Tag Archives: faith

God: Working on Two Fronts

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 17, 2025: SOAP #5583:  Deuteronomy 32-34; 1Corinthians 2

SCRIPTURE:  Deuteronomy (NIV)32:8 When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when he divided all mankind, he set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the sons of Israel. 9w For the LORD’s portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance.
Ephesians (NIV) 1:18 … the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
1Peter (NIV) 2:9 …a people belonging to God,…

OBSERVATION:   As Moses was giving his farewell address, he reviewed Israel’s past.  He told them that God is the One who set the boundaries.  Each tribe and people group had their own boundaries.  It defined their possession, that over which they had authority.  Each nation, and each tribe (of Israel) had their assigned area, their inheritance.  BUT where was God’s portion?  God’s portion was His people!  

It is a concept that carries over into the New Testament.  What God gets out of this “earth project” is people. 

APPLICATION:   Today, the Lord is building His church, not a building of wood and stone, but a church of people.  He is preparing a place for us in Heaven, AND He is preparing us for that place where we will rule and reign with Him.  

He is teaching us how to have authority by learning to exercise authority in our own daily lives.  I believe He is preparing us to expand His heavenly kingdom by witnessing and discipling others here on earth.  We are learning the principles of heaven as we learn and exercise kingdom principles in our personal lives, our family lives, and our business lives, or lives interacting with our community. 

God’s portion is us.  He deserves the best portion, a portion well-prepared for eternity with Him!  

God is preparing for eternity by working on two fronts.  Jesus is working in heaven preparing a place (mansion) for me.  AND the Holy Spirit is working here on earth preparing me for that place!  

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, work in my life, my thoughts, my attitudes, and my actions.  Make me well-prepared for the heavenly place that is now being prepared for me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Look what the Lord does!!!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 16, 2025: SOAP #5582:  Deuteronomy 30-31; Psalm 40; 1Corinthians 1

(The Spirit speaking to me in an old SOAP.)

SCRIPTURE:  1Corinthians (NIV) 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. … 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no-one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

OBSERVATION:   Many times, in doing miracles, Jesus gave an assignment to the one(s) in need.  It is notable that Jesus never gave an assignment that proved how wise or how strong they were.  It was always something simple that they were obviously capable of doing.  It was a simple act of obedience proving their faith.  It was washing the mud out of the eyes.  It was having the people sit down in groups of 50.  It was filling the jars with water.  It was casting their net on the other side of the boat.  No one could mistake that their action caused the miracle.  Jesus was the only one receiving the glory. 

APPLICATION:   When a miracle is needed, the pressure is not on me.  He will give me something that I can do.  It might not make any sense to me; it is not designed to make sense to me.  It is designed to demonstrate my faith in Him.  If I hurry and get presumptuous, I get myself in trouble.  I MUST HEAR from Him.  What He says takes priority. 

God did not choose me because of my abilities.  God did not make a list of my strengths and determine where I could best serve Him.  He does not want people to be amazed at what I can do.  He wants them to be amazed at what He can do!

PRAYER:   Lord, I know you are not counting on me to accomplish your will.  You are counting on me being obedient.  You are counting on me listening to your voice and following your Word!  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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It’s the Law!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 15, 2025: SOAP #5581:  Deuteronomy 28-29; Galatians 6

(an earlier SOAP with minor changes)

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 6:7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

OBSERVATION:  Here we are given a universal law that affects every aspect of life. 
Verse 6 and 10 show that it applies financially and materially.
Verses 8 and shows that it applies spiritually,
Verse 9 is the application of this truth.  We should always be sowing.  Reaping is assured if we remain faithful. 

God cannot be mocked.  To think that one can sow one kind of crop and reap another is foolish.  When I understand the seriousness of this law, I can greatly appreciate that Jesus took my place to reap the harvest of the sin I had sown.   And by so doing, He set me free to reap the blessings of the seed he sowed in dying on the cross.

APPLICATION: Sometimes my greatest financial need is to understand the truth in these verses.  I need to give with faith that God will bring the reward.  As I sow, God brings the harvest. 

Some people want to reap a harvest by getting others to sow.  But verses about giving in the Bible are not there to be used to motivate others to give to us.  They are there to motivate us to give!  The application of this truth is GIVING. 

Today is too late for me to do more about today’s harvest, but today I can do something about my future harvest.

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for laws that set order in this world.   Thank you for helping us understand how things work.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Internal Magnets

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 14, 2025: SOAP #5580:  Deuteronomy 25-27; Galatians 5

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 5:16 This I say then, “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”  …
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law….
25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

OBSERVATION: Removing sexual immorality, hatred, jealousy, fits of rage and other works of the flesh mentioned later in this chapter—removing these from our life cannot be accomplished by focusing on stopping them.  Trying to convince myself that I really do not want to do something just does not work.  Talking myself into being strong and resisting temptation is useless too.  The only way to overcome the tendency of the flesh to succumb to temptation is to focus on what the Spirit is saying and doing.

Thoughts are like internal magnets that draw us to what we are thinking, either to do what the flesh wants, or to do what the Spirit wants. 

APPLICATION: I must give up trying to win victory over the temptations in my own strength.  It is when I walk in the Spirit that I do not gratify the desires of the flesh!  It is when I set my thoughts on the presence of the Holy Spirit and what He is doing in my life that I do not yield to sinful temptations. 

Instead of focusing on how bad sins is and how I really do not want to sin, and instead of focusing on what I should do to resist the temptation, I need to focus my thoughts on the Presence of the Holy Spirit, what He is saying to me, and what I can do to please Him.  The Holy Spirit will be focusing our ears to hear the Word and our eyes to see Jesus.  Listening to and obeying the Holy Spirit assures us of victory.  

PRAYER:  Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit who lives in me, walks with me, and talks to me.  You knew I would need help in overcoming the temptations around me.  In your wisdom, you gave me your Spirit who refocuses my attention away from what I do not want to do.  And He focuses my thought on what I can do in order to please you.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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WHAT A CHANGE!

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 13, 2025: SOAP #5579:  Deuteronomy 22-24; Galatians 4

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 4:7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

OBSERVATION:   WHAT A CHANGE:  from being a slave to sin, to being a son of God!  From serving sin because I was in bondage, to serving God because I love Him.  And I love Him because He first loved me! 

APPLICATION:   I do not have to serve God—I get to serve God.  It is my privilege to serve Him.  It is my pleasure! 

Because I love Him, I consider myself His servant. 
Because He loves me, He considers me His son! 

Because I love Him and see myself as His servant, I serve Him joyfully. 
Because He loves me and considers me His son, He makes me His heir! 

He is always outdoing me!  That’s just the way He is! 

SOAP Reader: I trust you have found the joy of belonging to the LORD and serving Him out of joy.  He is so worthy; He should never need to twist our arms to serve Him.  We should serve Him willingly and joyfully.  We should consider it our pleasure to be asked to do something for Him. 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, I am your creation.  I am your child.  I am your friend.  I am your servant.  I am your son.  I am your heir.  I am blest!  May you be glad that I call you my Father.  May I bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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All One in Christ Jesus

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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 12, 2025: SOAP #5578:  Deuteronomy 19-21; Galatians 3

SCRIPTURE:  Galatians (NIV) 3:24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. 26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

OBSERVATION:   The Law was given through Moses.  It was an acceptable way of relating to God.  The big problem was that everyone on earth had already broken it.  No one born on earth could fully keep the Law—that is until the virgin born Jesus arrived.  He was born without sin, lived without sin, and died without sin.  He rose from the dead on the third day!  So, when we accept Him as our Lord, He saves us from the penalty of sin.  His death is accepted as the payment for our sins!!!  We receive His forgiveness and cleansing by faith.  We believe that He keeps His promise and we thank Him for doing so!!!  

Receiving His death as the payment for our sins comes with receiving His life within us.  And all who have the life of Jesus within are brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus!   “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus!” (Galatians 3:28)   There is neither African, Asian, or American.  There is neither English SOAP readers nor French nor Bangla nor Hindi nor Urdu speaking SOAP readers etc.; we are ALL one in Christ Jesus! 

APPLICATION:   The law told us to love one another as we loved ourselves (Leviticus 19:18); but Jesus went further, He told us to love one another as HE loved us!  (John 13:34)

We need the Holy Spirit to help us love like Jesus loved.  God loved the world that He sent Jesus. (John 3:16)  We can all SEE God’s love, may the world see our love. 

Those of us who have made Jesus the Lord of our lives should not use these scriptures to motivate people to give to us.  We take our needs to the Lord and He motivates people to give.  We let the Holy Spirit use these scriptures to motivate us to give to others.  

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, help me love like Jesus.  Use me to display your love.  Keep reminding me that we are truly one in Christ Jesus.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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My Victory is in Jesus!

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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
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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!

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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
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“brought out TO BE brought in”

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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
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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!

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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
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