Proverbs 31 Devotionals

• Nov. 16, 2009 - Infected

Infected

The writer of Psalm 119 knew well that bad company corrupts good character. In verse 115, he told evildoers to get away so that he could keep God’s commands.

I got to thinking about how some of my activities pull me away from God’s commands. Now, I’m not referring to what most of us would classify as “big” sins such as adultery, murder, or homosexuality. I am thinking of seemingly innocent things like using the computer. While the Internet can be a wonderful tool, how many times do we find ourselves spending more time there than necessary? After all, we could be spending that time in the Word or in making the house look nice for when our husband comes home at the end of a long day. We could have spent that time reading to our children or playing with them. When we realize we have wasted too much time on the computer, our attitude usually changes for the worse. We realize that we are suddenly pressed for time in getting the evening meal ready or whatever the case may be. The result is often that we tend to get crabby. Add a short fuse to our temper, and we can quickly infect those around us. Before we realize it, the whole family is in a bad mood, thus slightest offense leading to much bickering.

I admit it – I am a FOX news junkie. With all that is taking place in the world, I find it difficult to turn off the television. Yet, when they begin to talk about Madonna, Miley Cyrus, or Lindsay Lohan, do I really need to hear it? To put it bluntly, it is gossip, and God’s Word tells me to avoid it. If I ignore His commands, I become spiritually infected.

A real wake-up call to me was one morning when I told my daughter that I had a nightmare about Muslims the previous night. She had an astonished look on her face and replied, “So did I!” My husband and I knew immediately that the excessive watching of the TV news was not only infecting us, it was also infecting her.

You see, when we allow spiritual infection into our lives, it doesn’t just affect us. It affects others. Just as the psalmist took a stand against spiritual infection, we also need to do the same.

Do you need to treat any “infection” in your life?

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• Jul. 30, 2009 - Loaves and Fish

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~~~~~ Loaves and Fish ~~~~~

Many years ago, I kept having dreams that I was singing solos at church. I would wake up and think, “That is weird! I can’t sing!” Well, I could sing, but it sounded more like a joyful noise! Yet, as I continued to have those dreams, I started to hear the Lord telling me that one day I would be singing solos. About nine months later, I went Christmas caroling with our nursing home ministry team. I loved it! I quickly signed up to join the team that went out each week to a local nursing home to do a Sunday service. Wouldn’t you know it? The very first Sunday I went, they handed me a microphone and said, “Sing!” I honestly thought I could hear God laughing!

Now, when I started singing at the nursing home, it wasn’t as if God said, “Start out singing Sandi Patty songs.” No, He only asked me to sing. And He was wise enough to start me out in a small setting with people whose hearing wasn’t all that good.”

Later, He led me to join the church choir. As I began to strengthen my voice, He built my confidence. A few years later, I did end up singing several Sandi Patty songs. I offered to the Lord what little ability I had in those early days at the nursing home, and He took it and multiplied into something bigger.

In Mark 6:30-44, we find the story where Jesus fed the five thousand. What I love about this story is that Jesus didn’t ask the disciples for what they didn’t have. He only asked them for what they did have. “How many loaves do you have?” (verse 38) Then He blesses it, multiplies it, and uses it far beyond what we can imagine.

When the Lord first told me to start my Internet ministry, I had no expectations of what He was going to do. I just knew that I had a passion to share with other ladies things I had learned over the years that made a huge impact on my life. The Lord made it clear that He was going to gift me write in devotional format many lessons I’d learned over the years. He wasn’t asking me to write a book. He was only asking of me what I had – a love for writing. My love for writing is similar to the five loaves and two fish in Mark 6 – that is what I had to offer.

Over the years, the Lord blessed my “loaves and fish.” I am still amazed that people from every continent have signed up to receive my monthly devotions. What amazes me even more is that some of my devotions are being translated into three different languages. Now, I don’t share these personal things with you to brag about myself. Rather, I brag on the Lord because this is His doing!

Often, I think we get overwhelmed when the Lord begins to show us a new place of ministry. Dear one, don’t allow yourself to overly burdened with what the Lord reveals to you. Offer Him what you have. That is all He asks. He will be the One to bless your efforts. You don’t need to worry about whether this new place of ministry will succeed or not. That is in the Lord’s hands. Just give Him your “loaves and fish” and watch how He blesses and multiplies them!

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• Dec. 31, 2008 - Resolutions

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Resolutions

As the end of the year approaches, people begin to make their resolutions for the New Year. We resolve to lose weight, to focus on a character issue, to read a certain number of books each month, to mend broken relationships, and the list goes on. We find ourselves disillusioned when we break our resolutions after only a few weeks, and in some cases, after just a few days.

I made a resolution several years ago that I would not make another New Year’s resolution. However, I'm about to break that resolution! I don't want my new resolution to be a New Year’s resolution. I want it to be a daily resolution. My resolution: I want to know Christ, and Him crucified! (First Corinthians 2:2)

Most of our resolutions are things we try to do in our own strength. My new resolution is one I want to make, and keep, with the Lord’s help. Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do all things through Christ. Won't you join me in this journey to know Christ in a deeper way? Perhaps as we diligently seek to know Him better, we will find the ability to conquer some of those other resolutions as well.

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• Oct. 3, 2008 - Juicy Fruit

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Juicy Fruit

I love the times of year when fruit is in season. It is so much tastier. The color is more vivid and appealing. It is so delightful to bite into a luscious, red strawberry. I will literally savor that piece of juicy fruit.

Have you ever met a godly person that just radiated with the glory of God? They are a great example of a person whose fruit is a tree of life. (Proverbs 11:30) Much like the way edible fruit gets our attention with its vivid appearance, these people command our attention with their glorious countenance. They speak wise words which we can savor, much like savoring a piece of tasty watermelon. They bubble over with the joy of the Lord. We find ourselves delighted to be in their presence, partaking of the juicy fruit that resides within them.

We are all to be full of juicy fruit. (Matthew 7:17-18; John 15:8) But how do we cultivate a heart that can bear such desirable, and juicy, fruit?

1. Don’t walk in the counsel of the wicked. (Psalm 1:1) A practical way to implement this is to quit reading secular books on marriage and parenting. Instead, find out what God has to say on these subjects.

2. Don’t stand in the way of sinners. (Psalm 1:1) As you walk into the break room at work, if they are discussing some inappropriate topics, leave the room.

3. Don’t sit in the seat of mockers. (Psalm 1:1) A great example of putting this to work is by refusing to watch the myriad of television shows that mock everything we, as Christians, should hold dear to our heart. Many times, these shows will mock the role of the father. If we want our children to show respect to their father, we must guard their hearts from seeing the father mocked on television. Another way to put this into practice is to quit listening to secular music, which not only mocks our Lord, but flaunts attitudes and values that are contrary to the Bible.

4. Delight in God’s law. (Psalm 1:2) If you have a hard time delighting in reading the Word, ask God to give you a deep hunger for His Word, and ask Him to help you see wonderful things in His law. (Psalm 119:18)

5. Meditate on His Word. (Psalm 1:2) As you read the Word, sometimes you won’t need to read very much before you find the Holy Spirit dealing with your heart. Write down the verse, and carry it with you, looking at it several times throughout the day.

6. Remain in Jesus. (John 15:4) Dedicate yourself to seeking Him daily. I choose to spend the early morning hours with the Lord, however, when Rachel was a baby, it was easier to have that quiet time during her naps or right after I put her to bed in the evening. Find what works best for you.

7. Let God’s Word remain in you. (John 15:7) When you face new situations, ask yourself, what would God want me to do? By acknowledging Him, you will often find that the Word you have planted in your heart will guide you quickly in doing the right and honorable thing.

Following these seven steps will cause you to be like a tree planted by the river, yielding fruit in season, and whose leaf doesn’t wither. (Psalm 1:3)

Not only will you bear much fruit, but you will bring much glory to your Heavenly Father.

(John 15:8)

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• Oct. 2, 2008 - Struck by Lightning

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Struck by Lightning

One day while it was storming, I was talking on the phone to my friend, Brandie. Suddenly, I heard a loud, thunderous boom, seemingly right above our house. Brandie heard me let out a yell – not of fear, but of pain. I had been struck by lightning!

The jolt of the electricity caused me to quickly drop the phone to my side. I could feel a tingling sensation down the left side of my face. Shortly after, I had a ringing in my ear and a pounding headache that lasted for several hours.

Needless to say, it left quite an impression on me. I now understand that when Grandma told me to stay off the phone during a storm, it was not just an old wive’s tale. It was wise advice!

Too often, I think the church takes the attitude of, “Reading the Word is just an old wive’s tale. I can do just fine without it.” We continue doing things our own way, only to feel like we have suddenly been struck by lightning. Because we failed to read the Word and seek God's counsel, we find that we are jolted, much like when the lightning jolted me. We are shaken to the core of our being, left with the excruciating pain of reaping what we have sown. How much better we would have been if only we would have taken time for God and His Word!

I have seen many farm houses that have a lightning rod to protect the house if lightning should strike. As Christians, we have a rod to protect us. God's rod and His staff are there for us. (Psalm 23:4) When we are faithful to be in His Word, He will use the rod and staff to guide us and correct us if we start to stray from His path. He will use His Word to teach and rebuke us, to correct us, and to train us in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:16)

The result will be that when we face a crisis, it won't jolt us like a bolt of lightning. Instead, we will quickly look to our Shepherd, finding comfort and direction in the rod and staff.

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• Oct. 2, 2008 - Drop Your Baggage

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Drop Your Baggage

In I Sam. 10:22, it says "he has hidden himself among the baggage." Interesting verse, isn't it? We can hide behind a myriad of baggage. It might be past hurts, bitterness, unforgiveness, fear, past failures, or low self-esteem. We may even hide behind success, wealth, and accomplishments.

While we may put on a happy face and be the life of the party, God sees beyond the facade. Ps. 139 tells us that our frame wasn't hidden from Him when we were made, and His eyes saw us before our body even had a form. He sees all of our baggage; He sees the the depth of the fear, despair, and pain. He sees every emotional scar we bear.

Our wonderful God is patiently waiting for us to drop all of our heavy baggage and trade it for an abundant life. (John 10:10) Won't you let the Lord take your excess baggage so that you are no longer hidden among it? Let the real you come shining through, bearing His image.

Drop your baggage at the foot of the cross.

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• Oct. 2, 2008 - Growing Spells

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Growing Spells

My daughter, Rachel, has learned that if she goes through a spell where she is eating a lot and/or sleeping a lot, she is likely going through a growing spell. She'll come to me and ask, "Mommy, will you measure me?" There have been times where we've been amazed at the amount of growth in only a short period of time.

We also have growing spells in our walk with God, but we can also stunt our growth. For instance, if a lady has been raped, she has obviously gone through a very traumatic experience that can change her emotionally. She may talk about the rape constantly. When she meets new people, she may be quick to tell them about the rape. She identifies with it so much that it becomes part of her identity, and it now defines who she is. In fact, if she is quick to tell strangers about having been raped, when they see her again, they will likely think, "There's that gal who was raped." This scenario could also work for anyone who has been a stripper, a prostitute, a drug addict, or even one who has been physically abused. There is nothing wrong with remembering where we came from, but when we continually identify ourselves with our past, we stunt our spiritual growth.

One reason that the victim mentality stunts spiritual growth is because a victim won't embrace God's work. They are too caught up in the sympathy and attention they get when they talk about their past. They also use that victim mentality as an excuse for why they are still struggling with sinful behaviors, addictive behaviors, and the like.

Our salvation experience is the only thing from our past that should define who we are now. When we came to Christ, we became a NEW creature, and the old things are gone. (II Cor. 5:17) We need to define ourselves as the righteousness of God. (II Cor 5:21) As we learn who we are in Christ, we experience a lot of growth because we become confident in our identity. That, in turn, leads us to work toward obeying God and doing what He desires, leading us to even more growing spells.

Have you noticed in your own life that when you are going through trials, you spend a lot more time in the Word? You are 'eating' more spiritual food to help you in your growing spells.

The apostle Paul had his own growing spell when he was given a thorn in his flesh. God showed Paul that His grace was more than enough for whatever Paul faced. (II Cor. 12:7-10) Paul learned through that growing spell that he could delight in being ridiculed, facing persecution and hardships, and in difficulties because it was in Paul's times of weakness that God's power was made perfect. My own paraphrase is that in Paul's hardships, God's grace brought tremendous growing spells in Paul's life. Paul didn't take a victim's mentality where he was defined by those trials. Rather, he was defined by his reaction to those trials, and the reaction was choosing to let others see Jesus in Paul.

Some days, we need a lot more of God's mercy than what we needed in previous days. That is why we are told in Lamentations 3:23 that God's mercies are new every morning. On those mornings when the Father knows that His child is getting ready to through a big growing spell, He gives even more mercy to sustain us during that time.

As we go through times of trial, we may end up approaching our Father and saying, "Daddy, will you measure me?"

How about you? Are you in a growing spell right now?

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• Oct. 1, 2008 - Interior Decorating

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Interior Decorating

I have always enjoyed decorating my house. When we first got married, money was tight. Since I couldn't afford to spend much on decorating the house, I would go to garage sales, looking for little items that would make our house have a "homey" look to it - warm and inviting.

Before we came to Christ, our interior may have been decorated with such things as these: sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, and more. (Gal. 5:19-20)

While we became a new creation the very instant that we got saved, (II Cor. 5:17), holiness is a process. II Cor. 5:21 tell us that God made Jesus to be sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God in Christ. II Cor. 3:18 tells us that we are being transformed into His likeness from glory to glory. In II Cor. 4:16 we see that outwardly we are perishing and wasting away, but inwardly, we are being renewed day by day. This "decorating" is clearly a life-long process.

In the process of redecorating, God desires that we have these ornaments gracing our lives:

Gal. 5:22-23 Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

II Pet. 1:5-7 Faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.

I Cor. 13 God desires to transform our way of loving. He wants our love to be patient and kind, not envious or boastful, not proud or rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered or provoked, not keeping record of wrongs, nor delighting in evil, but rejoicing in truth. Our love is to protect, trust, hope, and persevere.

Col. 3:12 in the Amplified Bible describes patience as being tireless and long-suffering, having the power to endure WHATEVER comes, and with GOOD TEMPER.

I Pet. 5:5 Humility toward others and a submissive heart.

Rom. 13:14 tells us that we should clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus.

I have often heard it said that the "pastor isn't feeding us." Feeding us, so that we can grow, is not the primary job of the pastor. Most of that responsibility falls on us. Let's take a look at several scriptures that make this clear to us.

Ps. 119:11 I have hid Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

II Tim. 2:21 If a man cleanses himself, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, useful to the Master.

Jude 21 Keep yourselves in God's love.

Col. 2:6-7 Just as you received Christ, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in your faith.

Col. 1:22-23 Now He has reconciled you by Christ's body, through death, to present you holy and blameless -- if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not being moved from the hope of the gospel.

I Tim. 4:7 Train yourselves to be godly.

Phil. 2:12 Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

II Cor 7:1 Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates our bodies and our spirits.

The scriptures make it plain to us that we have much to do in this "interior decorating." Unfortunately, we can't go to garage sales and find a "quick fix" to help us on this kind of decorating. We also won't find it in the quick "drive-up" fashion where we get so many things these days. BUT, as we strive to add the touches of redecorating to grace our lives, we have the wonderful promise of Phil. 1:6 which tells us that He who began a good work in us will also carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Remember, ladies, we aren't alone on this journey!

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• Oct. 1, 2008 - The Benefit Manual

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The Benefit Manual

When you start a job that offers health insurance and life insurance, you will receive a benefit manual. I was doing an in-depth study on righteousness and it dawned on me what a "Benefit Manual" we have in our Bible.

To be righteous means that we are acting in a just, upright manner, that we are virtuous, and morally excellent. I searched the scriptures, looking at the benefits of being righteous/upright. What I found is that there are manifold blessings for us!

Pr. 2:7 God holds victory in store for the upright, and He is a shield to them.

Pr. 2:8 He guards our course and protects our way.

Pr. 3:32 God takes us into His confidence. WOW! I love that one! The times that He has taken me into His confidence have been times that I will never forget. They have been so precious to me.

Pr. 3:33 He blesses our home, while the house of the wicked falls under His curse.

Pr. 4:18 Our path will be like the first gleam of dawn.

Pr. 10:2 Righteousness delivers from death.

Pr. 10:3 God doesn't let us go hungry, but He thwarts (frustrates) the craving of wicked.

Pr. 10:6 Blessings crown us, while violence overwhelms (bewilders, confounds) the mouth of the wicked.

Pr. 10:7 Our memory will be a blessing.

Pr. 10:11 Our mouth is a fountain (jet stream, gush) of life. Imagine your words gushing forth life to someone.

Pr. 10:16 Our wages will bring us life, while the income of the wicked brings them punishment (infliction, unhappiness, trials).

Pr. 10:20 Our tongue is one of choice (superior, fine, exceptional) silver.

Pr. 10:21 Our lips will nourish (supply, sustain) many.

Pr. 10:25 The storm will sweep away the wicked, but we will stand firm forever.

Pr. 10:28 Our prospect (expectancy, promise, hope) is joy.

Pr. 10:29 God's way is a refuge (retreat, sanctuary, harbor) for us.

Pr. 10:32 Our lips know what is fitting (beneficial, harmonious, desirable), while the wicked only speak what is perverse (corrupt, depraved).

Pr. 11:3 Our integrity will guide us.

Pr. 11:6 Our righteousness will deliver us, yet the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.

Pr. 11:8 We will be rescued from trouble while it falls on the wicked instead.

Pr. 11:9 Through knowledge we will escape words that can destroy others.

Pr. 11:18 We will reap a sure (certain, without doubt) reward.

Pr. 11:20 God delights in us because our ways are blameless.

Pr. 11:23 Our desires will end in only good.

Pr. 12:3 We can't be uprooted.

Pr. 12:6 Our speech will rescue (liberate, ransom, disentangle) us.

Pr. 12:7 Our house will stand firm (rooted, bolted, immobile).

Pr. 12:21 No harm comes upon us, but the wicked will have their fill of trouble (plight, affliction, adversity).

Pr. 12:26 The righteous are cautious in friendship, while the wicked may be led astray by the company which they keep.

Pr. 13:21 Prosperity (accomplishment, victory, successfulness) is our reward, while the sinner faces misfortune.

Pr. 14:11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed (wasted, undone, burned up), while even the tent of the righteous will flourish (thrive, increase, succeed).

Pr. 15:6 Our house will contain great treasure (value, riches, love, fruitfulness), while the income of the wicked will bring them trouble (adversity, fear, worry).

Pr. 15:8 Our prayers will please the Lord.

Pr. 15:29 Father hears our prayers, but is far from the wicked.

Pr. 16:17 Our highway (path) will avoid evil.

Pr. 16:31 A righteous life can give gray hair, which is a crown of splendor (glory, brilliance, radiance). I used to get mad when people would comment on my gray hairs. I have literally lived in Proverbs for over six years, and I noticed recently that the gray is rapidly spreading to the rest of my hair. My consolation in this is that I have gained an immense amount of wisdom as I have lived in that precious book. It is becoming an automatic response from me to quote a proverb when I face new situations.

Pr. 18:10 God's name is a strong tower and we can run to it and be kept safe.

Now these are only benefits that I found in Proverbs. That doesn't count the numerous examples in other books of the Bible. I hope that you have a new appreciation for what Father has given you. I have often heard it said that if being saved was the ONLY thing that He gave us, it would be enough. We have clearly seen today that He gives us tremendously more than just salvation. Bless His Name! He is so worthy. Oh, how He loves us indeed!

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• Oct. 1, 2008 - Caffeinated Christianity

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Caffeinated Christianity

I often hear people talk of needing their morning coffee because they need a boost of caffeine. I used to do the same thing, only my ‘fix’ was iced tea. It would give me a boost, but only a short-lived one. By afternoon I’d be physically drained, feeling an intense longing for an afternoon nap.

When I changed my habits, and began substituting lots of water for the caffeine, I noticed an incredible thing. My stamina was a lot higher in the afternoon. What made the difference?

When I drank iced tea, I would drink only enough to give me a bit of a boost. The caffeine in it would dehydrate my body, and that made me very sleepy. When I began to drink water, I’d drink one glass after another, and I’d continue that cycle all day. Since I was constantly pouring in refreshment to my body, my body actually began to function better.

We do the same thing in our Christian walk. We view church as our caffeine, or our ‘fix.’ We go in on Sundays, getting our spiritual tank filled up through praise and worship and hearing the Word preached. When we leave, we have a ‘spiritually caffeinated’ tank. We feel spiritually invigorated. Yet when Monday starts, we think we can live on those feelings until the following Sunday. In reality, our tank runs out of the caffeine high very quick if we fail to spend time in the Word and prayer.

Can you imagine going a full week without eating any food? Yet, how many times do we neglect the meat of the Word during the week? Can you imagine going a full day with nothing to drink? We’ve all done it when we fail to pick up the living water of the Word.

When we have a caffeinated Christian mindset, we will become double-minded and unstable. We will be more apt to try and carry our burdens all by ourselves instead of taking the yoke that Jesus offers us. We will trade peace for worry, kindness for grouchiness, patience for impatience, joy for a heavy heart, contentment for discontentment, and end up walking carnally-minded as opposed to being spiritually-minded.

When we are faithful to spend time with God every day, when Sunday comes, we will be able to attend church, feeling full of living water, ready to pour it out on all who come our way.

Are you a caffeinated Christian?

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• Oct. 1, 2008 - Are You Wrinkled?

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Are You Wrinkled?

One day as I was ironing, I began to ponder on the process, and how it relates to our lives spiritually. As I began to press our clothes, it took effort to work out the wrinkles. It takes effort in our spiritual lives to 'iron out' our wrinkles. We must be diligent to pray and read the Word so that our spiritual (wo)man is stronger than our fleshly (wo)man.

In the process of trying to get out the wrinkles, I had to add some distilled water to the iron. Webster's defines 'distillation' as "the process of heating a mixture and condensing the resulting vapor to produce a more nearly pure substance." Sometimes God needs to 'distill' us. He will use circumstances which will draw us closer to Him. He will also use circumstances which cause us to see ourselves for who we really are. While that can be very humbling to have Him reveal some dark, hidden places within us, He does it as a gentle, loving Father whose desire is to work all things for our good. Rom. 8:28 He can use these times to peel away fleshly things from our lives, thus 'ironing out our wrinkles.'

Just as I needed the distilled water which is pure, we also need the pure water of the Holy Spirit to pour into our lives, refreshing us so that we stay supple, rather than becoming dried out and wrinkled.

While ironing, I didn't just stay in one place. I was moving the iron back and forth until each piece of the clothing was wrinkle-free. I was also moving from one garment to the next until I had finished my task. Phil. 3:14 tells us that we are to be pressing on toward the goal for which our Master has called us. As Christians, we are to moving on to higher levels in our walk with the Lord so that we don't become stagnant.

Heb. 12:1-2 speaks of Christians being in a race. Just as a runner doesn't run the race by running in place, we can't expect to run our spiritual race by staying in one place. The verse in Hebrews goes on to mention how we should fix our eyes on Jesus. When I'm ironing, my gaze is steadfastly fixed upon each garment, intent on seeing that each wrinkle is ironed away. Fixing our eyes on our Master will help us in our endeavor to be wrinkle-free.

In the process of smoothing out our own wrinkles, we will find that that there are many things which we must do. There is confession, meditation, and reading the Word. When we make a habit of doing these things, we will find it much easier to bear the weight of God's 'ironing' on us. We may find that we look forward to those times because we've learned to fully trust the work which He is doing in us.

After I get done with each garment, I put it on a hanger. Sometimes we will find that God must 'hang us up' also. Now this doesn't mean that we aren't to be doing anything. Even when God may lead you to set aside any places of ministry for a season, we must remember that we are still to be diligent in taking time to read and pray. We should use these times of 'hanging' to develop an even more intimate relationship with our loving Father. Then when He opens the door once again for us to enter into a specific ministry, we will be able to go forth in a new and fresh anointing.

How about it? Do you have some wrinkles that you need to take before the Lord? Somehow, I don't think ironing is ever going to be the same......

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• Oct. 1, 2008 - Pest Control

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Pest Control

Many times, we read the Word of God, skimming over things that become 'familiar' to us, refusing to allow God to give us new insights into what they mean. We are probably all familiar with the parable about the wise man building his house upon the rock. Even when the storms came and the winds blew hard, that house stood firm. Yet the foolish man, who built his house upon the sand, finds that his house is demolished by the winds and storms.

Having just found out recently that our house has been invaded by carpenter ants, the Lord showed me a great analogy to our spiritual life. For those of you who may not be familiar with the damage that can come from carpenter ants, let me share that those ants can destroy the foundation of even the very strongest house if you fail to have the house treated for them. One treatment isn't enough. It requires treating the house every other month. It's a process of maintaining the house, staying ahead of the enemy ants, so that they don't attack again. Spiritually speaking, even when your house is well-built, 'spiritual pests' can try to invade your house. These 'pests' can be in the form of selfishness, failing to deny our flesh and falling prey to gluttony, or 'comfort' eating, fear, false idols, too many activities, or even the wrong activities, or even spending our time in foolish pursuits instead of pursuing our God.

Just as we need to do upkeep on our home, we need to do a spiritual upkeep on our temple. All homes will eventually need a new roof, representing that we need to get a new roof in spiritual sense -- a new way of thinking. (Rom. 12:1-2) We may need to replace a toilet, representing how we need to get rid of things that are toxic to our spiritual life. (II Tim. 2:20-22) Windows eventually need to be replaced, representing how we need to seal the openings in our spiritual life so that Satan isn't able to get a foothold in our life. (Eph. 4:27) A new coat of paint can transform a room, and God can transform our lives into His likeness. (II Cor. 3:18) Sometimes we must rewire the house to avoid the wiring to short-out, causing a fire. We also need to be wired to God, through our connection to the vine. It's only through that connection that we can be fruitful. (Jn. 15)

Many times, we hear the phrase "Out with the old, in with the new." This is true in our walk with God. I started writing poetry when I was only in fifth grade, and I continued to write through out my high school years. Since I wasn't a Christian during those years, none of the poems edified the Lord. After having been saved for a while, I clearly heard the Lord telling me to burn all of those poems. I couldn't believe it! I put my heart and soul into those poems! I felt like a part of me was dying. I was right too. As I burned those poems, the 'gift' that I had used in an ungodly way died, and in its place, an even greater gift was born. I began to write things that edified the Lord, and many years later, here I am, writing devotions. Had I not been willing to surrender to God's will, I believe that I wouldn't have been able to reap the harvest that I have now.

Maybe you're not sure how to begin the process of being 'proactive' against those spiritual 'pests.' First, let me say that you should begin with a daily quiet time with the Lord. Don't just rush through it so that you can mark it off of your 'to-do' list. Take time before the Lord, allowing the Holy Spirit to show you hidden things in the Word.

Second, if you are struggling in a particular area, I would suggest that you find some Christian books on that subject by reputable authors. For me, learning to be busy at home was a major issue when I first quit my job. I had worked full time for years, and I didn't know what to do with myself. I began to read books on being a godly wife, I read Proverbs over and over and over, devouring it so that it would get deep in my spirit and become part of me. I read books about being a godly mother so that I could sense what this high calling of motherhood was all about and so that I could put it into action. We see many shows on television these days about 'doing it yourself.' Not that we can do anything of ourselves (Jn. 15), but if we need help in an area, there is nothing wrong with reading other godly books to help us to be better wives, mothers, time managers, and better women of God.

The third thing I would recommend is that you get connected in a Bible-based church. We need each other! (Heb. 10:25) God has gifted each one of us so that we can edify one another. (Rom. 12; I Cor. 12) If we fail to get connected in church, someone isn't receiving from us what they need. Also, YOU aren't receiving from someone else what YOU need.

Do you have any unwanted 'pests' trying to eat away at your foundation?

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