Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 22, 2026:  SOAP #5925:   Numbers 10-11; Psalm 27; Mark 1

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 1:7 And this was his [John the Baptist] message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 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 baptised 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.

OBSERVATION:  In the above scriptures I see two very interesting things:  One: Jesus’s baptism in water was the beginning of a new relationship He would have with the Holy Spirit.  Jesus came to earth as a man; he had laid aside his deity to walk on earth as a man.  As a man, he relied on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide him and work through Him. 

Two:  the second thing I find interesting is in John’s words about Jesus.  Jesus would baptize us with the Holy Spirit.  Jesus wants his disciples to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit just as he did!  

APPLICATION:  My relationship with the Holy Spirit is a very important part of my life as a Christian.  I must learn to hear his voice.  I will learn how to be a victorious, overcoming believer as I follow his directions.  He will help me understand God’s word, even when I do not have a Bible available. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, what a priceless and precious relationship I have with you.  You help me to properly honor Jesus in my life.  Since you know Jesus and the Father so much better than I do, I depend on you to put your ideas in my heart and mind that will enable me to serve them in a way that they will enjoy.  Use me to bring them joy!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 21, 2026:  SOAP #5924:   Numbers 8-9; Acts 28

SCRIPTURE:  Romans (NIV) 28:16 When we got to Rome, Paul [as a prisoner] was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

23 They [the Jews in Rome] arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.

30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION:  When Paul started ministry, with Barnabas, he went on journeys, traveling to spread the gospel.  But here the people came to him!  The presence of the Roman guard probably discouraged any troublemakers from bothering, so he was able to minister without opposition.  Instead of traveling to various places, he welcomed people into his rented house. 

APPLICATION:  When our work keeps us in the same location, or when our health keeps us at home or in the hospital, or when young children keep us at home, we need to treat every person who comes our way as a special assignment from the Lord. 

We can welcome them in the Lord and when they leave, may they take His presence with them.  They can leave encouraged.  May they leave with a new perspective and appreciation for the Lord who blesses us!   May they leave wanting to know the God about whom we so highly talk!  

PRAYER:  Lord, in areas where I feel like I am in a prison of my circumstances, help me to see the “special assignments” you bring my day.  May no one feel like a burden or disruption, but as someone brought to me by God.   Amen 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 19, 2026:  SOAP #5922:   Numbers 5-6; Psalm 22; Acts 26

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 26:24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.”
25 “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable.

OBSERVATION:  Festus had invited King Agrippa to listen to Paul and then give advice on what charges to write when sending Paul, the prisoner, to Rome.  As Paul is passionately speaking to King Agrippa, Festus loudly interrupts.  Three dynamics were at work as Paul was speaking.  First, he was speaking truth that could not be denied.  It was reasonable.  Second, the anointing of the Holy Spirit was upon Paul as he spoke.  Third, the Holy Spirit was convicting the hearts of the hearers.  The Spirit’s presence can be seen in Festus’ reaction.  He was so stirred that he had to respond.  He interrupted King Agrippa’s hearing. 

APPLICATION:  If I am speaking to a large gathering, or to a single individual, it is a team ministry. First, God depends on me to open my mouth and speak the truth.  Second, I depend on the Holy Spirit to anoint me.  Third, the Holy Spirit convicts the heart of those hearing the message. 

Whether we are speaking to a family member at home, or a stranger in the marketplace, or to those gathered at a believer’s meeting, like Paul, we should “team up” with the Holy Spirit.  He gives strength and credibility to our words no matter how loudly or softly they are spoken.  People hear our words through their ears but hear the Spirit’s words in their heart! 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, may I always speak words that are true and reasonable.  I want to write words that you can anoint.  Convince the hearts of the readers of truth and show them how that truth can be applied to their lives. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 18, 2026:  SOAP #5921:   Numbers 3-4; Acts 25

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 25:18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus whom Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters;

OBSERVATION:  Festus was explaining to King Agrippa about an earlier hearing he conducted to determine if Paul was guilty of the charges against him.  

It is interesting to read his description of Jesus—“a dead man named Jesus whom Paul claimed was alive.”

APPLICATION:  There are many people in the world with a limited understanding of who Jesus is.  Some think He was a great man, even a great prophet.  That is what they have been taught.  They do not know that He is God, He is alive today, and He is still doing miracles.  They do not know that His death on the cross can be the payment for their sins.  They do not know that He will make their heart His home!  

Some of them live and work close to me.  God wants to use me to expand their understanding of who Jesus is and what a great privilege it is to serve Him! 

PRAYER:  Lord, may people easily see that I count it a great privilege to serve you!  You are such a wonderful Lord!  I cannot think of anything better to do with my life than to dedicate it to you! Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 16, 2026:  SOAP #5919:   Leviticus 26-27; Acts 23

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

OBSERVATION:  On his trip to Jerusalem, Paul had been warned many times that he would meet with trouble.  The prophetic words proved true.  Trouble had indeed found Paul.  Now in a Roman jail, the Lord appears to Paul. 

Just the Lord’s Presence must have communicated to Paul several things:  first, “I know where you are!” And second, “I know how to get to you!”  
Then the Lord’s spoken words said first, “I know you have been faithful.”  And second, “I have more for you to do.” 

Trouble is not an indication that I have missed God!  It is amazing to me that God was using Rome to protect the life of Paul and He would later use Rome to provide the transportation to the city of Rome where God wanted Paul to give testimony. That which limited Paul, only served to further his ministry.  Consider, it was while he was in Rome’s prison he wrote his letters that took him around the world to generations of people living long after his death! 

APPLICATION:  You may think you are limited, but God may be using those limitations to spread your ministry further than you could ever have dreamed!  The “prison cell” you are in is not meant by God to limit your ministry, but to focus your ministry.

You may be limited to a sick-bed, but your prayers are reaching around the world.  You may be limited to your home, but you can focus on your family who will go far beyond the limits of the home.  You may be limited to a small community, or a small church, but your lessons and examples will be passed on to generations. 

PRAYER:  Lord, help me not to be so concerned about what I cannot see but to focus more clearly on what I can see.  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 15, 2026:  SOAP #5918:   Leviticus 25; Psalm 25-26; Acts 22

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 21:28 …This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple area and defiled this holy place.”

Acts (NIV) 22:6 “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ 8 “‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. “‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied.

OBSERVATION:  Paul was beaten until rescued by the Roman soldiers.  He was being falsely accused of bringing Greeks into the temple area—an action that would be extremely offensive to the Jews. 

He had actually paid for other Jews to go through the ceremonies with him. But when Paul was given an opportunity to publicly defend himself, he did not try to explain that he had not brought non-Jews into the temple.  He told them about Jesus!  He told them about how he had met Jesus. 

Paul was more concerned about presenting Jesus than in defending himself. 

APPLICATION:  Accusations against me, might be opportunities to tell people about Jesus.   Sometimes I am too quick to defend myself, to prove that I am right.  I should be more concerned about presenting Jesus! 

PRAYER:  Lord, forgive me for the times I allowed temporal issues to override eternal issues.  Forgive me for the times I was more interested in what people thought of me than what I might tell them about you.  Holy Spirit, keep me focused on what really matters!  Keep me focused on the eternal issues. Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 14, 2026:  SOAP #5917:   Leviticus 23-24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm 24:3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior.

OBSERVATION:  Here are four qualities found in those accepted into God’s presence.  No question about it, this worshipper will be blest!    

APPLICATION:  We now stand complete in Christ Jesus, accepted into the Presence of God on the basis of being in the Beloved Son and because of His work.  Praise the Lord! 

However, those desiring to please God and walk in His blessing can ask themselves four questions: 
1.  Do I have clean hands?  Do the things that can be seen and heard by other people (my actions and my words) demonstrate that God is living inside me? 
2. Is MY heart pure?  Do the things that only God can see and hear (my thoughts and meditations) cause God to smile? 
3. Who am I serving?  What takes my time and money?  Is there anything in my life that is more important than my relationship to God?
4. Where am I committed?  What is the bottom line in my life? …the one thing to which everything else becomes second?    

I want to make it easy for God to bless me!

PRAYER:  Lord, I want to live a life that you will want to bless.  May it be easy for you to bless me.  May I make you smile!  Amen. 

Pastor Leon
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