Daily Devotional January 19, 2021

When I get to heaven, I have a lot of questions for God.  One of them is why on earth would God create Mesquite trees?
  
Yesterday, I cut these horrible trees off the dam of a large tank.  This was not something I wanted to do but to ignore those trees growing on top of the dam would have been a tragic mistake.

The roots of trees on top of earthen dams always seek water.  As the water follows the root’s path, it weakens the integrity of the wall.  Eventually, this causes the dam to fail.

Since I didn’t want the dam to fail or pay for a bulldozer to repair a breach in the tank’s dam, I had to remove those horrible trees before it was too late.  My job was to cut the trees and Shannon’s job was to poison the stumps.  I think she got the better end of the bargain.

This does not mean it’s over.

Because the trees are dormant, more than likely, Shannon will have to poison the stumps again in the spring.  That’s okay because we know that some things in life need continual attention.

For me, one thing that needs continual attention is my walk with God.  The moment I take it for granted and don’t pay attention to the Spirit’s guidance, is the moment I let the roots of this world weaken the spiritual dam that holds back my self-serving, narcissistic tendencies.  I become weaker and over time, much like a dam weakened by Mesquite trees, I too will fail.  It’s the same for all of us.

Continual spiritual maintenance is a necessity for all of us. 

Prayer, attending worship, read the scriptures, tithing, and working to alleviate the suffering of others are the tools we need to stay spiritually strong in a world that wants us to be weak and pliable.  But choosing to follow Jesus sets us apart.  This means maintenance.

There will be moments when you are tempted not to pray, or attend worship, or read the Bible, or give your money to the church, or lighten someone’s heavy load.  Don’t let those momentary thoughts cloud your better judgment.  Maintenance matters.

Jesus was very clear following his path would not always be easy.  He was also clear it is the only way to true life, joy, and peace.  This is what he meant by saying,  “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.   But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”  (Matthew 7:13-14)

This morning, choose to make spiritual maintenance a priority.  You will be glad you did.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me remember what really matters.  Pull me out of my lethargy and laziness.  Help me be the person you created me to be.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

The Mesquite trees of life will always be there.  Stay strong and go to heaven.  It’s a pretty good deal.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins