February 11, 2016:  SOAP #2261:   

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 18:1 After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them.

Observation:   Until Silas and Timothy arrived (verse 5) Paul supported himself by working as a tent maker.  He took room and board with a husband and wife who were also tent makers.  Every Saturday (the Sabbath) he was at the synagogue talking with people about Jesus.  Paul did not let lack of financial support stop him from ministry.  That God used Paul’s own hands to provide for his needs and ministry was fine with Paul.  I am sure that as Paul worked on the tents, he took advantage of opportunity to talk about Jesus in the workplace.  After all, Paul’s calling did not just work speaking in the synagogue.  He was just as much an apostle when making tents as when he was speaking in public.

Application:  Help me remember that ministry happens wherever I am.  I want God to use my life as an example to people who believe they are called to minister, but think that they must have some specific assignment in the church in order to fulfill their calling.  I am just as much of a pastor when driving a school bus as when preaching.

Prayer:   Lord, I am your servant!  Use me when, where, and how you desire.  You know how you can best use me.  I want my service to bring joy to your heart.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!