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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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 26, 2022: SOAP #4468:  Numbers 19-20; Psalm 28; Mark 5

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 28:6 Praise be to the LORD,

for he has heard my cry for mercy.    

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
          my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
          and I will give thanks to him in song.
8 The LORD is the strength of his people,
          a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;
          be their shepherd and carry them forever.

OBSERVATION: As I pondered these verses the following truth came strongly to my thoughts:  Man did not create God so that God would minister to man’s needs.  Man is the creation of God.  Man was created to minister to God’s needs! 

But what does an Eternal, Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, God need?  He needs opportunity to express His love, His compassion, His tenderness.  He is looking for people needing mercy.  He is looking for weak people needing His strength.  He is looking for people needing protection.  He is looking for people who need help! 

The above verses do not show what we can do for God, but what God does for us. 

APPLICATION:  Considering this, my heart leaps for joy and I express myself in song.  My every weakness gives God opportunity to demonstrate His greatness.  My sin gave God the opportunity to express His love.  He took my place on the cross. 

PRAYER:  Lord, my life is, and will be, my testimony of what you have done for me.  Love and appreciation hold me to living a life that pleases you.  May I be quick to tell others of your Love, your Mercy and Grace.   Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 25, 2022: SOAP #4467:  Numbers 17-18; Psalm 29; Mark 4

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 4:1 Again Jesus began to teach by the lake. … 2  He taught them many things by parables, and in his teaching said: …
38  … The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

OBSERVATION: In this chapter, Mark shows us the teaching ministry of Jesus.  Jesus was a teacher.  He helped people understand.  He taught them as they listened.  They asked questions as He listened.  He taught them by example as they watched.  He had them minister as He watched.  Then He sent them out and had them report back.  Then He left, but He did not leave them alone. 

Jesus was not depending on the disciples to carry on His ministry.  The ministry was way too important to leave in their hands.  Jesus had taught them how, but they would need power!  He instructed them to wait in Jerusalem until they were filled with the same Holy Spirit that came upon Him when He was baptized in water by John the Baptist!  (Acts 1:4-8)

APPLICATION:  Having been taught, and still being taught by Jesus and His ministers, prepares me to teach also.  He wants to use me to help others understand.  But more than what I have learned from others or by studying on my own…so much more is the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life!  He opens the Word to my mind and heart.  He anoints me to prepare these SOAPs. 

PRAYER:  Lord, you blessed me to be a blessing.  You have taught me to enable me to teach others.  And you have put The Holy Spirit in my life to give a divine touch to this ministry.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 24, 2022: SOAP #4466:  Numbers 14-16; Mark 3

SCRIPTURE:  Numbers (NIV) 14:20 The LORD replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked.

OBSERVATION: The Israelites had refused to go into the Promised Land.  After all that God had done for them, they now refused to enter the Promised Land. 

God was extremely angry with them and (Num 14:11) the LORD said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them? 12 I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they.”

Then Moses prayed an amazingly effective prayer!  He prayed a prayer that changed the mind of God!  The Lord said, “I have forgiven them, as you asked!”

What did Moses say to God?  In Numbers 14:13-19 Moses reminded God of God’s plan for the Israelites: to be a testimony to the world.  And Moses quoted back to God what God had said when Moses asked to see God’s glory in Exodus 34:6-7. 

Moses had a personal experience with God!  What God had said was important to Moses.  It was important enough to remember.  It was important enough to quote back to God. 

APPLICATION:  What God says to Leon is important!  It is important enough for Leon to remember!  It is important enough to quote back to God.  God’s Word and what God has said to Leon should be a part of my prayers. 

God honors His Word!  It blesses God when I make decisions based of His Word.  It blesses God when He hears His Word in my prayers. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, by your Holy Spirit, you personalize your Word to me.  Holy Spirit, continually bring to my memory what God has spoken to me, especially when I am praying.  I want to hold tight to what God has said to me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 23, 2022: SOAP #4465:  Numbers 12-13; Psalm 90; Mark 2

(repeat from 2010)

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 2:3 Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4 Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on.
5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
…9 Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins….” He said to the paralytic, 11 “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”

OBSERVATION: Friends had heard about Jesus’ miracles and now Jesus was in town. Four of them picked up their paralyzed friend and took him to Jesus.  Because there were so many people wanting to see Jesus, their only recourse was to make a hole in the roof to let the paralytic down into the very room where Jesus was.  These men had “see-able” faith.  Jesus could see their faith; he both forgave the man’s sins and healed him.  This man was blessed because he had friends who had faith that could be seen.  Their faith made a difference in this man’s life.

APPLICATION:  Three questions:  How is my faith visible?  Are my friends blessed because of my faith?  Whose life will be changed today because Jesus sees my faith?

PRAYER:  Lord, may the things I say and do make my faith “see-able.”  Let my faith make a difference in someone’s life today.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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