Word for Wednesday with Rita Langeland

What kind of soldier are you? In the New Testament we see multiple metaphors comparing the Christian walk to military service; sharing in hardship, fighting spiritual battles, wearing the armor of God, and so on. We also see the story of Jesus healing the servant of a Roman centurion, and commending him for his faith. The centurion knew the power of authority, and asked Jesus to "just say the word!"

 Often when God gives us instruction, leading, or guidance, we are only shown the next step. We do not necessarily know the timeline, or have the answers for every concern that may come to mind. However, we must trust that our Father God not only knows all things, but also has our best interests at heart. We just have to take that first step of obedience, no matter how illogical it may seem to our own minds, or how it may appear to those around us. 

Did you know that God offers his children a package of amazing benefits? The writer of Psalm 103:2 exhorts us to "Praise the Lord... and forget not ALL HIS BENEFITS;" and then proceeds to list these many benefits that our Father God graciously bestows on those who seek Him. This one-of-a-kind "benefit package" includes forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, compassion, and longevity! 

Your actions are seed! You will reap a harvest as a result of those actions, whether good or bad. Proverbs 1:31 shows us that we will reap the fruit of our lifestyle, in other words, the outcomes of our actions will become evident in our lives. We want to sow seeds through our actions that are consistent with the word of God so that we can reap a harvest of blessings and righteousness, not just for our own blessing, but also for those around us. 

God's law of Sowing and Reaping applies to our words, which are very powerful forms of "seed." This includes words we speak regarding ourselves. If we sow negativity towards ourselves through our words, we will reap a "cursed" harvest of failure, loss or death in those areas of our lives. If we speak blessings over ourselves in alignment with Scripture, we will reap a harvest of blessings, just as God intended for our lives! Which harvest do you want to see in your life? 

Throughout the Bible we see the power of the spoken word. From God creating the universe with his words, to Jesus raising the dead with only a word. Many scriptures point out the power of our tongues, and the gravity of our spoken words. Every word we speak is a seed planted, whether for building up or tearing down. Are we sowing seeds through our words that will lead to a harvest of life, peace, health, unity, success and love? Or are we tearing down ourselves and those around us words that will result in harvest of hurt, disunity, sickness, failure, death, and destruction?

Since the creation of the earth, the principle of sowing and reaping has been active in both the physical and spiritual realms. Many terms are used in modern culture to describe this cause and effect phenomenon and this powerful concept is operating in our lives whether we are are aware of it or not. The Bible clearly states that what a person sows, that they will also reap, this applies equally to natural farming as it does to our efforts, words, actions, thoughts, and relationships. Thankfully we have many Biblical scriptures to guide us in how to sow good seeds and how to pull up bad seeds! 

 What would God say about you in a conversation with a third party? He knows your every thought, sin, and misdeed. However, there is no reason to hide in shame, as God sees your heart's desire for Him, and has thrown our sins into the Sea of Forgetfulness. We too can be like King David, who despite his many transgressions, God called a man after His own heart. 

We all know that almost nothing in this earthly life can be counted on to stand the test of time. However, the Bible shows us that there are two things that WILL last forever - God's word and His unfailing love! 

Are you facing a "mountain of a problem" in your life? Psalm 97 tells us that "mountains melt like wax in the presence of the Lord." God wants us to bring our "mountains" into his presence through prayer, and we will see God move on our behalf in a miraculous way!