Is a Penny Worth the Trouble?

Have you ever tried to pull something out of your pocket and found that a bunch of change came with it? The item you are retrieving stays in your hand, but the change goes flying all around and clanging to the floor. Quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies scatter across the area surrounding your feet.
Now, when you are getting over the embarrassment of this act of clumsiness, there is a decision to be made. Are the coins worth picking up? For most people quarters would be readily reached for and returned to the pocket. Dimes and nickels may take a little consideration, but these too are often deemed worth the trouble. But what about the penny? Do you really want to exert the energy and face the continued embarrassment of those around you to pick up a penny or two? Or would you rather just leave them behind?
We can sometimes react to the sin in our lives in much the same manner. Circumstances can occur that cause the sin to be exposed. It is often easy to determine that we must take care of what we would consider the big or quarter size sins. This would be the obvious behaviors and flawed attitudes that can cause serious repercussions in our lives. The ten commandments are a good example of what would fall into this category. (See Exodus 20:1-17)
Then there can be the less obvious sin that comes to light through circumstances and the Word of God. Like picking up the dime and the nickel, we may be a little more reluctant to deal with these because we do not see the big deal that they are. Although all sin is a fault or failure to live up to the standard of God’s Word, these may seem a little more common to all. Gossip, slander, laziness and “small” lies may fall in this category. The apostle Paul created a list of sins in the letter to the Galatians. “Now the doings (practices) of the flesh are clear (obvious): they are immorality, impurity, indecency, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies), envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like.” (Galatians 5:19-21a AMP) Although we may rank the seriousness of various sins, he does not. There may be resistance to the need to confess and turn away from these, yet eventually, the conviction of the Holy Spirit will make the matter clear to us. And if the heart is truly seeking God, we will both confess and get this sin out of our lives.
But what about the “penny” sins in our lives. These are the ones that seem relatively harmless. Did that one harsh word spoken really matter all that much? That one, little bad attitude we are harboring or that one unkind comment about a friend; were they really that bad? If the Lord brings these to our attention, then these small sins are definitely worth repenting of. And then, any action God calls us to must be obeyed quickly. He always has only our best interests in mind. The Lord desires to bring life to every tiny corner of our hearts. “Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 AMP)

When our sins are brought to light, regardless of how big or small we consider them to be, we must be willing to respond. “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:7-8a AMP) It is against God that we have sinned and sin damages our relationship with Him. “Against You, You only, have I sinned and done that which is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified in Your sentence and faultless in Your judgment.” (Psalm 51:4 AMP) But when we confess and obey we are forgiven and restore that relationship. “I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord [continually unfolding the past till all is told]—then You [instantly] forgave me the guilt and iniquity of my sin. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]! For this [forgiveness] let everyone who is godly pray—pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely when the great waters [of trial] overflow, they shall not reach [the spirit in] him.” (Psalm 32:5-6 AMP) 

So if the Lord shines a light on any area of your life, regardless of apparent seriousness, admit your error. confess your sin and obey whatever He instructs you to do. Do not consider any sin too small, but release it immediately.  It will be worth it!

Correct Tuning

Anyone who was played the guitar knows that in order to create true music, one must first tune the guitar before playing. This process begins by tuning the top string to E. Once the string is properly tuned, it becomes the base to tune all of the other strings to it.
When I played the guitar, years ago, I did not have access either to a properly tuned piano or a pitch instrument. Since I do not have perfect pitch (the ability to share and match a note) my E string was often just a bit off. Therefore, my guitar was often accurately tuned to the wrong note. Although the strings played in harmony to each other, the chord was never quite right.
When playing and singing on my own, this was okay. This semi tuned guitar made it possible to practice chords and even sing along. Others could even join me in singing along with these chords. Yet none of us actually realized the extent to which the music and song were off key. We may have believed that all was as it should be, yet the truth was we were all off and it began with a single, mistuned string.
It is not until the guitar is taken to a piano or pitch instrument that the extent the error is found. When placed against the true notes, the tone of the guitar become blatantly clear. Whether only slightly off or completely missing the mark this instrument cannot play as part of a group without first correcting the tuning.

The Word of God must always be the standard to which we tune our hearts. Like the subsequent strings on the guitar our attitudes, desires and dreams this line up with his word. Only then can our entire life be in harmony And. only when the hearts of believers are dedicated to this same standard of God’s Word can we play together without clashing.

To base our lives on the truth of God’s Word we look to Jesus. He is the embodiment of the Word of God.  “In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself… And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth.” (John 1:1,14 AMP) Jesus is also the truth. “Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.” (John 14:6 AMP)

We set the standard of The Word of God for our lives by studying and following the teaching and life of Jesus Christ. “So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 AMP) We must agree with His words to truly walk with Him. “Do two walk together except they make an appointment and have agreed?” (Amos 3:3 AMP) Learning, agreeing with and submitting out lives to that standard we become a valuable, properly tuned instrument of God.

The apostle Paul begs us to walk together by the truth. ^“I therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God's service, living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.” (Ephesians 4:1-2 AMP) John also calls us to this unity. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him].” (1 John 4:7 AMP) Together, all set to the standard of the Word of God, we will serve together in a beautiful song of love from our Heavenly Father to all people.

Tune your life to the Truth of God’s Word. Always keep that standard as the base point to tune every area of your life. Then your life will play beautifully to the benefit of all.

Out of the Box

Some friends of ours recently bought a new mattress. This came in the perfect box for their young children to build a play house. As the children were playing in the house, their 3-year-old daughter climbed inside and closed the top. She called out, “Daddy come find me. I bet you don't know where I am!” Standing outside of the box, the entire family knew exactly where the sweet little girl was. It was only her innocent naiveté that caused her to believe that since she could not see out they would have no idea where she was.

The same can be said for us from time to time. By withholding a portion of our hearts from the Lord, we can find ourselves climbing into a box of deception. Although we cannot see the truth outside and believe that others cannot see how blind we have become, those on the outside know exactly where we are. Our own perceptions are impaired by the darkness that hiding the truth causes. We choose not to see the true state of our hearts and relationship with God and others, and eventually we cannot see. The box has not only caused darkness, but also separation from those we love.

Even when those around us may not see exactly what is going on in our hearts, God always sees us. He has said, “Am I a God at hand, says the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? says the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:23-24 AMP) Even when we stray far from the Lord’s will, we are never far from His loving presence. King David knew this well. Where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence? If I ascend up into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol (the place of the dead), behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me and the night shall be [the only] light about me, even the darkness hides nothing from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You.” (Psalm 139:7-12 AMP)

When sin or hard times enter our lives we can seem to be far from God. He may seemingly not care, but the opposite is true. Jesus shared the Father’s heart with this scenario. “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray and gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost? And if it should be that he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not get lost.” (Matthew 18:12-13 AMP) Jesus did not come to point out our shortcomings. He loves us and only desires closeness. “For the Son of man came to save [from the penalty of eternal death] that which was lost.” (Matthew 18:11 AMP)

John the Baptist came before Jesus to help others see the truth. “Just as it is written in the prophet Isaiah: Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will make ready Your way - a voice of one crying in the wilderness [shouting in the desert], Prepare the way of the Lord, make His beaten tracks straight (level and passable)! John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness (desert), preaching a baptism [obligating] repentance (a change of one's mind for the better, heartily amending one's ways, with abhorrence of his past sins) in order to obtain forgiveness of and release from sins.” (Mark 1:2-4 AMP) Each of our hearts has valleys that need filling and mountains that need to be leveled. Whenever these troubles arise from sin, we cannot attempt to run and hide in a box. We must honestly admit our faults and open our hearts to allow God to forgive and smooth out the rugged paths. “Every valley shall be lifted and filled up, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked and uneven shall be made straight and level, and the rough places a plain.” (Isaiah 40:4 AMP) Our hearts can be stable when open to God’s light.

King David, the man after God’s own heart, expressed these hard learned truths in his songwriting, the Psalms. “When I kept silence [before I confessed], my bones wasted away through my groaning all the day long.” (Psalm 32:3 AMP) God saw his sin even when David went to great lengths to cover it up. “Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart.” (Psalm 51:6 AMP) Only after exposing the secret, inner sin of the heart, did David experience restoration. “Make me to hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; let the bones which You have broken rejoice.” (Psalm 51:8 AMP) David lived in that place of joy once again. We can too.

Uncover the secret places of your heart and expose everything to God. Come out of the box of deception and walk freely in the light of truth. There you will find forgiveness, healing and joy!

Pay It Forward.

“Pay it forward” is a phrase that is related to doing good things for other people. If someone first does something nice for you, rather than paying them back you can be told to “pay it forward.” This means to find someone else to bless with a kind act. This can be very simple or it can be quite extravagant. In any case the common thread is doing nice for a stranger, requesting nothing in return. The hope is that the chain of kindnesses paid forward will continue on far past any circle of immediate friends.

One online dictionary definition of ‘pay it forward’ is, “respond to a person's kindness to oneself by being kind to someone else.” Wikipedia states: “Pay it forward is an expression for describing the beneficiary of a good deed repaying it to others instead of to the original benefactor. The concept is old, but the phrase may have been coined by Lily Hardy Hammond in her 1916 book In the Garden of Delight.” A movie by this title was released in 2000. It was about a young boy who began this concept as a school project. The impact of this attitude of paying it forward was contagious and spread to impact an entire community and beyond.

As Wikipedia states, the concept is very old. Paying it forward is actually a biblical concept. God’s loving acts toward us began before time itself. “But [you were purchased] with the precious blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot. It is true that He was chosen and foreordained (destined and foreknown for it) before the foundation of the world...” (1 Peter 1:19-20a AMP) The true meaning of love is also made know by an act of Christ blessing us years before our birth. “But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.” (Romans 5:8 AMP)

We could never pay back God for all that He has done for us. Any feeble attempts would merely be our religious acts of good works. “He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy.”  (Titus 3:5a AMP) He does not want any payback. We simply receive the love that God has given through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We then spend our lives living as Jesus did; living our lives sharing the love with which He first loved us. “We love Him, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 AMP)  

God desires that we show His love to others. “I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another.” (John 13:34 AMP) We can do this by following the example set in the daily life of Jesus. “…how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed and oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38b AMP) We now live doing good for others.

We have been shown compassion so we can pay forward compassion. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP) We have been given undeserved forgiveness so we must pay forward undeserved forgiveness. “And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 AMP) We must love others.

No ulterior motives, but simply a heart full of appreciation for all that has been given us, must be our motivation. Gratefulness to God can be voiced to Him and displayed by paying His love forward to everyone we come in contact with.

Show your love and gratitude to God by paying forward some of His great love and kindness.

Preset Your Heart’s Response

As I drive down the road, I am able to change the radio stations in my car by simply pushing preset buttons. On both satellite and FM radio my preferred station is on preset button number one, courtesy of my husband. On AM radio my preferred station is button number two. Because of the preset buttons I do not have to search the dial to find a radio station of my choice. This saves my attention for the road ahead of me which is of utmost importance.
These preset stations on my vehicle’s radio take some time and effort to program. First the choice of stations has to be determined. Once these stations are chosen, they must be found amid all of the other available stations. Then finally, I must then select the preset station and push the proper button. If any of these steps were missed the process would not now be as convenient

When we have hidden the Word in our hearts, we will begin to change how we think about life. “Your word have I laid up in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11 AMP) We must take this knowledge of the Scripture and put it into practice. And then we will have truly learned the Word by doing it. “But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].” (James 1:22 AMP)

We are now ready to preset the defaults of our lives. We set these defaults to the principles from the Word of God. These principles of God can become so ingrained in our lives that when circumstances arise all we must do is look to what has already been established in our hearts. We first set our will to seek God’s ways in all things. “And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.” (Colossians 3:2 AMP) With this established we can predetermine how we will respond to daily life.

When trials and difficult situations make their way into our path we must remember to, “Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.” (James 1:2 AMP) This is not the natural minded response to difficult situations. But when we have studied the Word of God and lived in His presence, we will find that we always benefit. “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP)

When people have offended us, whether we have a justifiable cause or not, we must refuse to take offense. “Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.” (James 1:19 AMP) Instead we can preset our response to be quick to forgive. “Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive].” (Colossians 3:13 AMP)

In all things we must remember that God always has a good plan. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 AMP) When we understand this we realize that good things are in store for us. “Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].” (James 1:17 AMP) We preset to expect good from our Father.

We have no idea of the plans God has for our future. “…What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed].” (1 Corinthians 2:9 AMP) So with confidence we can remain thankful and joyful in everything that comes our way. “Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP)
There are many ways to respond to life’s situations, but God’s ways are always best. Once we have chosen to seek God in all things, we can find His will and then preset our hearts to respond according to God’s precepts. We can then focus on the all that God wants to lead us into.

Choose ahead of time how you will respond to life situations. You will be blessed with all the benefits of obedience to our Heavenly Father.

Learn By Doing

Although there are many different learning styles, often the best way to retain memory of a skill is by actually doing it. My son, who is very tech savvy, will try to explain something to me each time I encounter a problem. To him this solution is very simple and he cannot understand why I'm not getting it. He can explain it, and even show me how to do something, but when I need it again a few weeks later I cannot remember what to do.
“Let me do it myself! Talk me through it, but let me actually do it. That way I won't need to keep running to you every time I have this problem.” Over and again I speak these words. This approach promotes quick learning and an ability to remember for future use. I can become very skilled, even on a computer, with a task I have performed before. I can even expand my knowledge and skill base by performing functions a few times. For me it all comes down to doing it myself. If only shown I will forget, but if I do I will remember and be able to do again. This new found ability becomes a part of me.

Learning and practicing the Word of God is very similar. Timothy's second letter stresses the great importance of the Word of God in our lives. “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action)” (2 Timothy 3:16 AMP) We are to take the scriptures as the very Word of God directly to our hearts. “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP) This study of Scripture is critical to our growth.

Study of the Word of God alone is not enough. James tells us “…and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls. But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. For if anyone only listens to the Word without obeying it and being a doer of it, he is like a man who looks carefully at his [own] natural face in a mirror.” (James 1:21b-23 AMP) We can hear the Word of God, study it and even quote it, but if we are not letting it get into our daily actions we are missing the entire point.

The Apostle Paul commanded us imitate God. “Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].” (Ephesians 5:1 AMP) Jesus lived out the Word of God in every area of his life here on earth. He said that He only did what He saw the Father doing. “So Jesus answered them by saying, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, the Son is able to do nothing of Himself (of His own accord); but He is able to do only what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does is what the Son does in the same way [in His turn].” (John 5:19 AMP) Paul also told us to imitate him. “Pattern yourselves after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah)” (1 Corinthians 11:1 AMP). This command to imitate his actions had power because he also was imitating Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever.” (John 14:15-16 AMP) We rely on the leading and power of the Holy Spirit to help us to do all that we learn in the Word of God. And when trials come we are prepared to face them with faith and obedience. Love will be our response when we are actively doing the Word of God.

We learn and retain by doing. That is why me must do the things we are taught in the Word of God. By doing the Word of God we will grow up in all things. “Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” (Ephesians 4:15 AMP) Then, when future trials come, we will be prepared to respond with the love of Christ.

As a student of the Word of God, do what the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit instruct you to do. Allow the Word of God to become a part of you.

Get in the Game

Another Super Bowl Sunday has come and gone. Super Bowl 50 joins the previous 49 championship games in the history books of professional football. This day means a lot of different things to different people. For many football fans it's a good day to bring out the party foods and join with friends to watch the season end’s big game. To fans of the actual teams playing, it is a day for passionate rooting for your favorite players. For football players whose careers have come and gone, this day may evoke memories of past games. But for the two teams, the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos, this is the day of intense focus on the game before them.

Spiritual things can be much like a Super Bowl game. The call to advance the Kingdom of God is by far the most important we have on this earth. Yet we see people responding in similar ways to these responses to another Super Bowl game. Some see this life as nothing more than an opportunity to enjoy themselves and plan for a party. Others may have entered a relationship with Jesus Christ, yet they sit on the sidelines cheering for those who are seeking to accomplish God's will on this earth. Although they have a knowledge of God, they do not take their personal role seriously.

The truth is, all born again believers are members of the team that is playing to accomplish the most important task of all. The body of Christ is to constantly strive to advance the Kingdom of God in this earth. “And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and violent men seize it by force [as a precious prize—a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion].” (Matthew 11:12 AMP) We do this by serving others, both by spreading the word of God and meeting practical needs.

In the game of football each player has a specific position and task to perform. Whether it be offense, defense or special teams, the game cannot be successfully played without each and every position being filled with competent athletes. These players have a specific starting place and task to perform. The game winning team is not determined by only a few players doing well. It takes each and every player performing their specific task to the best of their ability.     

Christians are united in Christ. “For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use, So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].” (Romans 12:4-5 AMP) No one believer has a more important call then another. We have all been uniquely gifted by God and are to use these gifts to play the role that God has given us to the best of our abilities. “As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].” (1 Peter 4:10 AMP) We are all on the team and must play well.

Some plays in a football game may be more spectacular than others. The long pass that is caught and run into the end zone for a touchdown maybe more memorable and exciting than the five-yard gain achieved by a running back who received a hand off of the ball from the quarterback. But in reality, football games are won by advancing down the field and bringing the ball past the goal line. The score is the same whether it took one play or a dozen to reach the end zone. Likewise, the defense has a job to stop the other team from advancing. While a sack of the quarterback may be more exciting than limiting the team's advance to less than ten yards in four downs, the result is again the same. The opposing team’s advance is thwarted.

In the work of God some events may bring more attention than others. A preacher addressing a crowd of thousands may draw many to saving faith. Yet the softened heart of one soul through the words of a neighbor is of equal importance. Every act of kindness and display of love advances the purposes of God. His will is that all will come to know Him and receive eternal life. “And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent.” (John 17:3 AMP)

Just as a quarterback would be useless without his teammates to either pass or hand off the ball, no church leaders can accomplish the work of God without every believer participating. The entire body must work together to complete the work. In the huddle the quarterback gives direction to the team concerning the next play. Likewise, the role of church leaders is to prepare us for the work. When God called leaders, “His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the church), [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.” (Ephesians 4:12-13 AMP)

In all this we can never forget the importance of the coach. The coach assigns the placement of the players and gives direction to the team. It is his plan that is executed. Our supreme Heavenly Father is far more than a coach. God not only places and directs His people, He has designed us perfectly for our roles. Like King David we can be assured, “For You did form my inward parts; You did knit me together in my mother's womb. I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.” (Psalm 139:13-14 AMP) We have a wonderful God!

So get in the game and play the role God has gifted you for and assigned you to. You’re an important part of the team and your teammates need you!

Tumble Dry

Having one mid-week day off from work, it most often becomes the day for household chores and other errands. High on the household chore list is often laundry, which includes not only our family’s clothing but also the bedding. Pulling the sheets and comforter to our bed out of the washing machine, I proceeded to put the wet items into the dryer. After a reasonable amount of time, I checked on them only to find that the comforter had wrapped itself around the sheets in a nice tight roll. When I unfolded the mess of sheets and comforter, the inside portion was still very wet and tightly wrinkled. Although the hot air and tumbling motion had been available to dry and de-wrinkle this bedding, the tight wrapping had made it impossible for the air to reach the center. Checking everything out and putting in just the sheets, I restarted the dryer. When the sheets were completely dry, I then put the comforter in again and checked on it every few minutes until it also was dry.

This significantly delayed the completion of the rest of the laundry. But soon clean dry sheets and comforter were once again serving their purpose to cover the bed. There would be warmth and softness when next we climbed into bed.

As I completed the bedding for the other room, I made certain to put only the sheets in the dryer with some other small articles of clothing. These sheets tumbled nicely, dried and were ready to be used in a relatively short time. Because they had not rolled up into a ball, the tumbling motion and heated air of the dryer was able to efficiently perform its purpose.

We can be like the bedding that came out of the washer. Having soaked in the Word of God we may be full of all that we need to be the beautiful clean Bride of Christ. “So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless].”  (Ephesians 5:26-27 AMP) Then we come out into the realities of the world around us and find that life is causing both heat and turbulence to toss around. Like the dryer, only this heated turbulence can remove the wrinkles from our personality and spirit while at the same time preparing us with all that we need to serve a hurting world.

Just as washing the clothes without putting them in the dryer had never been a part of my plan, having the truth of the Word without applying in our lives is not a part of God's plan for us. Likewise, as I would not put clothes that had not been first washed would into the dryer, reading and studying the Word can prepare us to be God’s servants. “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.”  (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP) But it is in the trials of life that we are truly prepared for the work in the kingdom of God. These trials were promised to us by Jesus. “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”  (John 16:33 AMP)

Not only should we not be surprised when the trials and trouble come, we should welcome them. This trials serve to not only bring us closer to God but prepare us to serve those He will bring into our lives. “Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience. But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.”  (James 1:3-4 AMP) As we cooperate with the Lord and open ourselves up to His work, even when it is uncomfortable, we will lose the wrinkles and be prepared to serve others. “Grace (favor and spiritual blessing) to you and [heart] peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:2-4 AMP)
Attempting to pull in ourselves and those we hold dear to protect ourselves from the trials of life will only cause delays in our growth. As we read above, Jesus wishes to present us to His Father without spot or wrinkle. We may also delay future work in our lives that the Lord desires to do. So our best course of action is to open ourselves to God and trust Him to teach us through His Word and through the trials that we walk through together with Him.
If you find yourself in difficult circumstances and self-preservation is screaming to pull in and protect yourself at any cost, please open yourself up to the sustaining love of your Heavenly Father. Heat and turbulence may be there, but you are not alone. Allow God to complete His purpose in you.

Hidden in the Ordinary

Have you ever played one of those hidden object games? A child's version of this game is “Where's Waldo?” In this form you look for Waldo among a sea of other faces. There are also various print and computer games that show a room full of the normal furniture and other suitable objects. Then, imposed upon the backdrop of this room is set of out of place objects. A pencil may be laying sideways along the edge of the door post. A coffee cup may be upside down at the base of a table. A fish, a tool or any other object may be hidden in plain sight. On and on these superimposed objects blend in with the background, until searched for and found. When you find one full set of objects, you then move on to another room with a whole new set to search for.
Many hours can be spent searching for these items.  Some are relatively easy to locate whereas others seem impossibly concealed from sight. Sometimes a hint from the game itself or from a friend that has already played is necessary to point out the hidden item and propel the game player into the next level. Much determination and shear time is required to complete one of these games. Yet the pursuit, despite momentary frustrations, is both enjoyable well worth it when the completion is finally achieved,    

Sometimes our study of the Word of God can be much like one of these hidden object games. Proverbs tells us, “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a thing.” (Proverbs 25:2 AMP) What God has placed in the Scriptures and desires to communicate to our heart is not always obvious. We may have to dig deeper than simply reading the words on the page. We must seek the message that God has for us with an ear open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. “Now we have not received the spirit [that belongs to] the world, but the [Holy] Spirit Who is from God, [given to us] that we might realize and comprehend and appreciate the gifts [of divine favor and blessing so freely and lavishly] bestowed on us by God.” (1 Corinthians 2:12 AMP)

With reliance on the Holy Spirit, we are instructed to search for hidden riches in the Scripture by seeking God diligently. “Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13 AMP) God desires to show His will and love toward us. “I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me.” (Proverbs 8:17 AMP) Therefore the Lord does not make His treasures difficult to find. “I have not spoken in secret, in a corner of the land of darkness; I did not call the descendants of Jacob [to a fruitless service], saying, Seek Me for nothing [but I promised them a just reward]. I, the Lord, speak righteousness (the truth—trustworthy, straightforward correspondence between deeds and words); I declare things that are right.” (Isaiah 45:19 AMP)

We are promised that we will know the character of God when we seek Him with a passionate search for His will. “But if from there you will seek (inquire for and require as necessity) the Lord your God, you will find Him if you [truly] seek Him with all your heart [and mind] and soul and life.” (Deuteronomy 4:29 AMP) This type of seeking contains a desperation to know God better. “O God, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You, in a dry and weary land where no water is.” (Psalm 63:1 AMP) “You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity and on the authority of Your Word].” (Psalm 27:8 AMP)

In addition to passion in our searching for the things of God, there must be an element of persistence. Persistence is promised a reward. “Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you. For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8 AMP) This continual seeking brings wisdom. “Then you will understand the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of [our omniscient] God.” (Proverbs 2:5 AMP) In all this we will find joy. “Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are they who keep His testimonies, and who seek, inquire for and of Him and crave Him with the whole heart.” (Psalm 119:2 AMP)

Like hours spent playing a game of searching for hidden objects, become engrossed in your search for the deep truths of God. Enlist the help of fellow believers when necessary. God will reveal all things that benefit you.