“And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.” - (Acts 6:3)

Almost every religion defines spirituality a little bit differently. However, a follower of Christ defines authentic spirituality based upon a person having the Holy Spirit living within them. A leader among Jesus’ followers is a person who is well respected and who is full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. This is what qualifies that person to have the responsibility of leading.

Respect and wisdom are vital to lead well in almost any area of life. However, to lead well in the Kingdom of God, these qualities must be informed and empowered by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer : O Lord God, my Abba Father, I pray for those who lead your people. Please be with us, your children, as we seek to recognize leaders in whom you are at work. Help us to see their wisdom and to follow them with respect. Most of all, Father, please help us see those whom your Spirit is influencing, maturing, and leading. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Psalm 116:2 — He has inclined His ear to me and I will call upon Him as long as I live.

Recently I was shopping at a department store, and took note of the automatic doors. One door was labeled “in”, and would automatically swing inward as you approached it. The other, marked “out”, only worked from the opposite side.

I am so thankful that Prayer – our communication with God – is extended to us in a different manner.  His doors of love opens both ways – it is not a one-sided affair. Because God answers prayer.

Our Heavenly Father is so majestic and mighty, but He listens to us as we speak to him.  Am I attuned to listen to Him when He speaks to me? He is always available to us. He will hear our praises and petitions. They may transpire anytime of the day or night, be of any length, and be grand or simple in language.

Likewise, He talks to us in so very many ways – perhaps through  a friend, a sermon, a Christian book, tape or radio program, through spiritual music, or through the awareness of the miracle of nature and life. He definitely speaks to me through His holy Word – The Bible.  He even speaks to us in the small still inner voice that each Christian possesses.

Thank you, Lord, that our communication is a two-way door. You  listen to us, as well as speak to us . We can talk to you as well as hear You through the door you have opened for each of your children- The door of prayer.

- – - Written By Marion Smith

Once, when I was in Quebec, Canada, I watched the auto ferry travel back and forth across the St. Laurent River .The boat arrived at the dock near our hotel, drop the ramp, and cars would load on.

While on the ferry, people had an opportunity to get out of their cars or stay inside. I noticed that some folks mingled with others in a friendly manner. Others just sat in their car for the journey, reading or perhaps contemplating the day ahead. Some entire families got out of their car, and stayed close together. When all these folks arrived on the other side- their destination- the boat jockeyed into position, perfectly aligned for the cars to disembark.

God is my auto ferry. All I had to do to come aboard was to believe Jesus as God’s son and accept Him as my Savior. I do not need to worry about my destination – for He will take me to the other side ..to my final destination which is heaven.

The question is – how do I spend my time on board?  That would be the time which God has given me before I reach my eternal resting spot. Am I very social – spreading Gods’ love and His joy wherever I go? Do I stay isolated, reading God’s Word and filling myself with spiritual food? Or,do I spend that time only with my family- in a cocoon of security? I believe it is a balance of all three to which God calls me.

I am thankful I have boarded Gods’ ferry.  Are you on board, too? Aren’t we blessed to know where His boat will dock – and where our final destination is located. Read this story about the little boat. Its a beautiful story about a boy and his little boat.