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.
Today’s Reflection: Who is the Helper?
Digging for Truth: The Helper is the Holy Spirit—the third person of the Godhead. As a person, he has a godly mind with wisdom and knowledge, enjoys a personality with godly emotions, and always works for the will of Almighty God. This amazing person is on a quest to form God-glorifying relationships; therefore, he speaks, prays, teaches, works miracles, commands, forbids, and lastly can be resisted (John 14:26; Acts 1:16, 2:4, 7:51, 8:29, 39, 11:12, 13:2, 16:6,739: Romans 8:26, 27).
Grace for the Heart: I am so grateful to have the Holy Spirit serving as the Overseer of the Body of Christ, because he helps us use the spiritual gifts he imparts to Christ’s followers in order to exalt Christ as Lord. The Spirit always wants to glorify Jesus the Christ, so he reminds us of the Truth—Jesus is the Son of God and the Living Word. The Spirit illuminates the work of Christ to bring salvation and then lifts us from dead thinking, living, and works of the flesh. The Helper knows we were taken from the dust of the earth; however, “To all who mourn in Zion, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory (Isaiah 61:3). We can have no better Friend than the Helper!
John 14:16-17 NLT Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate,[Comforter, Encourager, Counselor] who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”
Challenge: I pray for every heart to know the Helper. He is always willing to answer our cries for help and lead us toward the Truth. “I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!” (Isaiah 65:24 NLT).
Prayer: Lord, we need the Helper, because he is the Gift you have provided so we can know the reality of your heart. On this Ash Wednesday, we confess our need for you in every area of our lives. Please fill us and make yourself known to us today. We confess our sin and ask for you to forgive us, Lord. Help us to approach today differently. Help us to spend time in prayer, because we want to enjoy your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.