Umbrellas


Umbrellas.  They protect us from the rain that would otherwise muss our clothes and hair.  And if it is raining in a big city, you will see thousands of them bobbing over the heads of those who are trying not to get wet.

BUT, I wonder...if we had a way to see into the hearts and souls of those same people, how many would have a halo over their heads?  

How many would have some visible sign that would show us that they had spent the same time protecting their souls and their eternities, as they did protecting their clothes?

"We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." 1 John 5:19

So what kinds of "umbrellas" can we take out into the world today?

1. Time in God's Word - "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.  We know that the Bible is the inspired word of God.  And we know that Jesus spent time studying and meditating on the books that are now part of our Old Testament.  Spending time in the Bible is the best way to learn about God, His character, and His desires for our lives.

2.  Prayer - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  The Bible encourages us to pray continually, but if that isn't the case in your life - are you at least taking time to pray in the morning, in the evening, at meals?  Do you pray each day?  Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons we have against the Devil and his snares.  Get in a habit of daily prayer.

3.  The Company of Good People - "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" - 1 Corinthians 15:33.  Billy Joel once sang a song in which the lyrics told us "sinners are much more fun," and "only the good die young."  However, it would be better to die young and spend an eternity in heaven, than to live a life of sin here - only to find that hell waits on the other side.  Be sure you are connecting regularly with God-loving people.

4.  Guard Your Heart - "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." - Proverbs 4:23.  In the Old Testament, the word "heart" is used often.  Much of the time, it refers to how one thinks.  Their emotions.  The things that mold and shape us. Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Sow a deed, reap a habit.  Sow a habit, reap a character.  Sow a character, reap a destiny."  But before any deed - comes a thought.  Your thoughts lead to attitudes, and your attitudes lead to actions. Guard your thoughts (heart).

Today, I encourage you to take your spiritual umbrellas out into the world with you.  Because, dear friends - you never know when a little rain might fall!

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