Need a Massage?

I don’t know about you, but I love massages. Actually, I had one not too long ago. I usually get a Swedish massage, because Deep Tissue tends to be too tough for me. Most times, I schedule one because I just want to relax or escape from my normal world with the smooth instrumental wave music. Sometimes I fall asleep, and other times I’m up just enjoying the whole pampered experience. How about you? Do you like massages? Or do you feel like right now, you could actually use one? Well, as you very well may know, I have a point here. Because although I may love natural massages, I sometimes need a spiritual massage every now and then…and I’m not talking Swedish.

Oh yeah! If you’ve ever had a massage, usually your body will tell you when it’s time to schedule your next appointment with the local spa. That’s actually how it is when you begin to take notice that there’s something happening in your spirit that may need some attention. And that’s when you need to consider scheduling an appointment with the best massage therapist known to mankind…God.

Now sometimes when I get a Swedish massage (even though I didn’t order Deep Tissue), the massage therapist will sometimes notice that there’s a few knots that need some kneading. A lot of times, I let them do it, because I know that if it’s there, even though it may hurt a little while they’re working it through, I know it’s best for me. And oh my goodness, it feels so good afterwards. That’s just how it is when getting a spiritual massage.

When there are some deep rooted issues in our lives or buried things like sin hidden within our hearts, God will often times give us hints that we need to schedule a massage with Him. And we’re not talking Swedish. Nah…I would say that He likes Deep Tissue. So when He beckons, I usually know that I need to have that heart-to-heart talk with Him, so He can knock out all that bad stuff that’s causing all this unnecessary tension within me.  And once I’ve gone to Him in prayer and bared my heart with Him, He works it all out, and I feel such a release! Have you ever been there before? If not, I encourage you to make your appointment soon!

In James 4:8 it says, “Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.” Now many of us love that first part of this Scripture, but we sometimes neglect the second part. It goes on to say, “Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites.” And verses 9-10 says, “Let there be tears for your wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.” Ouch! Did that hit a few tight spots? If it did, that’s a good thing.

God doesn’t want us to stay the same and be comfortable with the knots of sin in our lives (whether it’s inward or outward). No, He desires change. Too many people are sitting in churches all across America without the hardcore truth being told. The Word should bring about conviction and change within our hearts and everyday lifestyles. Unfortunately, many would rather have a Swedish massage over the Deep Tissue, because most don’t want anyone digging that deep inside of their lives.

However, the Bible clearly warns us of a time when people will no longer listen to right teaching. We’re here! Second Timothy 4:3-4 says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” What does this mean? It means that many professing Christians will attend churches week after week hearing a cotton-candy, relaxed, and comfortable message that will soothe their conscious, while making them feel like everything is okay, when it’s not. This is dangerous.

Listen ladies, God wants change. After we accept Christ into our lives, we are supposed to possess a changed nature, living a true born-again lifestyle – meaning not living as sinners do, yet according to God’s Word. Here's a few questions to ponder. Can your friends, family, co-workers, or strangers tell a difference in you? What are you watching, listening to, doing, or saying that may be displeasing to the Lord?  Second Corinthians 5:14 says, “…Since we believe that Christ died for everyone, we also believe that we have all died to the old life we used to live. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live to please themselves. Instead, they will live to please Christ, who died and was raised for them.”

The truth is in the written Word. Our job is to believe it and apply it to our very lives, not just listen to a good message, forget it, and go one without change. The truth is sometimes uncomfortable, but if received well, it will make us free (John 8:32). Think about it. What good is the Bible or preachers if you decide not to obey the words given? I’m often quickened by the Holy Spirit of James 1:22-25 which says, “And remember, it is a message to obey, not just to listen to. If you don’t obey, you are only fooling yourself. For if you listen and don’t obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to approve your appearance. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you keep looking steadily into God’s perfect law-the law that sets you free-and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”

Listen guys, we are living in the last days. It’s time to wake up from the slumber. It’s time to let God work out the kinks and the knots of habitual and knowing sin. Yes, we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God sometimes, but that is no excuse for any of us to just lay there without change. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” We are to be changed, set-apart, a peculiar people, used for His service and glory. Yet, with obvious or revealed sin in our lives left unchecked, we will not be effective in our witness to others. So, I’ll ask you this question again. Do you need a massage? A spiritual one, that is. If so, make your appointment today! Go to God in prayer and let him work it all out. I strongly believe that when you’re done, you will feel so relieved from all the undo pressure and unnecessary stress. Try it…

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s get ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

*Thanks for reading! Feel absolutely free to ask a question or leave a comment. Tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! And don’t forget to “Like” me on Facebook and share it with friends. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Amen![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]