Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 24, 2022: SOAP #4708: Job 15; Acts 19-20

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 20:33 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:  Paul’s is giving a farewell 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 driving the school bus, 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!

Since Christians are instructed to do everything for the glory of God (1Corinthians 10:31), my work should be to the very best of my ability. My attitude at work should make me a blessing to the other nearby workers. My supervisors should have no doubt that they are getting my best.

PRAYER:  Lord, make me a blessing to my boss. Make me a blessing to those who work near me. Make me a blessing to those who benefit from my work. But most of all, may my work be a blessing to you! Amen

Pastor Leon
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