We Are HIS House

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 06, 2026: SOAP #6059   Hosea 6-9; Hebrews 3

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews 3:5 Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be said in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

OBSERVATION:  Moses WAS faithful in leading the children of Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness.  “But Christ is faithful.”  Christ was faithful as he lived a sinless life on earth and then died as the payment for our sins.  But, He arose and “IS FAITHFUL over God’s house.”

What a truth is put forth so simply yet forcefully!  ” … we are His house … ”  That is not what we will be, but what we are!  It is not a future possibility but a present reality!  If we are in faith, we are His house!   He is faithful in us and works faithfulness through us.   
            

APPLICATION:  In John 14:23 Jesus tells me that if I love him and obey him, He and His Father will come and live in me.   In 1Corinthians 6:19 Paul tells me that my body IS the temple of the Holy Spirit.  I do not have to wait until I get to heaven to enjoy His continual presence.  Even if I do not feel His presence, I know He is with me!  

I am His house.  God lives in me!

PRAYER:  Lord, we are your “house.”  I am your “temple.”  Thank you for your continued presence.  May you be seen in my speech and actions.  May your faithfulness be seen through me, and may my faithfulness bring 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

Testifying to HIS Word!

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 05 2026: SOAP #6058: Hosea 2-5; Hebrews 2

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 1:1 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. …
2:1 We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

OBSERVATION:  If it was important to listen to the prophets that God sent in Old Testament days, how much more is it important to listen to the message that Jesus brought!  To ignore the truth Jesus brought can only mean eternal separation from God. 

God is still testifying to His word by “signs, wonders, and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.”  This week Apostle Alex has taken the SOAP ministry into Masanta, Guinea-Conakry.  The report I received yesterday told of many miracles and healings.  Apostle Alex wrote, “the entire Masanta city God has turned into a Revival healing ground.”  Thousands of people have accepted Jesus in a city where Christian have been killed. 

APPLICATION: Of all the messages I hear today, none is more important that what God says to me.  I must “pay more careful attention.”  I must remain vigilant.  Knowing His voice, listening to what He says helps me evaluate the other messages I hear.  I am instructed to prove all things; hold fast to that which is good. (1Thessalonians 5:21)

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, continue to speak to me through your Word and by your Holy Spirit.  Your Word is the standard by which I can evaluate all things and live a holy life in a world of confused messages. Amen

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

“…the exact representation…”

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 04, 2026: SOAP #6057: 2Kings 15-16; Hosea 1; Hebrews 1

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews 1:1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

OBSERVATION:  One of the very first things revealed about God in the first chapter of the Bible is that He speaks.  God is a speaker.  He talks.  He has spoken to us in many ways, but the best was His speaking through His Son Jesus.  In chapter 1 of John, Jesus is revealed as the Word that became flesh.  Jesus is God’s finest and clearest message. 

APPLICATION: My desire to know God can be seen in how committed I am to know Jesus.  To the best of my ability, I must become a “Jesus expert.”  Jesus said, “If you have seen me, you have seen the Father.”  Jesus claimed to only speak the words the Father gave him to say.  The works he did were the Father’s works.  Jesus is the “exact representation” of the Father.  To be “the exact representation” Jesus is just as much God as the Father is God. 

PRAYER:  Lord, may I come to better know the Father as I come to know you; and may others better come to know you as they come to know me.    Amen. 

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

LIke Gasoline

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 03, 2026: SOAP #6056: Isaiah 6-7; 2Chronicles 26-27; Philemon

SCRIPTURE:  Philemon 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.

OBSERVATION:   In a way, faith is like gasoline.  We do not put gas in our car or cycle and leave it sitting.  That would be a waste of gas.  We expect to get some benefit from it.  We expect action.  After all, faith without works is dead, like gasoline that is just sitting in the tank.  Seeing a need or being provided an opportunity to serve is like the spark that ignites the gas forcing the piston to move, the motion then transferred to the wheels. 

Paul prayed that Philemon’s faith would be active.  He was writing this short letter to encourage Philemon to receive back his run-away servant, Onesimus and forgive him.  Our understanding of what we have in Christ grows as we use our faith to affect others. 

APPLICATION: Like the gas in our car/cycle, the faith in our heart energizes us to action.  We are to use that faith to benefit those around us.  We use that faith to pray for those around us.  We use that faith to speak to others about our Lord, and we use that faith to serve them in practical ways. 

PRAYER:  Lord, remind us of these thoughts when we have opportunity to serve someone today.  May our faith move us to action as your love flows through us.  Amen.

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

…praying in the Holy Spirit…

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 02, 2026: SOAP #6055: Isaiah 4-5; Psalm 115-116; Jude

SCRIPTURE:  Jude (NIV) 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
20 But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

OBSERVATION:  In his short letter of warning about various false teachers, Jude ends with some specific things that believers should do.  I doubt if any homes during Jude’s day had a written portion of any scriptures, Old or New Testament. They would only have what they remembered from the sermon at the last gathering. So, their relationship with the indwelling Holy Spirit was a priority.  They needed His inner guidance. 

They could keep an up-to-date relationship with the Holy Spirit by praying in the Spirit. The Holy Spirit would guide their prayers.  The Holy Spirit is even able to pray through us in languages that we do not understand.  (Acts 2; 1Corinthians 12-14)   I often find I do not have adequate vocabulary to fully express the burdens God has brought to me for prayer.  I need the Holy Spirit to pray through me. 

The gentle Holy Spirit would be at peace in their hearts as they lived within his direction.  But when they moved into danger, their hearts would be troubled. (Matthew 3:16 and Ephesians 4:30)

APPLICATION: If I want to please my Lord, I must learn how the Holy Spirit speaks to me.  I must recognize His approval or disapproval.  Praying in the Spirit helps me develop a keen sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you for the written scriptures that you have made available for me.  But even more, I thank you for the Living Spirit, the author of those scriptures, who dwells inside me.  Amen

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

Teaching and being an example

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

The Indwelling Holy Spirit

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
June 30, 2026: SOAP #6053: Amos 7-9; Psalm 104; Titus 2

SCRIPTURE:  Titus (NIV) 2:7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

OBSERVATION:  Paul is writing to Titus, his spiritual son, and a developing leader in the church.  Titus did not have a leadership series of books, he probably did not have his own copy of the Old Testament scrolls.  He could not go online to find information about church leadership.  So, Paul wrote this letter. 

Among the specific instructions I found this one general term: “doing what is good.”  (10+ times in the 46 verses of this book!)  Titus was to live his life “doing what is good.”  He was to encourage and teach others to “do what is good.”  God’s people should be “eager to do what is good.” (2:14) God’s people should be “ready to do what is good.” (3:1) 

Paul did not refer Titus to a special book to learn more about this general instruction.  Those who would listen to Titus preach did not have anything available to them other than what Titus would include in his teaching.  Oh, but what they had!!!  They had the Holy Spirit dwelling in each of them, leading them into “what is good.”

APPLICATION:  How I appreciate having the Bible so readily available to me!  But I am learning something even more important.  I have the same benefit that Titus had, and the early church had—they did not have Bibles (scrolls containing the Old Testament were in the synagogue).  They had the Holy Spirit living inside.  We too have the same indwelling Holy Spirit!!! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, you are the same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11) and the same Holy Spirit anointed Paul in his ministry and writings.  You are with us; be our conscience.  With your guidance and empowerment, we too can do “what is good.”  Amen

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

The blessing of knowledge!

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

Gaining strength to face today’s troubles

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!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com

Prepare me; Use me!

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!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon
Also on:  https://soapsbyleon.com