Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
October 25, 2022: SOAP #4709: Job 16; Acts 21-23

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 23:23 Then he [the Roman Commander] called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight. 24 Provide mounts for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”

OBSERVATION:  The irony of the situation cannot be missed.  Here the same Roman government that crucified Jesus at the insistence of the Jews, now goes to great ends to protect Paul from those same Jews!!!

Consider how God used the Roman government for His glory.  First, the tax that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.  The crucifixion (Acts 4:28). The arrest of Paul by the Romans protected Paul from the Jews.  The peace of the Rome (Pax Roma) allowed Paul to move freely to spread the gospel. 

Like blowing wind and flowing water, when its movement is limited, it will find a new channel, around, or over, or under.  The Holy Spirit is more powerful and more creative than blowing wind and flowing water!  When Rome closed the channel for Paul’s preaching ministry by imprisonment, God opened a channel for writing letters. 

APPLICATION: That which seems to stand against my ministry may be used by God to expand my ministry!  Lack of resources may limit Leon’s plans, but it can never limit the gospel! 

When limitations stop what I want to do, or what I think He would have me do, I need to keep faithful as He has showed me in the past.   As He sees my faithfulness and continues to develop my life, He will open a channel for ministry.  

PRAYER:   You are LORD, You are my LORD.  So my ministry is YOUR ministry.  You have given me an opportunity to demonstrate my love for you by serving in Your ministry. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!   
On Facebook:  Today’s SOAP from Pastor Leon

For those who might be interested:  Another day in the SOAP saga:  54 years ago, Sharon and I were married at Layne’s Home for Servicemen in San Diego.  I am more than blest!  I am SOOOO blest!  We look back and see how our love for each other has grown.  We look back and see God’s hand all along the way.  It is my privilege to serve our LORD with such a wonderful wife.  😊