Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

February 22: Numbers 10-11; Psalm 27; Mark 1

Scripture: Mark (NIV) 1:12 At once the Spirit sent him [Jesus] out into the desert, 13 and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

Observation: John the Baptist had announced that Jesus would soon be coming. When Jesus came to John, He was introduced as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” When John baptized Jesus in the river, the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove and a voice from heaven said, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” One would think that a great ministry was about to burst on the scene. But the next thing we see is that the Spirit sent him into the desert to be tempted by satan! The same Holy Spirit who anointed Jesus and worked the miracles by His word and hand, was the same Holy Spirit that sent Him into the wilderness.

Application: I believe God is bringing a time of revival to the USA, but I believe the Lord has shown me it will come as we go through a “wilderness” time. In considering some of the actions our leaders have taken, it seems obvious that their eyes are blinded and their hearts hardened. They seem restrained by some unseen force from acknowledging what is so obvious. What we are about to reap from their actions will be judgment on our nation. There is a spiritual war going on in our nation. The solution needed is a spiritual solution. The warriors needed are prayer warriors.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, You were with Jesus as you sent Him into the wilderness. I know that you are and will be with your people today as times of trouble come. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!