Mistaken Identity

When you talk to someone, what is the first question you ask?  You may ask who are you, what do you do, where do you work, or what college or university did you graduate from?  We tend to associate who we are with the type of work we do, the type of job we have, or what college we graduated from as if we have arrived because we’re making a little change and have a college degree.  Don’t take this the wrong way, it is a good thing to graduate from college and have a decent job to make some change, but we tend to believe we have accomplished things all by ourselves and want to steal God’s credit.  Philippians 3:3 says, “For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh.”  All the credit belongs to Christ Jesus, it is nothing of ourselves, but the Holy Spirit working in us to fulfill God’s purposes.

Are you ready to take a risk to allow Jesus to transform your identity?  Will you take some time to reflect on your life to see how our LORD GOD has kept you and HE is continually there to remind us, it is HE who we are to identify ourselves with, not this world.  I know it is easier to say “don’t be like the world” when we have been like the world for so long that we don’t know any other way.  Well I am here to tell you there is only one way.  Jesus said, “[He] is the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through [Him]” (John 14:6). 

Are you ready to take a risk to allow Jesus to transform your identity so you can start seeing the way Christ Jesus wants you to see, doing what Christ Jesus wants you to do, and saying what Christ Jesus wants you to say?  Take time to get to know Jesus.  HE IS THE BEST FRIEND EVER!  What FRIEND do you know who would die on the cross for you?  What FRIEND would shed HIS blood for you?  What FRIEND would take the sins of the world upon HIMSELF?  What FRIEND would save you?  Make no mistake about HIM, HE IS THE ONE AND ONLY JESUS CHRIST!

So are you ready to take a risk to allow Jesus to transform your identity to be adopted into your new family?  Oh yes your new family!  Oh you didn’t know, that “you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, HIS own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of HIM who called you out of darkness into HIS marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

So now when someone ask who are you, you can tell them, you have been adopted into your new family and you are a son or daughter of the KING, and Jesus is your brother.  Now what type of work did you say you do?  You can tell them you work to further the Kingdom of GOD.  Now what college did you attend?  You can now respond by saying my education is continuous because I am learning new things about my Lord and Savior Jesus every day, no more mistaken identity.

Power Source

 

   There is a story about a woman who lived way out in the country on her own. Being that she lived so far out there wasn't any electricity in her area and therefore none in her home. Now the time came when the electric company were finally going to set up the electricity in the area where she lived and ultimately in her home. So they came and set everything up and showed her how to use it. After about a month or so they noticed that she wasn't using a lot of the electricity. In fact, it was barely being used at all. So the electric company called her to make sure everything was working okay. She told them yes. They asked if she's been using the electricity because it doesn't show that she has. She said “Oh yes I'm using the electricity.” But then they said “May I ask how you're using it?” She responded by saying “Well, I turn the lights on so that I can see when I light my oil lamp and then I turn the lights back off.”

 

   You know, as followers of Jesus Christ, we sometimes do the same exact thing with God. We seek Him only when it's convenient for us; when we're going through a tough time or when there's something that we want. In other words, we seek God to benefit ourselves. The biggest problem with the woman in the story is the same problem most Christians do today; the Power Source is there but we do not use it. You even see how the unsaved want to blame God for the mess that they're in. Well that's because they have no connection to the Power Source at all. So for the saved and the unsaved, there's nothing wrong with the Power Source, we are just not accessing it properly.

 

   So what is the problem? Why are so many Christians failing to properly access this Power Source which is God the Father through Jesus Christ with help of the Holy Spirit? Well, for those of us who know, the bottom line as to why is found in Hosea 4:6; which states that “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you for being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” There are three things to point out in this one verse. First, lack of knowledge is defined as ignorance. God's people are destroyed because of their ignorance. Second, is that many Christians have rejected knowledge. Now it's one thing to lack knowledge, but it's another thing to reject it. To reject it implies that you know the knowledge of God is there for you, but you refuse to accept it. Third, is that God said He will forget your children. How can you say that you love the Lord and not raise your children the proper way? That is the direct cause of God forgetting your children.

 

   So why is this a problem connecting to the Power Source? The problem with many Christians is that they only activate a "power surge" rather than activating The Power Source. In other words, they only access God's power with very short-bursts, high levels of energy. To put it in perspective, many "professed" Christians go to church a couple times a month and get excited about the music or the message. But then everything goes back to normal as soon as they leave the church. These short bursts are what they feel is needed to living a Godly life. Not so. God said in Deuteronomy 11:18 “Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind then as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” We should always be seeking God's knowledge and wisdom. And just like the principles of a power surge, if we continue to seek God in that fashion there will be a burn out. It won't last. You cannot expect to keep plugging in to get a power “surge” then unplug and operate by the world's standards and receive “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). You cannot expect to keep plugging in to get a power “surge” then unplug and operate by the world's standards and receive joy that no man can take away. This is what James calls “double-minded” (James 1:8). We must stop using Jesus Christ as an outlet but rather have Him as our Power Source.

 

   So why is it so important to stay connected to God, our Power Source? One reason is that it shows our obedience to Him. You see when you're properly connected, everything you do, say and think goes through God. That's one of the many reasons why Christians don't stay properly connected because they want to do want they want to do. But it's not about us, it's about Jesus! Our ultimate purpose as we're connected to God is to worship, honor, and praise Him. Another reason is that we must be properly equipped to overcome the temptations that Satan and this world are constantly barraging at us. When we are connected to our Power Source, He tells us to “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light”  (Matt. 11:28-30). Another reason is so that we can defend what we believe and pass the Good News to everyone we have contact with. If we don't learn and know God's Word, how can we possibly defend against the enemy's attacks. What if someone comes along and say the Bible is full of holes and proceeds to misinterpret Scripture - the same Scripture you believe in. If you don't know like you should then how can you help them understand the Scripture the right way? If your child asks you about a story in the Bible that you don't know about, how then can you properly teach them the life lesson that's made available? The answer is we must be connected to the Power Source.

 

   So here's the good news. You can start right now and get properly connected to the Power Source. And to do that you must grow in your relationship with Him. The mistake is having religion rather than having a relationship. You must read, study and meditate on His Word daily. We must pray without ceasing. We must honor God through our families, our relationships, our finances, and our jobs. Finally, we must give God the glory in all things. James 4:8 tells us to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” You are not alone. Stop acting. Stay connected!

For Every Mountain…

(Step 3—Get Fit)

 

Let’s keep going with our “Spiritual Mountain Climbing Training” by learning how to Get Fit!  What in the world do we mean???

 

Physical mountain climbing requires superior fitness and endurance skills because it is an extremely demanding physical activity. You can't say to yourself, “I am going to start mountain climbing today.”  (especially if you’ve been a couch potato)  You must begin at the beginning.  Here are some Get Fit ideas for physical mountain climbing to help you get started:

• Walking and hiking (increase the difficulty)
• Running and jogging (will build up your endurance)
• Weightlifting and weightlifting while walking or running with weights in your backpack or held in your hands while you go uphill
• Rock Climbing Wall training can be very useful (indoor and outdoor)
• Skiing and even snowboarding (can be used for your return)
• Stretching to help with your flexibility

As you can see, anything that improves your strength and endurance should be done because these are the two indispensable fitness skills you will need for mountain climbing.

Now, how can we apply these physical truths to spiritual truths?  Alright, here we go.  How can we Get Fit spiritually to climb our spiritual mountains?  Spiritual mountain climbing requires superior fitness and endurance because we will be climbing on the rough side of the mountain.  Well to be honest, you’re not going to be able to climb the smooth side.  So, let’s first discuss what we mean by spiritual fitness. 

Being spiritually fit is the same as being mature in Christ.  The Bible tells us in Hebrews 5:12-14 that we are to be mature, skilled partakers of the Word of God, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.    For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

We become mature when we no longer drink milk but eat the meat of the Word. To get to the meat of the Word, you must be taught.  Unfortunately, many people are under the impression that if they attend church on Sunday only that they are mature or spiritually fit.  It’s like going to your “Jazzercise” class to socialize, eat and only do half of the exercises.  Won’t get fit that way!  You won’t get fit just listening to a sermon (or pretending to) and only worshiping God when your “jam” is sung.

So, if you want to Get Fit, you must exercise your spiritual muscles.  You can do this by attending weekly Bible study, attending a mid-week service, joining a small group ministry, get a prayer partner and/or serve your community.  In other words, going to church for 1 hour a week or twice a month will not get you spiritually fit.

 

The second thing we need to Get Fit is endurance.  Did you know that endurance is a spiritual trait?  Spiritual endurance or perseverance is a quality of a spiritually fit Christian.  Hebrews 10:36 says, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:”

Spiritual endurance or perseverance is a strong indicator of a conquering Christian.  Why?  Because their strength and confidence comes from God. So, no matter what difficulties are going on in their life, they may bend but they won’t break.  “Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary.  His understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”  (Isaiah 40:28-31)  Now that’s a Get Fit Christian!

If you desire to have a healthy relationship with God, then you will have to put forth some effort.  You cannot wish it into existence or try to ride on your mama’s skirt.  You got to get you own!  “…Train yourself for a holy life!  While physical training has some value, training in holy living is useful for everything…” (1 Timothy 4:7-8)  What does that mean?  Get your workout in everyday if you really want to Get Fit.  I like how “The Message” translation puts it in 1 Corinthians 9:26-27, “I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.”

To have a Get Fit faith, you have to get moving.  It’s not going to come while you are sitting on your “blessed asset” daydreaming or checking Facebook during the Sunday morning sermon.  You have to live the Word not just hear it.  “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”  (James 1:22)

Next time, we’ll discuss Step 4:  Acquiring the right gear.

Road to Destiny

 

Nothing happens to us by chance, luck, nor fate, but what happens to us is allowed by God, whether if it’s good or bad, right or wrong.  You may be asking yourself what am I talking about or what is meant by me saying what happens to us is allowed by God.

God gives us freedom to make choices.  What happens to me is due to choices I have made in my life and some of the things that happened to me was due to what God allowed others to do. 

What’s the purpose of going through troubling and trying times?  In my faith walk I have and still continue to learn along my journey.  When I look back over my life, I see my Lord God’s purpose for troubling and trying times are to train, develop, test, and prepare me for my destiny with Him.  The road to destiny starts with training.

To train means to cause to grow as desired, to form by instruction or discipline. To train also means to become prepared for a test of skill. This parallels to God’s Word, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6). God wants all to surrender to His will to be trained up in the Word of God.

Training is the act, process, or method of one who trains. Training is the skill, knowledge, or experience gained by one who trains. I started my training process when I was tired of going around in circles ending up in the same place that was out of the will of God. When I finally stepped out of the situation I began to see more clearly by putting my focus back on putting Jesus first in my life. God began training me by placing me at New Vision Community Church. I chose my favorite scriptures to meditate on daily and these scripture gave me new life in Christ Jesus. God’s Word told me that. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16). Training requires me to grow as God desires in His Word. God is forming a new me by shaping and molding me into the likeness of Jesus Christ. The testing of my faith are maturing me each day. Thank you Jesus for showing me how to follow Your instruction and discipline of finding solitude in our Lord God. Next on my road to destiny is development, which is similar to training.

Develop means to grow, cause to grow, and become more mature, advanced or elaborate. In order for me to grow I have to eat daily. I must turn to the Word of God each day to get my daily bread and nourishment. I can’t survive in this world without You Jesus. Each day I turn to the Word of God, I see the Lord God wants me to become more advanced and elaborate in Him. The Lord God is working me out in detail and with care. With training and developing, I now will write about testing along the road to destiny.

It’s testing time. No one likes to be tested, but it is necessary. Test means to put to the test, try, examine, evaluation, and trial. Remember when you were in school, you have to study to do well on the test. It is the same with the Word of God, we have to study the Bible to show ourselves approved and be prepared for the testing of our faith in Jesus Christ when God allow things to happen to us that we don’t like. God tells us to, “Test all things.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). God tells us, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1). What does testing do for believers? Testing draws us closer. God is with us every step of the way of our testing. This is awesome news.

In conclusion of my road to destiny, the LORD God is preparing me, and getting me ready to do more work on earth until the party begins in heaven. I pray that you will allow the LORD God to do His work in you, so I will see you at the party in heaven.

Where Have You Pitched Your Tent?

 

 

Having gone camping twice in my life, I don’t plan on going back anytime soon. Even though I got to sleep in a cabin, it was not a joyful experience for me. There are many people today who enjoy camping to the fullest. They travel around the world to various destinations to experience nature in its purest form. Why I wouldn’t want to do that type of camping is because you have to sleep in a tent. I’m sorry, but I don’t feel comfortable having cotton, nylon and polyester fabric as my only protection at night with the possibility of wild animals roaming nearby. But I guess for those that are, that is one of the reasons why they go. Because of protection, however limited, they (camping enthusiasts) feel comfortable and safe in that environment.

                As followers of Jesus Christ, we may be living in a “spiritual” tent. We may feel comfortable where we are in our lives and don’t feel the need to interrupt the status quo. Why is that? Why are we comfortable with the status quo? Should we be living in a “spiritual” tent? There are some potential dangers and pitfalls with living in a “spiritual” tent. We see what can happen as we look at the story of Abram and Lot. It tells us in Genesis 13:10-12; “And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.”

                We all know the story and life of Lot as he was rescued from the city of Sodom right before it was destroyed. But it is easy to miss what happened before he got there. It not only says that he pitched his tent but that he pitched it toward Sodom. Pitching a tent is considered a temporary abode until a permanent place of residence is established. The fact that Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom signifies where he was headed. Every morning when he woke up and stepped out of his tent, he looked upon Sodom. You’re only going to go where you are facing. So for those of us Christians who are currently living in a “spiritual” tent, which way are you facing? Are you facing Jesus Christ or are you facing the world? When you step out of your “spiritual” tent are you needing to reverse field to head toward Jesus or is it all steam ahead? Before you answer that let me point out that you cannot be halfway between Jesus Christ and the world and be truly surrendered to Him. God does not like Lukewarm (Revelation 3:16).

                The other issue with being halfway between God and the world is the influence you have on others. It is one thing to disobey God by not being fully surrendered to Him, but it’s another thing to not be the proper influence for your children. You see, as parents, we leave an imprint of our lives onto our children. If we’re only halfway between Jesus Christ and the world then our imprint is only half clear. We all know what happens when an already half-clear document gets copied, it becomes more distorted. And after a while the document becomes crooked and then some of the words goes missing off the page. This is how we pass God’s Word onto our children. When they receive it it’s distorted, crooked and missing the truth. Is this the legacy we want to leave our children? Our soul salvation does not transfer to our children; they must accept Jesus Christ as their personal LORD and savior for themselves. Acts 17:30 tells us that, “Truly, these time of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

                So what to do? Well, there is some good news! I mentioned before that a tent is only temporary. So there is still the opportunity to fully surrender our life to Christ. If your “spiritual” tent is currently facing the world, then we must repent and ‘turn away’ from the world and go toward Christ. It tells us in James 1:22 to “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Once we do that, then we can set up permanent residence in the presence of the LORD.  So where have you pitched your tent? If you answer is ‘I don’t have a tent but rather permanent residence in the presence of the LORD’, then you are in the right place. If your answer is ‘in the plain halfway between the LORD and the world’, then now is the time to change course. The LORD is waiting! And He tells us in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that “if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” The LORD is waiting!

For Every Mountain…

(Step 2)

 

“Spiritual Mountain Climbing Training”—that’s what we discussed last time.  “Spiritual Mountains” can be anything from death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, etc.  In our first post we found out what our mountains may be and what the first step of mountain climbing was:  Do Your Research:  Study the Word of God.

 

Step 2 to Spiritual Mountain Climbing:

 

Assess your strength.  (mental strength)  Mountain climbing is all about your mental attitude.  You will need to make sound, fast judgments about such things as conditions, directions, and safety. This is part of the attraction for many mountain climbers:  to be taken out of their comfortable easy lifestyles, to be thoroughly tested and to be placed into a world where the choices they make can have major consequences.  Some things you need to ask yourself before you climb those physical mountains are:

·         Are you prone to panicking or resorting to making rash decisions?  If the answer is yes, then this kind of behavior can be very dangerous when climbing a mountain.  You must maintain a steady head, calm demeanor and clear thinking to have the ability to work out the best solution quickly.

·         Are you able to push through pain or are you apt to give up and throw in the towel?

·         Are you positive by nature but also realistic and honest with yourself and your abilities? Over self-confidence will not work.  It will only lead to dire consequences when climbing.

Now, let’s apply this to our “Spiritual Mountain” climbing.  We must be able to assess our mental strength.  How can we do this?  Well, as always, let’s go to the Word of God.  Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”  To be able to accomplish climbing our “spiritual mountains”, we must have our minds focused on Jesus and not on the mountain itself.  When you are so focused on your “spiritual mountains”, you cannot see Jesus and what He is doing to help you. 

 

In 1 Kings chapter 19, there is the story about how Elijah, a prophet of God, handled a “spiritual mountain.”  God had sent Elijah to rescue Israel from its sinful ways.  God had shown up in a powerful way by using Elijah to defeat the prophets of Baal.  But when the evil Queen Jezebel threatened to kill him, he panicked, ran and hid.  His focus was on the things of this earth instead of on his Heavenly Father above.

 

Now, there are times when we feel the pain is too much to bear and we want to throw in the towel.  You may ask yourself, “Where is God?  I can’t take it!  I hurt all over.”  Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by your circumstances?  Constantly, worrying about this or fretting about that.  You feel like you’re in an avalanche.  Well, God promises in His Word that “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.”  (Isaiah 26:3) 

 

God may be preparing you for the challenges that are to come by allowing you to stay in the valley awhile before you can go up to the top of the mountain.  You’re probably asking yourself, “Why in the world would God let me go through this pain?”  There could be several reasons why you’re going through and several reasons why you should stick it out.

·        God may be trying to get your attention.

·        God may want you to do a self-examination.

·        God may want you to change.

·        God may want you to see that you need Him.

 

“Spiritual Mountain” climbing is all about being dependent on the One who is able to get you over, through or around your mountain.  He is the Problem-Solver.  We cannot grow weary and throw in the towel when things get a little tough.  “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.”  (2 Thessalonians 3:13)  We must be able to “…press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 3:14)

 

We cannot be overconfident in our own abilities.  “For  I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3).  We must learn contentment and rely on the strength of God to accomplish the impossible.  “…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:;  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  (Philippians 4:11,13) 

 

Assessing one’s strength can be a daunting task.  We may not like what we find out, but it can be one of the best things you can do personally for yourself on this Christian journey.  “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.”  (James 1:22-24)  Don’t be that person…ASSESS YOUR STRENGTH!

 

Step 3:  Get Fit…until next time.

Covenantal Relationship

 

 

What does covenant mean? First let us define covenant. A covenant is an agreement between people or groups that involves promises on the part of each to the other. A covenant, in the biblical sense, implies much more than a contract of simple agreement. A contract always has an end date, while a covenant is a permanent arrangement. Another difference is that a contract generally involves only one part of a person, such as a skill, while a covenant covers a person’s total being. I understand dear Lord, that You do not desire that I lay part of myself on the altar, but I am to lay my body at the altar as a living sacrifice offered up to You Jesus. My total being has to be presented up to You Jesus as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is [my] reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). When we sacrifice our bodies to God, we are choosing and giving God permission to change and transform us into the likeness and image of Jesus Christ. It is through Jesus Christ that God can do this transformation because we have surrendered and sacrificed our bodies to Jesus.

                What does relationship mean? Relationship means a connection between persons by blood or marriage, an association, or involvement with. I like that, a connection by blood. Jesus’ blood shed as the sign and seal of our redemption once for all people and for all time. Knowing that Jesus Christ died on the cross and shed His blood for us should make all people want and desire to have a covenantal relationship with Him. Do you have a covenantal relationship with Jesus Christ? In order to answer this question, you have to examine your relationship with others. Are your relationships with others messed up, need work, okay, well, or totally awesome? Now however you answer, look at your relationship with Jesus. If we want our relationships to be healthy and meaningful with others, we must first get our relationship in order with Jesus. How do we do this? I am glad you asked.

                You must first set aside alone time with Jesus. This can be early in the morning, midday at work, or late in the evening. It doesn’t matter what part of the day, just make sure you stick to having undistracted time with Jesus every day. In your alone time study a certain passage in the Bible. Meditate on the scripture and allow God’s Word to increase in you while your flesh decrease. Pray that God open your heart and mind to receive and understand His Word to apply it to the way you live, act, what you say, and how you think. We have to learn to abide in Jesus. Abiding means to remain in Jesus, to dwell in Jesus, to be faithful to Jesus, and to endure to continue in Jesus. Go ahead and enter into covenantal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is waiting. He is ready for you to lay your body at the altar as a living sacrifice to give you a new heart and renew your mind. Go ahead and let Jesus transform you to offer you up to our Holy God. What is worth everything to God? That would be you my friend.

FULL-COURSE MEAL

 

                Throughout our lifetime we will be flooded with infomercials and emails about healthy eating habits. From eating all five of the food groups to abstaining from eating carbs, information is at our disposal in order to be successful eaters. We now have apps available that help us count our calories for everything we consume at any given moment. Moderation and consistency are probably the most important factors in healthy eating - don’t overdo it and don’t give up. For the novice just getting started, there are diet plans such as Weight Watchers and Atkins to help get you started. You also have TV shows like The Doctors pumping out information, as well as thousands of books available. It’s a 24/7 non-stop barrage of tips, recommendations, and advice on eating healthy.

                Just as our physical bodies need to be fed in order to function mentally and physically, our souls need to be spiritually fed as well. Without the proper spiritual food, our souls will become underdeveloped and our spiritual muscles will atrophy. When we try to use them, they won’t work the way that they’re supposed to. It is vital that we are feeding our souls from all of the spiritual foods groups, so that we will have our “spiritual” full-course meal.

                The first, and most important portion of this “spiritual” full-course meal is ‘belief-faith-trust’. You believe because of who He is (John 3:16), you have faith that He knows what He’s doing (Hebrews 11:1), and you trust Him because of what you’ve heard and seen (Proverbs 3:5-6). These three go hand in hand. If you don’t have these, then the rest of your meal won’t taste right. You won’t get the full benefits of your “spiritual” full-course meal. In our own selfishness we tell God to show us and we’ll trust Him. But God, being omniscient, tells us to trust Him and He will show us. We must ask ourselves, do we truly believe, have faith and trust in the Lord? Do we suffer from spiritual gout (Romans 8:1, 4)?

                Another portion of your “spiritual” full-course meal is prayer & fasting. We must pray every single day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). And not just praying before you eat, but also prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of intercession, and prayers of petition. Remember, praying is a two-way conversation with the Lord. Our very own Prayer & Bible Study is a great opportunity to pray and talk to the Lord. How can we expect God to speak to us if we don’t speak to Him? When you fast, it isn’t just about giving up something; you are also gaining a closer relationship with God. We must ask ourselves, do we truly pray and fast unto the Lord? Are we spiritually mute to the Lord (Philippians 4:6)?

                Another portion of your “spiritual” full-course meal is reading-studying-meditating on the Word of God. How can we possibly know God’s promises for us if we don’t do this? 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Again, Prayer & Bible Study and also Coffee, Tea and He are great opportunities to not only learn but to effectively read, study and meditate on the Word of God. Many of us are afraid because we will become accountable for what we’ve learned of the Word, but we fail to realize that we are accountable whether we learn the Word of God or not. So we must ask ourselves, do we truly read, study and meditate on the Word of God? Going a step further, do we ingest God’s word in the form of milk or solid foods (Hebrews 5:13)? Do we suffer from spiritual indigestion?

                The next portion of your “spiritual” full-course meal is fellowship. We should want to spend time with fellow followers of Christ. Hebrews 10:25 tells us to “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” When you fellowship with one another you actually build each other up even if you don’t realize it. That’s why 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” We are all one body with many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). So we must ask ourselves, do we truly spend time with one another unto the Lord? Do we suffer from spiritual isolation?

                It is imperative that we feast on all portions of our “spiritual” full-course meal. When we don’t, not only do we suffer but the body suffers as a whole. We must be accountable to each other because we are accountable to God. Time is running out. We cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24). It’s impossible. So I leave us with this final question, which is scriptural: Galatians 4:9 asks “But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?”

 

For Every Mountain…

 

Are you a mountain climber?  Have you ever tried it?  Well, I’m here to tell you that you are a mountain climber whether you know it or not.  I’m not talking about real mountains like Mt. Everest.  I’m talking about those spiritual mountains that we face that seem like they’re Mt. Everest.  And just like a lot of people who attempt to climb Mt. Everest, we attempt to climb ours too.  Now, how successful we are, well…

 

So, I would like to give you some “Spiritual Mountain Climbing Training”.  This will be a step-by-step guide that will happen over several different Blog entries, so stay tuned.

 

First, let’s describe what I mean by “Spiritual Mountains.”  A “Spiritual Mountain” in your life is anything that causes great difficulties, trials or hardship.  These mountains try your faith and can cause spiritual, mental, emotional and sometimes physical distress.  An example may be loss of job, infidelity, death of a love one or a wayward child.

 

In the real mountain climbing world, mountain climbing is viewed as an extreme sport.  In the spiritual world, it can feel extreme but I don’t know if you would consider it to be a sport.  I know when I think of sports, I think of entertainment.  The only one who would be entertained by our spiritual mountains would be the enemy of our souls.

 

Real mountain climbing can challenge your strength, endurance and sacrifice.  It can be extremely dangerous, even fatal especially when you are out of your depth, or become overwhelmed by weather, terrain, ice or other dangers of the mountain.  Also, inexperience, poor planning and inadequate equipment can all contribute to injury or death.  So knowing what to do right matters.  Our spiritual walk or climbing can challenge our strength, endurance and sacrifice.  At times, it can be dangerous where you can die if you are only relying on your own strength versus God’s.  Also, poor training & inadequate equipment can contribute to injury or death.

 

So, maybe you’re thinking, I’m not making this connection between mountain climbing training and training to climb spiritual mountains.  Well, I’m here to help you see what the Word of God says about it. 

 

Steps to Spiritual Mountain Climbing:

 

1. Do your research.  Before you attempt to climb your spiritual mountain, do as much reading/studying about the skills needed and about other people’s experiences.  Where should you start?  Start with the Word of God!  2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”   It is as important to understand the spiritual effort required to climb a spiritual mountain as it is the mental and physical effort.  You also must know how to use your spiritual equipment properly, and one of the best ways of understanding this is to read the stories of other “mountaineers” who have climbed many challenging, seemingly impossible mountains.  All of this info can be found in the manual of choice of successful mountain climbers:  the Holy Bible.  2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

 

You can also use books, DVDs, etc. written by people who live out what they write about to help.  But remember they are not the Word of God.  If you are a member of a bible-believing church like New Vision Community Church, you can attend their weekly Bible Study to help equip you to be ready.

 

A good story to read about that demonstrates courage in the midst of a challenge, is the story of David and Goliath (Read 1 Samuel 17)  Goliath can definitely be considered a mountain, physically and spiritually.  He was over 9 ft. tall.  David exemplified courage because his faith and trust was in God.  Another story in the Bible can be found in Numbers 13-14:10.  The story of the 12 spies and the land of Canaan. Ten came back with fear and discouragement.  Two came back having their faith rooted in God; they knew they could defeat their enemies, no matter the size.  Each story gives us examples of what to do and what not to do.  We cannot let our “mountains” overwhelm us with fear, we must look to our ever-present, powerful God to enable us to accomplish the task at hand.

 

Next time we will look at Step 2:  Assess your strength.

 

What will you choose?

Will you choose what is good or bad?  James 1:17

Will you choose what is right or wrong?  James 4:17

Will you choose to serve or be served?  Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45

Will you choose independence from God or dependence on God?  1 Peter 2:16

Will you choose to love or hate?  1 John 4:20

Will you choose salvation or condemnation?  Romans 8:1

Will you choose righteousness or self-righteousness?  Deuteronomy 6:25

Will you choose to be prideful or humbled?  2 Kings 22:19

Will you choose to answer your call or ignore it?  2 Timothy 1:9

Will you choose to use your gifts and talents for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom or keep them to yourself?  2 Timothy 1:6-7

Will you choose to fight your battles or let the Lord Jesus fight for you?  Deuteronomy 20:4

Will you choose confusion or peace?  1 Corinthians 14:33

Will you choose forgiveness or bitterness?  Ephesians 4:31-32

Will you choose the truth or lies?  John 14:6

Will you choose death or life?  John 14:6

Will you choose Jesus or the devil?  John 14:6

Will you choose heaven or hell?  Revelations 21: 4-8