One of my favorite summer past times involves nurturing plants. It can be tough when the pests or local critters decide your plants are tasty. Still, I've learned to deal with God's creatures as best I can.
Recently, while pruning some lavender, I looked at two dead lavender plants I never discarded. They'd spent most of their life indoors receiving adequate water but not enough light and definitely, not enough fresh air. The lavender plants I was pruning, however, were thriving. These two had spent their entire life outdoors, enjoying rainwater, loads of sunlight, and of course, as much fresh breeze as mother nature deemed fit to give them.
I couldn't help but think of these plants in terms of the spiritual journey with the Lord. To me, they are a clear indication that to thrive, a 'balanced diet' is required. For my lavender, they needed water, sunshine and some fresh air - not the airconditioned stuff pumping through my home.
Walking with God is very similar. We need to eat and digest the word of the Lord in the Bible, pray and (if you've been here long enough, you're familiar with the last element I'll mention) praise. These are the foundation of a thriving spiritual journey that puts God first. Yes, we must fast (Jesus let us know it's an expected part of our walk), intercede, petition, and honor the Lord in other ways such as tithing and caring for the physical needs of others. However, without these three foundational elements, we can't get to eternity in Heaven.
Here's some scripture to help us:
Importance of the Word of God: Joshua 1:8 - Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. (NIV)
Importance of Prayer: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing. (BSB)
Importance of Praise: Ephesians 5:20 - Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (KJV)
If we ignore these elements, death...hell, becomes the outcome.
Let us maintain a healthy diet for our spiritual life to become robust. The Holy Spirit will guide us on the little and big things we must do to move in lockstep with God's will for our lives.
I pray you will join us for Praise & Pray (for others) fellowship at Noon EST today. We spend an hour in fellowship by lifting praises to the Redeemer, then we intercede for people, placing our own needs on the backburner. All the way, we engage with the word of God, weaving it into our thanksgiving and petitions in an effort to honor the Lord and establish the necessary elements for a life with our Creator on Earth and in Heaven, IJN, Amen.
THE OBJECTIVE: Focus on God Almighty!
THE HOW: Spend Noon EST praising him, praying for others and listening to His voice. 25 minutes of praise, 25 minutes of praying for others and 10 minutes spent however you like to His glory.
THE WHY: He is worthy! No really, this is something that allows us to tune into God's frequency. It decreases the noise thus increasing our ability to hear from Him, receive instructions and move in accordance to His guidance. Also Matthew 6:33 directs us to Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and this is a way to do so.
FAQS:
There's no quiet place, these kids/family members are in my face: No problem. Having to work from home, or be home during these Covid-19 days adds its own complications. Just do your best. Use headphones, play your music at a low volume in a corner, or ask your family members for a little space. Whatever you do, don't get upset - this is God's time. Commit it to him and do your best to stay focused.
But, I'm at work: You're at work and don't know how to participate? Don't worry! If you've got headphones, just play your favorite praise music and let it soak your spirit. You'll be surprised how having music ministration play in the background makes you happier, drives you to tell God thank you and swells the presence of the Holy Spirit in you and all about you!
How do I pray at my desk? Yes, corporate America might require you to be slick, but just pray quietly. While you click through those spreadsheets, email messages and/or other documents you can lift up the needs of others to God. Remember, praying for others blesses them and also leads to blessings upon you.
What do I pray about? If you know someone who needs prayer, this is a great time to raise their issue to God. Don't know who or what to pray about? Cover the world in prayer. Pray for LSA members. Pray for your friends. Pray for your parents. Pray for that coworker that upsets you - tell the Holy Spirit to get to work in their life. (Testimony Time) I've done this and the result was immediate. She quit in less than a week.
What about that last 10 minute-session? We allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. Often, we are sent back to the main message for the day to pray about it or spend time in quiet reflection.
Find a quiet space: Can you use a conference room? Can you go to the bathroom to praise and pray? I've had to do these things and if you have to, just do it. Someone watching too closely may have something to say but the only opinion that matters is that of GOD.
Prayer requests: Leave a comment with your prayer request or send it to me and I'll add it to my personal list or mention it during the session (you'll remain anonymous of course).
Any questions? Send 'em my way!
Let's get ready to praise and pray folks! It'll be noon in a little bit. Get your headphones ready. Reserve a conference room. Find the last stall in the bathroom to get your praise on!