Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 04, 2022: SOAP #4446:  Exodus 37-38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 11: 27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

OBSERVATION: God is a giver, and it should be expected that those in whom He dwells will be givers also.  When the church in Antioch learned that Judea would be experiencing a famine, they did what we would expect believers to do.  They were acting like Christ!  They gave like Jesus!  Each one gave “according to his ability.”

In the verse just prior to the passage above we read, “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”  (Acts 11:26) God’s nature of giving was showing through them. 

APPLICATION:  I am a Christian.  It should go without saying that I am a giver.   The Lord has allowed some money to flow through my hands, from the extra job I have during retirement.  It is not a huge amount, but it brings me joy to send it out “according to my ability” and “as the Lord directs.” 

But the greatest riches I have is a knowledge of God and His Word.  These SOAPs provide the opportunity to give this most precious gift.  What a privilege is mine! 

PRAYER:  Lord, You have enriched me with your Word.  I am blest.  Make me a blessing in sharing these riches with others, I pray. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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