The In-between Times

 The In-between Times

Over the past year or so I have become a fan of the Gaither Homecoming videos (especially those made in 2003 and before).  I have seen almost every one of them at least twice in less than a year, and I am currently running through them a third time.  I have fallen back in love with many of the songs I grew up with.  The Happy Goodmans (especially Vestal Goodman), The Cathedrals (and now Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Legacy Five, and Greater Vision).  It is the old-fashioned values that these older videos seem to promote and a worship and reverence for God that modern day music lacks.  I am not naive enough to believe all the singers have or are practicing what they sing about, but there is no denying that many (not all) the videos bring about a spirit of true worship.  

If you have ever watched one of these videos on YouTube or another platform, then you know to what I am referring.  You know that it is often the times in-between songs that are the most special moments in the videos.  Testimonies are given of deliverance from alcohol and drugs, stories of healings, people sharing how God gave them strength during difficult times, powerful prayers from Vestal Goodman and Gloria Gaither, and even demonstrations of relationships being restored.  Real emotions are on display: grief, vulnerability, hope, joy, and a love for Jesus.  As much as I adore most of the music and I love worshipping Jesus along with them, those tender moments when I cry and laugh along with those long gone and those still living are the ones that stick with me the most.

It got me to thinking that this is like our spiritual walk.  It is so very vital that we read the Bible, pray, and praise Jesus every day, yet it is the in-between times where those activities will make or break our walk with the Lord.  Whether seeped in mind-numbingly boring tasks or bombarded with too many overwhelming to dos.  Whether struggling through grief or an illness or celebrating all the blessings God has given.  Whether alone or in a crowd.  Every moment matters.  

Are you waking the walk and talking the talk (James 1:22 -But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.)?  When you have had a soul stirring Bible study but then have to go to an ungodly environment at school or work, do those Words stick with you?  Do you remember that you are called to be a witness and testify of God's greatness (John 16:15 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.).  Do you remember what the Bible says about morality and refuse to participate in the things you know God hates (1 Corinthians 15:33-34, AMP -Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals. ”Be sober-minded [be sensible, wake up from your spiritual stupor] as you ought, and stop sinning;)?

You may have just had a spirit filled prayer and worship time and felt God move in your heart.  But as soon as you say "amen", you are faced with rude people saying and doing heartless things that test all nine Fruits of the Spirit.  Do you remember the power of God you so recently felt and call upon His power to help you forgive the cruel people and show kindness to all whether they deserve it or not (John 15:12 -This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.)?

 For me, I know that in the in-between times, it so vital that I recall all I have read and sang about.  If not, then what is the point?  God wants all of us to access His power by overcoming the bondages of sin (Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.).  He gave us His life-changing words through Godly writers to remind us to call upon the Holy Spirit to help us combat temptation (1 Corinthioans 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.) as well as giving us peace in the storms (John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.).  

I am horrible at memorizing anything not put to music, so I may not always remember where the Bible says a certain thing, but because I try to read every day, I can tell you what the Bible says on almost any subject.  It helps me during my in-between times to pull out the Word of God from my heart so I will not sin (Psalm 119:11 - Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.) and so also helps me stay calm in the midst of cancer or the loss of a loved one (Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.).  It also helps me remember how I should treat others.  When I should stand up against a false message or walk away from someone God does not wany me to be unequally yoked with.

I just happened to be reading 2 Timothy today and the below verses in chapter 2 and 3 beautifully sum up my writing. 

(2 Timothy 2:15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(2 Timothy 3:14-17) But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

When we study God's word regularly, it makes it possible for us to discern right from wrong; it makes us wise in all areas of our lives.  2 Timothy 3:1-13 (not posted) warns against false teachers that will try to lead us astray from God's Truths.  This is why Paul is reminding Timothy to recall all he has learned.  He also reminds that scripture, not man's false doctrines, will help us know how to live righteously. 

Nothing is equal to the power of the Word of God and time spent praising Jesus, therefore, remaining in a state of holy reverence will help us spiritually and mentally survive the in-between times.