Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 21, 2022: SOAP #4463:  Numbers 8-9; Acts 28

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 28:7 There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and for three days entertained us hospitably. 8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. 9 When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us in many ways and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

OBSERVATION: Here again we see the prisoner Paul being the center of attention.  Obviously, Paul had a good attitude.  Paul had much for which he could complain.  But it would have been difficult for Paul to have a mouth full of complaining, then pray and minister healing to the sick. 

If we should read of Paul having a “poor me, pity party” many of the things he wrote to the churches he loved would lose some of their value. 

APPLICATION:  The Lord wants His people ready to minister to others at a moment’s notice.  I must guard my heart.  I must guard my thoughts.  I must guard my words.  I must not allow grumbling and complaining to dull my sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. 

Instead of complaining about obvious inconveniences, I need to keep my heart full of the goodness of God.  Being ready to be an instrument of God’s grace is much more important that having the freedom to express my irritation at some inconvenience. 

I need the Holy Spirit to help me be like Jesus.  He was God yet He did not take offence at being a man and being mistreated as a man!  (Philippines 2:5-7)

May the testimony I leave with others not be dulled by a complaining attitude. 

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, I am so glad you are living in me.  I need your help to keep a kind and peaceful attitude when I am irritated by my circumstances and how others treat me.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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