A Perfect Spiritual Storm
Jesus recounts the parable of five maidens who fell asleep on the job. They fueled not their lamps. Five other far smarter young women too dropped into slumber-land, but with lamps full.
Their job was simple, wait and be prepared for the master's return.
When He reappeared five were ready, five not. Five had fueled their lamps, five had slept in neglect. It is not difficult to fuel a lamp.
Jesus knew the ancient human condition perfectly matches today:
the spirit is still willing but the flesh is still weak. (Matthew 26:41)
I fear our workplace, our churches, our families, our hobbies, or even our lethargy all collide in a perfect spiritual storm. They scatter and expend the fuel from our lamps, and then refuse us permission to refuel. Our devotions are recklessly swept away.
Complacency is an equal enemy to busyness for the disciple. Each must deliberately stop to fuel their lamp.
It is being that precedes doing.
When the soul is soaked in spiritual ambition the flame is well alight. The flame enjoys the fuel.
Spiritual ambition trains the mind for what the Spirit of the Lord desires, then the body shall surely follow suit.
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (Romans 8:5)
The lamp is fully fuelled when I have become fully lost to the favors of the earth, seeking none of its temporary and oh-so fading fuels.
Father I would seek to be lost to the favors of this earth and hold a heart of purity. Please examine my heart and reveal its cherished sins to me. Then may I walk in your blessing and learn what is on your heart for me. AMEN
Today's Soul Snippet:
'The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them'. (Hosea 14:9c)
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