Giving

Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

September 25: Ezra 2-3; Luke 8

Scripture: Luke (NIV) 8:1 After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another…The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

Observation: Luke here names three women who traveled with Jesus and the disciples. Luke also mentions their special ministry.

These women believed in Jesus. They believed in His ministry. They invested themselves and their finances into that ministry. They benefitted from that ministry. Surely their heavenly perspective is that this was the best investment they could have ever made with their money.

Colton Wickramaratne, who became the General Superintendent for the Assemblies of God in Ceylon tells how a poor widow woman who made her living in Florida by doing laundry was led by the Holy Spirit to send money every month to support him in Bible School. She now shares in his eternal reward.

Application: Through my presence, through my help, through giving, and through words of encouragement I can give into the ministries of others. If I follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, what I am able and led to give can have a great impact on someone just starting in ministry. Small gifts and words of encouragement can mean much more at the beginning of ministry than the larger support that will come later. Like the song says, “Little is much when God is in it!”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give through me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!