His Key Will Work

On a recent Saturday morning, I taught a class at our contract company’s office. The office shares space in a building with several other companies. As class time approached I arrived at the building. Since my other classes have all been midweek, I had never had to unlock the building’s outer door before. The key had been on my ring, but I had never had to use it. When I placed the key in the lock it did not budge. I attempted several times to wiggle and gently pull out the key with no success. 

To compound matters, there are three keys on my ring that are identical in appearance. The center key is to the office door. I use it each time I teach.  For easy recognition, I have that key turned opposite the other two.  The third key is to a store room that I occasionally open.  Since all look identical, I was trying both outer keys.   I even attempted to get in using the office door key, which I knew was to a different door. I then circled the building and attempted to open the back door.  My keys would not even go in that lock. 

Returning to the front door, I wiggled and jiggled and pulled and pushed with no success. Finally, after considerable time, I got the door opened, but only after calling my manager and waking her up.  She was on her way with her keys to assist. Embarrassed and sorry for waking the boss on her day off, I now had to quickly get into the room and prepare for my class. 

I sometimes see this occur in my personal journey with the Lord.  After 35 years of having a personal daily relationship, there are areas of my life that I feel fairly confident in.  I know how to pray and seek God for daily direction in these areas of my life.  He may switch things up some, but overall I can (barring self-will) confidently follow Him through His word and prayer.  When something is new or different, I am not always as sure of how to proceed.  Much like with those keys, I must keep up the attempt to enter into His plan in these areas of my life. 

There are several reasons that I was unsure of myself on that Saturday morning.  The first was that I had never opened that door before.  This was new territory.  I had expected to put the key in, and turn it and open the door.  It had never occurred to me that anything else might occur.  We are to be prepared at all times for any occurrence in our lives.  I’ve long remembered a term from the King James Version of the Bible.  Paul encouraged Timothy in his preaching by telling him to “be instant and in season,” (2 Timothy 4:2 KJV)   In modern day terminology this means ready for whatever comes.  Trying the key on a prior visit to this building would have alerted me to the problem.  Since I had not, I now needed to move forward, not regretting having not been more ready. 

When the first key I tried had not worked, I attempted to use the other one.  Going back and forth between the two keys increased frustration and I began to question my situation.  Continuing to wiggle and move one key, would probably lead to a much quicker success.  Responding to a new situation in ways that work for different situations will also bring frustration.  We can begin questioning direction of the Lord or our methods.  

I was also unaware that the key was temperamental and often required subtle movement to fit properly.  This would have been avoided if I had thought to have a conversation with my manager prior to that morning.  Reaching out to a brother or sister who knows the Lord well is often wise.  Although your experience with God will not be the same, someone who is already in an area of service may have helpful insights.  A mentor can also be reassuring.  

Jesus holds the keys to heaven.  Isaiah spoke this prophecy.  And the key of the house of David I will lay upon his shoulder; he shall open and no one shall shut, he shall shut and no one shall open. (Isaiah 22:22 AMP)  When we are walking with Jesus, He will open the doors that He chooses.  Therefore we will have access to walk through them.  Jesus is the Word and we can follow the Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit as we travel new territory.  I was also unsure if I would have been notified had the building been re-keyed.   But God does not change.  If He has called us, He will equip us with the right keys.. “For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by and to His own glory and excellence (virtue).” (2 Peter 1:3 AMP)  He will not re-key the future. 

As you venture out in new areas of your life, prepare yourself as much as possible with the Word and prayer.   Then follow the direction He gives. Listen to and trust God to open doors before you.  You may have to jiggle and wiggle, but you will walk in the path God has planned

Calling For Your Best Friend

When I was a little girl, my friends and I would ‘call’ for each other. When I arrived at a friend’s home, I went to the door and instead of knocking I would call out the name of my friend. In a sing – song voice I would call the name twice, pause and then repeat the name twice. This let all family members know exactly who I was there to see. It often prevented siblings from becoming irritated by an interruption to answer the door. It also allowed my friend to know who was outside by the sound of my voice.  My friends did the same when they came over to my house. 

Sometimes my call would not be immediately heard. Loud music or a television set would cover the sound of my voice. If all family members were in a part of the house far from the door, they may not hear me either. In these situations I had a choice to make. I could assume no one was home and go back to my house, or I could call again, in a louder voice.  Persistence always paid off. 

We are told to call upon the Lord and seek him daily. We find many different reasons noted in Scripture. Among the most predominant of these reasons is to praise God and to be saved from enemies. “I will call upon the Lord, Who is to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:3 AMP)   Mercy and forgiveness are also among great reasons to call on God. “For You, O Lord, are good, and ready to forgive [our trespasses, sending them away, letting them go completely and forever]; and You are abundant in mercy and loving-kindness to all those who call upon You.” (Psalm 86:5 AMP)  Calling on Him also arises from thankfulness and results in others coming to know about Him.  “O give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His doings among the peoples!” (Psalm 105:1 AMP) 

These reasons are valid for true friends.  Once my call was answered we would spend time together.  We would build each other up and share our gratefulness for the friendship we had.  There were also times when mercy and forgiveness was required by one or the other of us.  I remember how long the walk seemed one day when I had caused a rift in a friendship.  I hesitated before I called out her name.  Hope arose as she answered the door and relief and joy flooded my heart when she accepted my trembling greeting of “Sorry!”  I don’t believe that playing with anyone was ever as much fun as that day. 

Sometimes we may wonder if He even hears or even recognizes our voice.  He has given us promises that He does.  “…The Lord knows those who are His…” (2 Timothy 2:19 AMP)  He will answer us when we call and He will care for us.  “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him sincerely and in truth.” (Psalm 145:18 AMP) “He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.” (Psalm 91:15 AMP)  I love these promises. He not only answers us, He calls us by name. “And I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, Who calls you by your name.” 

The primary reasons I would call for my friends was that I wanted to see them and play with. We enjoyed spending time together. Sometimes I would go into their home to play or they would come into mine. Other times we would play outside, exploring the far corners of our neighborhood. Anything we did was more fun because we had done it together. God enjoys spending time with us as well. He has made his home with us and desires to be a part of every aspect of our day.

Wherever you are at right now call for Him.  Whether you are needing forgiveness or just wanting to chat, He’s waiting.  So as you go about your day, let this verse be your heart’s prayer. “Hear my cry O God, listen to my prayer.” (Psalm 61:1 AMP)  Then listen for the answer. He will always open the door to spend time with His friend.  Anything you do today will be far better simply because you do it with your best friend.

First time calling?  No problem!  “For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord [invoking Him as Lord] will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 AMP)  Call and you will become a part of the family and receive more than you ever imagine!  (Note:  If this is your first time calling on God, get with some Christians who can help you begin your walk with Him.)

Connected to the Source

Although it is already late March, it is still pretty cold around here. Some mornings, when I first get up and go down to the den, it is a bit chilly. So I pull the space heater over near my corner of the couch and enjoy its heat as I begin my day. 

A few mornings ago, I pulled the heater to my favorite spot and attempted to turn it on with the remote. This accomplished nothing at all. I then reached down to push the “on” button. There were still no results. Before me on the floor was a little brown box that remained dark, cold and silent.  Following the power cord, I found it securely plugged into an extension cord. Everything appeared fine.  Then I followed the extension cord into the other room, where I found that it had been unplugged from the wall. Without the power source, the heater was incapable of providing any heat. Although it is fairly new and not broken, it could not work at all. Without the power source, it could not serve the purpose for which it was made. 

We, as Christians, are very much like that little heater.  We can be in perfect operating order to perform as we have been designed. Yet without a secure connection to our power source, we cannot produce the desired results.  “Yet for us there is [only] one God, the Father, Who is the Source of all things and for Whom we [have life], and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through and by Whom are all things and through and by Whom we [ourselves exist].” (1 Corinthians 8:6 AMP)  Bing planted in the soil is very similar to being plugged into an electrical socket.  Jesus told his disciples, “ I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 AMP)  Our source is the Heavenly Father and our connection is our Savior, Jesus. 

In order to remain plugged in with God, we must seek Him.  “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)  Seek is like an intense search.  Notice that we inquire of and for and we crave Him.  This is not just a passing acknowledgement of God’s existence.  When we inquire of or ask questions, we listen for the answers. Something we crave will not leave our mind, so we go after it. Other definitions of seek include the word, require.  This is an absolute need.  When we are seeking the Father, we will not let anything interrupt us.  This is to be an ongoing and constant part of our life.  Seeking God with your whole heart may be time consuming and appear to be a lot of work.  But consider the result in this verse.  We will be blessed.  That is being happy, fortunate and envied.  I’ll take that.  We will also be prepared to give love to others. 

Being plugged into our source, we can both receive and also give many things.  “…Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same [agreeable] mind one with another; live in peace, and [then] the God of love [Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men] and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you.” (2 Corinthians 13:11 AMP)  Comfort, encouragement, peace, affection, goodwill and benevolence are all promised. Yet this Scripture mentions only a small portion of the richness of God’s provision.  We can receive and give, not only these, but all that is in the nature of God.  This means that we will have what we need, when we need it.  That’s a great promise. 

Although my heater appeared fine by being plugged into another cord, it was not going all the way to the source.  Once the plug was connected to the wall outlet, the heater ran fine.  I was able to sit and enjoy my cup of coffee and time with God.  The heater that had been dark, cold and silent now hummed with a soft orange glow and produced the warmth to take the chill of this nippy morning.  When we seek and plug into our Heavenly Father we will also operate the way He has planned for us.  We will bless others with the warmth of His love.

 Take time to truly seek and plug in to the source of all good things.  Don’t settle for a life that appears fine.  Find where the interruption to you connection is.  Complete the circuit to your loving Father.  There is never a power outage with God!

Getting to Know What You Have

We recently purchased a new vehicle.  It is a newer, small SUV and quite different from what we have been driving.  We purchased it on a Saturday afternoon and our time was tight.  As we left for another appointment Joe, the salesman, invited us back on Monday to program our phones and answer any questions we may have.  This was an offer we gladly took him up on. 

Before returning to the dealership, we spent time going through the owner’s manual seeking as many answers as we could find on our own.  By doing this we learned many things about our new vehicle.  When Monday afternoon arrived, we had a list of questions.  Joe helped us with all of them.  When we left, our questions had been answered and we had an invitation to return with any other questions as they came up.  I am reasonably sure that more questions will arise.  Skimming through the manual, we found features we were not even aware existed in the vehicle.  During our meeting, we could only ask about the features were already aware of.  At this point my husband and I feel we don’t even know what there is to not know about. 

This process has me thinking about our spiritual lives.  God has designed this life for us, much like the vehicle we purchased.  He has provided benefits and blessings for each of our lives.  And similar to a vehicle’s maintenance schedule, He has also given us responsibilities. These can be found in the Bible. 

As with our owner’s manual, we should both read the Bible in its entirety, as well as look to specific areas for accurate direction.  Reading through the Word of God will open our eyes to the truth of all that is available to us and all that is expected of us.  Every time we do so, new things will catch our eyes and our hearts.  It is far too much to take in with one read.  When we have specific areas that we are seeking truth about, we can study passages that relate to that topic. This will bring light to God’s direction for each area of our lives. “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) Pastors and teachers fill a role very similar to the role Joe plays for our new car.  Because they have knowledge of God’s word and ways, they offer assistance to us. Along with the knowledge, they also often possess insight into the meaning of many passages.  This is conveyed both in teachings and in personal conversations.  Just as Joe has studied the details of our vehicle and offered us information about the SUV, preachers and teachers study and then present the Word of God in messages, classes, sermons and personal meetings.  ^“And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. 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),” (Ephesians 4:11-12 AMP)   This teaching and counseling alone cannot convey all the information about a vehicle and falls far short of everything we need. Personal study is cannot be neglected. 

Another source of information we received before we even purchased our vehicle was my brother.  He has owned a similar model for several years now. We received not only an account his experience, but also that of his friends who own similar vehicles.  We can gain great insights concerning Bible truths by talking with other Christians.  Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.  (1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP) We don’t have to all be trained teachers to have seen God’s word active in our lives.  What we share about our experience may not be the same as someone else’s, but it can bring insight and encouragement.  

Reading the owner’s manual ourselves, taught us quite a bit about our new vehicle.  Regular reading and study of the Bible is essential to gaining wisdom and knowledge.  God has provided His word for all to receive directly.  Good teaching from those who have walked with God and studied the Bible is also vital to a healthy Christian walk. And regular opportunities to discuss the Lord, in organized groups or just with a friend or two will enhance our experience as we walk out our daily lives. 

Joe invited us to return with any further questions as they arise.  This process of learning our SUV will be ongoing.  We also have an open invitation to study and hear from God.  We can always grow and learn more. 

Make the effort to learn what you have in your relationship with God.  Study the manual, share with friends and receive from those who have been trained to help you.  The journey through this life will be greatly enhanced.

Simmering Dreams

Since we started eating healthier, I have begun making most all of my own sauces and dressings. I have a really great recipe for barbecue sauce. It’s quite simple to make. I mix all the ingredients together in a sauce pot and bring it to a boil. Then the sauce must simmer for 20 minutes. At the end of the 20 minutes the sauce is ready to use or can be put into containers and stored for future enjoyment. 

While the sauce simmering, it requires some attention but not my total focus. So as I set the sauce to simmer, I started about other tasks. First I cleaned of the utensils and measuring cups I had used in combining the ingredients and wiped down the counter. I stirred the sauce and went to change the laundry from washer to dryer. I stirred the sauce then folded and hung up the clothes that had been in the dryer. I stirred the sauce then selected the clothes I would wear for the day. I did a few other chores and between all of these activities, approximately every three minutes, I took breaks to return to the stove and stir the simmering sauce. When I turned off the burner, I had returned and stirred the sauce a total of seven times. 

As I went about these tasks, I pondered how similar this is to the dreams that God has placed in my heart. These dreams are from God and designed with all the right ingredients. Then it seems the waiting period comes, as the dream simmers in my heart awaiting God’s timing for fulfillment. So what am I to do during this waiting time? I go about my daily life attending to my current responsibilities. Regularly, I need to revisit my dream. During these visits I pray and remind myself of what my future holds. This stirs the dream up within me. I am to continue to live out my life faithfully; watching for what God has for me each day. And just as I went back to my barbecue sauce every few minutes, I must regularly go back to the dreams that are simmering in my heart. 

Both the time a sauce simmers and a dream is delayed are critically important. The time may seem long and even unnecessary. It may be tedious to attend to something that is not yet ready. But without this time of simmering both the sauce and the dream may be ruined. In the barbecue sauce, the seasonings need to be brought out to their full taste. God-given dreams can only be truly appreciated after my character has been enhanced. Like the sauce, bringing a dream about too quickly, will not provide the full blessing the Heavenly Father intends. 

Just as both sauce and dreams must wait for the appointed time, attention must be paid to them during the wait. If I were to bring my sauce to a boil, reduce the heat, put on the cover and walk away for the 20 minutes, I would not be happy with the result. If I had failed to set the flame at the proper intensity, the sauce may have boiled too much or not at all. Either is undesirable. Even if the flame was at the proper level, some of the sauce would have become stuck to the bottom and sides of the pot. This would not only cause the scalded portions to be lost, but a burned taste could actually permeate the entire batch. If we fail to water our dreams, disastrous effects can also occur. Inattention can cause the dream to fade from our hearts. God may also require some fine-tuning of the dream that will be missed if we don’t pay attention during the waiting time. Either of these can ruin the fulfillment of the dream. 

Jesus is our example in all this. “Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 AMP)  He continually saw the vision of the salvation that He was here on earth to bring. Yet in the daily life of His ministry, “ 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) Jesus followed God’s leading every day of His life. This included the smallest detail all the way up to His death and resurrection. 

Is there a dream from God in your heart? Are there things you are waiting to come about? Faithfully, go about your day doing whatever God has for you that day. This includes regular daily activities and being aware of and obedient to the little things that God calls your attention to. Check in regularly with God on your big dreams. Pray the word over them and fine-tune your vision. If it is of God, it’ll come to pass in His time.

Paired Together

Recently, at the advice of my hairdresser, I began using a new brand of shampoo and conditioner.  I really like the way my hair looks and feels after it is all done.  The shampoo cleans the hair very well, yet by the end of the second washing, there are numerous tangles in my now clean hair.  Attempting to put a comb through my hair at this point would not be too comfortable.  Fortunately this is not time for a comb, but for the conditioner.   With just a small dab, what the conditioner does to my hair is amazing.  Within minutes the tangles are gone, replaced by softness I can feel even though the hair is still wet.  The hair rinses clean and styles nicely.  

Considering this (yes, in the shower) I began to think of the ministry of Paul and Barnabas.  These men had very different personalities and gifts.  By most standards Paul, the straight talker, and Barnabas, the born encourager, were an unlikely pair.  God put them together for His great purpose, and His work was accomplished through this complementary team. 

Paul was very direct and a sometimes blunt speaker.  His teachings are black and white and can be taken as harsh by people who do not read enough to see and hear the heart Paul had for the Body of Christ.  His concern was to convey ‘clean’ living and the path that leads to the greatest life God has to offer.  His writings are remarkably grace-filled, yet can come across as impossible to follow. (Which they are without total reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit)  Hearing only part of what Paul said or paying attention to his manner more than the message could leave the listener discouraged and defeated. 

‘Son of Encouragement’ is the literal meaning of the name Barnabas.  He was born to build others up. I can almost see and hear Barnabas moving through the crowd with his radar out for someone who looks to be down.  “You can do it!”   “Didn’t you hear Paul?  You can do all things through Christ!” (Philippians 4) “Jesus saved us because of His mercy, not any works of righteousness that we had done!” (Titus 3)  “God will work all things together for our good!” (Romans 8)  I can see him pointing people back to portions of Paul’s teaching that emphasize all that Jesus Christ has provided.  He’s the one on the sidelines running beside you as you run toward the finish line of faith. (Hebrews 12) “Don’t quit! Trust in God!”  

 Shampoo without the conditioner leaves the hair clean yet dry and difficult to comb.  Conditioner, without the shampoo, leaves hair soft but not clean.  Used alone, either will result in a ‘less than the best’ condition for the hair.  Strong teaching without encouragement can bring despair.  Encouragement alone, without the pure Word of God, will not promote any real growth and can actually promote spiritual laziness.  Together teaching and encouragement will cause growth and maturity in Christians. 

Individually, Paul and Barnabas each had their shortcomings.  Together they were a powerful and productive team.  They later separated company and travelled with other companions.  I think Paul and Barnabas rubbed off on each other and took a piece of each other with them as God led them on different paths. 

When we find ourselves in one of these roles, we must remember that God has created each of us uniquely.  That person we are working with may be operating exactly as God designed and intends for him/her to act.  Allow others to operate in the manner God created them. We must also be careful not to become envious and wish we were more like our counterparts.  When we are following the Holy Spirit our contribution to the team is equally important.  We are instructed, “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 3:17 AMP)  Working together as God leads is always the most profitable way.  Paul’s ministry lives on as he wrote a large portion of the New Testament. 

I use other items when styling may hair, as well.  A hair dryer, mousse and hair spray are only a few. God has provided everything we need to grow up in Jesus.  As Paul and Barnabas traveled to many churches, elders and leaders in each city provided support to the young church. No one is in this alone. 

So when you are paired up with someone who seems totally different than you, fill your role to the best of your ability.  Leave the rest to God and keep watch over what God can do through you.

What’s Your Contact Status?

As I opened my computer at work this morning, My “Lync Frequent Contacts” window popped up as it always does.  Lync is the method of instant messaging my co-workers.  One of my frequent contacts had been on medical leave, recovering from surgery for several months.  Her name had been followed by “offline # days.”  The # had been ever increasing.  She returned to work last week while I was on vacation.  Yesterday had been the first time I had again seen the word “Available” and a green box beside her name.  It looked so good, because it represented that she was healthy and strong enough to be back in the spot she fills so well. 

Different messages can be displayed beside a name.  I have already mentioned Available and Offline.  There are also, Busy, Away, In a Meeting, Do Not Disturb, Inactive, and various notes that can include how long the person will be in the current status.   These are all helpful in knowing when to contact someone or when to expect an answer.  Because someone covers my breaks using my log in, there are only three messages associated with my name.  When I sign in I am Available.  If I do not use my computer for a period of time my computer locks, and I become Inactive.  When I log off for the night my status reads Offline. 

Is God on my Frequent Contact List?  Fortunately, I can answer ‘yes’ to this question.  I speak with Him throughout the day.  I also know that I am on His. Whenever I look to contact Him, the status is always available.  Sometimes I wonder which status message He receives when attempting to speak with me.  

I would love to say that I am always available and just like young Samuel, who jumped up in the middle of the night.   “Then Samuel answered, Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” (1Samuel 3:10 AMP) God shared His plan with Samuel.   For many years and he listened and played his part well.  Although this is becoming increasingly true in my life, I often fall short. 

‘Inactive’ is probably the most common of my unavailable responses to God.  I may simply not be paying attention to Him.  Be it cooking, cleaning, playing a computer game or watching TV, I can get caught up in other things and miss His call.  None of these are bad things, but I can concentrate on them to the exclusion of listening for the Holy Spirit.  Just as I may have other duties at work, I must frequently check my computer so that it does not lock and cause me to miss e-mails or messages. Likewise I should frequently check in with God throughout my daily activities. 

‘Busy,’ ‘Away’ and ‘In a Meeting’ are more intentional.  These are the times that I do not want my schedule interrupted.  I have a plan with places to go, things to do and people to see. It reminds me of the parable of the King’s wedding feast. (See Matthew 22:1-15)  The excuses given for not attending have some merit, just as most of my plans are good things.  These plans may involve family or ministry work.  Even writing these stories, which I believe God has called me to do, can interfere with His plan for the moment.  I must always be ready to allow God to mix things up for the benefit of His kingdom.  I have even caught myself saying, “Not now Lord, I’m studying Your Word.”  It would be comical if it wasn’t true. 

‘Do Not Disturb” is the worst of the messages I can give to my loving heavenly Father.  This comes out when I shrink back from allowing Him into particular areas of my life.  This may involve forgiveness for another or even myself. Even in this, God is caring for my best interest.  “So also My heavenly Father will deal with every one of you if you do not freely forgive your brother from your heart his offenses.” (Matthew 18:35 AMP)  He does not want my refusal to forgive to separate me from Him in any way.   ‘Do Not Disturb’ may also involve past hurts that I am unwilling to face and deal with.  God wants to bring healing, but I want to protect myself.  I must remember that He is tender and kind and receive His grace and healing in order to be able to bring grace and healing to others.  “…inasmuch as the Lord is full of pity and compassion and tenderness and mercy.” (James 5:11b AMP) 

‘Offline’ would involve shutting God out.  I can happily say that this setting no longer appears in my life.  After serving God for many years, I went through a time when I just gave up.  Having come back from this dark hopelessness, I know and enjoy my complete dependency on Him.  Even as I wake in the night, I will pray and sing to Him.  I am striving to be open to Him at all times.      

What message are you giving to God today?  Are you Available and ready to hear and obey?  I hope so. Would Inactive or just not quite paying attention better describe you?  Maybe it is Busy, Away or In a Meeting.  For any of these, open your eyes, ears and heart to the nudges of the Holy Spirit.  If you have put out the Do Not Disturb sign, please hear the heart of the Father, who cares only for your very best.  If Offline (either because you have not entered a relationship with Jesus Christ or you have allowed your heart to stop trusting or following Him) know that God loves you more than you can imagine. 

Keep God on your ‘Frequent Contact’ list.  He’s Available!  Are you?