“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” (Jude 20-21)
I don’t think anyone would argue that the best way to avoid being bitten by bugs is to wear plenty of bug spray. The past several days in Southern Ontario have been extremely hot and humid. Perfect “bug” weather! Especially early in the morning before the sun is out. So this morning when I went out for my walk, I sprayed myself—liberally! No bug was going to keep me from enjoying my walk this morning! But when I got outside, there weren’t any bugs!
It took me a few minutes to realize why: A strong, steady breeze blew in from the south. The wind was keeping the bugs at bay!
In life, we are constantly being bombarded by the “bugs” of temptation. Yes, we can keep the bugs at bay by covering ourselves with Jesus, and we can learn to avoid “buggy” places. But are there times when the “bugs” of temptation are simply kept away from us?
On the day of Pentecost, the arrival of the Holy Spirit is said to have been like a strong wind (Acts 2:1-2: “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.”). I would like to suggest that just like the strong wind this morning kept all the bugs away, being in the presence of and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit also keeps temptation away!
What about it, friends? Would you like a bug-free life? Are you tired of having to deal with temptation? How about making it a point to spend more time in the presence of the Holy Spirit? Spend time each day praying in the Spirit, listening for His voice, seeking His guidance. At such times you become so wrapped up in Him that temptation can’t enter your mind!
In addition to Spiritual “Bug Spray”, why not a little “Spiritual Wind”?
“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” (Jude 20-21)
Love in Christ,
Lyn Chaffart
(To access the entire “Bugs” devotional series, please click here.)