Notes of Faith May 6, 2023
Embracing the Lifestyle
You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food — catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages.
— 2 Timothy 4:3-4 The Message
Horse ownership means that we are making a commitment to a horse — and that we are willing to accept the lifestyle change that comes with it. Nothing says unconditional love like leaving your warm house to feed horses when it’s fifteen degrees below zero outside. Once we commit to ownership, even in trying times, there are many joys and benefits that come with it.
Some people want the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ but not the accompanying lifestyle change. Yet we must ask ourselves if we’re on a truth quest or a happiness quest. We can always find a person, web page, or even a church that will promote lies — spiritual junk food — that sound good but lack the whole truth of the Bible.
By accepting the lifestyle change that comes with the love of Jesus, we can receive the full benefit of having a relationship with Him.
When it comes to a horse lifestyle, you know you’re growing when it becomes second nature to clean out the stall, brush and feed your horse daily, and ride as often as you can.
When it comes to our spiritual lives, growing in truth means tapping into God’s faith-building resources: having a daily quiet time, reading devotionals, and engaging in spiritual disciplines like Bible study, prayer, church, and sharing our faith. Personally connecting with God on a daily basis is essential to the life of every believer. God’s Word is alive and active, and it will change our lives.
Truth isn’t always easy to hear, but by accepting the lifestyle change that comes with the love of Jesus, we can receive the full benefit of having a relationship with Him.
Lord, help me to avoid spiritual junk food. I want the solid food of Your truth, amen.
Excerpted from Unbridled Faith by Cara Whitney, copyright Cara Whitney
Obedience is the word described but left out here. Repentance (turning from our sin), and obedience (following Jesus in all things), is required of true faith. How is your faith? Are you a true believer? Remember, you are what you eat! Don’t eat spiritual junk food and THINK you are a Christian. You will be in for a rude eternal awakening. Feed on the words that provide eternal life even now!
Pastor Dale