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: Vitality
Digging for Truth: It is the Spirit who brings the believer and follower of Jesus the necessary vitality to approach each day for the glory of God. We should all spend time taking care of our physical bodies by eating right, getting fresh air, exercising, and resting for the proper restoration of our physical strength; however, we desperately need the rejuvenating life of the Spirit to give us the energy we need to live in victory. If all we did was operate in our own reserve of physical strength and effort each day, it would be like trying to drive a car around town from morning till night with a flat tire! We need the resurrecting power of the Spirit to breathe vibrant eternal life into us. If we do not pause daily to receive that life, we will be ineffective in living the gospel everywhere we go.
Grace for the Heart: One of my favorite verses to remind me of this Truth comes from the Apostle Paul and his words of wisdom and grace to the believers in Rome. “The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you” (Romans 8:11). I cannot answer for you, but I crave this life of vitality only the Spirit can provide for me. Living for the glory of God is always under attack by Satan. If we are just trudging along in our own human strength, we are going to become weary in the work of Christ’s Kingdom before the day is done. Grace is poured out by the Holy Spirit and we need our bodies to be like “full cups” ready to share Christ.
John 6:63 NLT The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
Challenge: We do not serve a God who has created us to meagerly get by; rather, he has called us to be more than conquerors in life. Understanding our great need for the work of the Helper is wisdom that shines the way to the life we were created to live. “But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). Ask the Spirit to fill you and help you “run” the race, today!
Prayer: Lord, you have brought us the revelation that your Spirit is manifested in our human bodies. So, we call for the vitality only the Spirit can bring us, today. We have grace for today and we desire every drop you have set aside for our journey. Help us navigate today for your glory, by depending upon your strength and vibrancy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.