Chew the Cud

Growing up my great uncle had a dairy farm, so going over on Sunday nights to help feed the cows or swim in their pool was always fun because one I loved a good burger and two there was always baby cats or cows around to play with. One thing that these cows always did was eat. They would sit there and move their jaws for hours on end it seemed like and sometimes it got annoying because I didn't want to overfeed them but it looked like they were never finished. What I am getting at with this story is that I saw a video recently of a farmer explaining how long it takes for a cow to eat their food and that they have special teeth to break down the grass or grain that they eat. Sometimes these cows digest too much and have to regurgitate and eat their food again so that way they can get everything they need from what they eat. He made the correlation of chewing cud to reading God's word. Now to me this one hits hard. How often do I passively read my Bible? How often do I listen to a sermon and not digest what I heard? It is a shame to be a Christian like myself. I don't want to live like to this everyday where I am just waiting on eternity instead of preparing for eternity. 

Going to my church I feel very prepared for the week ahead when I leave. I know that I have the joy of the Lord inside of me, but when Monday morning comes I need a faith that is stronger because the world starts to take its toll. As Christmas has recently come and gone I think about how much faith Mary had to have in her heavenly father to send her baby boy to die for those who spit on Him and mocked Him for something He was doing for them. To have this faith she had to prepare. She knew the word, she understood what her Son was going to do. Although nothing could have fully compared to what she witnessed, she knew that the Lord was her shepherd and even though she walks through the valley of the shadow, He would be there with her (Psalm 23). Now that being said, it can be very easy for us to simply read the Bible for 15 minutes and not fully understand what was said. This is where the real work comes into Christianity where it requires commentaries and personal or group Bible studies that dive into the word so you can remember what scripture says about each situation you encounter. 

Personally I have been a slacker in this area. I read my Bible, but after getting home from work I am tired and am simply reading just to read. I am not reading to have a relationship with my Savior. I have a New Year's Resolution for us. Digest your word. Open it up and read! If you don't know where to start let me know and we'll find something for you. This life isn't easy but if we equip ourselves and truly understands what God says about us it can make it just a little bit easier; we are beloved children of the one true king. Whatever comes your way find some time during your day to chew on the word of God. This is something I promise you will never regret, but one day you will come to regret it if you don't. Prepare yourselves for the kingdom. Prepare yourself for the Lord's return as His bridegroom. If you don't know whether you will be in eternity or not please don't hesitate to call me I would love to see you in heaven one day:) (704) 914-6718.

May the peace and love of God be with you always,

Leah Carpenter