Pastor’s Blog 8.2.18

“Many good Christians suppose that the best way to promote Christianity is to go along uniformly, gathering in the ungodly gradually, without excitement. But, however good such reasoning appears in the abstract, the facts demonstrate its futility. If the church had principles and knowledge stable enough to stay awake, a slow even course could work. But faced with so little enlightenment and so many antagonists, the church will not work steadily without these awakenings.” – Charles Finney, Lectures on Revival

Staying awake spiritually is not going to just happen.

I remember back when I owned a trucking company and I was running semi-trucks around America. There was always a deadline on deliveries and the weather, construction, and traffic always seemed to work against us. Many times I drove through the night and would do all kinds of things to stay awake to drive.

I would chew large chunks of bubble gum and blow huge bubbles, I would talk on the CB, or I would sing with music, but the last go to method was one I dreaded! I kept a small cooler in between the front seat for cold drinks. After the ice had been melting for hours, and it was about half ice half water, I would take a hand towel dip it in the ice water and without wringing it out, I would just grab it and throw it around my neck! The shock of that ice water running down my chest and back would cause me to wake up for about another 10 – 20 minutes, I know crazy, right?

It is amazing what we will do to stay awake in our natural bodies. Doesn’t it make sense that we also must remain awake in the spirit?!

Romans 13:11-14 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. NKJV

1 Corinthians 15:31-34 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” 33 Do not be deceived:”Evil company corrupts good habits.” 34 Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. NKJV

Ephesians 5:14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.” NKJV

Once we are awake we must strive to remain awake! It is so easy to lulled back to sleep by the wearing of life. Let’s continue to shake ourselves and remain awake and alert at all times! Our families, our children, the people attached to our destinies and souls depend on it!

Til next week!

Pastor Dave