Behold, God is my helper and ally; the Lord is my upholder and is with them who uphold my life.
—Psalm 54:4
There are many people who have received Jesus as their Savior and Lord who will live their Christian lives and go to heaven without ever drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit available to them, never experiencing the true success God intends for them. People can be on their way to heaven, yet not enjoying the trip.
We often look at people who have wealth, position, power, fame, and consider them to be totally successful. But many people who are viewed as successful still lack good relationships, peace, joy, contentment, and other true blessings that are available only in the context of a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Self-sufficient people often think it is a sign of weakness to depend on God. But by drawing on the ability of the Holy Spirit, they could accomplish more in their lives than they could by working in their own strength.
There are countless things we struggle with when we could be receiving help from the Holy Spirit. Many people never find the right answers to their problems because they seek out the wrong sources for advice and counsel instead of asking the Divine Counselor who lives within them for guidance.
I encourage you to lean on God for everything, and that means little things as well as big things.
Love God Today: The only way to experience the success God intends for you is to become totally dependent on the Holy Spirit.
Seizing Opportunity
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:7–10
Charles Sheldon’s powerful novel In His Steps begins with a poor beggar going from house to house for help, only to be turned away by a number of prominent members of the church. When he dies at the church the following Sunday morning, the pastor is stricken at the thought that no one was willing to help. He challenges the members of his congregation to begin asking themselves, “What would Jesus do?” before making decisions. As a result, both the church and their town were transformed.
In reality, the only lasting transformation of a life comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16). But that doesn’t negate the importance of serving the physical needs of others. In fact, often by meeting people’s physical needs, we have an opportunity to also reach their spiritual needs.
One of the notable things about the life and ministry of Jesus was His alertness to the needs of others. At one point after a particularly busy time, Jesus recognized that He and His disciples needed a break. “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat” (Mark 6:31). Yet many people saw their ship leaving and ran overland to meet Jesus, so that when the boat landed, there was another large crowd. Despite His need for rest, Jesus taught, healed, and fed them. He did not miss the opportunity to minister to people and preach the gospel, even when it cost Him a great deal.
Galatians 6:7–10
Charles Sheldon’s powerful novel In His Steps begins with a poor beggar going from house to house for help, only to be turned away by a number of prominent members of the church. When he dies at the church the following Sunday morning, the pastor is stricken at the thought that no one was willing to help. He challenges the members of his congregation to begin asking themselves, “What would Jesus do?” before making decisions. As a result, both the church and their town were transformed.
In reality, the only lasting transformation of a life comes through the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16). But that doesn’t negate the importance of serving the physical needs of others. In fact, often by meeting people’s physical needs, we have an opportunity to also reach their spiritual needs.
One of the notable things about the life and ministry of Jesus was His alertness to the needs of others. At one point after a particularly busy time, Jesus recognized that He and His disciples needed a break. “And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat” (Mark 6:31). Yet many people saw their ship leaving and ran overland to meet Jesus, so that when the boat landed, there was another large crowd. Despite His need for rest, Jesus taught, healed, and fed them. He did not miss the opportunity to minister to people and preach the gospel, even when it cost Him a great deal.
Today’s Growth Principle:
There is no shortage of people in need—we must not miss the opportunities we have to help them.
Need Some Help?
by Joyce Meyer - posted July 23, 2017Behold, God is my helper and ally; the Lord is my upholder and is with them who uphold my life.
—Psalm 54:4
There are many people who have received Jesus as their Savior and Lord who will live their Christian lives and go to heaven without ever drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit available to them, never experiencing the true success God intends for them. People can be on their way to heaven, yet not enjoying the trip.
We often look at people who have wealth, position, power, fame, and consider them to be totally successful. But many people who are viewed as successful still lack good relationships, peace, joy, contentment, and other true blessings that are available only in the context of a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Self-sufficient people often think it is a sign of weakness to depend on God. But by drawing on the ability of the Holy Spirit, they could accomplish more in their lives than they could by working in their own strength.
There are countless things we struggle with when we could be receiving help from the Holy Spirit. Many people never find the right answers to their problems because they seek out the wrong sources for advice and counsel instead of asking the Divine Counselor who lives within them for guidance.
I encourage you to lean on God for everything, and that means little things as well as big things.
Love God Today: The only way to experience the success God intends for you is to become totally dependent on the Holy Spirit.
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