Many Blessings. My last post was rather long and possibly somewhat confusing. Much was coursing through my mind. I was remembering personal hurts and the pains which I have seen others experience. It was spiritually unsettling. This morning, when I arose, I reached for the scriptures and read Proverbs 4. For those of you who have not read or do not read the Word regularly, Proverbs might seem confusing on your first read.
A portions of this passage will help you determine your spiritual health. Verses 14 - 17. If these verses describe you, you are in need of spiritual exercise. Prayer is a first step, a great one. Speak with Him as you would a friend whom you greatly respect! It can simply be an internal, personal conversation.
In the mid-1990s, I fit the description in verses 14-17. It seemed the I could not rest well unless I spent some time in the bar on Friday, Saturday, and worst of all Sunday. One day, in my mid-20s ( I am much older now; you can do the math! ), I prayed that I would not be in bars in my fifties upon seeing a fifty-something eying some twenty-something female. I have not had a drink in this millennium.
I kept praying more and thinking of the Lord. Thinking of Him and godly thoughts changed my behaviors. I would even borrow some of the music from popular secular songs, and think of my own unique gospel songs. I doubt that you will ever hear the Digital Underground sing, "praise how you like...shout if you like...the Lord is alright!". I would sing these internally. Does not it seem that one can get a lyrical riff flowing through his head from which he cannot free himself.
Eventually, I found my grandmother's Bible for which I asked when she passed, and I started reading. It was difficult reading the King James at first. I read it with ease, and understood it, for the most part, as a youth. I had been away from it for about a decade. I found my way back home by reading a New International Version which uses more modern and simpler English. Now, I have and read a number of different translations. The King James is a classic, quite beautiful, and what I prefer in certain situations.
I could rest better on the weekends. I was not in the bar as much. I stopped ordering beer, then, it was the O'Doules and Sharps. Then, it was Pepsi. Then, it was 7UP. Then, it was water. I did not notice the progression at the time. But, why pay a few dollars for water in a four ounce cup which is mostly ice. It was not the most reputable of bars, and I had foolishly followed someone in it on my twenty-first birthday. It was likely one of the most idiotic things that I have ever done.
Long-story short, within a couple of years, I was spending nearly all weekend in church, plus some time on Wednesday for prayer meeting. I exchanged one horrible behavior for the Best One!
This opportunity for a better life came when I asked if I could volunteer around a local church on weekends after attending for a few months. I told the church leaders that the congregation could use me where they saw fit. I found a nice niche in my Father's House as a janitor. It kept out of trouble on weekends. I met many great friends. Some of whom I still am in touch with this day. I also saw the devil at times, but he lurks everywhere.
This will not be a long extended post as the last, but please read Proverbs 4. If it seems confusing, pray for understanding, and re-read it until it becomes more sensible. Some believers read one chapter of Proverbs per day seeing that thirty-one Proverbs are found in this book.
Also, for those who are relatively young, the Book of Job teaches that, although he is considered the most righteous man in the Bible, he behaved foolishly in his younger days. So, strive for a more abundant spiritual life. The tested-faith thirties and faithful forties can be quite fun! I think that I shall run on and see what the end will bring!
Stay Marvelously Blessed....
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