06/06/2021
How often do we consume the Word of God? You will notice that I said consume, and not read, because merely reading it is not enough; God’s Holy Word is meant to nourish our soul, strengthen our spirit, and heal us of the wounds inflicted by the world. God’s Word is an inoculation against the pandemic of sin, and medicine that heals us body, mind, and soul from the spiritual wounds we might receive in life. Do we simply acknowledge the Bible, knowing of the Word, perhaps even rubbing a little of it on our skin, or do we take it internally as daily nourishment, medicine, and the knowledge that feeds God’s wisdom within us?
“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’””
Matthew 4:4 ESV
When I was in college I ran long distances, and did so nearly every day. I was lean, and healthy as a result, but took my ability for granted. Surely I would always be able to run this way because it was a gift from God that I had been given at birth… I was always fast, and had amazing endurance.
Then I fell in love, married, and vigorously entered the workforce. The priorities in my life changed, and my days were filled with many other duties which kept me from running each day. After a short couple of years I decided to begin exercising again, and putting on my old running attire, I went to the local high school and started to run on the track. The first lap went smoothly, and I was able to maintain my old pace, but early in my second lap I started to breathe heavily, and by the end of it I was walking… totally out of shape, and breath. Our lack of attention to God’s Word has the same effect on our faith, and spirituality. If we become inattentive to the Word of God then we will quickly lose our spiritual strength, and our breath in prayer will dwindle away.
“My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law! I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me. I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame! I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!”
Psalm 119:28-32 ESV
When we miss our daily times of devotion, or don’t go to church for several Sundays in a row, our focus on God loses its strength. Each of us has probably experienced this at some point in our lives. Our stamina of faith quickly diminishing, and what we once thought could never be challenged begins to fade. Like a runner who needs daily exercise to maintain his skill, and who must eat a proper diet to remain physically strong, our faith has requirements too. As men and women of faith, we need a constant diet of God’s Word to sustain us, and His daily presence in our prayer closet to insure we can continue to run the race of faith, righteousness, and holiness, to successfully receive the prize.
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 ESV
So, how are we spiritually exercising, what is the diet that sustains us, and do we turn to God for healing when we are sick, and an inoculation of His Word against sin? Let’s take a look at our spiritual regiment today, and determine whether we are prepared to run the race of faith, or if we need to redouble our efforts to regain our stamina and wind.
“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.”
Philippians 3:14-16 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the gift of faith that we each find within ourselves, the tiny mustard seed that we nurture to maturity through constant feeding, and attention. Thank you for your Word that feeds and nourishes us like manna, and our relationship with you that is like a never ending breath in my lungs. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who straightens our paths, and gives us the speed of the hind as we run the race of faith. Praised be your name for the joy we find in faithfully running, and wonderful the taste of your Word that sustains us. You are merciful Lord, and bind our blisters each day in preparation for the morrow. Your grace speeds us ever forward, and gives us the vision we need to avoid all pitfalls… to be lifted as if on the wings of eagles above all obstacles. You are mighty, and long suffering, as you guide us to victory through the understanding we receive from your Holy Spirit. We are made determined and obedient to your will through the pace that is set for us by your Son Jesus Christ; who never fails us. Wash our feet, and our bodies with the blood of Jesus, make us clean, pure, and worthy of the wreath you will place upon our heads. Lift us up, and hear our songs of adoration as we sit at your table… healthy and strong in our faith, and filled with eternal joy in our breath of love for you. All glory is your Holy Father for each and every race we win in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rich Forbes