Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 22, 2023: SOAP #4829: Numbers 10-11; Psalm 27; Mark 1

My Daily Ministries

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 1:8 [John speaking] I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert,

OBSERVATION:  Here in the first chapter of Mark we have the Holy Spirit given priority in the ministry of Jesus.  First:  John announced that Jesus would baptize people with the Holy Spirit.  Second:  The Holy Spirit is seen in the form of a dove descending on Jesus when Jesus was baptized in water by John.  Third: The Holy Spirit sent him into the desert where he was tempted by the devil.  Fourth: in Luke 4:14 we read that Jesus returned from the wilderness in the power of the Spirit.  Fifth:  in Luke 4:17-18 Jesus publicly announced that the Spirit of the Lord was upon him!

Jesus, in coming to earth, continued to be God, but emptied himself of his “God” characteristics and walked on earth as a man.  He was tempted as a man and became the sinless sacrifice paying for our sins.  His ministry was under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. 

APPLICATION: As the Holy Spirit had a place of priority in the life and ministry of Jesus; He must have a place of priority in my life and ministry.   The Spirit’s wisdom is far superior to mine.  His power is more effective than mine.  It is foolish to rely on myself to live and minister for the Lord.

I must do as Jesus did and let the Holy Spirit guide me and flow through me in my daily ministries of writing SOAPs and driving the school bus. 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, continually fill me with your Holy Spirit.  Holy Spirit, continually remind of your presence.  I need your wisdom and power. Amen

Pastor Leon
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