Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 13, 2022: SOAP #4455:  Leviticus 20-22; Acts 20

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 20:32 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. 35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

OBSERVATION: These are Paul’s final words to the elders of the church in Ephesus.  He began by giving them a report of his own life and ministry.  He gave them a warning and committed them to God and God’s Word.  He ends with words about money.  He gives himself as an example of working to supply his own needs and those who traveled with him.  He gives himself as an example of a “hard worker.”  He gives himself as an example of a giver.  His work had purpose: to supply his own needs and to enable him to help the weak. 

APPLICATION:  It is true: it is more blessed to give than to receive!  As a giver, God has added a joyful purpose to my work.  I am not just serving me; I am serving God; I am serving others. 

When it is hard to get up early and go to work, the Lord provides joy in considering the blessing I will have in giving.  When the children are way too loud, when the weather is way too cold, when the country roads are way too dusty, I have found that the joy of the Lord is my strength!  HE rides my bus!

PRAYER:  Lord, what a privilege that you would use me to work in my community.  You have provided special opportunities to minister.  Those I meet at work every morning know that I am a pastor, but most of all they know that I am a Christian. Shine through me! Amen.

Pastor Leon
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