso Burkina Faso is a very strong Muslim country but a few Christians but I believe this is a time or Revival in that country please help us in prayer as we go on Saturday but me Bishop Emmanuel and Pastor John we are fully ready with God’s favor and anointing to go into the country with the true gospel.
_________________________________________________________________________

Also, an update for those who have been praying for Samuel, Pastor Andrew’s son:  He had broken bones in his right foot.  The injury to his left leg were some wounds, but x-rays showed no broken bones.  He is now at home!   We can pray for God to provide some pain medication and to replace the refrigerator, TV, etc. sold for hospital payment. 

Also pray for some additional computers and printers.  They have installed all they have and have three West African countries plus some in East Africa. 

Leon  😊

Living Ready!

Posted on by
Reply

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 06, 2025: SOAP #5572:  Deuteronomy 3-4; Psalm 36; Mark 13

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 13:28 “Now learn this lesson from the fig-tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30 I tell you the truth, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.

OBSERVATION:   Having been born the year Israel became a nation and believing that the fig-tree in verse 28 could be a reference to Israel, I consider myself a part of “this generation.”   I believe the things mentioned in the previous verses will happen in my lifetime.  

The theme of the next 5 verses is “be on guard,” “be alert,” “don’t be sleeping,”  “watch!”  This is not a day to be a sleepy Christian. 

APPLICATION:   In verse 37 Jesus says, “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”  I must take that personally.  I must not let myself be influenced by the world into thinking that everything will continue as it has.  I must keep my ears open to what the Holy Spirit is saying.  I must keep “on guard” and “alert!” 

I need to get my news from the Bible even more than from newspapers, magazines, radio or television.  The Holy Spirit is the author of the scriptures and He is able to give us understanding of how they apply to today. 

Reality may be that I have less time than my generation.  An accident, or some sickness may usher me into the presence of God before the call for “this generation.”  I have no promise of tomorrow.  (Proverbs 27:1)  I must be ready today!  I must live ready! 

PRAYER:   Lord, You have a plan and you have a time frame into which that plan must be finished.  As we quickly approach the completion of your plan, keep me sharp in hearing your voice.  Amen. 

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

A Servant

Posted on by
Reply

Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 03, 2025: SOAP #5569:  Numbers 32-33; Mark 10

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 10:42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

OBSERVATION:   The world had gotten things upside down.  Jesus put them right side up.  In man’s eyes, rulers are the greatest.  In God’s eyes, servants are the greatest. 

Jesus had come to serve the will of the Father, and to serve man by making the payment for sin.  And in being the servant/slave of all, He clearly was the greatest of all! 

People who have been given authority should use it as a tool to increase their service to others.  Their decisions and their actions should be for the benefit others.       

APPLICATION:   I am a servant of the Most High God.   It is all about Him!  I must remember how Jesus answered the question about which was the greatest commandment: 

Mark (NIV) 12:29  “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

PRAYER:   Lord, what an example you set!  I am amazed at the great extent You went to serve me.  May my life be used to serve your purposes.   Amen. 

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

My Loving Lord!

Posted on by
Reply

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 02, 2025: SOAP #5568:  Numbers 30-31; Mark 9

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 9:7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

OBSERVATION:   Peter, James, and John had accompanied Jesus up the mountain.  They saw his garments glow super white.  They saw Elijah and Moses present to talk with Jesus.  Peter suggested they build three shelters, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.  Then a cloud enveloped them, and they heard the voice of God.  He was not speaking to Jesus; He was not speaking to Moses; and He was not speaking to Elijah.  He was speaking to them!

They were words of identification: “this is my son!”  This is someone special.  God the Father was identifying with Jesus.  
They were words of relationship:  “Whom I love.” I have an emotional tie to Him.  I expect you to treat Him as someone very special to me. 
They were words of direction:  “Listen to Him.”  Do what He says.  Make sure you can hear His voice. 

APPLICATION:   God the Father may be speaking to someone else, but He has been definitely talking to me.  Fifteen years ago, He told me to drive a school bus.  Two weeks ago, He told me my season for bus driving was over.  I continue to write the SOAPs and I am now living and listening day by day for further direction. 

Do I respect God?  I must identify with Him as my Father.  I must love His Son as my Lord.  I must listen to Him and do what He says! 

PRAYER:   Jesus, my relationship with you starts with acknowledging that I am a sinner and I need the forgiveness you provide through your death on the cross. But that is only the beginning!   Because what follows is a life-long loving relationship learning how to live as Your friend and discovering the joy of having you for my best friend.  Amen

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

Especially when only God is watching!

Posted on by
Reply

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 28, 2025: SOAP #5565:  Numbers 24-27; 1Corinthians 13

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

OBSERVATION:   Put prophecy, wisdom and faith in verse 2 and generosity and sacrifice in verse 3 – all on one side of God’s scale.  Then put love as the lone quality on the other side.  It will not be balanced!  What is it about love that makes God give it so much value?  I asked the Lord and He dropped these words in my heart: 

Having prophecy, wisdom, faith, generosity, and sacrifice makes people love you.  Having God’s love makes you love others. 

APPLICATION:   The important thing is not how much others love me, but how much I love others!   It is not about being so “nice” that people love me, it is about being so full of God that I love people, especially those hard to love. 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, surely, no one has ever loved you the way you have loved us. I am certain that I have never loved you the way you have loved me.  Holy Spirit, help me grow in loving God.  Help me faithfully express my love to God by loving those around me, not only in the big ways, but especially in the little ways, and when no one is watching but You.  Amen

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

Serving A Faithful God!

Posted on by
Reply

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 27, 2025: SOAP #5565:  Numbers 21-23; Mark 6-7

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 6:49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” 51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

OBSERVATION:   To me, this verse is a strong indication that they had taken along with them one or two of the left-overs from the earlier dinner. They had in the boat evidence of God’s miraculous provision.  They had in the boat evidence that Jesus could impower them to do as He commanded, after all, it was He who commanded them to feed the 5000, and then He provided the food for them to do so.  It was He who told them to go to the other side, and He would empower them to do so.

APPLICATION:   So often, we need but to look around to find evidence of God’s great intervention in our lives.  In our homes, we have “basketfulls” of left-overs from some previous miracle.  Let’s not let our hearts become “hardened” so that we forget and cannot see what is so obvious.

God told me that my bus driving was over.  He did not say that my living in His provision was over.  As long as I am faithful to do as He directs, I can rest assured that He will continue to provide.  My faith was not in the bus company, my faith was in God.  My faith is still in God.  What He provided through the bus company, He will now provide through another source—probably for the next six months or a year, through the VA as a pension from cancer that is associated with agent orange being used in the areas we traversed in Viet Nam.  When this gets cleared up, God will provide through another means!  That is the way He is.  I am faithful to do as He says; He is faithful to provide and do what is needed for me to complete His assignment. 

PRAYER:   Lord, keep me in step with you, not lagging behind nor running ahead.  May I live and move with an awareness of your wonderful presence.   Amen

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

Who is in your boat?

Posted on by
Reply

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 25, 2025: SOAP #5563:  Numbers 17-18; Psalm 29; Mark 4

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 4:37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

OBSERVATION:   At least three of Jesus disciples were fishermen. (Peter, James and John) Quite probably others were too.  So, as people with knowledge and experience, they knew what a storm could do to a small boat.  They were afraid.  They looked at their environment.  They looked at their boat.  They probably heard fear filled comments of those who were not fishermen.  Surely, they were frantically bailing out the water from the waves breaking over and swamping the boat.  This was a serious situation!   They had every reason to fear.  It would have been unnatural not to fear. 

BUT there was something that could overcome such fear.  Faith!  Not faith in their ability as fishermen, nor faith in people on the shore.  Only faith in Jesus!  …and He was present with them!!!!    He was already in their boat!!! 

APPLICATION:   We all face storms that can swamp our physical bodies, our family relationships, our finances, whatever boat we are in.  We are powerless against them.  We all face trouble that only Jesus can solve. 

Is Jesus in your boat?  You are either in a storm, or a storm will be coming.  We all have faith, but where is your faith?  The object of our faith must be worthy and capable.  Jesus is both!   I invite you to pray with me…

PRAYER:   Lord, I need you in my boat.  You see the things that are beyond my ability.  I place my faith in you to forgive my sins.  Make me clean in my heart and mind.  I set you as the Lord of my life. 

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

Oh, what a change!!!

Posted on by
Reply

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 2, 2025: SOAP #5540:  Exodus 33-34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 9:19 …Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who caused havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. 23 After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him,

OBSERVATION:   What a change!  Paul was on a trip to Damascus to take those who believed in Jesus as prisoner and take them before the religious court, probably to kill them.  That is the way it started, but Jesus interrupted Paul’s trip and Paul came to believe that Jesus was the promised Messiah for which the Jews were waiting.  Before leaving Damascus, he preached powerful sermons proving that Jesus is the Christ.  He even became a target of being potentially killed

APPLICATION:  No one can change a life like Jesus!  When He comes into a person’s life and is given the place as Lord, He makes changes!   Our nation is presently undergoing great changes as we have a new president!   Every day, the news has stories about how President Trump has changed something.  But the political changes are small compared to the changes Christ brings to our lives.  2Corinthians 5:17 says “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.  The old has gone, the new is here!”

PRAYER:  Lord, what a special blessing it is to be a “new creation” in you.  Life is not boring with you because every day you have something new for us.  Being faithful in reading your word, in prayer, in consciously being aware of your presence all day long keeps us spiritually alert for a new adventure with you.  Amen.

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