By Larry Stover 

The Selma Times-Journal

 

I have been on a personal spiritual journey this summer. Not only have I been reading the Bible and many books on the subject, I have written newspaper columns about it.

I’ve been teaching it in small groups and even shared sermons at church this summer on the subject, “What Kind of Church Does God Bless?”

Life seems to be more demanding, intense and stress-filled than ever. Violence and suicide seem to dominate the headlines of the newspaper and every other kind of media imaginable. Americans are losing sight of those unshakable principles that gave us something to hold onto when our life was crumbling apart.

With truth becoming more and more relative, we not only question what others require of us, we question ourselves as to every move we make and every statement that comes out of our mouth. Uncertainty with the core values and issues in our life evolves into an uncontrolled downward spiral that leaves us hopeless, helpless, and afraid.

The greater tragedy, from my respective, is that Christians are falling into this trap of relativity. The media is continuing to trash our faith. Comedians like to use us as their morbid punch line. The Bible is being scrapped in favor of a pseudo-philosophical lasciviousness that leaves one who is grounded in scripture shaking their head. Why do we allow ourselves to be lead astray?

I would like to give you some steps to help you regroup and restart your relationship with Jesus Christ.

First of all, would you really like God to “bless you?” Until you decide on that answer, you will continue to wallow in some state of self-pity and spiritual despair. If you are not a believer, it’s time to have a fresh encounter with Jesus Christ and allow Him to give you that new beginning you desperately want and need.

Are you ready for a blessing from God, join me on the journey. These principles apply to the individual, the family and the church. This spiritual metamorphosis can happen to anyone who gets serious about getting their life on track with Jesus Christ. First and foremost is a desire to “hunger for the presence of God.”

When we get “down in the dumps,” we need to put on the brakes of life and ask God to bless us. Be in an attitude of prayer and devotion until that happens. Jesus made it clear, “those who hunger and thirst after righteousness,” will be satisfied.

Are you hungry or thirsty enough to want a fresh encounter with the Lord at any cost?

Secondly, remember that, as Christians, you are the “Bride of Christ.” God loves you intently. When you are in a right relationship with Him, He unleashes all the blessings and graces of heaven in your direction to help you make it in life.

Lastly, “don’t allow your relationship with God to be set on “spiritual cruise control.” If you are not closer to God than you were a year ago, you might be in danger and letting cruise control take over the most prized aspect of life, your “Christian faith.” A relationship with the Lord is always alive and energetic; it is neither static nor standing still.

In a day when Bible reading, prayer and church attendance are plummeting down the ranks of many priority lists, those essential elements of spiritual growth are indispensable for those serious about life and spiritual well-being. More than anything else, it makes life “simply beautiful.”