Power Factor

My husband is in the electrical wholesale business. We had a discussion this morning on the term Power Factor. I thought, man that sounds like a great title to one of those self-help books! He saw that look in my eye...the wheels were turning and he went off to work. Then I started digging.

Did you know, Power factor is the ratio between the amount of energy supplied and the actual amount of energy used? The result is known as reactive power, and is essentially wasted energy capacity.

"A motor running with a 70 percent power factor is only using 70 percent of the incoming current for useful work. If you increase the power factor at the motor, more of the supplied energy will be transferred into useable work by the electrical system...Wasted energy capacity, also known as poor power factor, is often overlooked. It can result in higher energy costs, safety problems and, in some cases, additional financial charges." (Alliant Energy)

What's your spiritual power factor? Did you realize you have access to a Master switch that can light up the universe? That's a potential for major wow. How much spiritual power do you use? Are you a Sunday only church attendee? Do you only think about God as you sit down to eat and say grace? Or is it only when you suddenly find yourself in a real crisis...then you decide to "plug in" to God?

We're not using our power factor to it's potential! If we're using 70%, I'd really be shocked! We don't plug in to our Power Source and wonder why the cost of our choices are so high, our eternal life is at risk and why the heck we can't keep money in our pocket!

Did you know that the Bible says if we rely on Christ, we will do more than what He did on earth? (John 14:12-14) Our spiritual Power Factor is the ratio between the amount of energy God supplies (unlimited!) and the actual amount of energy we use in our day to day walk with Him. No wonder some people are able to move mountains!

Are you willing to try plugging in today? It's time to get reconncected to our Source. Get out your user's manual, the Bible, and give our spiritual Electrician a call.

Ephesians 3:14-21 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; {and} that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him {be} the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

The Boot

I am humbly acquiescing to my ankle doctor. It seems that sprains need immediate attention. They do not thrive on neglect and activity. They will continue to change color and swell no matter how high you elevate, no matter how much ice you pack on and no matter how expertly you wrap your ace bandage. I was missing one gizmo, the boot. It seems it was the continual flexing of my foot that was re-injuring the damaged tendons and ligaments. The boot keeps the foot in a rigid environment so it is impossible to flex your foot. (It also gives me a kind of a pirate-y gait. Arg!)

I thought I had enough knowledge after suffering a sprain several years ago. I went immediately to the ER and they wrapped my ankle, gave me lovely crutches (that only endangered me more) and painkillers. So with this last graceful trip and sprain, I thought I knew how to take care of it myself. I didn’t realize I was going to prolong my recovery.

How interesting it is to see people self-diagnosing their own spiritual injuries. A pastor trips and falls into sin, and his flock disbands. A close Christian friend lies to you and suddenly all Christians are hypocrites and church is out of the question. Or maybe we dabble in astrology and crystals and we rely on yoga to bring us inner peace…only to find ourselves still hurting, still bruised or our problem swells to unimaginable sizes. We need an absolute truth that will not give in with pressure from the world—like a splint, the Bible will prop up our life.

If you haven’t taken care of this issue, I cannot stress enough the importance of taking care of it today. Like a sprain, spiritual issues get worse with time and take longer to heal if neglected.

Is it time to make an appointment with the Great Physician in prayer? Have you any unforgiveness you’re holding inside that’s knocked you off balance? How about any unconfessed sin eating away at you? Have you ever really accepted Jesus, or just assumed you were on the right track to heaven anyway because you’re a nice person? It’s time for your spiritual check up. Make sure you’re not hobbling around on your own makeshift solution for eternity my friend. (Romans 8:31-39)

A simple prayer like this one might be just what the Doctor ordered:

Father God, I’m sick and need your healing. I need to help with forgiveness and unconfessed sin. I know that you can handle my baggage that has hindered my walk in life so far. The things that I’ve tried to fix have done more harm than good. I believe you sent your son Jesus to save me and I want to ask Him to come heal my life. Thank you Jesus, for saving me.. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, it’s time to follow God’s prescription. Find a local church that’s not afraid of Bible study and believes Jesus Christ is God’s son. Daily doses of prayer and scripture and fellowship with his people will do a world of good for a lifetime of neglect. (Don't forget, a church is like a hospital. There will be others there, seeking healing--so don't expect perfection!)

Welcome to the family, and keep giving sin and unforgiveness the boot! (Romans 8:1-2)