Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 24, 2023: SOAP #4831: Numbers 14-16; Mark 3

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 3:1 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” 4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5 He looked round at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.

OBSERVATION:  Of this same Jesus, John wrote: “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.”  (John 1:3)   Later Paul wrote:  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:  (Colossians 1:16)

With all the above verses in mind, we see the irony of the religious leaders trying to catch the Creator of the Sabbath doing something wrong on the Sabbath!  If anyone has the authority to teach about the Sabbath, it is Jesus!  As Creator, He knows what we need, so He provides the Sabbath. 

APPLICATION: Like we read yesterday in Mark 2:27 that man was not created so there would be someone to honor the Sabbath, but the Sabbath was created for man’s benefit.  The Sabbath was created to be a blessing to man, and Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath!  (Mark 2:28) 

I need to carefully listen to the words of Jesus and follow His example. 

PRAYER:   Thank you, Lord of the Sabbath, for times and seasons of rest.  Thank you for providing measurements for time, i.e. morning and evening, days and weeks, months and years, and seasons.  In this, Your wisdom is easily seen.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 23, 2023: SOAP #4830: Numbers 12-13; Psalm 90; Mark 2

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 2:27 Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

OBSERVATION:  Jesus was referring back to the account of creation in the first chapter of Genesis.  After man was created on the sixth day, God set the seventh day as the Sabbath.  If an earlier day had been set as the Sabbath, one might say that man was created to honor the Sabbath.  But the Sabbath came after the creation of man; Jesus said it was made for man’s benefit!  The Sabbath validated man’s need for rest. 

Jesus’ claim to be the “Lord even of the Sabbath” is backed up by many of his actions (healings) on the Sabbath. 

APPLICATION: Rest is a key principle in our physical health.  We ignore it to our detriment.  Rest brings revitalization and restoration.  It renews our energy to refocus on the tasks before us. 

Rest is also a key principle in our spiritual health.  By faith we rest in the Lord’s provision instead of relying on our good works.  (Hebrews 4:10)   We are saved by faith in God’s work, not our own works even though we were created to work. (Ephesians 2:8-10) We are not saved by what we do, but we honor God by what we do. 

PRAYER:   Lord, I rest in you.  Heavenly Father, you designed a special day for rest, obviously, rest is important!  You designed the cycle of night and day to provide for rest.  Holy Spirit, help me honor what was designed for my benefit.  Teach me when and how to rest. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

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
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 21, 2023: SOAP #4828: Numbers 8-9; Acts 28 (partial rework from 2020)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 28:16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him….
 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:  Obviously, bitterness did not tarnish Paul’s sensitivity to the Spirit.  The limitations he experienced provided their own unique opportunities for ministry.  Being limited as a prisoner, Paul ministered to his guards.  Being limited on a ship, he ministered to the crew.  Being limited under guard to a rented house, he ministered to those who visited him.  Being limited in prison, he wrote letters!

APPLICATION: Friends, may we never allow the limitations that surround us hinder the ministry of the Holy Spirit in and through us.  Every limitation opens another door of opportunity.  We may not have enough money to do one thing, but we have more time to do something else.  We may not be able to go to one destination, but we can minister where we are or nearby.  We may not have the needed supplies for what we would like to do, but we have the Holy Spirit anointing to do what the Spirit leads.

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, we trust you to lead us.  Flow through is.  Speak through us.  Use us to glorify Jesus.  Remind us of this SOAP devotion the next time we face limitations.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 20, 2023: SOAP #4827: Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 27:34 [Paul speaking to those on board a ship that was about to be shipwrecked.]  Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

OBSERVATION:  Paul could speak with confidence because he had heard from God.  He was not just speaking words to motivate the sailors; he was speaking based on an angelic message from God!  

Taking some bread, giving thanks to God so they could all hear, he began eating it “in front of them all.”  What a powerful witness of God’s presence!  What a powerful example for others to follow! 

APPLICATION: This is more than just an example of giving thanks for my meals.  It is an example of how I should respond in any stressful situation. 

Listening to what God is saying.  Remembering what God has said to me.  Giving public expression of my faith.  And setting a good example for those in my same circumstances, especially my family and friends. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, I need your help in stressful times.  Keep reminding me of what God has said to me.  Give me courage to set a good example.  Keep me steady in faith through the trouble. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 19, 2023: SOAP #4826: Numbers 5-6; Psalm 22; Acts 26

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 26:1  Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” So, Paul motioned with his hand and began his defense:

OBSERVATION:  In an earlier trial before Festus, Paul, as a Roman citizen, had appealed to Caesar.  In sending Paul to Caesar, Festus was looking for some help to write out the charges for which Paul was on trial.  So Festus invited the visiting King Agrippa to hear Paul and advise him. 

When Paul arrives in the room, he is given permission to speak. 

APPLICATION: King Agrippa gave Paul what we all have:  permission to speak.  God gave us permission to speak when He created us.  He gave us a mouth designed to form words.  He gave us a voice designed to make sounds that can be heard.  Communication is such an important part of creation!  Using what God has given me is one way of expressing my appreciation for what He has done for me. 

When I stand before God, only Jesus will speak for me.  How proper it is that while here on earth, I speak for Him.  My words and my actions speak for me in testimony of Jesus!

PRAYER:   Lord, may my actions speak so loud that if I do not have opportunity to use words, may those around me clearly see my appreciation for you!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 18, 2023: SOAP #4825: Numbers 3-4; Acts 25

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 25:9 Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?” 10  Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no-one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”

OBSERVATION:  The Romans had taken him prisoner to protect him from the Jews who were trying to kill him.  But Paul had a very important Visitor the night following his arrest.  Acts 23:11: And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.” 

I wonder if Paul stayed awake that night thinking of how he might get to Rome.  Should he send out an appeal letter asking for money to use for such a trip.  Who would accompany him and how much would it cost for their travel?  Many questions could have caused Paul a sleepless night.  BUT GOD already had a plan. 

In a few days, Paul was forced to appeal to Caesar’s court.  With that appeal, Rome became responsible for Paul’s passage to see Caesar!  Rome provided the transportation; Rome provided the food; Rome even provided escorts (Roman guards) to ensure Paul’s safe arrival.  What a God we serve!!! 

APPLICATION: God is willing to take the responsibility of providing whatever is needed for us to do His will!   God has unlimited resources, far greater than our limited resources! 

PRAYER:   Heavenly Father, you are the GREAT ENABLER!  You enable me to do what You give me to do.  When I know I have heard from you and that I am doing your will, I can trust you.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 17, 2023: SOAP #4824: Numbers 1-2; Acts 24

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 24:27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

OBSERVATION:  Prison time is not only hard time, it is slow time, with no mail, no magazines, no radio or television.  I do not see Paul as a person willing to sit around.  He moved from place to place.  He was a traveling man.  Day after day in prison would not be easy for Paul.  But God was with Him.  God’s will would be fulfilled in Paul.  God would be glorified in Paul, even in prison.  He might not be able to preach, but he could write.  He might not be able to go, but he could send letters.  He was limited, but fruitful.

2,000 years later, the Holy Spirit is still using the letters Paul wrote in prison to bring life to people.  Millions and millions of people have heard God speaking to them through Paul’s prison letters!   I think it would be correct to say that Paul’s limitations made him fruitful beyond his wildest imaginations!  

APPLICATION: God can use my limitations to focus me on His priorities. 
The limitations on me do not limit God!  
I must not allow Satan to discourage me by focusing me on my limitations!
I must remember that I am serving a limitless God! 
I must be faithful in working within my limitations. 
I must leave the results up to Him! 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, may the dreams of great possibilities never cause me to stop doing what I can do for the Kingdom.  May the dream of ministering to hundreds never cause me to overlook the single, lonely person on the side of the road.  Use me.  Find me faithful in little things. I like to sing, “Even though its humble, help my will to crumble.”  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 16, 2023: SOAP #4823: Leviticus 26-27; Acts 23

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 23:14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.” 16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.”

OBSERVATION:  He was just a young boy who overheard adults discussing their plans to kill Paul.  There was nothing someone his age could do, so he took the information to his Uncle Paul.  Paul had one of the centurions escort His nephew to the commander.  His story was believable, and the commander took actions accordingly.  (Read the rest of the chapter.)   

We all recognize the Apostle Paul as a main character in the Bible.  God not only chose and used Paul, but He also chose and used others.  Paul’s nephew was used in a very crucial way.  Paul’s life was spared.  Paul was alive to write other books of the Bible.

APPLICATION: There are many small unnoticed acts that we may have opportunity to do for the Lord.  We may think we are too small, or too old, or too young, or too poor, or too uneducated, or too limited to be useful to the Lord.  But, like Paul’s nephew, lets commit ourselves to use what we have in whatever way we can. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, please do not let me overlook the small things I can do.  Do not let me become so focused on the big things I hope to do, that I miss the small things I can easily do.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 15, 2023: SOAP #4822: Leviticus 25; Psalm 25-26; Acts 22

SCRIPTURE:  Psalm (NIV) 26:8 I love the house where you live, O LORD, the place where your glory dwells.9 Do not take away my soul along with sinners, my life with bloodthirsty men, 10 in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes. 11 But I lead a blameless life; redeem me and be merciful to me. 12 My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the LORD.

OBSERVATION:  Some see the level ground in verse 12 as referring to an easy path, one that will not cause us to stumble.  There is truth in that viewpoint.  However, I have come to consider it differently.  I see it as we all stand on level ground in God’s presence.  King David was not closer to the Lord than the other worshippers.  He was not ABOVE them because he was king. 

At the foot of the cross, we were all equally sinners and are equally redeemed.  We were all equally bought by the same blood.  Before the cross of Jesus, the important are humbled to join their praise and worship with the lowly.  Before the cross of Jesus, the lowliest are raised to stand shoulder to shoulder with the greatest leaders in history. 

APPLICATION: It is not your value, nor my value…it is the value of the treasure within us.  It is not their value, nor our value…it is the value of the treasure within.  Every person has value.  Jesus set the value of a person when He died on the cross to pay for our sins.  God, the Father, valued lost, sinful man so much that He was willing to send His Son to bring us back into right relationship. 

Join me in worship…

PRAYER:   Lord, we worship you.  We honor you.  We stand together “on level ground” before Your throne and declare that you are LORD!  Our hearts are humbled that you made room for us together in Your presence.  Keep our hearts knit together by your Holy Spirit, throughout this day.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon