Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
August 26, 2022: SOAP #4649: Jeremiah 50-51; 3John

SCRIPTURE: 3John (NIV)3 It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth.  4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.  5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

OBSERVATION:  John had a good reason to rejoice.  He had received some visitors who brought him a good report about his friend, Gaius.  John received so much joy that he responded with this short letter.  His heart had been encouraged by a good report; he responded with a short letter of appreciation. 

APPLICATION: When I receive good news about a special friend, I need to take time to.  send a note.  I need to follow John’s example.  Such notes are an encouragement to those who receive them.  Someone noticed.  Someone had said good things about Gaius.  So, John took time to write a note of appreciation.  Such a note is often stored away in a special place where it can be taken out and enjoyed again.  The note can encourage their heart a second time, a third time, etc.    The Holy Spirit can bring it across their path in times of trouble or discouragement. The note may cause our ministry to continue even when we cannot be there.                                                                                     

PRAYER:  Holy, use me to bring words of encouragement to my friends.  Help me not to miss the opportunity to lift them with my words.  Especially use me to bring words of encouragement to my family.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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