October 27, 2020: SOAP #3981:  Job 18; Psalm 114; Acts 27-28

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 28:16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him. …
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION:  At the end of chapter 24 we read that Felix kept Paul in prison for two years.  When Felix took over, he had a trial in which Paul appealed to Caesar, which was his right as a Roman citizen.  In the verses above we read that Paul was kept in house arrest in Rome awaiting his time before Caesar. 

Four years in confinement plus travel time which included a shipwreck and spending the winter on the island of Malta.

As we read this section of the book of Acts, we can readily see that the years of unfair imprisonment did not hinder the Holy Spirit anointing on Paul.  Bitterness had not tarnished his sensitivity to the Spirit.  The limitations he experienced provided their own unique opportunities for ministry.  Being limited as a prisoner, Paul ministered to his guards.  Being limited on a ship, he ministered to the crew.  Being limited to a rented house, he ministered to those who visited him. 

APPLICATION:  May I never allow the limitations that surround me hinder the ministry of the Holy Spirit in and through me.  Every limitation opens another door of opportunity for me.  I may not have enough money to do one thing, but I have more time to do something else.  I may not be able to go to one destination, but I can minister where I am or nearby.  I may not have the needed supplies for what I would like to do, but I have the Holy Spirit anointing to do what the Spirit leads. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I trust you to lead me.  Flow through me.  Speak through me.  Use me to glorify Jesus.  Remind me of this SOAP devotion the next time I face limitations. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!