Getting Back to Supernatural Zest!

Fresh Manna
by Pastor Tim Burt

Lethargic––defined as sluggish or lazy. We all know what it means. No one wants to see themselves as lethargic and yet everyone has their moments or seasons in life where they are feeling this way. If it’s just been a brief period, you probably need a good meal and some good rest. If it’s becoming a season of time where you’ve been feeling this way, unless you are experiencing medical issues, you need to beware of lazy trying to set in! People express their reasons and justifications for needing an extended break and some of them are indeed valid. The number one reason most express is, I have been working so hard. But, letting that become extended carries danger. It can lead us to a place we don’t want to come to. Feeling sluggish is one thing, but becoming lethargic sneaks up on people not realizing that it’s the outworking of caving into lazy behaviors that soon become like an anchor that gets heavier the more you allow it into your life. I’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating. Your flesh loves lazy but being lazy is a curse. The book of Proverbs gives us insight to what the lazy person’s life will be like.

Proverbs 10:4 NLT tells us “Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers experience a richer life.”
Proverbs 10:26 TLB tells us “Lazy people are a pain to their employer. They are like smoke in the eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge.”
Proverbs 12:24 NLT says, “Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.”
Proverbs 15:19 TLB says, “A lazy person has trouble all through life; the path of the upright is like a cleared path!“

You can find endless ideas online to get yourself moving forward but I’ll share a few of mine that help create a spark and then turn that spark into fireworks as I keep moving!

1 & 2. Listen to your Bible and Walk! That may sound funny to you because most people would say “Read your Bible.” I know for a fact that there are so many people that just don’t spend time reading and even the ones that do, face warfare when it comes to reading their Bible! So, here is my suggestion. Download the YouVersion Bible app on your smartphone. There are a huge number of Bible translations and many of them will read the Bible to you! It’s awesome! I’ll tie this with suggestion 2 which is go for a walk with headphones or earbuds on and walk and listen to your Bible. When you hear something that moves you, pause the Bible and just meditate on it while your walking. (And pray if you want to. It’s a great time to pray!) You’ll be surprised how you hear from the Lord through this experience. And then you are doing two positive things at the same time. You’re hearing from God’s word and moving your body! It quickly becomes addictive in the best way! You’re moving forward!

3. Pray for Someone! Pause and think of someone you might want to pray for. It could be someone you know is in need or just a loved one for or friend you’ve not contacted for a while. Spend a few minutes praying for them. And then send them a text letting them know you were thinking of them and praying for them. It will bless them and it will bless you! You’re moving forward!

4. Reconnect With People! Call or connect with a a parent or sibling or a friend you value, just to say Hi and ask how they are doing. Don’t make it about you. Make it about them! It doesn’t have to be long. I often connect with friends or family over coffee, breakfast, or a walk or activity they like. Just tell them you were thinking about them and wanted to see how they were doing! You’re moving forward!

5. Create a Small Adventure! Bring a slice of adventure to your life depending on how your wired. Create a half-day or day trip. It could be any of a thousand things but make it the kind of day that you’ll look back on and think, I did something fun today! You’re moving forward!

6. Serve a Touch of God! Finally, one thing I love to do and actually do it every single day. I find some small (or not so small) way to serve someone using my personal giftings. It is the most important thing in my life. People would rather see the love of God through your life, than just hear it out your mouth! You might be thinking How do I do that? You know what things you are good at. How can you bless people with what God has gifted you with. (And don’t you dare tell me you’re not gifted at anything or you are the person most needing to read this today! I love you!)

Of course there’s many ideas and suggestions I could have written that you’ve probably already thought of, but the point is, when you’ve started to get lethargic, cut it off and get moving forward. You’ve read the scriptures and know it’s vital to your spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental health!

1 Peter 1:15 (MSG) “As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness.”

In His Love,
Pastor Tim Burt

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