The Ebb and Flow

Friends:

Although the ebb and flow of the tides have been somewhat turbulent during this season of anticipation, as in the past, sound reason and proper discernment will in due course “right” the ship and provide a new direction. If we follow God, and exemplify His Love, we will eventually be brought back to safe harbor.

There have been a variety of circumstances recently which have necessitated reflection, and a realization that discernment is a commodity that requires great study, understanding, attention to detail, commitment, and a willingness to allow the Holy Spirit to convict our hearts. Proper understanding does not emerge through idle hands and itching ears, nor does sound teaching necessarily abound from good intentions or emotions. Reading the Bible is easy, but applying the Word to our lives is much more difficult. A Christian must walk the walk with minimum talk. Many people base their lives on “appearances”, but a Christian must attempt to exemplify the substance of Jesus Christ, in word and deed, every step of every day (although we still fall short).

The tempests that we confront (until blue skies can resume) always require resilience, fortitude, and perseverance. It must be kept in mind that failures do not preclude success; mistakes do not prevent accomplishment; nor do disappointments negate ultimate triumph. Only through the never-ceasing pursuit of reading God’s Word and attempting to adhere to His prescribed behaviors, can we agree to disagree with others in a Godly way that encourages future dialogue without anger.

Positive change can only ensue when respect and open-mindedness is forthcoming from both sides of two perspectives. Otherwise, a search for the Truth will quickly give way to a heated-debate and a bitter argument. This has occurred in politics lately due to one side not understanding the true concepts of the Word (or worse -- understanding them but twisting them for personal gain), nor granting respect to those that question their stance. We are commanded to test the spirits, and for this we do not need to apologize (unless we lose our cool while initiating the test).

While sailing the vast seas of our spiritual lives, we espy bridges being built/reinforced or demolished. It is always our choice to pursue the proper maintenance of these structures through love, or to assist in destroying them through our pride, impetuousness, arrogance, and ignorance.

What we need to remember most through the swirling gales of the tempests, is that trials tend to shape our resolve, augment our disposition, and enhance our faith. A good measure of a Spirit-filled person is how well they exemplify the characteristics of fortitude, compassion, selflessness, humility, integrity, and the zeal for enriching the lives of those around them while permeating their current environment with a Godly countenance, a positive outlook, and the Fruits of the Spirit. A Holy Spirit-filled Christian points to God the Father and God the Son -- not the other way around.

Let us study the Word more, and offer our unlearned opinions less. Winning an argument doesn’t make us right, just as remaining silent (when nothing further can be gained) doesn’t make us wrong. It is better to remain silent and appear a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Children of God, I hope that our paths will cross soon; however, in the time that we have left on this planet, remember that we are here to reflect the Glory of our True God, and not to shine the light on ourselves. If man is glorified and God is relegated to the background, then something is amiss.

Until we are gathered in the clouds, may your courses be diligently plotted, may your sails be firmly set on your masts, may the wind always blow at your back, and may your wisdom and faith grow with each new day of your life.

God bless!

Humbly