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God are you saying to start a new conversation? You want me to interrupt my work and have a conversation?

Mark you know what I’m saying.

How do you mean?

I’m saying that you can hear me. You can sense what I’m saying.

Do you mean I can hear you answering the question I just asked?

It had been a full year and a half since my daughter Katelyn Marie perished in a car accident while rushing home one evening to beat curfew. The pain of that moment, of the whole experience was my Great Sadness (see The Shack by Wm. Paul Young) bearing down on me daily and especially at night. Evenings were most difficult because the plague of "what ifs" would cover me from tip to toe, mulling me over in his clammy hands never letting go and squeezing every ounce of joy from my soul.

What are the qualifications of a leader in the Kingdom of God? For the gentiles love to exert authority over one another and be recognized for their offices, but it is not to be so among you. Do you look for certain qualities in a leader, such as shrewdness, decisiveness, and communication skills? Do you look for the same qualities for leaders in commerce, politics, and my church? These skills may be helpful but I have selected leaders without them. How do you select leaders when the values of the Kingdom are to become childlike and be a servant? My Kingdom is one of love.

Are you aware that the Old Testament prophecies of my coming were so specific and detailed that they identified me uniquely of all the inhabitants of the earth for all time? You can see this looking back, but how many were able to see this looking forward? No one identified me in my own time by the prophecies, but I was revealed directly to a select few. No one was able to look forward, or more to the point, see what was right in front of them. Yet Peter was blessed in knowing who I was, for flesh and blood had not revealed it to him, but my Father in heaven. Do you trust in your ability to interpret the prophecies of my return? Blessed are those who watch for me.

Have you ever been in a crowd of strangers in an unfamiliar place? Did it make you feel uneasy? If you then caught sight of your familiar friend did you find it to be comforting? This happens even when there is no direct exchange between you and your friend. Your very knowledge of their presence is soothing. Do you notice the same benefit from my presence? For I have promised to be with you always, even unto the end of the age. Even if I don’t speak, do you find comfort in knowing I am with you? You have never known my absence for comparison, yet I want you to walk in the awareness of my presence to know the peace and comfort I bring.  

Do you agree that the most important aspect of Christian living is becoming like me? I have many aspects to my character, as do you. Which of these do you think it is most important to follow my example? I had all knowledge. Do you obtain Christlikeness by pursuing a university education? What was it that set me apart more than anything else? I did not sin, and I encourage you to follow this example of mine. Yet when most people think of my greatest distinguishing attributes it is kindness and compassion that come to mind. They are right. Focus on these in your own life to represent me in a world of darkness. 

The only choice you can make is to be my friend. That requires lots and lots of
conversations with me, and then, quite by accident, you will fall in love with me.

Mark I want you to take care.

God what of?

Your heart.

Ok how do I do that?

You listen.

Ok.

Are you familiar with the rules of social convention? You are whether you can articulate them or not. You tend to associate with those of similar background, education, income level, and beliefs, among other things. In every discernable difference you are drawn to those like you. Even if these are not legally enforceable standards you notice when they are violated. People noticed when I did and I got in trouble for it. But I had a message of love to carry to all people, not just those within my narrow demographic. I have commissioned you to carry the same message to the same audience. Are you willing to get into trouble to reach them? 

Do you vote in elections? You vote with your feet all the time, every day. It is possible to be where you should be and still not doing the right thing, but how can you do what you are called to if you are not even in the right place? The Bible gives the imagery of the Christian life as following me. Don’t be too quick to spiritualize this. It has strong implications for times and places. Pilots and sailors use a compass to navigate, and make the necessary corrections to stay on course. I have given you an internal compass and guide you with peace concerning where to go. Seek me for opportunities where you are or course corrections to lead you into opportunities to serve me. 

I invite you to experience this biblical meditation as you quiet yourself before Scripture and the Holy Spirit, and allow God to reveal Himself to you. Let it bring the changes within you that God desires.