I seem to be running out of fuel lately, both in the literal and figurative sense. This past week, I was gifted a tiller that ‘doesn’t work’ and the issue seems to be no fuel getting from the tank to the carburetor, as with a little gas, it fires up just fine. I had a similar issue trying to start an old truck after cranking to no avail, then adding another gallon of gas, it started just fine. Without the right amount of proper fuel, nothing really moves, even us. Also, like a dog or cat who likes to bask in the sun, some days I feel like I am solar powered. The sun shining in my face on a cold Winter day, or after several gray Spring days, seems to invigorate the soul and motivate me for what lies ahead. What is your source of energy?
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
One area I have not been lacking lately is food intake. Maybe I am still storing up for a hibernation that will never come, but when opportunities present, I can still put away a fair amount of food. Plus, this past week, I declared it was now warm enough for ice cream. Granted, we have to eat something to function through each day, but probably in over 90% of cases, we all eat more than is necessary. At times, we may be driven to eat or drink in a way that it becomes an idol. Outside of Lent, fasting and taking a break from food is not something most Americans, even Christians do. We justify most of our actions saying ‘more is better’ when in fact it does us more harm. Finding a good balance between food intake, activity and sleep is a challenge we may all face.
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4
Are you energized by what you take in to you mind, by what you listen to, read, or watch? Other than this blog, some things have the ability to inspire us and motivate us to action. I recall when I was young and watched a good movie, I felt inspired for a couple hours afterward, then eventually returned to normal. Remember when you were a new Christian and couldn’t get enough of God’s Word? Would you like to have that hunger again? Do you still regularly spend time in the Word, and how does that impact your mind and soul through the day? The converse is true as well. Some things we take in can move us to frustration, anger, greed, or lust, as easily as things that are beneficial. The phrase ‘garbage in- garbage out’ is true for us as well as computers. So be careful little eyes and ears what you see and hear, as we dictate what most of that will be in the battlefield of our minds.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
So, if you are running on empty, take a moment to consider what is your source of energy. Are you putting the right things in your fuel tank to help you run your life well? Remember, just a little contamination in your food or fuel tank can make it unusable. Even if you are doing 80-95 percent of things right, and struggling with the rest, it can cause you to derail or crash. This applies to all areas of our lives, physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, or in relationships. Just as good fuel in one area of life can give a boost the others, struggles with one can impact the others as well. Encourage one another in the things you are doing well, and be willing to try what works. Just because something works well for others, it may not work for you, but chances are good that it will. We have thousands of years of history to teach us a thing or two, so don’t feel the need to reinvent the wheel each time you face a new challenge.
Yours in Christ,
Clark
