Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 8, 2022: SOAP #4478:  Deuteronomy 7-9; Mark 15

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 15:40 Some women were watching [the crucifixion of Jesus] from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there…. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

OBSERVATION: The women had no responsibility in the events of the day.  They were not a necessary part of the narrative.  They had no power to intervene.  They could not change a thing.  It would have happened exactly the same if they were not there. 

But they were there!  It was a ministry of presence.  They stood available.  They were willing to be seen in support of Jesus.  They saw Him die.  They saw His body taken down from the cross.  They noted “where He was laid.”   

Reading a few verses into chapter 16 we find the reward for such a ministry.  They were the first to witness the empty tomb and receive a message for the disciples.  The ministry of presence brought Mary Magdalene to be the first to see the risen Jesus! 

APPLICATION: Sometimes all I have is the ministry of presence.   I do not know what to say; I do not know what to do; but my presence says I care.  My presence sometimes gives an open door to say a word of cheer, congratulations, encouragement, or comfort.  It may provide the opportunity to do a small deed of kindness.  My words and/or deeds may soon be forgotten, but they will remember my presence—they will remember that I was there. 

NOTE:  I think about this ministry in the ways Jesus ministers to me.  His presence means so much!   His presence says so much to me.  It says He is with me and He is aware of my struggle. 

PRAYER:  Lord, I cannot describe the value of your presence in my life.  Knowing that you will never leave me, nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6) causes courage to flood my heart and mind.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 7, 2022: SOAP #4477:  Deuteronomy 5-6; Psalm 43; Mark 14

SCRIPTURE:  Deuteronomy (NIV) 5:8 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

OBSERVATION: Note the difference between verse nine and ten.  God brings punishment to three and four generations of those who hate Him but blesses a thousand generations for those who love him‼

In this, I see that God created man to demonstrate His great capacity to love!  God was not created for man.  Man was created for God.  Man was created to fulfill something lacking—an avenue to express the great love of God—the love shared within the Trinity.  God needed a living being whom He could love and who had the capacity to love Him in return.  It is proper that we love Him because He first loved us.  But He loved us with no guarantee that we would return His love.  He even increased the odds that man would reject His love by giving Satan freedom to tempt and deceive man. For those who receive and return His love, they will be eternal, living displays of the great love of God.    

APPLICATION: Nothing in creation will ever be able to question the Love of God.  Should the question of God’s love ever arise, all heaven can point to Leon! 

Jesus died on the cross as payment for my sins!  Jesus has often forgiven my sins.  I have often humbly approached the throne of mercy with the truth of 1John 1:9: “If I confess my sins, He is faithful and just to forgive me my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness.” 

PRAYER:  Lord, as I prepare this SOAP, my heart is being stirred by your Holy Spirit.  So many times, you have graciously forgiven me and blessed me with your Holy Presence.  Thank you for forgiving me and showing your kindness to me. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 6, 2022: SOAP #4476:  Deuteronomy 3-4; Psalm 36; Mark 13

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 13:5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no-one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth-pains. 9 “You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.

OBSERVATION: The gospel is the good news about Jesus paying for our sins with His death on the cross.  That payment sets us free from paying for our own sins by spending eternity in hell.  That payment secures for us an entrance into spending eternity in heaven. 

The requirement is that every nation must hear the good news.   It is the fulfillment of the Great Commission Jesus gave His disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” [Matthew 28:18-20]

APPLICATION: The events this week as Russia invades Ukraine are strong indications that we are approaching the end.  I am privileged to be a part of the end time requirement to “preach the gospel to all nations.”   The Holy Spirit’s anointing has been given to enable me/us to be a part of this important task.  (Acts 1:8)   

I must be aware of the people God brings my way.  And I must be ready to share the gospel with them. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I need your anointing to empower me to witness to my generation—to my family, my neighbors, my friends, and others.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 5, 2022: SOAP #4475:  Deuteronomy 1-2; Mark 12

  (reworked SOAP from 2011)

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 12:28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” 29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

OBSERVATION: Here is a question that had probably been asked since just after the commandments were given to Moses.  Surely this “teacher of the Law” had heard this question debated many times.  Which of the Ten Commandments is most important?  If I can only keep one, which one should it be?  Which one should I be most careful not to break?

The difference is that now it is being asked of One Who could give an authoritative answer!   The answers received from others could be considered and debated, but the answer received from Jesus must be accepted and applied

APPLICATION: Since I claim to be a Christian—a follower of Jesus, the answer Jesus gave should be the bottom line for my life.    Not only should I set myself to do nothing that would make God doubt my love for Him, but I should also set myself to know Him better so that I may better know how to love Him—with the passion of my heart, with the choices of my will, with the intelligence of my mind, and with the actions of my strength. 

PRAYER:  Lord, may my love for you be well known in heaven and here on earth.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 4, 2022: SOAP #4474:  Numbers 34-36; Mark 11

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 11:20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig-tree withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig-tree you cursed has withered!”
22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.
23 “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

OBSERVATION: Faith is a mental conviction strong enough to affect my actions.  As I see it, faith does not release my power and ability; it releases the power and ability of the one in whom I place my faith.  Acting in faith is a confession of my weaknesses and dependence on the one in whom I have faith.

When I place my faith in a bank, if my faith is strong enough, I will place my money in that bank.  By my faith, I release that bank’s protection and its promises of interest. 

Faith is only as strong as the foundation on which it rests.  The greatest faith has the greatest foundation.  Jesus said, “Have faith in God.” 

APPLICATION: To have faith in God, I need to know what He is like.  Is He trustworthy?  What pleases Him?  And of course, does He speak?  What has He said? 

For example, I know what God has said about giving.  My faith in God makes me a giver.  My giving releases God to fulfill His word of blessing, of reward, of provision, etc. to me.  He does more than I could ever do.  God’s actions in response to my giving causes my faith to grow. 

I also know what God has said about forgiving…about relationships…about fellowship…about…  When my faith in God causes me to obey His word, I release His wisdom and power on my behalf. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, in great wisdom, you gave us the Bible so we would know who you are, how I can trust you, and what you have said.  Thank you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon   
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 3, 2022: SOAP #4473:  Numbers 32-33; Mark 10

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 10:28 Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!” 29 “I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no-one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

OBSERVATION: Money is such an important part of life, so, as we would expect, the Bible has much to say about money. Although “money” is not mentioned specifically in the above passage, one could not live out these truths without applying it to money. 

First we see that following Jesus requires sacrifice.  We also see that our sacrifice does not go unnoticed in heaven.  God takes the responsibility to reward us.  When I expect men to bring my reward, I get what men can give.  But when I expect God to give the reward…God is much more generous than men…God has many more ways to reward than men…and God has more ways to get His reward to us.  God’s rewards and blessings are not trouble free.  We live in a fallen world.  The Bible also has much to say about persecutions.  We see that God’s rewards extend into eternity! 

APPLICATION:  We have the joy of giving and receiving here in this life.  In addition, we will have rewards in eternity!   Is it worth-while to follow Jesus?  Is it worth the sacrifice?  It definitely is!!!  

PRAYER:  Lord, in comparison to you, any sacrifice I am required to make seems so small. May you be blessed by my living and my giving. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 2, 2022: SOAP #4472:  Numbers 30-31; Mark 9

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 9:2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)  7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” 8 Suddenly, when they looked round, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus had taken his disciples to a mountain to pray.  While they were there, they had some very unique visitors, Elijah and Moses.  The disciples were amazed.  It was good to be there on the mountain with Jesus.  They wanted to stay there; they were willing to build a shelter for Jesus and the visitors. 

But soon the visitors were gone.  Only Jesus remained with the disciples to return to the foot of the mountain.  (Just a thought: what would have happened if Jesus had left with Moses or Elijah and left one of them behind?)

APPLICATION: I think of times in my life when special people gathered around.  I remember my parents driving out to San Diego when Sharon and I were married.  They had to return, back to Kansas, but Jesus remained with us!   I remember my mother’s funeral; I remember my father’s funeral.  I remember my brother and his family flying from Hawaii.  They lingered for several days then had to return home, but Jesus remained with us! 

I remember times of being encouraged and uplifted by the visit of dear friends; then they left, but Jesus remained!  

PRAYER:  Lord, I count on you; I depend on you.  You have never, nor will You ever leave me nor forsake me.  You are with me in this moment.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
March 1, 2022: SOAP #4471:  Numbers 28-29; Mark 8

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 8:14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. …
17 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? 
19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. 20 “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” 21 He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

OBSERVATION: The disciples were focused on the amount of bread.  Their focus was on how many basketfuls.  Twelve the first time and seven the second. 

But I think they missed the most important thing.  Jesus said, “When I broke the five loaves…” and “When I broke the seven loaves…”  The important thing was not how many basketfuls remained after everyone ate, but WHO was breaking the Bread! 

Now they had only one loaf.  The basketfuls were not with them.  They had been left behind.  But the Bread-breaker—now that was different.  He was still in the picture!   He could take the one loaf they had AND He could take care of other problems too!!! 

APPLICATION: I must always remember that the Miracle-worker of my past is with me today!  The Healer of my past diseases is with me today!  The Wisdom-giver in my past troubles is with me today!  My Friend, my Provider, my Way-finder and Way-maker…   Yes, the Bread-breaker is with me today!  

PRAYER:  Jesus, with you, nothing is impossible.  With you, all things are possible!  What you have done in my past springs to new life today.  You are all I need.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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NOTE:  To those working with children depending on you for their daily food.  Remember, the Bread-breaker is with you!   You are working for Him!  You can count on Him.  Depend on Him! 

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 28, 2022: SOAP #4470:  Numbers 24-27; 1Corinthians 13

SCRIPTURE:  Numbers (NIV) 27:15 Moses said to the LORD, 16 “May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community 17 to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so that the LORD’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” 18 So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him.

OBSERVATION: Moses was being relieved of his leadership position and as a good leader he was concerned about who the Lord would have to take the position. 

The King James version gives verse 17 as: Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd.

The work of a shepherd in Bible days was to lead the sheep from the front.  To drive the sheep from the back, like one can drive cattle, would cause the sheep to scatter.  Cowboys drive their cattle; shepherds lead their sheep.

God’s people are like sheep and need a leader who leads from the front.  Like Jesus did for His disciples, the church leader needs to set the example. 

APPLICATION: People are willing to pay a lot of money for an education; they are looking for a teacher.  But I have learned more from “OJT” (on-the-job-training).  Learning from an example answers questions I did not know I should be asking.  It seems I remember an example longer than I remember a lesson. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, in some ways, and to some people (especially to our children) we are all leaders. Holy Spirit, help us to set a good example. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 27, 2022: SOAP #4469:  Numbers 21-23; Mark 6-7

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 6:35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

OBSERVATION: The disciples said, “Send them away.”  Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.”  The disciples saw the problem in terms of money.  Jesus saw the problem in terms of what was available for Him to use.  After checking they found five loaves and two fish!   The fish and bread were placed in Jesus hands.  He gave thanks and broke them; then he gave the pieces to the disciples.  And the disciples did what he had originally told them to do!  They gave the people (5000 men plus women and children) something to eat!  They all had enough to eat with twelve basketfuls of leftovers!

APPLICATION:  God OFTEN gives me something to do that is bigger than me!  God NEVER gives me something to do that is bigger than Him!  God uses those assignments to stretch my faith.  He teaches me that I can trust Him. 

God knows me.  He knows what I have available.  He knows my strengths and weaknesses.  He knows before He gives me the assignment that it will take more than I have.  Even before He assigned the task to me, God already knew that He would need to fill in for my lack.  He knows that I will need to get in step with Him so together we will accomplish His will. 

PRAYER:  Lord, your disciples discovered that putting what they had in your hands allowed you to multiply it to meet the need with extra.  Lord, I am finding that principle also works with money. And I am learning to trust your willingness to help me fulfill your assignments. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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