Saturday, July 11, 2009

Spiritual Sunday ~ Plugging In


(This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt.)

More and more, we are a culture that is dependent upon technology. I find that I rely heavily on technology today. Like many people, I own a cell phone, laptop, and a digital camera. These are great tools that I have learned to depend on from day to day. So, there’s no surprise that these electronics are dependent on… electricity. I pretty much run my electronic “tools” on battery power, and generally, it’s not a problem. Yet, if you are like me, then you know it always seems that it’s at the worst possible moment—when we really need to use that camera, make a call on that cell phone or send off one more email—that the batteries inevitably go dead. It’s so frustrating!

Okay, I know that I bring this on myself! I understand that I ought to keep on top of my battery charging, but I just don’t seem to get around to it. I think I ought to have learned by now that I need to keep these tools charged, especially when I can anticipate times when I have tasks that I need to make sure are completed. Often, anticipating the need is the issue, and is exactly where I run into trouble.

This is a simple, average life experience that has a profound spiritual parallel. We understand we are totally dependent on God to empower us to live life as faithful Christ-followers. We know that we have to stay plugged into the power source in order to be able to face the day-to-day challenges that life throws our way. Yet too often we fail to anticipate our spiritual need. We disconnect and attempt to live life in our own strength. And just when we most need God’s life flowing into ours, we find that our spiritual batteries are dead. Then we experience the remorse that comes from knowing better.

Fortunately, God’s power to recharge our lives is not far away. We don’t have to shut everything down, pack everything up and wait for next Sunday’s church service. We can access God’s power wherever we are through prayer. We can find strength in His Word. We can find support and empowerment through His people.

Today, if you find your spiritual batteries are running low, don’t wait. Wherever you are, plug in!

To really charge your spiritual batteries visit the Spiritual Sunday blog, hosted by Charlotte & Ginger...you'll be glad you did!

10 comments:

Charlotte said...

What a great illustration. My cell phone is the thing of mine that runs down because I don't use it very much. Then when I want to use it likely as not, it's run down and I have to charge it up before I can use it. I'm glad God's power is always available.
Thank you for sharing with us on Spiritual Sundays.
Charlotte

Lisa said...

Oh this is just great! We do all need to remember to recharge everyday!
Thanks!
Hugs, Lisa

Anonymous said...

http://bloodtippedears.blogspot.com/2008/07/prayer-and-help-for-my-mom-carol.html

RCUBEs said...

I'm so grateful that the Source of our strength is available 24/7. Great analogy. God bless.

Ziggy Stardust said...

That was a wonderful read and a great way to spread the word.

Thank you and God bless you

Anne

Sue said...

Jillian,
This is so great, I was smiling and nodding all the way through, just yesterday our granddaughter who is visiting came running in the house where is my camera I need it, and to her disappointment...batteries dead. I said " don'r worry we can charge them and everything will be fine." And it was. just as this wonderful post has written about.

Thank you for visiting and for leaving such a cute comment, I too feel like that balled up sheet in the botom.
Blessings,
Sue

SmilingSally said...

Keeping plugged in is the answer. Happy Spiritual Sunday.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

What a great~~~great~~~analogy! This goes with my post today. I needed to read this, thank-you so much.
God Bless,
Ginger

Musings of A Minister said...

Yes, we need to stay plugged to HIM. He is always there. Thanks for posting this need reminder.

Lisa said...

Great illustration. I have discover that if I put the Lord first, first thing in the morning I have a GOOD day.:) And I'm much more pleasant to be around.LOL