Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 14, 2022: SOAP #4637: Jeremiah 16-17; Psalm 96; John 16

SCRIPTURE: John (NIV) 16:7 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counsellor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you…
12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.

OBSERVATION:  Jesus was telling them something they did not want to hear.  To make it easier to accept, Jesus told them that it would be for their good.  Then Jesus goes on to explain how it will be for their good.  Their relationship with Jesus will grow even stronger because of the presence and ministry of the Spirit.  Having the Counsellor, the Comforter, the Advocate, the Spirit of truth—having the Holy Spirit with every one of us twenty-four hours every day is so much better than having Jesus walk on earth in one place at a time.  When Jesus was in Jerusalem, he was not in Bethany or Capernaum.  When in Israel, he was not in Rome, or Africa, or any other country.  What a great blessing it is to have the Holy Spirit with us today!!! 

APPLICATION: Jesus told them something they did not want to hear.  But it turned out so much better!!  Many times in my life I have faced things that I did not like.  I complained about them.  I prayed for Jesus to help me change the situation.  But Jesus did not seem to hear or answer my prayers.  I had to keep on moving ahead, through the trouble, wondering if I would ever get through.  I wondered if God knew and understood what was happening to me.   As I completed the journey through the trouble, I discovered that God really did know what was happening.  God really did understand.  God was working it out for my good!  The end was better for me than the beginning!!!   Romans 8:28 is really true!!!

PRAYER:  Lord, how can I doubt your love for me.  Holy Spirit how can I doubt your wisdom in leading me through life!  I have fount the best application of my wisdom is to follow you. Amen

Pastor Leon
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