Can you imagine how well your body, mind and life would fare if the only meal you had was one day each week, forever. I am sure that our life would wither and eventually die of malnutrition!!!
When we Christians depend on our Sunday visit to Church for Spiritual nourishment and fail to partake of the Word of God each day we gradually fall into a dangerous condition that leads to spiritual death.
So many stories of divorce, sickness, fear, loneliness, hatred, addictions, etc. are a sign of spiritual malnutrition. As we neglect to walk with our Lord day by day, moment by moment we fall into a lethargy caused by lack of nourishment of our spirit. How can we hope to contend with the many trials of living in this world without the food that is so necessary to sustain our spiritual life! The Bible, corporate worship, wise counsel by Holy Spirit filled pastors and teachers, loving Christian fellowship, and prayer are many ways that the Holy Spirit works to build our spiritual strength, which leads to powerful faith and unspeakable joy in our Lord and His gift of life.
There is absolutely no excuse, in this nation, for anyone to die of spiritual malnutrition. The answer to ALL of life's problems is in Christ Jesus. Knowing Him requires a daily diet of His food, which is HIS WORD. Jesus never promised a freedom from difficulties in this life, but He did promise to give us the strength and wisdom to endure and emerge victorious over life's trials. When we focus on the promise of everlasting life with God, the joy of the Lord overcomes all sadness, despondency, fear, hatred, lack of patience and dependency on things rather than God's love.
We must seek Him and we will find JOY, PEACE, LOVE, KINDNESS, GENTLENESS, PATIENCE and the COMFORT that our Lord offers when we KNOW that we are saved and headed for perfect JOY in the presence of God for all eternity.
6 comments:
Uncle Rich. This is so true. My small group is doing a series on five things to grow your faith. They suggest God often uses pivotal circumstances, practical teaching, providential relationships, private disciplines and personal ministry to grow our faith. How foolish we are to limit God to one day a week. Love to all and Happy anniversary- Sue
Dear Richard
Everyday as I read your blog I find something in it to comfort me. You have been in my life since 1955 and have helped me deal with the loss of my parents the loss of my soulmate, my illness and many other things. For this I say thanks, but even more important to me is your friendship and the respect you have always shown me. See you soon. Bryna
Great Word Dad,
Many Many years ago a dear friend introduced me to this verse and it changed my life...it speaks of Abdiding in the word day and night..
Psalm 1:2-3
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers"
Just like eating our healthy foods, we have to stay well rounded, as this verse reminds us not to forskae the fellowship with believers.
"And let us continue to consider how to motivate one another to love and good deeds,not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near' Heb.10:25
Gosh...can you imagine the revival that would come if we all caught your message of today!!! If we all truly began to EAT, SLEEP , BREATH and truly LIVE the WORD!
Love you more,
Dee
Right on :) We are to eat, sleep and breathe the Word of God.
Joshua 1:8
"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
Grandad, I love to read your blog. I learn so much everyday.
Love,
Sarah
You are so right!
Richard and Carmelita,
This is a late Happy Anniversary Blessing. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you with His love and strength that you might continue to be witnesses of His love and power for many as you have been for so long.
Love,
Fr. Andy
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