Lenten Series: In Need of The Helper
Lent is a liturgical observance and season of reflection; not a biblical mandate. It is simply a time to remind ourselves and appreciate the abundant grace of Christ’s saving work on the cross. It is a time to press in deeper in submission to Christ’s authority as we prepare our hearts to celebrate, with exceedingly great joy, the resurrection that awaits every believer and follower.
In our Lenten daily devotionals, we will focus on our spiritual needs and desires and how the Helper is our Gift for strength and success if we will bow in greater submission to the authority of our King and the terms of His Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
Reflection: Christ’s Glorified Presence in Us
Digging for Truth: In the Old Testament, the Lord spoke through Jeremiah and assured us that through Christ, a new covenant would be made for God’s children, and His instructions would live deep within them, and be written on their hearts (31:33). Friends, we are God’s children, and His instructions are written on our hearts. The Holy Spirit lives within you and me and is available all of the time to reflect Christ’s glorified presence within each of us. As our “full-time, 24/7, Advocate, or Holy Helper”, the Holy Spirit is constantly nudging you and me to press into God’s Truth (His Word), because it is written deep within our hearts, so that our words, actions, steps, and daily journeys can be guided by the Holy Spirit towards what God has for each one of us.
Grace for the Heart: Jesus told us that in order for us to receive the Holy Spirit (our Advocate) that He would need to go and be with the Father. Think about how many times throughout each day, week, or month, you dismiss or underestimate the Gift of the Holy Spirit within yourself. In every moment, you and I either glorify or dishonor Christ with how we live. Living an honorable life for Christ can only be made possible by the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ (2 Thes 1:12) and by allowing the Holy Spirit to stir and move within our hearts. It is the only way that Christ is glorified and witnessed through us.
John 16:7 But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.
Challenge: Friends, we need to stop ignoring the magnitude of this Gift from God, the Gift to allow the Holy Spirit to be our One and only Advocate. By doing this we are honoring our position within God’s Family, with Him as the Father, Jesus as the Son, and the Holy Spirit as our Advocate. When we fixate on our “real” position within God’s Family, and understand that He lives within our hearts, we no longer want to make a practice of sin, but rather call on Him to help us stop sin before it happens so that we are reflecting Jesus in our lives and not Satan (1 John 3:9).
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for sending the Holy Advocate to help us with absolutely everything. Holy Spirit, please forgive us for the times when we have minimized the magnitude of Your presence within us and Your guidance for our lives. We want Christ to be glorified in our presence, and so please help each one of us to be more in alignment with You so that others may receive Christ through us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.