Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 27, 2026:  SOAP #5930:   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 more than half a year’s wages!  Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”

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.  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:  When Jesus gives me to do something, He already knows what I have available and He knows how he can take what I have and multiply it to meet the need.   I have to place my limited resources in the hands of the Great Multiplier!   

It has been 2000 years since Jesus fed the 5,000 and the Holy Spirit quickens my heart that Jesus has had 2000 years of experience multiplying things needed for His people!   (Not that He needed any practice!)  He does not just multiply food; He can multiply gas, paper, money, ink, strength.  When we take our limited resources and place them in HIS HANDS, He supplies, even with left-overs!  We discover that His provision is sufficient!

PRAYER:  Lord, when I place my resources in your hands, there is often more left over than I had at the start!  You are amazing!    Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 26, 2026:  SOAP #5929:   Numbers 19-20; Psalm 28; Mark 5

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 5:35 While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

OBSERVATION:  Being a father was more important to Jairus than being a synagogue ruler.  Although the Jewish leaders opposed Jesus, nothing would hinder this father from doing anything that may save his dying daughter.  His urgent mission to bring Jesus to his daughter was interrupted by a woman who touched Jesus garment and was healed. 

Then Jairus received the word that no father wants to hear.  His daughter had died!  But Jesus heard the message too!   The servants advised Jairus to give up on his mission.  Jesus advised differently—then accompanied Jairus all the way to his dead daughter’s room, raised her from the dead, and told the parents to give her something to eat!     

APPLICATION:  I can never allow the world to give me the last word of advice.  No matter how desperate the situation, Jesus has something to say, and He will accompany me through the problem!  

The final word has not been spoken until Jesus has His say. 

PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, your word to believe, and your promise to never leave me.  You not only give me a word of encouragement, you give me your presence!  As the Psalmist said, “I will fear no evil, for thou are with me!” (Psalm 23) Amen

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 25, 2026:  SOAP #5928:   Numbers 17-18; Psalm 29; Mark 4

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 4:30 Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”

OBSERVATION:  Jesus here uses the tiny mustard seed to teach truth about the kingdom of God.  It is such a tiny seed yet grows into such a large plant that the birds can find a place of shade.  Though the seed is tiny, only 1-2 mm in size it can grow to a plant 6-20 feet tall!   Obviously, it is not the size of the seed, but the “size” of the life within the seed. 

APPLICATION:  And so it is with the kingdom of God.  Our place in God’s kingdom does not depend on the level of education, or the strength within the body, or the beauty of one’s voice, or the riches they may possess.  It depends on the life of God within!   …and more than that, it depends on the life of God that we allow to break through the hard shell of the seed. 

We have spent years training our mind to think and our body to respond.  We have been so programed to live within the limitations of our physical bodies and the limits of our own knowledge, that we forget that the Spirit of Almighty God dwells within us!  

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, as the seed must be broken to allow the life within to grow into its designed destiny, so cause my flesh to break and allow the life within me to grow and develop into what you are working in me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 24, 2026:  SOAP #5927:   Numbers 14-16; Mark 3

SCRIPTURE:  Mark (NIV) 3:13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. 14 He appointed twelve—designating them apostles— that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons.

OBSERVATION:  Earlier in this chapter (verse 7) we read of the crowds that followed Jesus from Galilee.  They wanted to be close enough to touch Him, so He asked for a small boat He could use to keep from being pushed into the lake.

The people wanted to be near Him.  They wanted what He was able to do for them.  But when going up on a mountainside, Jesus called the ones HE WANTED.  These were HIS choice. 

APPLICATION:  Jesus offers things that everyone wants and needs.  Everyone should want to be close to Jesus.  Everyone should want to be close enough to Jesus to touch Him.  I know I do. It is a blessing to get close enough to Jesus to touch Him. 

If you are reading the SOAPs you must have some desire to be close or to hear what He is saying,  But what an honor to know that HE WANTS me to be close to Him…to know that HE has chosen me to be close to Him.  He has an assignment for me.  There is something special He has for me.  He invites me to come up to a higher place with Him where He will strengthen and instruct me on doing His assignment.  I know that His invitation is open to everyone, but not everyone is willing to invest the effort to climb with Jesus.  How sad for them; how sad for Him. 

PRAYER:  Jesus, I want to again be the little boy in the 3^rd grade always raising my hand wanting the teacher to choose me.  Choose me, Lord.  What an honor it is to enjoy the intimacy of a climb with you through the scriptures.  The joy of fresh revelation sweeps over my soul.  May I always be one you want to be with you.    Amen

Pastor Leon
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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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