Obey The Spirit

November 3rd, 2026
by Pastor Brad Rud

Living high on a mountain has advantages and disadvantages. We have a beautiful view and can walk from our house into millions of acres of public land. But in a region with 6 months of winter, we get a full extra month of snow- pushing winter even longer. At my house it snowed 7 days in May, we got 4 inches on the last day of August and 4 inches again the last day of September. Those snows all melted, but our October snow is here to stay. Yesterday a friend and I walked from my house and began our first winter climb of the season.

At my age, if I don't force my body to do things it would really rather NOT DO, I will soon lose the ABILITY to do those things. So... I take a deep breath, groan inwardly, and begin the 20 minute process of 'layering up' my gear for the morning climb. Spiritual disciplines are no different. It is so much easier to NOT spend time in God's Word, to NOT spend time praying with and for your a loved ones, to NOT serve in your church.

But make no mistake, you will NOT get spiritually stronger- you will NOT maintain the spiritual strength you already have. Either you will INDULGE the FLESH or you will OBEY the SPIRIT. The first leads to LETHARGY and APATHY, the second leads to ENERGY and VITALITY. Be disciplined! Obey the Spirit, and you WILL be blessed! -Pastor Brad

First winter climb

Written on October 24, 2026