Rain's Reward

"If the clouds are full of water, they pour rain upon the earth." 
(Ecclesiastes 11:3)

In the time that I write this post (6/28/2019) we have received a considerable amount of rain.
The falling of rain has always been looked at (by some) as a symbol of sorrow, and trials. Contrasted to a day of sunshine, a rainy day is said to cause one to be blue, and depressed.
I hope you are not one who feels this way about rainy days.

Solomon writes in our text, that rain has a purpose, and is an essential one at that. "If clouds are full of water, they pour rain upon the earth." In so doing, the rain provides moisture for the crops, and a required beverage for human consumption. Without it, we would not survive here on planet earth.

If rain symbolizes times of testing, then trials are essential is providing for one's maturity and personal development. James 1:2-4 says: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish it's work so that you may be mature and complete." Like the rain, trials have this purpose stated in the Scripture above.

Someone has said: "That if a creek did not have any stones, it would lose it's song." A song of comfort and peace. In your rainy season of trials and suffering, know that these trials, are for the strengthening of our faith. And to realize that when we go through these trials, our Heavenly Father is with us, every rough experience we go through.
That alone should give us peace in times of trial.

God is with us during the rainy days, as well as the days of sunshine.
That is a promise we can count on! GP

 Photo: Pexels / 9158 images / Pixabay License / Free for commercial use / No attribution required / www.pixabay.com

What Are We Made Of?

"Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become manifest: for the day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test each one's work, or what sort it is." (1 Corinthians 3:12-13)

 When you sit down to eat a dish of food that you have never had before, will you not ask: What is this made of? What are the ingredients?

When we become Christians, we place ourselves on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. It is then our responsibility to build on that firm foundation. And how will we build? With what materials will we use? The only source that will provide for us to be spiritually mature, and strong, is the Word of God. The principles applied, will help us to build our lives, to be like beautiful oak wood. In my mind that is the most beautiful wood that exists.

It is true that "You are what you eat!" Spiritually you are what you apply to your heart. If you take in the garbage of the world, you will be exhibiting the garbage of the world. As a Christian, the focus of our lives is to be made of the things of Jesus Christ. To show forth His character, and to live out His Word, in our lives.

It is true that the fire of trials will come to all of us, and will be a test of what we are made of. When our world crumbles around us, and tests every fiber of our being; will we be able to stand strong, or will we crumble too. Developing a life that is made of the selfish, weak things of this world, will not support us, or satisfy us, like the things of God.

As a Christian, what do you want to be made of? We need to allow Jesus Christ to complete the good work He promised to do. (Philippians 1:6) He will help us to be made of the best things, that are strong, satisfying, and everlasting. GP

 Photo: sammisreachers / 12 images / CCO Creative Commons / Free for commercial use / No attribution required / www.pixabay.com

The Key To Spiritual Progress

I remember preaching a sermon on the key to "Spiritual Progress". How can we gain maturity, and sincerity, in our spiritual journey?

The key is doing what Enoch did. "And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters....Enoch walked with God: then he was no more, because God took him away.” 
(Genesis 5:22,24) 

The key to spiritual maturity is "Walking with God" like Enoch did.

In this message I bring out three things, that are very important principles in our walk with God.

First of all we must be going in the same direction as God is going. 
The Apostle Paul spoke of his confidence concerning the Christians at Philippi; that the good work that the Lord had begun in them, He would complete, in time for when His Son, would return and take them home, for eternity. God is working in the direction of building spiritual maturity, in our lives. The question is are we cooperating?

The second thing is that we must keep in step with God.
Our walk is a walk of balance. Well who keeps us in that balance? It is God, and His Word. Without Him to guide us, and strengthen us, we are sure to fall.

And then third, there must be agreement.
(Amos 3:3) "Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?"
If we are to walk with God, there must not be a conflict with His will for our lives. He is Lord! And what that means is, that He is in control of our lives, not us. If we want to gain "Spiritual Progress" we need to pursue our walk with God. Enoch did it for 300 years, and was blessed because of it. What about us?