Written originally for Five Oaks Church Daily Life Devotional
Pray |Lord, by your Holy Spirit, show me when I’m forgetting that I need you.
RIGHT HERE, ALL THE TIME
In My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers writes about when Jesus initially said to Peter, “Follow me.” He writes that Peter followed with no hesitation, that “The irresistible attraction of Jesus was upon him and he did not need the Holy Spirit to help him do it.” Peter was sure he could follow Jesus, even unto death, but one night at a fire pit he denied three times even knowing Jesus when questioned by a servant girl. Peter had come to the end of himself and his ability to stand in the truth.
Chambers’ line, mentioned above, “…and he did not need the Holy Spirit to help him do it.” has caused some reflection for me this week. As you re-read that line, are there situations in which you may not even be considering the knowledge, wisdom or power of the Holy Spirit? Are you leaning on your own strength and understanding, only doing things in which you don’t need the Holy Spirit to help me?
Day 3 — Read
Acts 1:8
Romans 8:10-11
2 Corinthians 3:17
Galatians 5:22-25
Day 3 – Reflect
There’s just so much to say about the Holy Spirit, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is within us through the Holy Spirit – but do we believe that? If so, that should be a confidence booster. It is written that there is freedom in the Spirit of the Lord – he doesn’t bind and restrict us, he gives boundaries (like any good parent) and all sorts of freedom within those borders. The Spirit gives us the power to be gentle, to serve one another, to have joy – even within difficult situations and times. He has the power to transform us so that the old is gone, our eyes can become new, hearts of stone can become tender, and we are given armor as well as weapons to stand firm. Clearly this part of the Trinity is full of power and might, invaluable to all who believe and receive the Holy Spirit.
Reflect on a time (or times) when you came to the end of yourself, your self-sufficiency, your promises, but instead of it being the end of the story, it became a turning point. How did the Holy Spirit enter that season?