Then Jesus was filled with joy!

Tuesday 9-27-16 (Martinez, Argentina)

Scripture reading:   Haggai 1 - 2    Ps 129    Luke  10

S=Scripture O=Observation A=Application P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Luke 10:21 Then Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit and said, "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way. NLT

O.  What makes Jesus so filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit? He has chosen a group of common, working men. They were not of noble background. Most of them had limited education. He has poured His faith and vision into them and sent out 72 of them to do miracles. Now Jesus rejoices with them as they tell the stories of how God’s power stood behind their efforts. His missionaries were rejoicing and He rejoiced with them.

A.  So many times God has surprised me with His power! We had only been a few months with nightly services on the open parking lot in La Boca. Now we asked all those that wanted to take a firm stand for Jesus to bring their books of witchcraft, their idol cards, their fetishes that they had formerly used in Satanic worship and we would have a bonfire right there in front of the neighbors. Our group was still small, maybe 30 or 40, but we circled the flames and sang, “There is power, power, wonder-working power in the blood of the Lamb.” Chains had been severed. Families had been set free.

P.  Lord Jesus, that night You were smiling down at us. Satan was losing ground. Your kingdom was being expanded. Now Lord, may I strive to occupy myself in activities that fill You with the joy of the Holy Spirit again… and again. Amen.

Ralph