March 31, 2018: SOAP #3040: Judges 9-10; Psalm 49; 1Corinthians 16

Scripture:  1Corinthians (NIV) 16:17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

Observation:   In Paul’s day, there was no telegraph, telephone, facebook, or internet.  Mail had to be hand carried by a friend on foot, or on a ship sailing on the wind or currents.  It took a while for information to arrive, and just as long for the reply.

The arrival of friends with personal information, who have a personal relationship with the friends back home and can answer questions—yes, their arrival would surely refresh one’s spirit.

Application:   What a different day in which we live!  I remember trying to carry on a conversation with Sharon via two-way radio from Viet Nam to Kansas, USA.  That was a big improvement from Paul’s day, but a long way from what we have today!

After years of messages sent through prophets and written in scrolls which were available to just a few, God sent His Son, Jesus!  God knows that nothing is better than the arrival of a friend who can answer questions.

And today, God is sending me with a personal message from God to someone needing to hear what He has to say.

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, speak through me today.  May someone hear a personal message from you through me.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!