A couple of days at the beach with a college friend – what a great way to spend a few days together! I could hardly wait. We hadn’t seen each other for more than an hour’s visit in decades. Not really being able to afford a few days completely away, I packed my computer, along with a few books. It wasn’t til I was unpacking that I realized I forgot the power cord for my computer. After the six hours of battery life were spent, the indicator flashed
“less than 15 minutes of battery life. Connect to a power source or insert new battery.”
As I dashed off the last email possible, the computer started to hibernate. I looked at the dark screen and realized my plans for a lengthy work session were over.
- How often do I leave home without being plugged in to the Holy Spirit? without being re-charged for the day? Am I plugged in, or operating on my own strength?
- Terry, one of my team-mates, recently wrote about warning signs of depleted strength. What are mine? What are my indicators that say “15 minutes of battery remaining”?
- How long could I go before realizing that I was operating in my own strength?
Following Christ is not something that can be accomplished in my own energy or efforts, just as a branch cannot bear fruit apart from being connected to the tree (vine). His description is more organic:
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
My remaining in Jesus is a condition necessary for fruit-bearing, for light-shining, for being salty. To have His power available for the realities of each day and not be plugged in to Jesus seems kind of like forgetting the power cord for a computer. Fresh power for each new day, for each moment, is what He is offering, and what I need every moment to really live in the power of His Spirit.
Attribution: English Wikipedia user Firstfreddy Creative Commons license
It was a good reminder of a very practical truth. What reminds you of your need for His power each day?
AB Reflections 
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I was recently reminded how important it is not to forget the Holy Spirit power cord. Often in the busyness of daily living, and with all of the demands and distractions, it is so easy to become unplugged. Before I realize, I’m operating in my own strength and getting no where fast. Opening my day with prayer, praise, and thanks, and plugging in to the power of the Holy Spirit gives me the leadership capacity to lead with humility, effectiveness and vision. I must also be aware of when I become unplugged, and need to recharge.
I totally agree, Annette. I need those reminders throughout the day to turn to the Lord, even in the midst of situations where I think I know what to do.