I am working on a book, in which I am going to share some of my experiences, lessons learned and some devotionals that I have written over the past two years. I value your prayers as I work through this process. Also, I ask you to pray for some work opportunities that will be finalized in the next day or two. This is in addition to my Energy Action Project work.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “After Rehoboam’s kingdom was set up and he became strong, he and the people of Judah stopped obeying the teachings of the Lord.”  2 Chronicles 12:1

One of the greatest challenges we can observe in scripture, especially the history of the Kings, is being faithful to the Lord for the “long haul.” Many of the Kings were just evil and idolatrous leaders. Others had their times of starting off well, but ending bad. At times some of the evil Kings would show repentance and sorrow and the Lord would be merciful. The smallest group were those that were faithful through all their years.

The reality is how you end up is what makes the difference. Jesus told a parable about two sons (Matthew 21:28-32). The father asked both sons to go work in his vineyard. One said he would go and changed his mind, the other said, he wouldn’t go work, but changed his mind and did go work in the vineyard. Jesus asked which obeyed. The obvious answer is the last one who ended up going and working in the vineyard.

The Lord spoke through Ezekiel and said, “..if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die.” (Ezekiel 18:21 ESV) The Lord also asked the question, “But when a righteous person turns away from his righteousness and does injustice and does the same abominations that the wicked person does, shall he live?” (Ezekiel 18:24 ESV)

This is what we observe in King Rehoboam. Rehoboam had a though start to his rule. Israel became divided into two kingdoms. Jeroboam became the King over ten tribes that became known as Israel. Rehoboam maintained control over Judah and Benjamin. In spite of his lack of wisdom that lead to the kingdom being divided, Rehoboam actually started off good.

“The priests and the Levites from all over Israel joined Rehoboam...There were people from all the tribes of Israel who wanted to obey the Lord, the God of Israel. So they went to Jerusalem with the Levites to sacrifice to the Lord, the God of their ancestors. These people made the kingdom of Judah strong, and they supported Solomon’s son Rehoboam for three years. During this time they lived the way David and Solomon had lived.” (2 Chronicles 11:13-17 NCV)

Rehoboam had many sons and he set them up as leaders throughout the kingdom, thereby solidifying his reign and starting off showing wisdom and strength. But we read that his faithfulness to the Lord was short lived. The people began to reject the Lord and for twelve years they were attacked by both from Egypt and Israel. Rehoboam’s attitude that caused his down fall is summarized in the words, “Rehoboam did evil because he did not want to obey the Lord.” (2 Chron. 12:14 NCV) Rehoboam made his choices; and his choices made him and determined his destiny and that of a nation.

When we make choices that are not in keeping with God’s plan and purpose for our life, it will impact our life. The Lord will call us back and use others and circumstances of life to get our attention, but we must respond with an open heart. When we do, we find forgiveness and mercy. When we refuse, we choose our own destiny.

The blessings of the Lord in our life will often be a test of our faithfulness. At times it is easier to seek the Lord when we are “in trouble.” But when “life is good” – the bills are paid, our health is good, the work is solid and rewarding; that is when the test of faithfulness will come our way. We must always remember our source of blessing and life.

“…if you remain faithful until the end, you will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22 CEV) “…if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10 NLT)

After my chiropractor appointment today, I had a meeting with former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter. He is the director of Center for a New Energy Economy at Colorado State University. It was good to connect with him after not seeing each other for about six years. Later in the afternoon I attended a session on the EPA’s proposed Clean Power Plan.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I, the Lord, am the one who answers your prayers and watches over you. I am like a green pine tree; your blessings come from me.” A wise person will know these things,  and an understanding person will take them to heart. The Lord’s ways are right. Good people live by following them…” Hosea 14:8,9 NCV

As the Book of Hosea comes to an end, it is like a “happy ending” in an otherwise sad tale. The book begins with Hosea acting God’s part in marrying a prostitute that represented Israel. The names of their first two children revealed God’s view of His people, “no pity” and “not my people.”

The prophecy continues revealing Israel’s deep seeded idolatry and their rebellion against the laws of the Lord. Sin was rampant in people, priests and leaders. As a result the Lord promised judgment.

But as the book comes to an end, we see the promise of forgiveness and restoration. The will allow His people to clearly see that it is He (not gods of wood and stone) that watches over them, answers prayer and provides blessing.

In our lives today, we can not only take heart in the Lord’s mercy, but in His watchful care and as the one who hears and answers prayer. As a Colorado native, I like the imagery of a “green pine” tree. Since they are plentiful in the mountains and communities around, we are reminded that they don’t change through the seasons. They are always green. That is the message the Lord wanted His people to see. He is the eternally consistent and faithful God.

Solomon said, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Prov. 9:10) Hosea says, that “A wise person will know these things, and an understanding person will take them to heart.” We must not only know and understand the ways of the Lord, but they need to be constantly in the forefront of our mind. If they are they will provide that strength and encouragement that is needed as life is faced on a daily basis.

We can not only observe the experience of God’s people, but we can know and affirm for ourselves the conclusion of Hosea’s words, “The Lord’s ways are right. Good people live by following them…” Knowing the Lord and following His ways leads to a meaningful life, filled with purpose and blessing.

I always enjoy my Tuesday morning devotional and prayer time with some of our county officials and other pastors and leaders. I believe this was started to support and encourage some of our elected officials, but it is a time of encouragement for all who participate.

This morning I did have my fitness center workout. My trainer wanted to use some, “functional exercise” – so I worked on moving from the floor (on my stomach) to a chair eight times. It is in those moments I discover the challenges that still exist in my recovery.

The rest of the day was office work and my own “functional exercise” in wrapping up my landscaping project of removing rock from the perimeter of my house where we need to regrade the slope.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Come back to the Lord and say these words to him: “Take away all our sin and kindly receive us…” Hosea 14:2 NCV

From my early years growing up in a strong Bible-based church, I remembering learning how to share my faith and to “lead someone to Christ.” Part of that training was leading someone in the “sinner’s prayer.” We realized that it was not the “words” that brought forgiveness, but the sincerity of heart. We were just prepared to help those who had never prayed or need some guidance. Perhaps you are familiar to a similar prayer at the end of a church service.

That is what we see at the end of Hosea. The prophet implores a rebellious people to “come back to the Lord.” He then shares the most simple of prayers for those who had done so much wrong, for so long. “Take away all our sin and kindly receive us and we will keep the promises we made to you.” Perhaps those final words could be expressed today as, “….and we will live for you.”  That simple, yet that powerful. No list of actions or sacrifices or acts of penitence.

At times people have a hard time grasping the depth of God’s love and willingness to forgive. If there were any people who could have been in that situation it was God’s chosen people. They broke the Ten Commandments and then walked all over them. After the Lord listed their sins and condemns their idolatry He says, “But they still keep on sinning more and more.” (Hosea 13:2 NCV) Even as the people faced the consequences of their sin, there was hope for “a comeback.”

I am thankful that the Lord redeems and restores. In the past, I found it easy to look at the history of God’s people and feel frustrated at their hard hearts and rebellion. Now, I a take heart in their story. Not because of their sin, but because of the revelation of God’s mercy and redemptive character. That gives hope to every person, in every situation.

The Lord then communicates these words of encouragement to those who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration, “The Lord says, “I will forgive them for leaving me and will love them freely…” (Hosea 14:4 NCV) That is grace that is “greater than all of our sin.”

For those who feel “away from the Lord” for those who feel they have done too much bad for too long; there his hope. Allow the provision of Christ’s death on the cross, give even greater power to the words of the Old Testament prophet, “Come back to the Lord and say these words to him: “Take away all our [my] sin and kindly receive us [me]…”

So, I’m off to the start of new week and some deadlines for meetings that I am working on. I began with a morning breakfast and then spent more of the day on some “office” work related to some of my new duties. This afternoon, I did get outside for some “work” therapy on my landscaping project that I am working on.  As we come to the final day of September we can sense the fall season upon us. However, we have enjoyed some very pleasant weather.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “They do not call to me from their hearts. They just lie on their beds and cry.”          Hosea 7:14 NCV

The Lord is revealing to His people through Hosea how they have played the role of a “prostitute” with other gods. As the message of the Lord comes from His prophet we see words against the people, leaders and priests. All of them were in need of a change in heart.

To the Leaders the Lord said, “They will not give up their deeds and return to their God. They are determined to be unfaithful to  me; they do not know the Lord.” (Hosea 5:4 NCV)

To the Priests the Lord said, “You have refused to learn… You have forgotten the teachings of your God... The more priests there are, the more they sin against me.” (Hosea 4:6,7 NCV) The Lord condemns the Priests for tolerating sin in the people, because they profited from the people’s sin sacrifices.

To the people the Lord said, “…The people are not true, not loyal to God, nor do those who live in the land even know him. Cursing, lying, killing, stealing and adultery are everywhere. One murder follows another.” (Hosea 4:1,2 NCV) We can clearly see that Godlessness leads to moral decline.

Even when there seemed to be a willingness to turn to the Lord and to seek Him, the Lord was not impressed. The Lord spoke, “Your faithfulness is like a morning mist, like the dew that goes away early in the day.” (Hosea 6:4 NCV) How often we see people with short lived “good intentions.” They try to “do better” but soon fail and get discouraged. That is because we cannot “work” our way into acceptance before the Lord.

The people were suffering from their hardships and wanted them to come to an end. But all they did was, “…lie on their beds and cry…” We see the heart of the Lord in the lament of the prophet Isaiah, “If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.” (Isa. 48:18 NIV) We see in the words of Paul, “…worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV)

What is the response that gives hope and new direction? “Calling on the Lord from the heart.” Sincerity of heart is reflected not only in humility, but also in change…change in direction…change in attitudes and actions. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…” (2 Cor. 7:10 NIV)

The Lord is not interested in formality and the motions as much as He is a faithful heart of love. Love for God and only God. “I want faithful love, more than I want animal sacrifices.” (Hosea 6:6 NCV) We are to love God with all of our soul, mind and strength.

Growing in the knowledge of the Lord, is our true worship. “I want people to know me, more than I want burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6 NCV) The Lord is not just a distant, “arms length” God. He is a “up close and personal” God. The prophet spoke of a time when, “….the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14 NIV)

Jeremiah spoke of a day when, “No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the LORD. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34 NIV)

Solomon said, “…knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Prov.  9:10 NIV) Jesus’ invitation was, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” (Matthew 11:29 NIV)

While we serve a God “whose ways are above our ways and whose thoughts are above ours…” (Isa. 55:8,9) We still can stay close to Him in worship and through His Word, learning of Him and growing in our knowledge of the Lord. We can move beyond just knowing “about” God, to knowing what is means to be in relationship with the Lord. As we do our life is changed and our trust in Him grows.

Today was a good day to come back to the activities of home. I actually got quite a bit of work done outside and one of Debbie’s co-workers is going to be painting our house and she was by to do some of the prep work. We are looking forward to this next week and the return to our “normal” activities.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But the number of the Israelites will become like the grains of sand of the sea, which no one can measure or count. They were called, ‘You are not my people,’ but later they will be called ‘children of the living God.’  The people of Judah and Israel will join together again and will choose one leader for themselves.” Hosea 1:10,11

The Book of Hosea presents a unique way the Lord chooses to communicate His message to Israel. Instead of the Prophet Hosea just proclaiming the message with words, Hosea is called to “live out” Israel’s relationship with the Lord.

This happens by the Lord telling Hosea to marry a prostitute by the name of Gomer. This is because that is the way the Lord felt in his relationship with Israel. They were to belong to Him, and Him alone. But Israel constantly ran after other gods.

As Hosea and Gomer had children, the names of the children reflected God’s view of His people. The first was  named Jezreel. This was related to God’s judgment on the family of Israel’s King Jehu. (2 Kings 12) Jehu was a military general chosen the the prophet Elijah as King. He killed by family of Ahab and killed Jezebel and many of the priests and worshipers of Baal. But his children who reigned after him were evil and did not follow the Lord. Jezreel had been a place of slaughter under Jehu and his family, now it would become a place of judgement on them.

The next children born to Gomer were Lo-Ruhamah (meaning “not pitied”) and Lo-Ammi (meaning “not my people”) The was telling Israel that they would no longer be pitied and they would no longer be considered His children.

But God was not finished with Israel. We see a turn from judgment to promise. From rejection to reconciliation. Once again the Lord promises Israel will be as “numerous as the grains of sand of the sea.” Just as the Lord had used similar words in His promise to Abraham so many generations ago, now that promise is being restored.

Then we see this remarkable promise that Judah and Israel one day would be reunited with one leader. The nation that was divided and fought each other over the generations would one day be “one” again. One nation, one people, one leader.

This would be tantamount to the United States becoming part of England once again. This would be like two churches which resulted from a nasty “split” decades in the past is now rejoined as one church. This reveals God’s heart and plan and purpose in bringing unity where division has been. It reveals God’s heart in giving a new name and a new destiny to those who did not have hope and who suffered shame.

I recall of hearing stories of children who were called a derogatory name by a parent and how that formed an identity and self-image that lingered throughout their life. That was until they came to accept a new identity and a new destiny that was found in Christ.

We see this imagery of a new name in the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The nations will see your righteousness. World leaders will be blinded by your glory. And you will be given a new name by the LORD’s own mouth.”                (Isa. 62:2 NLT)

We also see it in the Book of Revelation this promise to the faithful believers in the Church of Philadelphia, “I will write on them the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on them my new name.” (Rev. 3;12 NIV)

 I am thankful the Lord is not in the “disposal” business, but the “redemption” business. He doesn’t give up or discard. Instead, He renews, transforms and re-purposes our lives in a way the reveals His forgiveness, mercy and power. We may have “soiled” our life, but He is able to give a clean, fresh start. There may be shame attached to our identity or actions, but the Lord is able to say, “no longer rejected, but people of the living God.” There may be alienation and discord, but the Lord is able to reunite. He does it all for “His name sake.”

We returned home from Orlando today. Even though our flight was delayed our arrival was within 30 minutes of the original schedule. We had our first experience using shuttle services to and from the airport. It actually went pretty well.

We arrived back to Fort Collins mid-afternoon. Enough time to re-orient and get some rest and then head off to a Saturday evening church service. One thing we didn’t anticipate in being gone for an entire week was running out of my supply of routine medications. But, I seemed not to be “worse for the wear” at the end of the day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “The Ark of God stayed with Obed-Edom’s family in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-Edom’s family and everything he owned.” 1 Chronicles 13:14 NCV

The Ark of the Covenant, was the physical symbol of the presence of the Lord among His people. However, it had been away from the Holy of Holies for twenty years. The Ark was taken captive by the Philistines when the armies of Israel presumptuously took it into battle. The Ark in the Philistine camp brought judgment on the people the Philistine’s god.

The Ark was sent back to Israel and ended up in Kariath-Jearim in the house of Abinadab, where his son was assigned the task of guarding the Ark.

David had the right desire, but approached it in the wrong way. As he was bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, it was carried on a cart. When the the oxen pulling the Ark stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark and was struck dead. In his confusion and anger, David had the Ark taken to the house of Obed-Edom. And we read that during that time “the Lord blessed Obed-Edom’s family and everything he owned..”

This is a great illustration of the importance of the presence of the Lord and the blessings that it brings to an individual and a family. While his name means “worshiper of Edom” Obed was a Levite of the family of the Korhites. We see Obed had many sons who were all involved in the care of the House of the Lord.

We read that they were musicians who led in the worship of the Lord. We see that the Lord blessed Obed with a large extended family that were all involved in service to the Lord. This was a record of the blessing of the Lord on the family of Obed-Edom. “All these were Obed-Edom’s descendants. They and their sons and relatives were capable men and strong workers. Obed-Edom had sixty-two descendants in all.”        (1 Chron. 26:8 NCV)

That description reveals high praise for this family. The task of Obed’s family included guarding the ark and being keepers of the gates. So, we see they were key figures up close and on the perimeter of the Tabernacle, tasked with watching over the presence of the Lord.

We can only speculate what those three months were like for the Obed-Edom and his family. What did all those “blessings on everything he owned” looked like? His house? His animals? His crops? How did Obed-Edom react when David wanted to “try again” to move the Ark to Jerusalem? Did he want to hold on jealously, or was he part of those who discovered the proper way to transport the Ark, so it could return to the center of God’s people and all could be blessed?

What we can simply observe is, “where God’s presence is there is blessing.” That blessing can rest on a family for generations. As God’s presence is valued, and family members take notice, they too want to be a part of having God in the center of their lives. Obed-Edom didn’t appear to jealously protect the Ark for himself, but he and his family became zealous in their commitment to value and protect the Ark in its proper home.

When we are recipients of the blessings the come from the presence of the Lord, we want others to be able to share in those blessing. The blessings of the Lord are without measure. “There is plenty to share.” The prophet declared, “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end….” (Lamentations 3:22)

Scripture records that Obed-Edom and his family played flutes and harps. I believe they experienced that truth of scripture that says,  “…You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.” (Psa. 22:3 NASB)

There are many provisions that parents desire to make for their family. But the greatest “gift” that you can give and possess is the presence of the Lord. Cultivate that through placing a high value on the Lord’s presence in your life and home. Pass that on to your children and share it with others. Allow worship to be present in your life and home. When “God is in the house” all is well.

It is hard to believe this is our last day of  vacation. The week has gone by quickly, but I’m glad we had more of a “laid back” experience. I don’t feel we need to come home and recover from our vacation. We have enjoyed being with Stephanie, Nathan, Mason, Carter and Mckenzie.

The time in the pool has been good therapy for me, so I felt like I was involved in ongoing work toward full recovery. I did get in a better workout in the resort fitness center today. With everything I was surprised how tired I was last night and how fatigued I felt mid afternoon today. Just part of the ebb and flow of energy that I seem to experience.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…for my own sake I will be patient. People will praise me for not becoming angry and destroying you. I have made you pure, but not by fire, as silver is made pure. I have purified you by giving you troubles. I do this for myself, for my own sake…”  Isaiah 48:9-11 NCV

The history of God’s people is one of God’s mercy in the face of rebellion and idolatry. If there was a commandment that was consistently broken it as the first, “you shall no no other god before me.” The Children of Israel had gods before the Lord God and in addition to the Lord and literally beside the Lord God. In the midst of it all, they became confused and conflicted about who had the real power and gave credit to false god for good and blamed the Lord God for bad.

From the time they entered the Promised Land the Lord said He would allow enemies to be driven out little by little so that what was in their heart would be revealed. The Lord spoke to King Asa of Judah’s and said, “For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV)  The Lord spoke through Jeremiah and said, “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind….” (Jeremiah 17:10 NKJV)

The Lord speaks through Isaiah the prophet and says, “…I have purified you by giving you troubles…” If there is one thing that reveals the heart it is trouble. Troubles will test us and we will either trust God or turn from God in the midst of the challenges and sufferings of life. That was certainly true for me in my time of a life-threatening illness and prolonged recovery. I’m glad that in my heart, I knew where my strength was and allowed that to be the anchor and plumb line to keep me steady and focused.

I once read an illustration about the response of carrots, an egg and coffee beans to hot water. The carrots become soft and mushy; the egg looks unchanged but is hard on the inside; the coffee beans change the color and flavor of the water. That is a good parallel to our lives. For some trouble causes people to “fold” under the circumstances. For others the experiences create a inner hardness that changes who they are. Finally, others are able to change their environment, more than their environment changes them.

During Jesus ministry He spoke to Peter and said, “…Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31,32 NIV) This was just before Jesus’ agony in the garden and eventual arrest and crucifixion. This would be a time of trouble and testing for Peter and the disciples. It would reveal their hearts. It would show their faith and loyalty or reveal them as casual followers and observers who would return to “life as normal” when Jesus was gone.

It is with personal experience in mind that Peter would write, “…you have been grieved by various trials,  so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6,7 ESV)

Also James would write, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 NIV) James also puts tests into perspective when he says, “…you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:3,4 NIV)

Troubles and tests in life come from a variety of sources and for a variety of reasons. The issue is that they do reveal our hearts to ourselves. Not only that, we must believe that they are opportunities to grow in faith and trust and to become spiritually mature. When the dross of burned up, that which is pure, valuable and lasting remains.

I got in a short workout at the resort’s fitness center today. I had my weekly conference call with LEAP, the energy project I am working on. I wrote my first “Letter to the Editor” to the Denver Post. I actually received a call making sure I was okay with it being published. Besides that it was time at the pool, doing some writing and playing miniature golf. We actually found that “back nine” holes are handicap accessible, so that helped.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We are only servants of God who helped you believe. Each one of us did the work God gave us to do.  I planted the seed, and Apollos watered it. But God is the One who made it grow. So the one who plants is not important, and the one who waters is not important. Only God, who makes things grow, is important.”       1 Corinthians 3:5-7 NCV

It seems to be human nature, to determine “Who is the Best” or “Most Important” in many arenas of life. We see this in sports, the entertainment industry, business and finance, education, science and even in the Church. Is Peter greater than Paul? Is Paul greater than John? This tendency of elevating the importance of human leaders was present in the first century.

It is certainly fine to recognize the impact of individuals and to admire and respect those who have made a contribution in so many ways and in so many fields. But when it came to valuing spiritual leadership the Church at Corinth allowed it to be a source of pride, contention and division. This was especially true between Paul and Apollos.

Paul sets the record straight in saying that he and all other ministers are but “servants of God” who are “building on the foundation of Jesus Christ.” It doesn’t matter who frames, does the masonry work or the interior finish. What matters is that the building is built and that it glorifies God. So, Paul concludes that the only true, “most important builder” is God. Because all things are from Him, by Him and for Him.

This theme is seen in the early chapters of Corinthians and is at the heart of 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul talks about spiritual gifts and the “body of Christ.” Paul summarizes his extended metaphor and teaching by saying…”Together you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of that body.” (1 Corinthians 12:27 NCV)

The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people in different dimensions and they all are needed. It is as fruitless of value one above the other just as it is to place a value on one body part over another. The human body needs all of its parts and the “Body of Christ” needs all of its members working together for the purpose of bringing glory to God and building up the body.

This is an important part of our spiritual life. I’m thankful for uniquely gift leaders; but I am also thankful for those who enable those gifted leaders to maximize their effectiveness. We can develop our gifts and ask the Lord for greater impact and usefulness. But we all can be “faithful in the work the Lord has given us to do.” We don’t need to exalt certain gifts or gifted individuals. We don’t need to feel we are in a spiritual competition or possess a sense of pride if God is uniquely using us. But we are to remember Paul’s instructions, “Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.“ (1 Cor. 14:12 NLT)