December 26, 2015:  SOAP #2214:  

Scripture:  Psalm (NIV) 119:124 Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. 125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.

Observation:   The psalmist was not asking God to send him to school, but to become his teacher.  In acknowledging that he was the Lord’s servant, he requests that God impart discernment to him.  With wisdom from the Lord the psalmist would know how to live according to God’s Word.

The primary way God imparts discernment today is through the indwelling presence of His Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised.  Pastors and Bible School professors may be excellent teachers, but they will acknowledge there is no better teacher than the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit that lives in each believer is the same Holy Spirit that led Jesus in ministry.

Application:   There are several steps I can take to keep open to the Holy Spirit.  I can be faithful to read God’s Word.  I can listen to what the people around me hear the Holy Spirit speaking to them.  I can step out in faith and do what I believe the Holy Spirit is leading me to do.  I will make mistakes, but I will learn.  Then I will make fewer mistakes.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, give me discernment that I may understand how live and minister each day like Jesus. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!