Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 11, 2026: SOAP #6155: Nehemiah 5-6; Psalm 146; Luke 24

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 24:1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4  While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5  In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?

OBSERVATION:  The women were looking for Jesus.  The last time they saw him, He was being crucified and then placed in the tomb.  According to their understanding of the nature of the things they had witnessed, coming to the tomb made perfect sense.  But according to Jesus word that He would rise from the dead on the third day, what the angle said was most logical! 

Living people do not make their homes in cemeteries, and Jesus was alive!

APPLICATION:  Jesus was not only alive then, HE IS STILL ALIVE!   Sunday morning gatherings should not be funeral services, but resurrection celebrations!  Do not expect to find a living Jesus in a dead church. 

We are not gathering to hear what Jesus did 2,000 years ago, we are gathering to celebrate what He did this past week!   We gather in expectation of what He will do this coming week!   The best thing about our gatherings is that the One we worship is actually present!   Under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the preacher takes words written 1000s of years ago and makes them applicable to our lives today!  

PRAYER:  Lord, make Your presence easily recognizable as we gather as Your church.  What really makes our gatherings to be Your church, is Your presence.  Encourage us with the testimonies of others.  Stir our hearts as we worship you.  Stir our minds as we hear your word, spoken, or read, or preached.  May we leave knowing that we have been in Your Presence.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 10, 2026: SOAP #6154: Nehemiah 3-4; Luke 23

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 23:32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

OBSERVATION:  About verse 34, Albert Barnes wrote, “The power and excellence of the Christian religion. No other religion teaches men to pray for the forgiveness of enemies; no other disposes them to do it. Men of the world seek for revenge; the Christian bears reproaches and persecutions with patience, and prays that God would pardon those who injure them, and save them from their sins.”

APPLICATION:  What is it that disposes Christians to pray for their persecutors?  First would be the command in the Bible to “Pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) 

Second would be the example of Jesus as seen in verse 34 above.  He is our Lord and we want to be like Him. 

And the third, and the greatest, would be the presence of Jesus living in our heart…for that is the essence of Christianity: Jesus living within the lives of those who are born again. 

PRAYER:  Jesus, be yourself living in me.  Grow within me your inclination to be loving and forgiving.  By your Holy Spirit teach me to respond in ways that represent you, that bring you joy and honor.  Bring to my mind the truth that I am just passing through this world and that soon, in your presence, I will either rejoice or regret my actions here.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 05, 2026: SOAP #6149: Esther 3-8; Luke 18

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 18:35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”… 42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.

OBSERVATION:   When he was blind, he had no special agenda for the day.  Just sit and beg.  When he was healed, he lost his means of “employment,” he could no longer depend on the sympathy of the public.  He did the logical thing.  Verse 43 says, “Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.”
     I believe this man led the procession through Jericho where Zacchaeus was in the sycamore-fig tree and then on to Jerusalem where, seemingly, the whole city turned out to welcome their king as prophesied, arriving on a donkey.
     This man had a fresh testimony.  He was excited.  He was willing to share what Jesus had done for him TODAY! 

APPLICATION: When God heals me, or provides for me, or encourages me, or strengthens me, or whatever He does for me—I am not the only one to receive the blessing.  God Himself should be blest by my praise, my rejoicing, my testimony to others. 
     Oh, the testimonies I receive each week from the move of God in West Africa.  People who receive a healing are blest!  The people who witness those healings are also blest!  But I think that the one most blest is God!  He receives the joy and praise and celebration and worship and new commitments.  He joyfully forgives their sins and welcomes them into His kingdom!  

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, so many times you have intervened in my life.  I have been blest serving you.  I want you to be blest too!  When I get the benefit of your intervention, You should get the glory!  There is always something fresh for which I can be thankful. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 01, 2026: SOAP #6145: Zechariah 10-12; Psalm 126; Luke 14

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 14:12 Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. 13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

OBSERVATION:  If we invite people to our party who are able to invite us to their parties, they MAY invite us to theirs.  There is a possibility that we might be repaid. 

But when we invite those who have no means of inviting us to a party, FOR SURE we WILL BE BLESSED—and FOR SURE we WILL BE REPAID when we get to heaven.  It may be a delayed return on our investment, but it is a guaranteed return!  

APPLICATION: To invest for future return in this life seems logical when my mind is controlled by the world’s economic system.  But to overlook investments that have eternal returns is completely foolish! 

I have God’s promise to meet my needs in this life.  It is my privilege and joy to invest in God’s kingdom for an eternal return.   Investing only for my future on earth is EXTREMELY short-sighted!  In heaven I will have eternity to enjoy the blessings of my eternal investments. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, investing is important to You!  Thank you for the privilege of making deposits in the bank of heaven.  When I give to those who cannot repay me, I am assured of your blessing and future return.  Holy Spirit, help me not to be short-sighted with the money you provide.  Lead me to ways I can invest for eternal blessings.  Remind me of this Bible passage!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 29, 2026: SOAP #6143: Zechariah 4-6; Luke 12

SCRIPTURE:  Luke 12:4  “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

OBSERVATION:  Here we see the obvious reason we should fear God!  This fear, as Proverbs says, is the beginning of wisdom.  If we are walking in sin, we should be afraid of God!  (Proverbs 9:10)

As awesome as the power of God is to punish, it is also awesome to protect.  As awesome to exact justice, it is also awesome to express tenderness and kindness.  And so, Luke continues on in the next two verses.  This awesome God who has the power to destroy the soul in hell, watches over the sparrows!   Not even one of them is forgotten!  Amazing!  This awesome God who has the power to destroy the body in hell, knows and cares about even the number of the hairs on my head!   Amazing!  And so Luke, who tells us to fear this One with the power to cast into hell (Luke 12:5), also tells those in HIS care “Don’t be afraid…!” (Luke 12:7)    

APPLICATION:  Consider this…
What a God!  How foolish to think I can get by with sin!!!  (Romans 6:23a)
What a God!  How foolish to think I cannot trust His care!!!  (Romans 6:23b)

I can depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit to help me live as the Father desires. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you are more than capable of correcting and caring for me. You love me enough to correct me and to protect me.  Your loving correction is meant to keep me from experiencing the holy wages of sin.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 29, 2026: SOAP #6143: Zechariah 1-3; Luke 11

SCRIPTURE: Luke (NIV) 11:11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

OBSERVATION: Why is our Heavenly Father so willing to give the Holy Spirit to us?

Before Jesus began His ministry as the Son of Man He was baptized by John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit descended on Him. The sinless Son of Man completed His ministry on earth full of the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit were active in Jesus.

If it was important for Jesus to be filled and anointed with the Holy Spirit, how much more is it important for redeemed people who have a history of sin, be filled with the Holy Spirit.

The presence, baptism, and anointing of the Holy Spirit is the greatest proof that our Heavenly Father is committed to seeing us live victoriously in this world. That is why!

APPLICATION: I need to be committed to developing a relationship with the Holy Spirit so that I can live in joyful victory and be powerful in service. The Holy Spirit increases the effectiveness of everything I do for the Lord! The Holy Spirit inspired people to write the scriptures and He inspires us as we read those scriptures!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, how wise of you to send the Holy Spirit to live in my life when I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord. You are obviously committed to my living in victory over sin and the devil! You have given me the same Holy Spirit that lived in Jesus! I am so blessed! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 27, 2026: SOAP #6141: Haggai 1-2; Psalm 129; Luke 10

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 10:9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’

OBSERVATION:  Evangelistic ministry, as Jesus directed the apostles, consisted of two major parts.  First was the demonstration of the power of God, and second was the information about the kingdom of God.  Sometimes the teaching preceded the demonstration, but both were clearly present. 

People need to know that God’s kingdom, His structure of authority, is present and how to personally become a part of that Kingdom through faith.  And it is good when they can see a demonstration of that authority making a difference in everyday lives.  The demonstration of God’s power over sickness helped them realize that God’s kingdom is not some fantasy.  It is REAL and affects reality!!!                                                                                              

APPLICATION:  When we invite Jesus to forgive our sins and make our lives His home, things change.  His presence in us makes a difference, a difference that people can see. 

The special move of God with the SOAP ministry that started in Sierra Leone has now spread to Guinea-Conakry.  Today (09/26/2026) two pastors from Sierra Leone are in Guinea following up the move of God by doing water baptisms.  Even in the baptisms, blind and crippled people have been healed.  God is demonstrating the power of the Gospel!  (According to their report, they have baptized 130,000+ and have that many still waiting baptism!)  The Kingdom of God is expanding through SOAPs in Africa and Asia! 

PRAYER:  Lord, we pray for two things.  First, may your presence in our lives make such a noticeable difference that people want what we have.  Second, Holy Spirit give us the words to say as we explain that “The Kingdom of God is near you!”  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 26, 2026: SOAP #6140: Ezra 4; Psalm 113, 127; Luke 9

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 9:51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him;

OBSERVATION:  Jesus knew what lie ahead for him.  It was getting close to the time He would return to His Father in heaven…but before being taken back into heaven, he must be lifted up on the cross!  Dying for the sins of man was not a pleasant thought.  Sin was terrible!  The payment for sin would be anguish, pain, darkness, and solitude.  Even His Father would forsake him! 

Jesus was “resolute;”  He did not give His will the choice—there was to be no opportunity for his emotions to change his direction.  He was sinless; he was full of the Holy Spirit, but he was present as a man.  He had to bear the sins and the cross as a man.  He had to face the final temptation of escaping death…so he set His mind; He was resolute! 

As a man, the first man, Adam had sinned.  Now a new race of being created.  The last “Adam” had overcome every temptation and was dying as the payment for all who would receive.  The “last Adam” was also a “second man!”  He is now the first in a new race of people, those who have been born again and He now lives His life through them!   (1Corinthians 15:45-49)

APPLICATION: I am so thankful for the joy of the Lord’s presence in my life.  But there are times when I do not feel His presence, and then I must have my heart and mind set on loving, and following, and serving Him.  No matter how I feel, I AM CONFIDENT THAT HE IS WORTHY OF MY DEVOTION! 

PRAYER:  Lord, may I walk with your mind-set ruling my thoughts.  Holy Spirit, help me also to be steadfast and resolute in my commitment to Jesus.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 24, 2026: SOAP #6138: Ezra 1; Psalm 84-85; Luke 7

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm 85:10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.

OBSERVATION:  What wisdom can bring “love and faithfulness together?”  How can “righteousness and peace kiss each other?”  Divine wisdom knew a way in which holiness would not be compromised nor love left unfulfilled.

Indeed, in the wisdom of God, His love is magnified. It is defined in the clearest and most easily understood terms!  Just how loving is this God?  Look at the answer to this dilemma!

Indeed, in the wisdom of God, His holiness is magnified!  How far will God go to remain eternally holy?  Just how holy is our God?  Look at the answer to this dilemma!

The answer is the cross!  In the cross the holiness of God is satisfied as the sinless blood of God’s only begotten Son is shed to pay for our sins!   What Holiness!  What a payment!  There was no special deal for Jesus, even though He was God, the sinless Son!   He had to pay the full price for our sin.  The wages of sin is death!

In the cross the love of God is satisfied as men who were lost in their sin can boldly approach the throne of God in worship, covered by the precious blood of God’s Son!  Their lives, now clean through the blood of Jesus become dwelling places for the Holy Spirit!

In the humble humanity of God, walking dusty roads, experiencing hunger and weariness, love and faithfulness met. And in the bloody, sweaty, suffering of the cross, righteousness and peace kissed each other!

APPLICATION: This was for me!  God did this for me!  It is hard to believe, but it is true!   It is amazing!

PRAYER:  “How can I say thanks for the things you have done for me?  Things, so undeserved, yet you did to show your love for me…To God be the glory.” (Andre Crouch) Amen. 

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
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