October 27, 2015:  SOAP #2154:

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 13:3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.  (also: Acts 16:10)

Acts (NIV) 28: 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:  Sometimes God sent His messenger, Paul, to the cities of the Roman Empire.  Sometimes God brought people to His messenger.  I have read that Watchman Nee was thrown in prison for preaching the gospel.  Soon so many guards were becoming believers that the authorities placed new guards with him every day.  When He was unable to preach to congregations in the cities, God brought him a new congregation every day.  They were as captive to him as he was to them!

Application: My ministry is not limited by my location or my resources.  It is limited only by my lack of vision and my lack of faith.  If God has not opened the expected door for ministry, then He must have opened another door.  If I do not have the resources to do what I think would be good to do, I should use the resources I have to do what I can do!  If I am faithful to use what I have, God will be faithful to provide what is needed to do His will.  It just does not make any sense that God would speak to me through His word and fill me with His Holy Spirit and then place me where there is no opportunity to serve Him!

Prayer:   Lord, I want to be your faithful servant in both ways:  send me where you please AND bring people to me that you want to reach through me.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!