October 21, 2018: SOAP #3244:  Job 9-10; Acts 13-14

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 14:21 They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Observation:  Barnabas and Paul had been sent out on this missionary journey by the church in Antioch; now they started back home.  They visited the churches they had started in cities they along the way back.  Their ministry was to strengthen and encourage the believers.

Application: As my wife, Sharon, and I visit churches in Kansas, our goal is to strengthen and encourage the Senior believers.  We want to encourage them to keep the fire of the Holy Spirit burning in their church, in their homes, and in their daily lives.  The ministry of the Holy Spirit is too valuable to allow to dry up as we get older.  It is too valuable to limit to just Sunday mornings.  It is for every day, and for every age.  The gifts of the Holy Spirit are needed in the home, in the work place, in the retirement center.  They are needed at graduation time, at middle age, and in retirement!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, You are not just someone I read about in the Bible.  You are not just someone from the past that people have written about.  You are powerfully present today!  Find me a vessel you can work through. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!