Wait pastor. Let me do that...

A miracle occurs every time we start an automobile. In my case, when I turn the key, an incredible combination of electrical circuits, computer boards, and switches react and energy transfers to a lifeless engine to bring it to life. No doubt, you have experienced the opposite. The key is turned or the button is pushed and you hear 'click' 'click' 'click'....or deafening silence.

A host of things can go sideways in an automobile to affect its starting capabilities. Dead batteries, computer chip malfunctions, blown fuses....and thats just electrical systems. Never mind bad fuel pumps, broken injectors, and empty gas tanks! Yes, thats right folks, no fuel in the tank is a bad thing. All vehicles have a fuel tank guage and most newer vehicles come with a low fuel warning light. Those guages and warning lights serve a purpose. TO LET US KNOW WHEN TO FILL THE TANK!!!!!!

Spiritual maturity is not a once and done thing. Growing in grace requires a daily commitment to immerse oneself in the word of God, pray to our heavenly Father, and discover practical ways to exercise spiritual gifts in our part of the world. Sort of sounds like vehicle maintenance to me. recently a newspaper in southeast PA offered a poll: Should PA do away with annual state vehicle inspections?" With limited expendable income, most folks aren't going to budget for automobile parts and maintenance. Imagine autos driving by with no windshields, all the tail lights inoperable, or sparks emanating from underneath the body! Makes one want to get a horse!! (Oh wait, feed, saddle, horseshoes,vet visits....never mind.)

Yesterday, I witnessed an outcome of one who maintains their spiritual growth. At the start of a small group, the leader, without hesitation, opened our time in prayer! They did not look to me, the pastor, to offer a holy prayer over the group. They stepped up and exercised spiritual maturity and offered grace. The key turned and power came to our group and that apart from the pastor having to be the sole conduit to God. Amazing!!

"And he said to me, “Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the

house of Israel.” So I opened my mouth, and he gave me the scroll to eat. Then he said to me, “Son

of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as

sweet as honey in my mouth. He then said to me: “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and

speak my words to them." (Ezekiel 3:1-4, NIV)

Is your spiritual life growing and displaying maturity? Are you maintaining your soul and paying attention to your figuritive guages and warning lights? You better or else one day you'll turn the key and hear the dreaded 'click' 'click' 'click'..... Gotta go and check the fluid levels in my van.