I Need The Rain

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV

I sat on my dad’s old red tractor as the rain started pouring down.  Seeking shelter under the cover of its cab I watched the beads hit the top of the tractor and slide down.  It was a short shower of droplets sprinkling everything in its path.  My mind wandered to the scripture about God’s word being like the rain that comes down and makes the earth flourish, it will not return empty but accomplish the purpose for which it was sent. (Isaiah 55:10-11)  

I’ve read many, many books. It’s safe to say I love to read.  But I have never read any book that does what the bible does.  Because to me, it’s not just another book, it is God-inspired and God-breathed words.  It is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. (Heb 4:12)  What I feel in my spirit when I read the words of the bible compared to any other book is tangible.  Just like the rain feeds the roots of the earth and brings creation to life, the bible floods me with the nourishment I need for my soul.  I feel its refreshment when my life seems parched and barren.  Yes, God’s word is an oasis in the desert that I will run to again and again.  It is the well that never runs dry. 

You Mean I Actually Have To Do Something?

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 NIV

In today’s world there is a lot of focus on our physical bodies.  Everywhere you turn there is a new way to eat, a new fad diet, or a popular workout routine.  As the wise Solomon would say, “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecc 1:9)  When one “new” thing becomes obsolete there is another “new” thing to take its place.  It’s easy to get caught up in the obsession with physical appearance.  I am as guilty as the next person, as I write this I know I’d like to lose about 20lbs.  Coming back from a vacation where physical discipline was not allowed anywhere close to the restaurants I was dining at, has left me feeling pretty unhappy with my waistline. 

As I’ve thought about the things I need to do to lose that 20lbs, I couldn’t help but wonder how much more effective I would be as a Christian if I focused on my spiritual health as much as my physical state?  Just as making the lifestyle changes to eat a more well-balanced diet or to consistently exercise takes discipline, my spiritual health requires the same.  I don’t know about you but I never hop out of bed and say,”Wow, I can’t wait to work out!” Even though I know the benefits that will come from it, my natural self does not want to do it.  My natural self wants to sit around and eat whatever I want and never gain a pound.

Just as I want to be undisciplined in my physical state I often buy into the same falsehoods about my spiritual life.  My flesh does not want to exercise the discipline of prayer or reading the bible.  What I really want is to be able to do whatever I desire with my time without reading or praying and somehow end up being a biblical scholar with no chinks in the armor of my faith.  Best buds with Jesus even though I never take the time to talk to Him.  That would be great wouldn’t it? 

Unfortunately it doesn’t take a genius to know that if you want results in anything in life you have to put effort into it to reap the rewards.  I do not advocate that salvation comes from works; it comes by faith in Jesus which is a gift of grace.  (Rom 10:9)  However, once that salvation experience has taken place maturity and growth in Christ cannot happen when there is no spiritual discipline involved.  Consistently fellowshipping with other believer’s, reading the bible, and praying are things that are often done with joy by a Christian but there are always going to be those days when you flat out don’t want to do it.  On those days if I want to obtain the benefits of a close walk with Jesus I have to press past my fleshly feelings and do the hard thing.  I have no doubt that I will see the benefits of a stronger and more healthy spiritual walk if I seek to be disciplined in the hard times when I want to give up.  The bible speaks many times about part of a believer’s character should be self-control; it is one of the fruits of the spirit listed in Galatians chapter five. 

I’m challenging myself to be more consistent and disciplined in my spiritual life, will you do the same?  In the end our physical bodies will not outlast our spirits, start feeding your spirit with the Word of God today.  

Remember Who The Real Enemy Is

Not very long ago I came across a short clip of a Bishop T.D. Jakes sermon that gave me an “aha” moment.  To sum it up in simple terms he was talking about how the devil and his helpers have a united front against the things of God and the Lord’s servants.  There is no conflict within the cronies of evil, they have one purpose:  to steal, kill, and destroy what is good (John 10:10).  But then he went on to compare the issues of Christians and the church with the united front of evil.  Many Christians/churches on the other hand are divided in their purpose.  Instead of being a unified body of Christ there is backbiting, divisions, and numerous sins that tear the purpose of Jesus apart.  This is happening even though in reality we should all be together in our purpose to overcome evil and live a life mimicking the love of Christ.  Essentially the kingdom of darkness these days seems to be more unified than the church.

Honestly while watching this video Jakes put this concept in a new light for me, hence, the “aha” moment.  When my wheels started turning and this information sunk in I couldn’t help but realize I myself have seen and even been a part of this kind of disunity.  And it may sound random at this point but my mind also wandered to a quote in one of my favorite book series “The Hunger Games.”  (Okay so I love to read and could probably tie a hundred things into talking about a book).  While the main character Katniss is in the arena where she must fight to the death, she is confused as to whom her allies are.  In an intense moment where she aims her bow and arrow to shoot someone a previous admonition from her mentor comes to her mind,”Remember who the real enemy is.”  And in her case it wasn’t the other people in the arena it was much bigger.  Her true enemy was the Capitol, the “system” itself.  For my own life I can apply that statement to Satan.  The battle is so much bigger than what other people do to me. He is the real enemy. 

·        When I am hurt by something another Christian says or does…Remember who the real enemy is.

·        When I am tempted to criticize the style of music, sermon, or the way things are being handled at church…Remember who the real enemy is.

·        When I slip into gossiping about someone else’s situation…Remember who the real enemy is.

·        When I want to retaliate after being hurt…Remember who the real enemy is.

·        When I see other people hurting each other and get discouraged…Remember who the real enemy is.

I am determined to tell myself this as much as I need to, which I’m sure in my flawed state will be daily.  The bible says,” Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”(1 Peter 5:8)  I don’t want to be the one that gets devoured by all of this junk.  I don’t want to see the people around me get consumed by the schemes of the devil.  So if you take away anything from my late night ramblings please just let it be: REMEMBER WHO THE REAL ENEMY IS!

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Ephesians 6:12

Are You Tired of Doing the Right Thing?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.  Galatians 6:9-10 NIV

Do you ever feel like the good you do doesn’t matter?  You keep trying to do the right thing and nothing seems to be happening in your circumstances, in the life of your loved ones, or even in your relationship with God.  There have been plenty of times in my life that I have been weary in doing good.  I have felt like as the saying goes that I “take two steps forward and three steps back.”  I get tired of trying sometimes.  Then there are those times that when I’m attempting to say or do the godly thing I end up doing the exact opposite.  I think to myself,” God I am such a poor representative of You to the world.”  

But is giving up really a better option? Give in to the urge to tell that person exactly what you think of them, or let go of your commitments because you are tired, or stop caring so much about other people that have hurt you over and over.  Start abusing drugs or alcohol after you have been clean for years.  Pick up a bad habit again that you had felt free of.  You could fill in the blank with a number of situations that apply to your life.  Yes, you could give into being that ugly, nasty, and mean person that your flesh so easily morphs into.  But if you give into the wrong things and attitudes are you the only one that it affects?  The answer is no.  As much as sometimes we would like to escape, the reality is we don’t live in a vacuum.  Our actions affect those around us.  You may never know that any strength that you demonstrate in your daily life is encouraging someone else around you.  I have to say I have experienced disappointment before as I’ve watched people that I highly respected fail.  And felt disillusioned because if they could fall, then how in the world could someone like me make it?  I’m not encouraging you to put people on lofty pedestals, because God is the only one who will never fail.  But I am saying that if you are a positive example in someone’s life, you are an encouragement that helps them along their journey.  And for some people you may be the only good thing they have surrounding them.  

God’s word says that if you continue to do good that at the proper time you will see a harvest but the key is to not give up.  Only God knows when that harvest will come about.  But take heart and know that everyone gets discouraged at times but you don’t have to let that stop you.  Keep pressing forward and do what pleases God.  He is rooting for you to succeed.

Surviving Singledom On Valentine's Day

The people that know me best know my history with Valentine’s Day.  Although I date regularly I haven’t been in a “long-term” relationship for a number of years which usually equals no Valentine for me when February rolls around.  There is no pre-planning on my part to be single on Valentine’s Day, no purposeful avoidance of having to get someone a gift, and until right now I had never even thought much about it.  But I just realized I seem to be in between dating a lot when the V-day comes up... am I allergic to dating in February?  I’ll have to think that one through at a later date. Anyway this brings me to the whole point of this blog, to share my much earned experience on the topic of…SINGLEDOM on the day of love. 

Sure every now and then we all enjoy a nice little pity party but I want to encourage you to not make Valentine’s day into one of them.  If you are single for whatever reason when the dawn of February 14^th arises, know that there are plenty of reasons to be happy and thankful.  I hate how society appears to deem singleness as some type of unwanted and lesser state than being a couple.  I will scream my dissent!  I have enjoyed some of the absolute best years of my life being single! I believe there are all kinds of seasons in life and God wants us to squeeze every bit of blessing out of whichever one we find ourselves in.  One season isn’t always better than the other, they are just different. 

So if your current season is as a single don’t let the Valentine’s hype make you feel depressed.  There are plenty of things you can do on that day.  Most importantly I believe in order to stop dwelling on how lonely you may feel, start thinking about what you can do for other people.  Surely you know people that are single and maybe even widowed that will struggle through the holiday.  Wouldn’t your time be better spent showing the other people in your life how much you care about them on Valentine’s Day instead of sitting around thinking about being alone? 

In years past I have mailed Valentine’s cards to different friends whether married or single to show them I love them.  I have taken flowers to elderly ladies that were shut-ins from my church on Valentine’s Day.  I always get my mom, dad, and my grandmother a card, flowers, or chocolate, Disclaimer: if you think this is lame, I don’t care. This year my parents and I talked about going out to dinner and one of my friends invited me out for a group bowling trip that night.  I’m not spilling all of this to puff myself up about acts of service, I just truly want to give you examples of things you can do too.  I can attest that on those holidays that I have focused on things I could do for other people I didn’t feel the slightest bit of loneliness or discontentment.  A great thing has happened along with me trying to give to others, quite often people think of me too.  I’ve received a lot of love from my friends and family in various ways that I was so grateful for because of course everyone wants to know someone loves them on Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is a holiday about love.  Romantic love is just a portion of the many different loves in our lives.  I personally view it as a day that I can show love in all of my relationships.  So if you are married, then by all means show some love to your spouse.  If you have children, show them how much you care.  If you are single, express your love for the special people in your life.  But please, please, don’t let the holiday open up the door for that pity party!  Don’t sit around and mope over what you don’t have when you already possess so much! 

Making Mud Pies

Several springs ago in Southwest Virginia we had a month that was especially rainy.  It seemed like everything was drenched for days.  So when the clouds finally broke and the first sunny day came along I couldn’t wait to get outside.  I went down to my favorite place to walk, Bissett park where half of the trail runs along the bank of the New River.  I was feeling serene and ready to spend some time with God in prayer and just soak up nature. Taking in the beauty all around me, I parked in the first picnic shelter lot and slowly made my way toward the asphalt trail. As I started walking on the side where the river was I thought I would find a good place to go off of the trail to get closer to the water’s edge.  Finding an open grassy area that didn’t look too steep, I commenced cautiously inching my way down the bank toward the water.  Before my mind was able to process what was happening I felt my tennis shoes flying out from under me.  Maaaaan down!  Not only did I land on my behind but I was now continuing my descent down the embankment toward the river!  Coming to rest just short of the water, I was finally able to get up and assess the damage.  Thankfully I wasn’t physically hurt, my pride, however, wasn’t as fortunate.  I turned my head as best as I could to look myself over, only to discover mud all over my butt and all the way up my back.  I hadn’t thought about all of the rain making the embankment a mud pit that was simply camouflaged by the grass. 

At this point I’m laughing hysterically.  I make my way back up the hill, looking around to see if any lucky passerby saw the whole spectacle.  As far as I could tell, I was unnoticed.  Needless to say my “spiritual” mood had left me and with my entire back covered in drying mud the only self-respecting thing I had left to do was to go directly back to my car and make my exit.  But before pulling away I sat in the car and laughed some more because I had literally just parked, walked to the river, fell, got back up and went straight back to the car within a matter of minutes.  That was the shortest trip I had ever had to the park.  So much for all of that God time I set out to have!

This kind of thing happens to me pretty often, rolling around in mud you ask…no, obviously not in such drastic terms.  Those are reserved for my truly special moments in life.  No what I mean is in more subtle ways. I start my day off with my “spiritual goggles” on; I’m looking for God and seeking to spend time with Him.  My intentions are in the right place but sometimes my day gets out of control so quickly I don’t have time to react.  I get distracted and it’s only when I lay my head down at night I realize how the God time got replaced by everything else demanding my attention. 

Or on the days I do start off on the right foot with prayer and the Word, I may fall into that mud later when I say or do the wrong thing.  Oh and on my worst days I end up wallowing in that mud pit just like a pig!  But thank God He tells me in His Word that even when I’m covered in the proverbial mud of my sin I do not have to make my home in the pit. 

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (Ps 40:2) He says I am His child, an heir to His kingdom! (Rom 8:17) I am more than a conqueror! (Rom 8:37) That I don’t have to have a spirit of fear or timidity, but one of power, love, and a sound mind!  (2 Tim 1:7) He formed me in my mother’s womb, and He knows what I am going to say before the words are formed on my tongue! (Ps 139)  I am forgiven, and when I mess up I keep asking Him for the grace to wash me clean of my mistakes!  And just like the woman in Proverbs 31 I can laugh at the days to come!  (Prov 31:25)  I’ve learned it gets easier to just giggle at myself, pick up, and carry on another day!

But what about you?  What are you telling yourself when you fall into that mud?  If it’s not speaking the truth of WHO YOU ARE in Christ then you are setting yourself up for the condemnation of the enemy.  Learn to laugh at the things life throws at you and claim the truth of God’s Word over yourself.  My friend, there is no mud hole too deep that the grace of God can’t lift you out of.  Ask Him.