Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 14, 2023: SOAP #4821: Leviticus 23-24; Psalm 24; Acts 21

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 21:3 After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. 4 Finding the disciples there, we stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. 5 But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. 6 After saying good-bye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.

OBSERVATION:  The church was young and relatively small.  It surely was a special blessing to look for, and to find disciples in the various cities.  To me it appears that these were new acquaintances to Paul.  But whatever, we see that in seven days, the Holy Spirit knit their hearts together.  As families they accompanied Paul to the beach.  As families they knelt to pray with Paul and his traveling companions.  And as families they said good-bye and returned home. 

APPLICATION: As I have had opportunity to travel, what a joy it is to meet other believers, especially in unexpected places.  Their presence is a comfort and encouragement to me.  How sweet is the fellowship of the Holy Spirit as we lift the name of Jesus and share our testimonies.  It has always been a time of mutual edification. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, keep my eyes open and my ears tuned in to those around me.  May I not miss an opportunity to speak a word of encouragement to another believer in an unexpected place.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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