Father, I must admit that at times going through Scripture can be a challenge but I feel that You have been active the last several in opening my eyes to areas of application for Your word. Praise Your Holy Name for loving me so!
Luke 5:16 (<<click to read the passage)
Cell phones are so prevalent in today’s world. For many, it seems to have become a part of our body and if we don’t have it with us, we feel lost and vulnerable. But one thing that is required if we live this way is the need to recharge. Battery life for these devices is limited. So, if we want to continue using them, we must have some means of filling them with power once more.
Public charging stations are becoming more popular. Many up-to-date restaurants are making USB and electric outlets very accessible for the needy, often with accessibility at every table.
But cell phones aren’t the only things that need regular recharging. If we are ardent followers of Jesus, we need to be filled up with power on a consistent basis, as well. We cannot be productive disciples if we are negligent in rejuvenating our spiritual cells. We absolutely must make time in our busy schedules to consistently spend time in intimate interaction with God. Our own reserves are extremely limited. God’s reserves are infinite!
It says in today’s passage that Jesus – Immanuel, God with us – “often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.” (NLT) He knew, especially living with the limitations of His humanity, that He needed all the strength, support and guidance He could get from His heavenly Father.
If God incarnate needed to recharge, don’t we need to even more so?
Wouldn’t we consider someone a fool who heads out for a full day of adventures with their cell phone – snapping pictures, seeking out destinations, taking advantage of GPS, texting their companions – but doesn’t prepare in any way to recharge their battery? No cords, no means of gaining power once again. If they don’t want to use their phone for the duration of their excursions then fine but if that isn’t their plan then they are just up a creek without a paddle!
Yet we live our lives in that way day after day after day! Many believers attend worship at least once a week and are recharged but that can only last for so long! Can you go all week with only one full charge on your phone? No way! It’s the same for us spiritually!
The Apostle Paul in his first letter to the church in Thessalonica (a city in Greece), encouraged believers to be “unceasing and persistent in prayer.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (AMP)
A more common translation of this passage is “pray without ceasing” (NASB). You may be thinking, that’s not possible! Oh, but it is possible! Granted you can’t bow your head and close your eyes every moment of every day but the Bible doesn’t say anything about that being the only way to pray. We can literally pray, anywhere, anytime. God hears us no matter the circumstances and is always there to help, guide…and RECHARGE!
Jan 16th, 2020, Thurs, 8:20 pm
