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: Am I Waiting for Explosion of Power?
Digging for Truth: Let’s remember the world was in trouble and that is the reason the Father sent the Son…and the Son sent the Helper. Salvation is from God. Evil seeks to bring a moral and ethical decline to society and culture; but, God works to restore order, honor, and wholeness. With this in mind, as ministers of the healing gospel, God’s children need some power to thwart the ongoing chaotic work of darkness. We need the Helper.
Grace for the Heart: In the first two chapters of the Book of Acts, we know there is an explosion of power awaiting the disciples. The Helper arrives. The Spirit settles on the disciples and fills them with the nature of God and a holy passion to share the gospel. The moment the disciples become a host for the Helper, he brings maturity and understanding as the disciples begin to respond to the direction of God.
The Helper does more than regenerate our souls, he brings an awareness of Christ in us to our society and culture. As we look back through time, we know the God of history is the God of our today. We, too, can enjoy an explosion of power and a personal Pentecost in our temple, because God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34).
Ezekiel 36:26-27 NTL 26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart [heart of flesh]. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
Challenge: If God commands our obedience, he makes a way for us to become obedient. If God commands we follow him, he will provide and open doors. God’s Word accomplishes everything it is sent to do in order to carry out his plan (Isaiah 55:11). Let’s remember God’s power is supreme and it is always driven by his goodness. “From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done” (Isaiah 43:13 NLT).
Prayer: Lord, we ask you to send an explosion of power into our temples; fill us and flood our beings with your beautiful and glorious presence. Give us a passion to share the gospel. Please make our hearts tender and responsive to your Voice and help us to obey and follow your lead. In Jesus’ name. Amen.