Going it alone as a Christian is no fun! …Alone in making decisions, alone is temptation and trials, alone in deciding what it really means to “follow Christ” … Yeah, I know we’ve got fellow Christians to help us, encourage us, advise us – even warn and correct us – but they’re fallible and prone to weakness just like we are…
Hey, it had to be scary for the disciples when Jesus told them “I am going away!” They had depended on Him (and His presence) for so many vital things. Now, Jesus tells them, “It is to your advantage that I go away!” and then goes on to say, “If I do not go away, the Helper (“paracletos” – the “One called alongside to help”) will not come to you.” (John 16:4-7) In fact, He promised them in another location, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you ANOTHER HELPER [the Greek text indicates the promise was “another of the same kind” – Divine!] to be with you FOREVER – the Spirit of truth…He dwells WITH YOU and WILL BE IN YOU! I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you!” (John 14:16-18)
All of that came to mind today as I read Galatians 5:16-26 during my time of “Coffee with the Lord” [you should read it for yourself!]… Gotta tell you, I NEED THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT! I know what my“ flesh” [my natural self, controlled and prompted by the sinful nature] would lead me to do (I mean the list is there… read it for yourself in verses 19-21!)… Apostle Paul warned, “Those who do such things will NOTinherit the kingdom of God!” … I NEED A HELPER … Not just near – WITHIN; prompting, guiding, correcting, warning, empowering, transforming my life! It’s what Jesus promised His followers! And the fruit His presence produces if I cooperate with His activity in my life? … “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control!”
I call it “learning to LIVE BY THE NUDGE” … Apostle Paul called it “Walking by/living by/keeping in step with the Spirit!” The “Helper” Jesus promised living within our lives… How good is that? I want to give Him my full attention – sensitive and responsive to His “nudge” – attentive to even His “whisper!”
Coffee With The Lord 