September 27, 2020: SOAP #3951:  Haggai 1-2; Psalm 129; Luke 10   

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” … 21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

Observation:  Here is a descriptive phrase that is not necessary for the narrative but gives us insight into the life of Jesus.  He was “full of joy through the Holy Spirit.”  

The Holy Spirit was active in the conception and birth of Jesus (Luke 1:35; 2:25-27).  He was also active in the pre-ministry baptism and temptation (Luke 3:22; 4:1).  Then He was acknowledged by Jesus in the synagogue when Jesus claimed Isaiah was writing about Him (Luke 4:18-21). 

Here in chapter 10 Luke gives us the Holy Spirit as a source of joy in Jesus life.  Jesus is not described as having joy but being “full of joy!” 

Application:  If my goal is to be like Jesus, then the Holy Spirit must be an important part of my life.  Since Jesus life here on earth is to be my example, then I too should be “full of joy through the Holy Spirit!”   

If the joy in my heart arises from the presence of the Holy Spirit, then it should be obvious to others.  It should be a joy that cannot be hidden, a joy that cannot be contained, a joy that spills out all over.   May I be a carrier, and spreader, of great joy!   

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, keep me full of your presence and full of your joy.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity! 

September 26, 2020: SOAP #3950:  Ezra 4; Psalm 113, 127; Luke 9    

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 9:1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.  …
6 So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.… 10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done.

Observation:    As the Lord has recently been emphasizing the ministry of the Holy Spirit through Jesus as recorded by Luke, I believe I am to build on what was in SOAP #2594. 

Not all the ministry in the gospels was done by Jesus.  Jesus sent THEM to preach, THEM to heal the sick, THEY departed, THEY went through the towns, THEY preached, THEY healed, THEY returned, THEY reported back.  THEY did what they had seen Jesus doing.     

Application:   Jesus was preparing the disciples for the time He would no longer be with them.  Later in the book of Acts, the church continued the ministry of Jesus.  As Jesus ministered in the power of the Holy Spirit, so the early church ministered in that same Spirit.   

The world today is desperate for the church to move in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Healings for sick bodies, miracles for food supply, words of knowledge and wisdom to give understanding and direction, tongues and interpretation assuring of God’s presence and His awareness of personal circumstances, and prophecy to build faith that He is ultimately in control.      

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, the world needs you working through God’s people.  My neighbors need you working through me.  Use me as an open channel through which you can continue the ministry of Jesus today.  Flow through me today in little ways. Flow through me, Holy Spirit, flow through me. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!