"What You Don't Know Can't Hurt You" May Not Be True, Physically or Spiritually

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
(II Peter 3:18).

I have intolerances to many things so I have started examining food labels carefully.  Recently I was going to make something for company and discovered an ingredient that was not good for me.  I was telling my mother how hard it is to find things that I can eat.   She laughingly said maybe I should not check the ingredients and what I don’t know won’t hurt me.  She wasn’t serious of course, but it made me stop and think about that expression in relation to my physical and spiritual health.

There are times when what I don’t know won’t hurt me, but when it comes to food, that is not the case for me.  Checking labels on everything I buy requires time.  Not buying and eating certain foods requires self-discipline.  When I do these things though, I feel much better.

I can apply this concept to my relationship with God as well.  Of course there are aspects of God that my finite mind can’t comprehend, but not learning and growing in my knowledge of Him will affect me negatively.  If I don’t take time to study God’s character and attributes I will experience unnecessary doubt and fear, because I will not be viewing my problems in the light of His goodness, mercy, and sovereignty.  If I don’t learn more of Jesus and the way He lived, I will not grow in becoming more like Him.  If I don’t practice self-discipline spending time with God and making godly choices, I won’t have the knowledge and strength to fight my battles. 

What I don’t know can hurt me.  Conversely, what I do know can help me, and spiritually I can never know enough about God.  I will have all eternity to keep learning, but I can get a good start now.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the ability to learn and grow. Thank you for Your Word and the wealth of other Christian resources available to teach me more about You.  Give me the wisdom and self-discipline to keep growing and to make wise choices for my physical and spiritual health.  Amen

As We Refresh Others, We Are Refreshed

“He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed”
(Proverbs 11:25b).

There is a lovely home in my city that lifts my spirits each time I see it.  I drive by it intentionally because it makes me feel happy and refreshed just by looking at it.  It is separated from the street by a white wooden fence, and each summer this fence is covered with beautiful flowers.  The house is very neat and cozy-looking, giving the impression that anyone is welcome to stop by for a visit.

I also know a lovely, godly woman who reminds me of this house.  She is a delight to be around, and although I’m sure she has problems, the joy and refreshment of her presence is like those cheery flowers.  She is a model I would like to imitate. 

Living with pain can dampen my joy for life and even for the company of others at times.  My personality has also never been an outgoing one and tends to be more pessimistic than optimistic.  Yet God has the ability to enable me, and each of us, to refresh others.  He is not limited by our limitations.  Sometimes it may simply mean a kind word of blessing to a store clerk or an encouraging Facebook or email message.  Other times we may have the strength to minister to someone in greater depth.  Whatever refreshment we give though will yield returns to us as well. 

Interestingly enough, the King James Version of this verse says that he that waters shall also be watered.  When we willingly pour out the water of God’s encouragement and love to others – no matter how briefly - He revives our spirits and fills us with more of His life-giving water to give.

Even during the winter months the memory of those flowers at that house seems to linger, continuing to give a delightfully welcoming impression.  In the same way, during times when we have nothing to give, the memories we have given may linger and leave lasting impressions of blessings to others. 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we are all Your vessels of refreshment to someone, somewhere, at some time.  Thank you that when we allow You to refresh others through us, we are in turn refreshed by You.  Amen.

Why Persevere through Pain and Trial - Because God Perseveres with Us

“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance”
 (II Thessalonians 3:5).

Perseverance – that word may trigger varying emotions, some being negative.  When I think of perseverance,  I think in terms of me persevering, not God. I get tired of persevering, even though I know His word says it is accomplishing a good work in me. Then I read a thought-provoking statement in one of my books. The author said that when we want to give up we need to persevere with God because God perseveres with us. 

How does God persevere with me?  When I doubt Him over and over again, not learning my lessons from previous situations, He continues to show Himself faithful.  He does not give up on me when I give up on Him.  At times He may be my last resort but I am never His. When I disappoint Him, He never rejects or abandons me.  He keeps forgiving, keeps loving, keeps strengthening and protecting.

Aside from the fact that perseverance is beneficial for spiritual maturity, I want to choose perseverance out of love for all God has done for me.  When I get tired of waiting for medical appointments or test results, I remember that God persevered through countless years of problems with humanity, waiting for the appointed time to send Christ to earth for me.  When I feel I can’t endure any more pain or sacrifice, I remember that Jesus persevered through life and death on earth because of me, suffering more than I can comprehend.  When I’m tempted to give up on God, I think of the way the Holy Spirit perseveres in drawing me back.

When I persevere I am working together with God.  Remembering that fact will give me the persistence I need to keep going until the work is finished.  Then God and I will rejoice together, and that’s worth persevering for!

Prayer:  O Love that will not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee; I give Thee back the life  I owe, that in Thine ocean’s depths its flow may richer, fuller be.  (Hymn O Love That Will Not Let Me Go) Amen.

Living Each Day in a Manna Rhythm

“I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.”
 (Exodus 16:4)
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.”
(John 6:35).

I recently read the book, Depression: Looking Up from the Stubborn Darkness by Edward Welch. Among other things, the author suggested getting in to a “ manna rhythm” of daily living. That means several things to me.

The Old Testaments relates how God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, giving only enough for that day except on the day before the Sabbath, thus teaching them to rely on Him daily. Tomorrow’s provisions were not given today.

As I deal with depression and other problems, living in a manna rhythm is just that - trusting God for today’s provisions and not worrying or wondering about future days. As I go through each day, God’s manna will provide what I need to make it through, whether it’s the ability to enjoy activities of this life, strength to carry out responsibilities or ministries, or perseverance to endure pain or suffering. Whatever the circumstances, God’s manna will meet my needs.

This manna is not only provided through circumstances however, but also in the person of Christ Himself. Jesus says that He is my heavenly bread of life. Living my life in a manna rhythm means spending time with Christ - communicating with him in prayer, listening to Him speak through the Scripture, and praying for faith to act on His power within me. I am blessed with the wonderful provision of the person of Christ as well as whatever I need to go through each day (II Peter 1:3,4).

I am quite ready for my breakfast each morning. But as I begin my day with earthly food, I want to begin it with my heavenly food as well – time with Jesus and a declaration in faith that I have all I need for today, whatever it may bring, and walking in that faith until tomorrow’s manna is given.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, help me to live each day in a manna rhythm, knowing You can and will meet my every need.  Amen.

What We Think Can Affect How We Feel

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV).

We hear a lot these days about mind/body connections. Not surprisingly, God’s Word spoke about that long before now. There are various verses in Scripture confirming that our thoughts and emotions affect our bodies.

I have seen this in my own body over the past 15 years. I typically react to difficulties with fear, anxiety, or depression. Literally within minutes of thinking about or feeling negative thoughts and emotions, I will get a migraine or tension headache, have a panic attack, or become extremely fatigued. It takes great effort to fight these responses. It is much easier to give in than to put up a fight and respond differently.

When recently faced with some new concerns, my initial reaction was to wonder how I could endure yet another problem, will it get worse, etc. My body began responding to each negative thought. I stopped and asked myself if I really wanted to down this road again, knowing what the outcome would be, or would I choose to think on what is right and true. It was very difficult to make the right choice, but praise God I had victory that day. Of course more tests will come and I need to be prepared for them.

Although we associate the heart more with feelings and emotions, our thoughts do trigger emotional responses, which in turn can trigger physical ones. Scripture says that we are to renew our minds (Romans 12:2), to be made new in the attitude of our minds (Ephesians 4:23), and to think on what is true (Philippians 4:8). I want to develop an awareness of where my thoughts and emotions are focused at all times, not just in times of crisis. As I am obedient to His commands and control, I will have life and peace (Romans 8:6) even in my pain, and that’s a mind/body connection I want to experience.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I go through each day, help me to remember and act on the truths of Your Word rather than just reacting to my circumstances. As I do, my body and soul will benefit by Your refreshment and peace. Amen.

Offering Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices of Worship to God

“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship”
 (Romans 12:1).

Worship can be expressed in various forms. Some examples are through music, tithes and offerings, responding to the teaching of God’s Word, and performing acts of service and mercy in God’s name. This verse suggests something else to me as well – worshipping God with my body even while suffering.

I am slowly learning to be aware of ways in which I can do this. As I endure the ongoing struggle with migraines day after day, I am trying to praise God for the ability He gives me to keep functioning through them. When the eye discomfort is so bothersome that I can’t read or use the computer or television, I try and listen to Bible study tapes or worship music. When pain keeps me awake at night I try to pray for others. None of these things are done in my own strength – it is all done by the power of Christ giving me not only the ability but the desire to do them.

There are many times when I don’t offer my sufferings as a willing sacrifice. Sometimes all I can do is sit in agony or despair and cry to the Lord, pleading for mercy and endurance. God understands that. But each time I offer my pain and suffering in an attitude of worship as a sacrifice on the altar of praise, God does something wonderful. Whether now or later, He turns the ashes of my offerings into beauty and gives me a garment of praise for my spirit of heaviness. Whether praising or crying, I want to remember that my body is God’s living temple, and regardless of its physical condition, it can be a beautiful place of sacrifice to Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me a willing spirit to view my sufferings as a sacrificial offering to You, and show me ways I can do this through my specific circumstances. I praise and thank you Lord for accomplishing this through me. Amen.

Spring Transformation

“And we . . . are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (II Corinthians 3:18).

We did not have much winter this year in Virginia so signs of spring have come earlier than usual. Trees and flowers are budding and blooming, and those first splashes of color are a welcome change to see. Spring is a time of transformation because nature’s appearance changes dramatically during this season. Transformation can be more than an external change in form though. It can also mean a change in essence or character. That is what God wants to do in my life, and He is using my pain to accomplish it.

God’s Word and Spirit have the power to transform my sinful, earthly nature, but it requires some work on my part as well. I must be willing to apply Scriptural truths to my life. Becoming fearful over a physical problem is the time to remember God’s faithfulness to me in the past and to trust His provision for the present and future. When tempted to have a negative or despairing attitude, I remind myself that I am not the same person that I was before knowing Christ. I am able to make a different choice as to how I respond to every circumstance in my life.

Allowing God to transform my thoughts, attitudes, and actions will bring new splashes of color to my life and the lives of others. Signs of spring make people feel happy. Not complaining, becoming fearful, or constantly focusing on my problems encourages and uplifts those around me.

Spring’s transformation is temporary but the transforming power of God in my life is everlasting. It can be revealed through me at all times, even when my physical health or circumstances look bleak. As I renew my mind in the knowledge of who He is, who I am in Him, and what He can do through me, I become more conformed to the likeness of Christ – the best and most beautiful transformation of all.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, as I see the earth transformed during the beauty of springtime, help me also see how my pain and suffering can be used by You to transform my heart, mind, and actions into Your image. Amen.