01/02/2020
When we first believe we are on spiritual fire, with our faith roaring like a blazing inferno, but if we do not continue to feed the flame then ever so slowly the fire dies down until at last it is only cold ash; blown here and there by the wind, and driven once more into the earth by the rain. Where in this description are we in our faith? Are we lighting up the night, smoldering, or reduced to a pile of cold white ash?
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
When we first accept God for who He is, and Jesus Christ as our Savior, we spend every waking hour thinking of them, praying, and our nights are filled with prophetic dreams, but when we neglect our relationship with the divine then the world washes back in like a rushing tide, and douses our faithful fire. Although the need to tend to our faith should be obvious, we are warned about neglecting it in scripture...
“"Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today,”
Deuteronomy 8:11 ESV
I had a steady girlfriend when I was in high school, and we were together all of the time studying, going to dances, and in just about every other activity of the day. We were very close, but eventually the time came for college, and I went away to school. At first we wrote many letters to one another, and called each other when we could (no cell phones back then), but as time passed by the letters became fewer, the phone calls less frequent, and then we began seeing other people. Finally the relationship totally dissolved. It is similar with our faith... unless we maintain that closeness it tends to die down until eventually the fire is completely cold, and the relationship is as if it never was...
“As soon as Gideon died, the people of Israel turned again and whored after the Baals and made Baal-berith their god. And the people of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had delivered them from the hand of all their enemies on every side,”
Judges 8:33-34 ESV
So as we are moving into this new year we need to pay particular attention to where we have been in our faith, and not only carry it forward, but seek to increase it... to grow in love and obedience, and bear more fruit. In this way we will not only live, but live in peace, and eternally.
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”
Romans 8:5-6 ESV
As I read my daily devotional this morning the thought of my relationships with the Lord, and Jesus Christ was made fresh to me, and I thought about those things I did each day to maintain them... such as constant prayer, praise, worship, and attentiveness to scripture. I was also reminded how frail our friendships and even loves can be if not attended to... the earthly variety, and yes, our spiritual ones as well. Then I read a short passage that reinforced this thinking, and reminded me that even countries can step by step lose their faith...
“A man who is often with God, does not dare to offend Him so freely as others do. Religion, as it were, dies by degrees. Whatever else is forgotten, God must not be forgotten. Make God a good allowance.”
Thomas Manson, (Works, I:13-20)
Are we ready to recommit ourselves to God, and Jesus Christ this year? Are we prepared to redouble our efforts towards our faith, and bear spiritual fruit in great abundance? Now is the time to glorify God, and follow Jesus...
“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” John 15:8-9 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the mustard seed of faith that you have planted within me, and thank you for your Son Jesus who teaches me, by the example of His life, how to nurture, grow, and strengthen that faith. Never allow me to be complacent in my belief Holy Father, but speak to me day and night, and let your Holy Spirit guide me to greater heights of love for you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who never forgets me, and calls my name when I am wandering, or lost. Great are you whose patience for me, the sinner, never falters, and whose mercy and grace abound without fail. Praised be your name Lord for the love and goodness you show me every moment of every day. All glory is yours Father, and is rooted in your love, and is made to thrive by the grace that flows through Jesus. We are your children Holy Father, And we ask that you help us in our belief, and strengthen our eternal faith, and love, in you.
“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8 ESV
Rich Forbes