THE RUT RIDERS!

Sunday’s Monday

I was in a recent Band of Brothers meeting when Pastor Tom Early gave a remark that I had never heard but was instantly hooked on when he said it. “A rut is nothing more than a grave with both ends knocked out!”. This is now a valuable nugget in my spiritual armory to defeat Satan. This statement has such valuable ramifications when presented as a tool for the betterment of life in every area. Oxford Languages describes rut 1 as, a long deep track made by the repeated passage of the wheels of vehicles and rut 2 as, a habit or pattern of behavior that has become dull and unproductive but is hard to change. Any way you look at this being in a rut cannot be a good thing. The first thought that comes to my mind is Albert Einstein’s common-sense definition of insanity, doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” As stated, a rut is nothing more than a groove cut into the soil which continually gets deeper with each use. I remember as a child my dad driving on dirt roads that had ruts deep enough that the car would literally steer itself, and so goes life with our patterns and habits. Who or what is in control of our direction?

Sadly, that is where many of us live today! We have customs, habits, behaviors, and patterns that are old, worn, and comfortable which are driving our every thought, action, and belief. Many are in a proverbial rut, and, like it! After all, a rut life is effortless, comfortable, and routine however, it is as well without challenge as no thought is required, low quality as life becomes mundane, and debilitating with a crippling sense of accomplishment. As with most all of God’s creations we humans are easily swayed to choose the path of least resistance not unlike water, lightning, wind, etcetera. In doing so, many will find themselves converting from God’s Holy Word to a more flexible human-friendly form of biblical guidance. I would like to point out a very easy and effective way to tell if you’re in a rut. Ask yourself, am I enjoying living life as it is? Do I find the excitement in starting a new day? Is my attitude one of joy or doom and gloom? Our passion for life should be renewed every morning through listening to what God has to say, after all, He listens to us moan and groan all day. We should have a zest, hunger, and thirst for God to use us to billboard who He is and what He is like. Our hearts should be set on helping those in need, cheering up those who are down, and giving God praise and glory. Today’s grace is a wonderful gift that is not meant to be squandered on worries of tomorrow and regrets of yesterday. Wake up! Yesterday is gone, there are no do-overs, get over it, make things right where God tells you to and let it go. Too many love worrying about tomorrow because it occupies their time and “that’s all folks”. Worry has never resolved anything, give it to God and get on with life! We carry so much useless garbage around that no one can save us but Jesus. Dump the junk on Jesus! I love what is written in Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV), 18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. “New!” Everything is fresh and renewed daily in God’s Kingdom including those who asked to be renewed in His Spirit!

Rut riders live within the words of Isaiah 43:22 (ESV), “Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob.

but you have been weary of me, O Israel! God is saying Israel has grown tired of Him which is true of many Christians today as their just going through the motions, following habits, customs, and self, trying to relieve the uneasiness of conviction from The Holy Spirit. The rut is doing what Satan intends, it’s keeping them from enjoying the pleasures, and contentment of this life. It may help you to better visualize what’s being said if you’ll acknowledge that one day the ends of your rut will be filled in, and what is to be, shall be. Study on Isaiah 43:24 (ESV), You have not bought me sweet cane with money or satisfied me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins; you have wearied me with your iniquities. We have absolutely no concept of how we break God’s heart when we choose to operate outside His will. Many at best offer Him a half-hearted return for His love, protection, and provision. Fact, people are renowned for crying out to God, to pull them from the rut just before it becomes a grave! My Pastor calls this spiritual fire insurance, people pay one premium (say the prayer) and then expect full coverage, saving them from the fires of hell. Truth is, many will not enter the gates of Heaven.

I pray we each abide with Isaiah 43:26 (ESV), 26 Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right. May we desire to communicate (talk, listen, argue) with you everyday Father, asking how we can better serve You. Inviting you to take charge and lead, guide, and direct us into whatever pleases You. God, teach us to live, outside of the rut, and inside your will. Amen

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!

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