Being Still

We had an afternoon summer thunderstorm the other day. I was enjoying the rain and lightshow by my window until a bolt of lightning hit very close. So close in fact that I saw the fireball and felt a wave of static electricity like a slap. The dog and I then did something very brave...we ran to the bedroom and trembled.

We didn't lose our electricity. I figured all was fine until I tried to turn on the tv for a weather update. Nothing. Then I tried the internet. The computer wouldn't turn on, and the modem was dark. Then I tried to call for cable repair and the phone was dead. I had lights and air conditioning, but I was still "in the dark".

When my hubby arrived home with our only cell phone, I started the calls so we could get repairs to all that was zapped. Yesterday I had the last technician leave our house. We are finally back with all our technology humming happily. But I have to ask myself...have I lost some spiritual connections?

You see, the last four days I have had time for quiet. No pitchmen selling shamwows, no popup ads and no telemarketers to interrupt my day. I had extra time to read, to study and to just listen to the quiet.

They say if you exercise part of your body limb too much, the other may become very weak. I must say that these last few days have proven my spiritual senses had weakened a bit without me realizing it. Losing the access to information overload has been good. It has proven to me that my walk is still not at the level where I thought it should be.

You see, when you become a Christian it doesn't end with a sinner's prayer. It opens the door to a whole new life, some say a life of restrictions and no fun. But I say that's not true. I have found real freedom, strength AND fun. It is a constant daily walk down a road of pitchmen, popup ads and phone calls that try to beckon you down other paths that cost you money, time and scruples. Then, when we find our days wrapped in the worries of the economy or health, sometimes the only way God can get our attention is with a lightning bolt in our front yard.

What has happened recently to you that has you thinking about God more? Is it an illness, a job loss or something that has upended your life completely?

I want to encourage you today to stop, turn everything off and pick up a Bible. Go to the book of John and get to know The One who speaks in the storms of our lives. When we finally realize we've been living life "in the dark" and seek the Light of the World, you will be blessed with a peace that carries you through the next storm that is coming even now across the horizon.

When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to {Him} and woke Him, saying, "Save {us,} Lord; we are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?" Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, "What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" Matthew 8:23-27

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.