SPIRITUAL MAINTENANCE

The steps of a good man are ordered

by the Lord:and He delighteth in his way.

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly

cast down: for the Lord upholdeth

him with His hand.

Proverbs 37:23,24

The purchase of any new, very expensive item, new at the time of purchase, still requires a certain amount of maintenance. A new car will not stay the same new car with it's new-car smell The aroma won't last for very long. New household appliances need upkeep and won't stay new for long. The aroma of cooking bacon in a new house insures it's new smell won't linger. All expensive items require certain amounts of maintenance.

When a believer in Christ has dealt with past issues in life, it's almost as refreshing as in their day of salvation. Spiritual air feels fresh and clean in those days. Still, Satan loves to remind us of times past...our disappointments, failures and sometimes loss in so many forms. Despite our feelings of victory, Satan waits to tear us up again. So, how does a Christian, fresh from defeat, maintain that freshness and spirit of revival. Maintenance will require effort on our part. Scripture gives us direction and steps to take in the strength of the Holy Spirit. A wonderful place one could start is with Psalm 37. It's maintenance instructions are very clear, some of which are:

V 1: FRET NOT THYSELF because of evil doers

V 3: TRUST IN THE LORD

V 4: DELIGHT THYSELF ALSO IN THE LORD

V 5: COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD

V 7 REST IN THE LORD...WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM

V 8: CEASE FROM ANGER

I encourage you to read that entire Psalm. Sometimes we need clear-cut instructions with little explanation. Those things are about as clear-cut as possible, none of which are possible without the strengthening of God's Spirit. Whether longing for spiritual victory or having just known it, those above instructions are a good place to consider. I might add that without a maintenance manual and following it's instructions, failure is a given. We have our spiritual manual...God's Word. It's instructions are failure proof when followed to the letter.

Thank You Father for Your direction in our lives. You want us to walk in victory. Give us a sense of urgency in maintaining our walk with You...Amen and amen