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: My Memory and Mind
Digging for Truth: It is the Helper who brings the teachings of Christ to our remembrance. The Spirit seeks to renew our minds and give us “muscle memory” for the righteous commands of God; to lead and guide us in our new life in Christ (Eph 4:23). However, that is not all. The Helper can bring to our remembrance anything that is beneficial for us as Christ’s followers. Grace is provided and grace is practical, because God knows we need ongoing help to live in a sinful and self-destructive world. For this reason, the enemy attacks our minds in order to diminish the promise of Christ to provide peace of mind and heart, as well as bear our human burdens. If Jesus is Lord of our hearts—ruling according to his will—the Spirit will renew our minds, and help us stay in a place of inner peace.
Grace for the Heart: When I was working on my M.Div in seminary, there was just so much information for me to absorb and remember. It seemed overwhelming at times, but the Helper was always there to stir my thinking. The information was stored in my brain, but I needed help finding the “files” at just the right time! The Helper remained with me to stir my thinking and knowledge, because he understood my needs and willingly helped me bear the burdens I carried by becoming involved in my life. We must guard ourselves from thinking God is only interested in religious or sacred things, because Jesus died to bring us the grace to live successfully in a hostile world that consistently responds as a thief. Every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17).
John 14:26-28 NLT 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. 28 Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. 29 I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.”
Challenge: Do you believe God wants to carry all your burdens and give you rest? Pray and ask the Lord to help you in every task and to lift the burdens or loads each day brings. He brings supernatural strength for our memory and minds that we do not fully understand until ask the Helper for it and experience it. We must stop limiting God with our present understanding, because he wants to take us deeper into a mindset for Kingdom living. “Honor and thanks be to the Lord, Who carries our heavy loads day by day. He is the God Who saves us” Psalm 68:19).
Prayer: Lord, please forgive our spiritual ignorance, because we can easily forget just how much you have promised to provide for our daily living. Whether we face challenges in little or big ways, you are the Helper we need. Bring to our remembrance the promises and blessings you have for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.