Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 21, 2023: SOAP #4828: Numbers 8-9; Acts 28 (partial rework from 2020)

SCRIPTURE:  Acts (NIV) 28:16 When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him….
 30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION:  Obviously, bitterness did not tarnish Paul’s sensitivity to the Spirit.  The limitations he experienced provided their own unique opportunities for ministry.  Being limited as a prisoner, Paul ministered to his guards.  Being limited on a ship, he ministered to the crew.  Being limited under guard to a rented house, he ministered to those who visited him.  Being limited in prison, he wrote letters!

APPLICATION: Friends, may we never allow the limitations that surround us hinder the ministry of the Holy Spirit in and through us.  Every limitation opens another door of opportunity.  We may not have enough money to do one thing, but we have more time to do something else.  We may not be able to go to one destination, but we can minister where we are or nearby.  We may not have the needed supplies for what we would like to do, but we have the Holy Spirit anointing to do what the Spirit leads.

PRAYER:   Holy Spirit, we trust you to lead us.  Flow through is.  Speak through us.  Use us to glorify Jesus.  Remind us of this SOAP devotion the next time we face limitations.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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