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

February 9: Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16

Scripture: Acts (NIV) 16:40 After Paul and Silas came out of the prison; they went to Lydia’s house and encouraged them. Then they left.

Observation: What makes this verse interesting is that the ones who had just been released from prison were the ones doing the encouraging! Not only were they in prison, they had been “severely flogged” and their feet placed in stocks. They had been freed by an earthquake and the jailer had washed their backs. They had baptized the jailer and his family who became believers. They had been released from prison and stopped by Lydia’s house on their way out of town. They were not looking for a “pat on the back” or someone to show them some pity for what they had suffered. They were not looking for encouragement from those gathered at Lydia’s house; they were the ones giving encouragement!

Application: God has ways of focusing our attention on others rather than on the trials we are going through. If we sincerely look around, the Holy Spirit will show us someone who needs encouraging or a helping hand.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me keep my eyes on you and on ways I can be a blessing to those around me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!