August 12, 2015: SOAP #2078:

Scripture: John (NIV) 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—17 the Spirit of truth. …But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.
26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

Observation: What a wonderful plan our Heavenly Father has. He understands our need and makes proper provision! He sends his Son to die to provide the way that he could forgive those he loves without just ignoring their sin as though it was of no importance. Then He sends His Holy Spirit to enable us to live in a way that pleases even though we remain in an environment where we are surrounded by temptations to sin. He covers all the bases!

For those walking in sin, the Holy Spirit’s counsel convicts them and makes them uncomfortable. For those desiring to please God, the Holy Spirit’s counsel comforts them and guides them to do right.

Application: What a wonderful benefit it is to have the Holy Spirit with me “forever” –not just when I am in church or just on Sundays. As I go through each day I need Him to remind me of what God has spoken to me.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, in your great wisdom you show your love for your children by sending both your Son and your Holy Spirit. Amen