Plugged into the Same Power Bar

Lining the counter between the oven and sink in my kitchen is a food processor, a toaster, a can opener, a mini blender and a crock pot. All of these small appliances are plugged into a power bar, ready to be used for the specific purpose for which they were designed. In addition to these five regularly plugged in appliances, I frequently bring out a hand blender, a stand mixer or a coffee/spice grinder which also serve unique purposes in the running of our kitchen. Together these items facilitate the preparation of meals for my family.

The common factor all of these uniquely fashioned appliances have in common is that they require a connection to the power source. Without being plugged in, the food processor does not slice, chop or blend. Without that same power source bread will not be browned into the crunchy toast and cans will not be opened. Soups and stews will not be warmed up and smoothies will remain simply a cup of fruits, veggies, liquids and powders. None of the benefits of these appliances can be attained without the power source that enables each motor to run as designed.

As members of the body of Christ, we each have been designed with a unique and specific purpose. Each one of us has a necessary function in the work of God's Kingdom. “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]. Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them.” (Romans 12:5-6a AMP) We are not only designed differently from each other; we are charged to act differently according to the unique qualities God has placed in US. “[He whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith; [He whose gift is] practical service, let him give himself to serving; he who teaches, to his teaching; He who exhorts (encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness.” (Romans 12:6b-8 AMP)

Why then do we spend so much time and energy comparing ourselves with each other? We may want others to act in the same ways we do. We may also feel as though we should be doing the same things as others are doing. Comparing ourselves to others is never wise. “However, when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely.” (2 Corinthians 10:12b AMP) Both of these wrong attitudes stem from ignorance and cause foolishness.

Just as I need each of my appliances operating as they are designed, God's perfect plan to advance His kingdom requires each of us operating as He designed us to work. After listing different gifts and operations of the Holy Spirit Paul wrote,
“All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses.” (1 Corinthians 12:11 AMP) God has chosen our purposes and the abilities that each of us has been given.

One thing all believers have in common is that we must remain connected to the power of the Holy Spirit. By His power the prophet can prophesy and the server can meet the practical needs of many. The teacher teaches and the exhorter brings encouragement for others to press on in their work. The giver can happily give and the tender hearted can extend mercy to bring healing to the hurting. We all need each other.  Before returning to heaven Jesus promised, “But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 AMP) Connected to the power offered freely from the Holy Spirit, we shall be an example of the love and power of God.

By operating in the manner that we have been created by the power of the Holy Spirit, we will show the love of God to others. Do not compete or envy. Simply plug into God’s abundant grace and power and whir away performing the tasks God has designed for you.

What Will be Recorded?

Attending the theater can be an exciting and entertaining experience. Whether it is a professional performance, Community Theater or a youth production, the audience watches each scene with great interest. Theater attendees often receive or even purchase a playbill, also called a program. Within the pages of this program is biographical information about the cast members who are filling the major roles. These bios often include past accomplishments from the actor’s dramatic career, personal interests and in the case of youth, their future goals.

In the book of Nehemiah there's a list of the accomplishments of the workmen we shared together in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall. (See Nehemiah 3) Amid all the workers on this list that join together to accomplish this great task, a single group is noted who did not participate. “Next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles or lords did not put their necks to the work of their Lord. (Nehemiah 3:5 AMP) Amazingly enough it was not the commoner, but the nobles, who refused to assist in the work of God. These nobles, or rulers, have been noted for the ages to follow as the ones who refused to obey God and work.

In a list of followers of God, what do we want to be known for? Just as the audience of a play or the mockers who watched on as Nehemiah and the men of Judah work to repair Jerusalem's wall, (See Nehemiah 4) there will always be those who are watching our daily lives. Do we want to be known as believers who talked about the love of Jesus but showed no evidence that it was present in our lives? Or will we order the actions of our lives to line up with the love of God?

Jesus demonstrated true love for us. “By this we come to know (progressively to recognize, to perceive, to understand) the [essential] love: that He laid down His [own] life for us; and we ought to lay [our] lives down for [those who are our] brothers [in Him].” (1 John 3:16 AMP) Are we following His example and obeying His mandate to lay down our desires for the benefit of others? Jesus gave his disciples a clear definition of true love and a wonderful promise that accompanies this love. “Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.” (John 14:23 AMP) True love of God requires obedience to God.

Jesus also commands us to love each other. “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. By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].” (John 13:34-35 AMP) Notice that others will recognize that we follow Jesus when we show this love for others. The Apostle Paul later defines the actions of this love for us.  “Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].” (1 Corinthians 13:7-8a AMP)

In addition to the annals that we write by our actions, observers in the audience of our lives are also writing a critique of our performance. We may mis-speak a line by momentary failures and sin, but it is the sincerity and feeling with which we play our lives’ roles that will be remembered. The sum of our actions and the heart behind them will be recorded in the minds of onlookers. This audience is intently watching our actions and writing our bios. Therefore, “And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17AMP) This will ensure a well written biography.

Do your actions reflect the love of God? These actions will determine what is recorded about you. Live well!

The Time is Not Yet Right

70 degrees and sunny with a few clouds describes an absolutely beautiful day. This type of spring weather that contains the perfect conditions for getting started on new garden planting for this coming year. There is one main problem to be considered. The date on the calendar is March 8th and this is Wisconsin. As beautiful as this day may be, there is still plenty of opportunity for the type of cold weather that can destroy any new plants. Although the weather may seem perfect, planting must be put off for another two months.

Actually there is another significant problem with setting today as a garden planting day. We have not yet purchased the seeds and seedlings that will be planted in our vegetable garden. We have also only drawn up the plans for the raised garden beds that we intend to use this year. The materials needed to make this year’s garden maintenance easier on our backs and knees have not yet been secured. There is not only still a few months before planting is advisable, but there is also much more preparation to  be performed before we are ready to plant those new beds with the vegetables that we will enjoy later in the summer.

Contemplating the plans that God has for our futures, we can often see the same principle worked out. There may come a time or series of circumstances that indicate this to be the perfect time to move forward with those dreams God has placed in our hearts. By all appearances the conditions may be perfect for the endeavor that has been developing in our hearts. And yet God says to wait. We can reason, argue and scheme all that we like, but God's timing and purpose are still a ways off. We cannot move forward with success unless we wait for His perfect time. We may also be unaware of all of the preparation both in our own hearts and in all those who will be affected by us.

So what can be done during this mandatory waiting time? We can follow the example of Jesus ministry here on earth. Jesus did nothing without first seeing and knowing the Father has set it up. “So Jesus answered them by saying, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself [of His own accord],unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever things the Father does, the Son [in His turn] also does in the same way.” (John 5:19 AMP) And when His disciples attempted to convince Him go to Jerusalem during a feast to show Himself to the world, “So Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come; but any time is right for you.” (John 7:6 AMP) In the disciple’s eyes, the timing appeared perfect, but Jesus knew to wait for His Heavenly Father to say, “Go.”

We must remain confident that God has a more perfect plan. “As for God, His way is blameless. The word of the Lord is tested [it is perfect, it is faultless];” (Psalm 18:30a AMP) This may confuse us, but God always knows better than we do. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 AMP) We continue to prepare for the things we know God is calling us to and living each day as the Lord directs, allowing Him to lead. A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them. (Proverbs 16:9 AMP)

God’s perfect plan always includes perfect timing. We must wait and believe He will bring it to pass when the time is right. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14 AMP) Regardless of anything that is occurring around us, we wait with a good attitude. “Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.” (Psalm 37:7 AMP)

Waiting when the vision in our hearts is big can be extremely challenging. Even though our patience is hard fought and our hearts are longing for what is ahead, wait we must. We believe this promise, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12 AMP) The correct time will come and we will move forward with joy. When we have responded to waiting in this manner, we can confidently state, “I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” (Psalm 40:1 AMP)

Are you waiting for something that you know God has promised you?  Wait well!

Where is the Magnifying Glass Pointed?

Sherlock Holmes, the great detective of the 19th century was known for the unique cap on his head and the magnifying glass in his hand. It was with this magnifying glass that he searched for and discovered the clues that always led him to solve the mysterious crime. Amid the chaos of every crime scene, this skillful detective would point that magnifying glass in just the right way to cut through the unimportant clutter and find that essential information that lead to the truth.
Each of our minds and hearts has a magnifying glass. We choose where we place our focus as we encounter daily life. Where that magnifying glass is pointed is determined by us. And where that magnifying glass is pointed will make all the difference in how we perceive both our God and the world around us.

The Word of God tells us that we are to magnify the Lord. “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:3 AMP) When we have placed the magnification of our vision on God, everything else appears as it truly is. When we look to the Lord and see Him as He truly is, we will find the troubles of this world pale by comparison. The key is to follow these directions of Jesus. “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” (Matthew 6:33 AMP)

The enemy of our souls will always attempt to magnify the trials and problems in our lives, causing out hearts to fear. Difficult circumstances desperately attempt to draw our focus away from our Creator and onto the crisis of the moment. But our enemy is a liar and he magnifies distorted images. “…He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.” (John 8:44b AMP)

We cannot continue to focus on the negative if we desire to be overcomers in this life. Everything that looks impossible has been magnified by our erroneous perceptions. When circumstances appear to be impossible we must remember that the angel told Mary, “For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment.” (Luke 1:37 AMP) Later the disciples questioned the possibility of entering heaven, “But Jesus looked at them and said, With men this is impossible, but all things are possible with God.” (Matthew 19:26 AMP)

Trusting God’s promises will help us to accurately point the magnifying glass of the heart. When finances seem to be disastrous we cannot focus on the bills. We magnify the Lord by looking to His promises and what He has done in the past. Abraham faced the possibility of losing his son (See Genesis 22) yet the Lord intervened. “So Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide. And it is said to this day, On the mount of the Lord it will be provided.” (Genesis 22:14 AMP) God is our provider. In our greatest need we can also rely on His provision. “And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 AMP)

When the future looks bleak we focus on, “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP) When we have blown it we remember, “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (1 John 1:9 AMP)

The key to magnifying the Lord is found in the entirety of Psalm 34. The first five verses give us great directions. “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant; their faces shall never blush for shame or be confused.” (Psalm 34:1-5 AMP) We start by blessing and praising God in all things. We then see Him in the greatness that is truly His nature. We place our confidence in the Lord and bring our needs before Him. He delivers and we are not put to shame.  We are glad in Him.

So point your magnifying glass in the direction of the Lord. Consider His greatness and the trials of life will fade. 

Have Your Tastes Changed?

When we are young, we have unique, personal tastes.  It can be very difficult to try new things that are unfamiliar. Sweets generally rank high on the list of favorites. There are also the familiar, comfort foods. Together these often comprise a limited list of favorite foods that children will prefer to eat repeatedly.
Over the course of life, taste buds tend to change. There are many reasons for this. As we grow up we may try foods that others consider tasty. Ethnic foods from the kitchens of my friend’s homes opened my awareness and taste buds to new and different flavors. Once we marry, we may find ourselves eating a new variety of foods that are familiar to and favorites of our spouses. A few of my husband David's dishes soon became my favorites, simply because they were his favorite.
And then there is the time of greatest change in taste buds for a woman, when she is pregnant. We have all heard the stories of pregnant women desiring pickles and ice cream together. (Personally I have loved them each; before, during and after pregnancy, but never together.) What I did notice while I was pregnant was that some of my favorites changed. Whereas a sweet French salad dressing had always been my dressing of choice, I could not get enough Ranch dressing while I was pregnant. Oddly enough to this day, 25 years later, I still prefer ranch dressing.

The taste buds, or desires, of our heart can react in much the same way. When we are young in our relationship with Jesus Christ, we may desire the things that please us concerning this newfound love of God. As young Christians we are encouraged to this. “Like newborn babies you should crave (thirst for, earnestly desire) the pure (unadulterated) spiritual milk, that by it you may be nurtured and grow unto [completed] salvation, Since you have [already] tasted the goodness and kindness of the Lord.” (1 Peter 2:2-3 AMP) As we begin to grow in a relationship with God we begin to look those around us and try new things that others have found. A verse or Biblical truth that has come alive to a brother or sister in Christ may encourage us to study similar teachings and our taste buds expand. We are to encourage each other. “And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care to watching over one another, studying how we may stir up (stimulate and incite) to love and helpful deeds and noble activities.”  (Hebrews 10:24 AMP)

When we fall deeply in love with Jesus Christ and desire more and more to please Him, our spiritual tastes will again change. This is true to a heart that is wholly sold out to their Savior. We will change to be more like Him. “And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP) This transformation of heart causes us to share the desires of Jesus Christ.

That time in life when tastes change most rapidly and sometimes crazily is during pregnancy. When we become pregnant with a vision from God, our desires will completely change. Things that once seemed so important, now appear to have little meaning. Our focus and goals are on the vision that God has put in our heart. No matter how crazy the vision may seem or the actions God has called us to, this God given direction for our life will be the focus of our desires. To know God better and obey His will is all that we crave. Regardless the cost, we are willing to pay for that taste of serving others. “Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23 AMP)

Wherever we are, we can enjoy the taste of that stage of spiritual life. From savoring the milk of infancy, to growing, to the sophisticated tastes of serving from a heart of love, there is much to enjoy. New in the faith, we can enjoy the first taste of new life in Christ. “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP) As we grow and learn more of Him, we can allow our tastes to expand. “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; now that I have become a man, I am done with childish ways and have put them aside.” (1 Corinthians 13:11 AMP) As we learn the specific paths God has for each of us, we crave the taste of His servant heart. “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)

How are your taste buds? Allow them to develop as you seek the Lord in all things.