Is God Alive in You?

One of my favorite hobbies is clearing property and improving a landscape. Over time and neglect, vines and thorns will grow around the base of a tree, and before long the tress will be covered. I will usually wait until the winter to do most of my clearing, so that I have less vegetation based on the natural growing season. With just a hand held clipper, I am then able to clear a lot of property.

This reminds me of is how it is in our lives when we neglect regular pruning of discipline, self-control and integrity. Without these key ingredients, our lives will get overgrown with weeds, briars and the cares of this world. Then a new year comes around or Lent, and we set goals to improve, with a new determination to make better choices and get rid of the weeds, or "lay aside the weights that so easily beset us". Hebrews 12:1

My approach to clearing, is much like satan does with us. He doesn't approach us when we are strong in the word and daily seeking God's face, rather he waits until we are weak from neglect in God's word and then he attacks. Just like I cut the vine at the base, then pulling it from the trees is easy, because it has not strength in itself, so satan does with us when we are not connected to God daily through fellowship, reading and prayer.

Once we are separated from God whether for a day, a week or longer, we become vulnerable to Santa's attacks. Over time we are easy picking, because we have lost contact with our source of strength, much like my vines.

In order to stay strong in Christ we have to make a daily commitment to seek his will and his direction for our lives. Reading God's word helps us to withstand the wiles of the devil, keeping us fit and healthy. Remember when Jesus was in the desert and fasting, because he was rooted in God's word, he was able to withstand the temptations, because he knew and believed God's promises.

Let us be reminded this Lenten season to stay grounded in God's word daily, seeking to have a closer walk with him through our daily activities, by what we listen to, read and do. Then when satan attacks, we are well able to withstand the temptations, because God is alive on the inside of us, and is fighting our battles for us! Exodus 14:14 "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace".

Song: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=FMF12FNU