Since my fast, I have started riding my bike again. I am trying to build up my kilometres and so far my longest is 37km. I actually feel pretty good when I am done so I am going to increase. My weight loss has slowed to a crawl but is still going in the right direction. I am still working my way through the eating part, how much, how often. Since my fast my appetite for TV has disappeared (I had cut out TV during my fast). So far overall I think it has been going well since I finished my fast. Today was an interesting ride. When one rides on a bicycle lets just say you come face to face with many different types of smells - the dead skunk and other carcasses still wafting their odours, and my favourite- the incredibly large liquid manure spreader sending a spray into the field. (Good thing he waited till he got in the field.) Part of riding are the obstacles you face - the hills, not to big but still provide a challenge for someone trying to get in shape again, cars getting a little too close, the rain, and the array of multiple smells. These obstacles make you stronger. As I thought about the array of smells, the liquid gold made me think of the harvest. I know this may seem a little strange but in reality this is a good thing for the fields. The wheat is already off and now the manure is applied and the field is prepared for the next crop. At first it really smells but in a few months the grounds provides a new crop to be harvested. I have to be careful how I word this, (stay with me) but sometimes life has to stink to provide a harvest. You may be thinking my life really stinks but it is a good thing. I hope you see the connection. I won’t push the illustration to far but God does discipline those He loves. If your life seems to stink at the moment, God may be preparing the ground for the harvest. Hebrews 12:4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline —then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” So if you are at a point in your life where you are trying to serve God and life seems to stink at the moment, hang on God loves you and is preparing you for the harvest.
Rock Report by Pastor Paul
This is a blog that comes from my personal devotions each day. The Blog has replaced the Sermon section. There will also be the occassional food for thought.
