Nothing beats waking up to good news! It’s especially great when the news demonstrates cooperation, determination … and just a sprinkle of a miracle or two. Let me introduce you to “The Helper.”
Welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert” — thanks for joining me here on the top spot on the internet for beverages with a Bishop. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend!
I’m typically up bright and early. (Okay, truth be told it’s never bright – but it certainly is EARLY!) One of my first tasks is reviewing messages I’ve received overnight. One particular morning not too long ago contained an avalanche of great news. I was amazed at all the Holy Spirit has been accomplishing , and I saw the hand of the Lord moving through so many of His people.
*** The CEEC.CHURCH has been partnering with THE JESUS ALLIANCE to connect pastors in persecuted areas with pastors in western, non-persecuted churches. These one-to-one relationships have been highly impactful on both sides of the relationship. That morning the Bishop over the program had sent an email yesterday saying that he had more names to match up from persecuted churches overseas.
*** I also learned that several pieces of equipment that the Jesus Film Project had provided to facilitate evangelism and discipleship in Kenya and South Sudan had safely arrived in Juba, South Sudan. AND they were received without being charged an import duty; another sign of God’s favor!
*** An update on our refugee actions underway in Afghanistan informed me that one of our CEEC.CHURCH bishops in Afghanistan had been successful in moving several large groups of Muslim background believers out of harms way and to adjoining nations who have received the refugees.
How is all of this possible?? Our verse today explains the ONLY way this is possible —
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US IN OUR WEAKNESS
Don’t think for one split-second that Mike, the guy who heads up the Jesus Alliance is taking credit for this. Neither are Bryan or Jarod, the men coordinating so many connections between pastors in persecuted churches. Angelo, the brother who received the equipment in Juba isn’t grabbing glory. Me neither! I just woke up and read about what had happened, so I’m not breaking my arm to reach around and pat myself on the back as if I was responsible.
No, this is just a bunch of men, women and children who understand one thing very, very well …
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US IN OUR WEAKNESS
And as we acknowledge our weakness, He steps in with His strength. As NONE of us strives to take credit, GOD GETS ALL THE GLORY. We have shared a simple principle several times on our planning and coordination calls, and have shared it often with new people and organizations that come alongside to begin working together. This is it:
NO EGOS
NO LOGOS
ONLY THE GOSPEL GOES
(If you are reading that in one of the several translated versions of this devotional, just a note to tell you that those three phrases rhyme in English.)
When we allow Him to lead, guide, direct, empower and enable, He orchestrates things beyond our reach. He makes things happen that are utterly impossible in our own power.
You may find this hard to believe, but there are MORE things — utterly AMAZING and ASTOUNDING things — about which I cannot write at this time. (Things about which I may not be able to write for a very long time.) Security of people working in dangerous situations prevents me from sharing more details, but I can tell you that the move of the Holy Spirit is clear and evident in so many ways and places that I am simply overwhelmed by His goodness and mercy.
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US IN OUR WEAKNESS
So where do YOU need the Holy Spirit to step in today? What impossible situations are you facing that you cannot possibly handle on your own? If you want to share them, we have MANY people who will pray for you and, if you wish, will happily pray with you. Private message me on the platform where you’re reading this if YOU need prayer.
But even if your need is so personal and private that you feel you cannot share it, there is someone who knows and can step in to help if you ask Him. You have a Helper awaiting your invitation to step into your life and begin doing His work.
THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US IN OUR WEAKNESS
