There are so many things I could talk about today, because God was everywhere! But there is one thing, that stands out more than the others, that I've been pondering over and over in my mind. I can't stop thinking about it. It's like a pot simmering on the stove. It's a comment I made at The Bonfire regarding our use of Spiritual Gifts.
When I was growing up, my dad was the
#1 Vending Mechanic
in New England.
Coffee machines -- Soda machines --
Candy machines -- Snack machines --
Pinball machines -- Cigarette machines.
You name it... He could fix it!
Business owners knew that if their machine
was "Out of Order" and the local guy
couldn't get it up and running, it was time to give Scotty a call! Before long, the machine was operating like new. They were back in business and pulling in profits.
Last week I overheard an interesting conversation between two people that I love dearly. One happened to say something to the other that shocked me! It was an ugly moment of selfishness that brought tears to my eyes and grieved my Spirit. Because I'm in a place of leadership with this individual, before long, I found myself in a room with her, closing the door behind me for privacy. It was time to speak words of wisdom to this dear young woman.
"But that's how I really feel!" she said. "You may feel that way, but the only person you should tell that to, my dear,
is God." I returned.
TAKE NOTE: When you're broken -- that is, not working correctly, it's time to shut down and/ or shut your mouth, and call in...
The Master Mechanic.
The Holy Spirit makes
FREE house calls 24/7.
He's the BEST when it
comes to Divine Adjustments!
Today, at The Bonfire, we were discussing Spiritual Gifts and the importance of being in alignment with the Holy Spirit. The point was made that when one's attitude or life is out of sync, that's not the time to be ministering for God. Trying to operate on His behalf, when we're "Out of Order," creates an unacceptable service. The quality is below standard. It's tainted! Don't get me wrong, God's not looking for perfection from us, but He's also not up for our presenting something on His behalf, that's insufficient and below His standard. That gives Him a bad name. Sometimes it hurts people. The repercussions can be horrendous.
Dont' get me wrong... if you wait until everything is perfect, you'll never minister for God. But that doesn't mean that we should disregard the effects of sinful behavior mixed with an attempt to do something as God's representative. "God will not be mocked!" (Galatians 6:7) I warned the young woman I was counseling, "Do unto others as you would want done unto you." We all know that what goes around, comes around. It's only a matter of time.
Just as a point of reference, 1 Samuel, Chapter 2, tells the story of Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli the priest. They were sacrilegious in their priestly duties and God ultimately dealt with them and their father rather harshly for it.
My friend Bonnie has made a comment several times these past few weeks. She says that she loves the correction of the Lord. Yes, He corrects and disciplines, but He does it ever so gently. Why would she love that? Because...
When you're "Out of Order,"there's nothing better than
a "Divine Adjustment!"
When it's over, everything lines up and the Spirit flows through you with ease. It is a GOOD thing to be operational once again! After all, who wants to be going through life with an "Out of Order" sign continuously around their neck? Not me!
"Since we live by the Spirit,
let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Galatians 5:25
It's privilege and honor to wear these RUBY REDS!
Gail
