Spiritual Deposits

Last week during our small group time we reflected upon what we learned in 2012 and what we hope to tackle as a group in 2013.  One thought for a study was to go through the book of Revelation. This is always a “red flag” for me not due to the numerous perspectives and interpretations that are out there but it seems like people will applaud a study and yet walk away with nothing more than extra pound of bible knowledge. So when people would tell me they just finished studying the book of Revelation, I ask them what changes has the study made in their life or what fruit was produced because of this excellent study? Of course I get blank stares with hint of guilt and disappointment as if they wasted their time and now fear their salvation is in question. (I have that affect of people.  It’s a gift!)  Then God challenged my ignorance.  (This I admit is a daily occasion).

Saturday morning as I am praying and reading my bible, my thoughts kept deviating from the text to the bold statements I had made a couple of nights before.  Next the Holy Spirit drew me to Isaiah 55:10-11 (NLT) “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

Here is what I entered in my thought journal that morning: I have been under the impression that there must be some kind of life change, some kind of outward result when you spend time in the word or gone through some type of study. Could it be that those studies or times on the word are precursors or next steps to something God wants to do in an individual? We are all at a different place of our faith journey. Each “word time”, each study or teaching can add pieces to our life puzzle or move us into the next life test, the next break through, the next idea or what ever the Lord has in store.  

Do I still believe that personal application is important to the growth of an individual or group…of course I do.  I also believe that any contact with the Lord is significant, whether He speaks to you through His word, prayer, another person or as you are folding laundry. God’s word always produces fruit and will accomplish what He wants and what is needed for your life.  It is like making deposits in your spiritual checking account. You may not think what you read was significant or life changing but know that the Holy Spirit places it into your account so that when He needs to use it in and through your life;  it is there. I had not read the passage in Isaiah in a long time, but God brought it to my attention on Saturday so that I can repent of my idealistic ignorance and share it with those I love.