Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 20, 2023: SOAP #4827: Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 27:34 [Paul speaking to those on board a ship that was about to be shipwrecked.]  Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

OBSERVATION:  Paul could speak with confidence because he had heard from God.  He was not just speaking words to motivate the sailors; he was speaking based on an angelic message from God!  

Taking some bread, giving thanks to God so they could all hear, he began eating it “in front of them all.”  What a powerful witness of God’s presence!  What a powerful example for others to follow! 

APPLICATION: This is more than just an example of giving thanks for my meals.  It is an example of how I should respond in any stressful situation. 

Listening to what God is saying.  Remembering what God has said to me.  Giving public expression of my faith.  And setting a good example for those in my same circumstances, especially my family and friends. 

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, I need your help in stressful times.  Keep reminding me of what God has said to me.  Give me courage to set a good example.  Keep me steady in faith through the trouble. Amen.

Pastor Leon
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