October 22, 2019: SOAP #3610:  Job 11-12; Acts 15-16

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 16:13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshipper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Observation:  Paul and his traveling companions had been in the city several days.  They probably checked out places where they could meet other believers.  Something about this place by the river caught their eye.  So, on the Sabbath, they headed off to that location, “expecting to find a place of prayer.”  They went to “church” with expectations!   They expected to find praying people.  People should expect the same today!

Application:   I remember first arriving at Balboa US Naval Hospital in San Diego.  I had been sent there for medical training.  I knew no one.  The only friends I had were those I had not yet met.  How would I find a Christian friend?  I am sure it was the Lord who put a thought in my mind.  I entered the mess (dining) hall expecting to fine a person who would bow his head in prayer before eating his meal.  Before I was through the line, I saw a sailor bow his head to pray.  I took my food to his table and did the same thing.  And that is how I met Boyd Adams.

What do people expect to find when they join with other Christians.  Do they expect to find a place of prayer?  Prayer is always appropriate when two Christians meet!

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, remind me to pray with and for each believer I meet.  May I be praying when I meet them, may our conversation contain an element of prayer, and when we part, may I continue on my way praying.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!