S. O. A. P.

Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!

S-cripture:

Acts 27:1

When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment.

O-bservation:

St. Paul had longed to go to Rome. Earlier he appealed to Festus that his case be heard before Caesar, and of course because he was a Roman citizen it guaranteed him a trip to Rome. Even though he was going as a prisoner, you get the feeling that Paul was excited to finally reach a long-awaited ambition to personally take the gospel there.

A-pplication:

Here are the reasons that Paul wanted to get to Rome, in his own words. Paul wanted to impart some spiritual gifts to the Romans (1:11). He also wanted to give and receive comfort (1:12). He said he wanted to bear some fruit there (1:13). AND … obviously he wanted to preach the gospel in Rome. After all, he was a pioneer missionary. But God had an even bigger plan. As soon as Paul got to Rome he went to prison, and while there he wrote what are referred to as the Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. Oh, and he also wrote a personal letter to Philemon about forgiveness. I’m sure prison wasn’t Paul’s personal hope and choice, but it sure was God’s, because “Sometimes You Just Need A Good Place To Write.”

P-rayer:

Dear Jesus,

I’m so glad this AM that You know the way I should take. You know the real reason when I only have MY reasons. Whatever door You open for me to go through, Lord, I’m ready. Amen