Devotionals

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: Liberty and Free Will

Digging for Truth: Solomon reminds us, in one of the Books of Wisdom, that “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our step.” (Proverbs 16:9) God gave you and I free will, and that is what Solomon was referring to when he said, “we can make our plans”; yes, God allows us the choice of either being liberated and free through our connection to Christ or being bound and enslaved through our connection to Satan. The world that is separated from Jesus believes that sounds ridiculous, and that God is punitive, He is controlling, and living by His standards is unrealistic and narrow minded. A heart that is hard, that has never allowed Jesus in or has turned away from Jesus, will read the second part of Solomon’s Truth as God (the Lord) “requires or demands” that He determines a believer’s step all because “He is a controlling God”. Friends, that cannot be further from the Truth. The Apostle Paul tells us that through our salvation, and when we used our free will to hand over our hearts to Jesus, that we were set free (Galatians 5). Free from the bondage of our sins, free from our souls (minds, wills, and emotions) being trapped by the darkness of this world, and free from Satan who wants to destroy our spirit that was created by God and longs to be connected to the living Word of God, Who is Jesus.

Grace for the Heart: Only by knowing Jesus and living a life for Him can we begin to allow the Holy Spirit the room to move within us so that we can truly see with our spiritual eyes the Truth. Friends, Jesus wants to connect to us all of the time and He does that through the Holy Spirit. So, we must use our free will and choose to get closer to Him, He tells us, ‘You are my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free’ (John 8:31-32). Jesus wants to liberate you and me, He wants to set us free all of the time, we are the ones who use our free will to quiet the voice of the Holy Spirit, to dim the Spirit’s Light of Truth that shines within and through us, and thus our hearts turn away from Jesus and His grace that He wants to pour out onto us.

2 Corinthians 3:17 (NLT)

17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Challenge: The Apostle Paul tells the Church, ALL of the CHURCH, not just those who attended and were listening back in Galatia or in Corinth, but each any every member of Jesus’s Church, His Family, so that means that he’s talking to YOU and ME when he said that Jesus is the Spirit, He is in the Father and the Father is in Him, and so wherever the Spirit is…that means in YOU and ME…that there is freedom! “So, Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law” (Galatians 5:1) or in slavery to our old sin. Stay the course with Christ, stay in His Word, and share with others about His liberating love.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for allowing us to choose You. Holy Spirit, thank You for never giving up on us. For knocking on the doors to our hearts, for giving us spiritual eyes to see the Truth, and spiritual ears to hear the Truth. Please keep drawing us closer and closer to Jesus. Use our testimonies to share about our freedom in Christ and how we are eternally connected to His love. We ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.

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: Convicted of Sin

Digging for Truth: Many people want to talk about the emotional manifestations of the Spirit—things like peace, holy laughter, love, wisdom, speaking in tongues, but those things, although really wonderful, pale in comparison to the real work of the Spirit which is to convict God’s children of the sin of unbelief in order to bring righteousness. When we do not honor what Jesus came to do in our lives, it is the sin of unbelief. Believers listen to the Helper and grow spiritually mature in Christ’s character.

This past week we have been looking at how the Helper provides grace for every day living; things like protection, stirring our remembrance of God’s Word, establishing new desires and healing us from bad habits and he does so by convicting or convincing us of error or sin, as well as empowering us to make better choices. The Helper can be very persuasive as he opens our ears to hear God’s words of affirmation, instruction, and discipline.

Grace for the Heart: When I was in my thirties I had an encounter with the Spirit of God that left me forever changed. One day I was praying and crying out to God, because I was physically very ill and had been so for about one year. As I was praying, I felt like an electrical charge ran through my body and I was filled with an amazing sense of lingering peace. An inward voice, although not audible in my physical ear, spoke a question, “Do you know it is me?” I answered aloud, “Yes!” My Spirit recognized the Voice and authority of my Helper. Up until that time, I knew about the Spirit, but I did not understand the indescribable blessing he would become in my life as he opened my eyes to see and my ears to hear the Truth.

Sometimes people can get so focused on the emotional manifestations of the Spirit, they spend all their energy going from one encounter to another like a spiritual high was the best of the Spirit’s work. True, there is nothing like having an awareness of God’s presence in us or tasting his anointed power, but life with God is not all warm and fuzzy; God has serious work to do in our lives and disciplining our character is part of his plan. Do you believe?
John 16:7-9 NLT 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. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. 9 The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.

Challenge: The Helper convicts us because sin keeps us bound from the things of God—so he comes to free us. Unbelief and disobedience keeps us enslaved; it quickly takes dominion. No matter what sin or unbelief tries to rob us, we must trust the Helper to deliver us. He is all powerful for those who believe.

Prayer: Lord, to know you is to trust you to do the things in us that we cannot do for ourselves. We thank you for the convicting and convincing work of the Spirit who leads us toward the Truth of Christ and all he desires to bring our lives. Sometimes we are enslaved to things we do not even realize, so please liberate us Holy Spirit and draw us closer to righteousness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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: Transforming Bad Habits

Digging for Truth: According to Jesus, in order to experience salvation and see the Kingdom of God, we must be born again (John 3:3). To be born again is not about human life being developed to a higher level. It is about leaving our old life behind—crucifying it by denying it power—and walking in the new life of the Spirit. Our original state of sin that we asked Christ to forgive must be forsaken (Matthew 27:46).

Jesus—the Righteous Son—left his heavenly eternal throne and glory to accept the limitations of being human in a sinful and temporal world. As fully human, the Son would experience pain, only be in one place at a time, need food, rest, and sleep, and pray to connect with the will of the Father. When we are born again, Jesus condescends to our messy hearts in order to tabernacle with us while transforming our lives through the divine Spirit. This means our bad habits must be denied power; as human beings we have certainly developed and fed them.

Grace for the Heart: We must allow the growth of Christ’s righteousness—the fruit of the Spirit—within us. Think about the transformation that would take place in human lives if our nature was permeated with “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 4:22-23). In order to bear this fruit, we must experience a transformation of our habits.

We will never be able to break bad habits because a religious organization lays out a list of purity laws for us to follow. We need deliverance. Our bad habits must be transformed; we invite the Helper to make us uniquely new in Christ’s nature and image. Remember, when the Helper places it upon our hearts to bring change to something that is unrighteous, he also brings the supernatural power of heaven for the transformation. It’s like a great spiritual exchange: we offer to God an unrighteous habit and he grows a new righteous one in its place. Transformation: a dramatic change in nature and character by the power of God.

Matthew 3:11 NLT 11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”

Romans 6:4 NLT 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.

Challenge: Jesus came to bring Israel (One who struggles yet prevails with God) into a new covenant relationship. “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people” (Jeremiah 31:33 NTL). Only God can make us righteous sons and daughters.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the invitation to be released from habits we know are unrighteous before you. We are never forced to allow the transformation and for that graciousness toward us we experience freedom of choice. Your love is never a burden, but our bad habits are a weight holding us back from your glory. So, Holy Spirit, please help us to give you permission to continue the transformation journey in us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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: New Desires

Digging for Truth: It is the work of the Helper to transform our fallen human nature into the nature and character of Jesus—the Son of God. Although all Christians cling to the plan and promise of salvation by grace through faith, there is something missing in our understanding if we do not spiritually see the purpose of God’s plan. The veil of spiritual separation from God has been torn through the sacrifice of the Christ; now, we can see God wants us to choose to be conformed to the image of His Son. I only know my heart and only God knows yours, but for me now that I understand God’s purpose for salvation, I know there needs to be a change in my desires. Salvation is not a stamp of approval over the practice of sin in my life, it is an invitation to place my sinful desires on the cross and trust the Helper to shape me in the character of Christ by giving me new desires.

Grace for the Heart: In the beginning, God created perfection, positioned humanity in his design, gave us a purpose, and invited us to live in his plan. But, we have the freedom of choice, so we decided to live by our humanity not God’s life and divinity. Therefore, we fell into deception and became separated from the One who offered us his glorious nature.

When we come to Christ, the glorious riches of our King are deposited within us and the work of the Spirit to form us in the holy nature and character of Christ begins; we are reborn of the Spirit. The Helper begins to fill us with new desires and new goals for human life. We live for Christ and the salvation of his world. For this reason, we do not live as new wine in old wineskins; we must allow the process of what Scripture calls sanctification. The Westminster Catechism defines sanctification as “The work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.” Catechesis is the practice of teaching the Christian faith. This is a progressive process as we learn to live in the power of the Helper and grow in grace for the pleasure of God and the victory of his plan.

2 Corinthians 3:16-18 NLT 16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

Challenge: Spiritual perfection will not happen until Christ returns for his Bride, but we must understand the work to be done in our lives. Grace is not an apology for our sin, it is the power to live with new desires that bring divine righteous change to our sinful human nature. The Helper stands ready and we must be willing. David cries over his sin and turns to ask for the help only God can provide. “You will do everything you have promised; Lord, your love is eternal. Complete the work that you have begun” (Psalm 138:8).

Prayer: Lord, help us trust you and your purpose for salvation and the sanctifying work of the Helper. We can remain children, or we can be led by your Spirit and become sons and daughters who radiate the love and grace of our King. Holy Spirit, please fill us with new desires and bring the power to live by them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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.

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: Everyday Living

Digging for Truth: In the New Testament, there are words that can be a challenge to translate, because they have different senses. One of these words is “paraclete.” Jesus uses the word, paraclete, as a name for the Holy Spirit, as well as for himself. For translating paraclete, the first sense is “helper” or someone who comes along side of us, which is the term we have been using for our Lenten devotions. Another sense of paraclete is translated “advocate” as Jesus and his Spirit pleads and makes intercession for us, because nothing can separate us from his love (Romans 8:34-35). So, every day the Helper moves along with us to carry our burdens, defend and strengthen us in his mighty and pure love.

Grace for the Heart: Last Sunday was a beautiful day filled with a variety of personal responsibilities. From the time I woke up, I prayed for the Helper to provide all the grace I needed with each task in order to glorify the Lord. Before our worship time began, I went to Publix to pick up food and supplies I had ordered for a celebration of life service that would follow. The items were awkward and heavy, but I knew God would give me the strength and ability I needed to get them to the church. I was using faith, but God still had a lesson for me about my paraclete!

While I was in line, a muscular young man checking out in front of me saw the stuff I had and he began helping me get the items ready for scanning. I thanked him as he left, and I thought what a sweet young man. I went to the parking lot with the cart full and who comes over to me? Yep, this same young man begins loading everything into my vehicle. I said, “You are so kind!” He responded, “Don’t tell anyone. I have a reputation to uphold.” We both laughed and he left. As I got into the car, I said, “Jesus, thank you for sending the help I needed. I feel so loved by you!” I did not specifically pray for another person to help me, but my paraclete knew what I needed and provided. As soon as I got to the church, I was surrounded by an abundance of more help!

Romans 8:26 NLT And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

Challenge: Although we can think we are handling life just fine by ourselves, it is during these times, we may need Jesus’ help mediated to us by the Holy Spirit the most. God wants to reveal his love for us in action. Honestly, the Helper does not want us to live in frustration due to our weaknesses; rather, he wants us to rely on Christ’s wisdom, strength, and help to accomplish what is necessary. God promises to meet our every day needs (Phil 4:19). However, we must pray and ask for help (Matthew 7:7-8).

Prayer: Lord, thank you for caring about everything that involves us. Your blessings and care for us is so precious. May we be quick to understand that although you are orchestrating every aspect of the universe, you are always standing by to help in our weaknesses and times of need. Even when we don’t know specifically what to ask of you, we know you will provided exactly what we need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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: He Protects Us

Digging for Truth: When Jesus walked this earth, and just prior to His death, He promised to send the “Advocate” (the Holy Spirit) as His representative once He was no longer physically walking the earth and was resurrected to the eternal realm and seated at the right hand of the Father. He said to the disciples (and to you and me), “‘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.’” (John14:27) Jesus provides all of His believers with the same gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. This gift is the One Who offers you and me protection as believers in Christ Jesus.

Grace for the Heart: Jesus came as the Son and it was necessary for Him to be made just like you and me, so that through the choice of our salvation His sacrifice would not only take away our sins but would ignite the Holy Spirit within us as believers (Hebrews 2:16-17). The grace that Jesus gives us allows our hearts to be filled with unwavering faith and only in this place can we put our full trust in the Holy Spirit to guide our decisions while protecting us from physical and spiritual danger.

Proverbs 1:33 (NLT)

33 But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear of harm.”

Psalm 68:20 (NLT)

20 Our God is a God who saves!
The Sovereign Lord rescues us from death.

Challenge: Friends, you and I have a choice, each and every second of every day, to live in the Shalom, the wholeness and pure peace that only Jesus offers. Jesus, Himself, went through suffering and testing. He broke the powers of Satan, He overcame death, and He rescues us (all of the time) when we are being tested by the darkness (Satan, himself) of this world (Hebrews 2:17-18). Press into Jesus, right now, throughout today, and later tonight. Heck, don’t EVER stop pressing in and allowing His peace to fill you, to surround you, call on the Holy Spirit to hedge protection over you and your family, over God’s Family. Ask God to save those who have never heard of Jesus, to reignite His Spirit within those who have lost their way, to make a way for all of them to know Him, and to allow Him into their hearts so they can experience His eternal love.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for saving us. Thank You for Your peace. Help us to be containers of Your peace and to bring it out, as a beacon of Your eternal light, into this really dark and hurting world. Holy Spirit, thank You for your protection. Please continue to hedge protection around each one of us as You guide us into places that need Jesus. Fill us with Your strength and cast away any earthly fears that we have as You call us to be the loving vessels of Christ Jesus. I ask all of this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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: Conduits for His Power

Digging for Truth: Sometimes God’s promises take us completely off-guard, because they are so BIG we struggle to receive them. When we think of all the miraculous work Christ did in healing the lame, opening the eyes of the blind, restoring limbs, and casting out demons we are not surprised he could do all those things, because Christ is God in human flesh. However, Jesus told his disciples anyone who believes in him will do similar things and even greater things (John 14:12-14). Friends, take a deep breath, because that is spoken to you and me as Christ’s disciples.

Grace for the Heart: The first disciples did not sit back and say, “Well, I know Jesus said it, but he didn’t really mean it the way it sounded.” They believed in Christ’s ability to provide through the Helper and to ask for the grace to accomplish his work. The disciples watched and knew the Helper was the connection between the humanity of Jesus and the Father. The difference is Jesus was willing to continually empty himself by taking on the nature of a servant and our flesh is inclined to resist such humility (Phil 2:7).

John 14:12 NLT “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”

Challenge: Jesus never claimed to have power in his humanity; he simply wanted to be a conduit for the Father’s power. The Helper made it possible for Jesus to do the works he did.
18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
19
and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come” (Luke 4:18-19).

Prayer: Lord, you teach us your gifts and call can never be withdrawn. While you walked on this earth in human flesh, Jesus, the Spirit taught you and was Your link with the Father. We want the Spirit to teach us now and be our link with you. So, help us empty ourselves and take on the nature of servants, so we can walk with you and be your hands and feet in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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: A Guide for Actions

Digging for Truth: The Helper brings special messages for us in order to guide our lives. He knows how and where to position us in order for us to be Christ’s hands, feet, and voice to the world. You may have plans to go to the store in the morning, but God may guide you, interrupt your morning plans, and reposition you in order for you to run into someone at the store who needs Christ in you that afternoon. The Helper plans faith encounters rich in grace.

We can get impatient or frustrated when the Helper moves in these ways. In fact, we may think this type of inconvenience is the work of evil rather than positioning us for the work of mercy and grace. When we give our lives to Jesus, we should expect this kind of guidance from the Helper. Our plans for action need to bow, because the Helper is the Guide for righteous actions that benefit God’s Kingdom.

Grace for the Heart: In our passage today, Saul (Paul) and Barnabas are serving the Lord at the church in Antioch. They have been ministering to the people there for about a year, but God is getting ready to send these two on their first missionary journey. The church needs these leaders, because it struggles to be a Light for the city and the work is not done. However, God has other plans for Saul and Barnabas now. The church cooperates with sending Saul and Barnabas, but it is the Lord guiding the action. Saul’s initial plan is to stay in Antioch, but God’s plan is to take him on a journey to touch many, many lives beyond Antioch needing an encounter with the Lord.

The Spirit Helper can only guide our lives when we are willing to give up our plans. He will position us in situations and orchestrate encounters when God’s will becomes an act of our will. Our biggest hindrance will be our individual desire for control. Remember, the Spirit-led life cannot be manipulated by human flesh. When you are unsure what to do, stop, pray, and be willing to fast your plans…wait until you receive clear guidance and then act.

Acts 13:2, 4 NLT 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

Paul’s First Missionary Journey
4 So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit. They went down to the seaport of Seleucia and then sailed for the island of Cyprus.

Challenge: Today is a day for special messages and encounters with the Lord. If you desire to be a part of God’s Kingdom work in the simple and ordinary tasks of life, the Helper will be there to guide your actions. It is an honor to share encouragement, love, compassion, and mercy with others. Darkness may be all around us, but the Light of Christ is waiting to be released through us touching one life at a time. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor” (James 4:10).

Prayer: Lord, break through our foggy and worldly minds to spiritually see our moments as you guide us to share your love. We make things difficult because we forget how you use each of us in different ways to plant seeds of faith in others as we trust in you. A smile and a kind word may be the encounter with Christ a stranger needs to turn toward Hope. We welcome you to change our plans. We ask for you to grant us patience and an open heart ready for guidance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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: Children of Light

Digging for Truth: Because God has rescued us from spiritual darkness and delivered us into his glorious and righteous Light or truth, we now desire to love and worship God with our whole being. Our spiritual eyes have been opened. Gratitude for the goodness of God fills our souls. We are confident God cares about every aspect of our lives not just our spiritual lives. If something is important to us emotionally and physically, it is also important to God.

Therefore, the Helper will communicate and address things that affect our whole being. When he does so, we may sense the prompting for us to follow. Or, we may feel a sense of uneasiness that makes us stop and reevaluate. The Helper seeks to keep us in a place of peace; God does not want us frustrated or wasting our time with unimportant things. The Helper leads us with wisdom as we live in the world, but his goal is to keep us focused on the eternal prize—the Kingdom.

Grace for the Heart: The Helper’s voice is subtle and gentle; so, we need to ask for God’s grace to help us listen carefully and discern wisely. Not all of our inner desires are godly, so we must sift through different voices attached to those desires. God gives us understanding on how to tell the difference in voices. The Helper will never lead us to be dishonest, selfish, unloving, sin against God, or hurt others. That is Satan’s voice or our own flesh trying to demand its own way. God calls us toward integrity and a holy use of our time. Grace helps us live in God’s appointed time for all things; we don’t need to be afraid there is not enough time to get the things done God has planned for us to do.

Ephesians 5:8-10 NLT 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.

Challenge: Living as children of Light, requires discipline and patience. God may have us wait to act; rather than foolishly rush in to do something in our own strength. We do not know more or think more wisely than God, so let’s just accept the truth and invite the Spirit to help us listen, discern his voice, and act as instructed.

Prayer: Lord, help us run from foolish thinking, because we act on our thoughts. We want to use the time we have on earth to build your Kingdom; to walk in the light of wisdom and confidence in your instruction and way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.