Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 09, 2022: SOAP #4451:  Leviticus 10-12; Acts 16

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 16:6 Paul and his companions travelled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

OBSERVATION: Paul had learned to carefully follow the Holy Spirit.  He had been sent into the traveling ministry by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 13:2-4)   And here in chapter 16, Paul is moving ahead to continue the ministry given by the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit says, “No!”  They were not allowed to go into the province of Asia, nor into Mysia.  Then through a dream, Paul and Barnabas were led to the Macedonian city of Philippi.  A church was established in Philippi to which Paul later wrote a letter which is a part of the New Testament. 

Later we read that Paul spent two years ministering in the city of Ephesus and that everyone, “Jews and Greeks,” who lived in the province of Asia “heard the word of the Lord Jesus!”  (Acts 19:10)   Paul also wrote the New Testament book of Ephesians, a letter to the church in Ephesus. 

APPLICATION:  God’s “No” to Paul was not because God did not care about the people in Asia.  The people of Macedonia were not better favored by God than those in Asia.  God loved both and both were included in God’s timetable. 

God’s “No’s” are just as important as God’s “Go’s.”  To have the greatest effect for God in this world, I must listen to both.  At times God will hold me back; at times God will spur me on. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, it is so important that I be in time with Heaven’s plan. A word at the right time can mean so much to my wife, to my son.  A visit at the right time can open doors for ministry, for employment, for relationship, and so much more.  I want to be sensitive to your impressions, your thoughts, your voice, the scriptures you bring to my mind.  I will not be offended when you say, “No.”  I will be quick to respond when you say, “Go.”  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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