March 31, 2020: SOAP #3771:  Judges 9-10; Psalm 49; 1Corinthians 16

Scripture:   1Corinthians 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:  These three men had traveled in person from Corinth to visit Paul in the province of Asia.  Their effort in making the journey communicated the esteem in which they held Paul.  Their visit caused him to look away from his present struggles and look back on times when God was using him in Corinth.  They made the load seem lighter. They talked about what God had done while Paul was with them in Corinth. They filled him in with news of what was happening to people he loved.  They refreshed his spirit.

Application:  The Lord wants to use me today to refresh someone’s spirit.  I can do that by being with them, making a phone call, or sending an email.  I might remind them of how God has used them to bless me in the past.  I can encourage them to be hopeful.  I can build up their faith.   I can talk about how big and loving God is!

Prayer:  Lord, use me to lift my friend’s thinking out of the gloomy news about the coronavirus to the glory of Your presence.  You will be a part of the conversation.  May their heart become joyful and their burden become lighter as we talk of Your Presence and what You do for us.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!