This morning I awoke with this thought on  my mind.and  I knew right away that the Lord was wanting to bring something to my attention. I didn’t have to think too long.  Yes, I have become a comfortable Christian and that is something that at one time I prayed I would never become.  I know how I got here but I don’t want to stay here.  So how do I get “out” of here? 

     1)  Read the Word!  The Bible says in John 1:1: “In the beginning, [before all time] was the Word (Christ) and the word was God, and the Word was God Himself.” (Amp)    Joshua 1:8 says: “This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success..”  (Amp)  Not only read the Word but meditate on it.  I need to get away from some time consumers that are not necessarily bad things but they are interfering with the things I should be occupying my time with  such as reading and meditating on the word–the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth as they say.  

    2) Act on compassion.  Luke 6:36 says, “So be merciful (sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate) even as your Father is [all these]. ” (AMP)What am I “really” doing that shows compassion in my life? Am I acting on what the Word is telling me as I meditate on it day and night? Am I loving my neighbor as myself?  I have always said that Jesus didn’t say to love our neighbor but only if they look like us. That may be a little harsh but unfortunately it is true.  As Christians do we see things through the eyes of Jesus–through the eyes of our heart? I desire to do this but many times I feel that I may be falling short.  I have gotten slack in my volunteer work over the last couple of years and I have let my physical impairments dictate to me instead of letting my spirit dictate to me.  I’m not denying that my energy level is not what it once was but I “can” step out in faith and get back in the game and contribute something to the kingdom.  I even know where I’m supposed to be doing this. My life cannot be fulfilling unless I am acting upon compassion.    

   3)   Pray!!! Pray!!! Pray!!!    A lot of people would say that this should be number one but if we don’t know the Word how do we know what to pray?   Ephesians 6:18 says, “Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).  I need to pray for myself to  be disciplined enough to do these things and I also  need to pray for my Sisters and Brothers in Christ so that they may be built up in the Lord and that they are able to read the word, be compassionate, and to pray themselves.  We all need to pray one for another.    

   3)  Renew my mind.  Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs] but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is  good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. ”  I need to daily renew my mind or maybe even more so my attitude.   It is so easy to get wrapped up in the things of the world even to the point of becoming overly fearful, cynical, and complacent.  If I am renewing my mind daily by washing it with the Word I will be more able to see the things that I don’t need to bother myself with.  I’m not talking about crawling in a hole and not being aware of what is going on around me but I’m talking about not being absorbed by what is going on around me.  I need to be focused on the things that make a difference in my life. If I remain in the same mindset I cannot see what God’s will “is” for my life.

   I know these things I have written on today may sound  like scattered thoughts and may not flow the way you think they should flow but this blog is called “The Road Back”  and sometimes the road back is a little curvy and bumpy and sometimes there are detours, but if I stay on the road (the narrow one) I know I will get back to where I need to be.

Lord, thank you for the prodding of the Holy Spirit who is my Counselor in all things.  Give me the discipline and the desire to serve you with zeal once again Lord.  In Jesus name. Amen