1 John 3:2 (NKJV)
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.
Have you ever gone to a flea market to look for that special buy or interesting item on the overfilled tables? Maybe you are one of those people who check out old buildings and houses that are boarded up to refurbish? How about needing something for a project or for a repair and you find what you need in that box of junk in the corner?
If we actually kept track of what we do on a daily basis we could probably add a few more questions to the opening. There are so many different ways that items we see around us are re-engineered for other purposes every day. I myself have used a variety old parts or discarded items to make repairs or used what could have been thrown out, like plastic containers, for storage.
The most interesting thing I was involved with over the years was a competition that pretty much demanded items to be reused or recycled for the props and costumes. You would be shocked at the level of ingenuity that kids as young as 7 display. If we move this type of thinking into the adult world we can find whole industries reusing discarded items like shoes and clothing being made out of recycled plastic bottles.
If we move past these discarded items we can see the same thing happening with the properties and even the landscape around us. Some people are blessed with an imagination where they can walk into a room and see the possibilities down to changing the structure while others may only see the surface. How good are you at imagining the possibilities in the world around you?
It is amazing what people can do by repurposing items and refurbishing properties. You can watch show after show dedicated to the selling of these creations and flipping homes. Even though I have never really risen to this level I can visualize the structure underneath, but I rely on others for some of the beginning ideas needed to bring the project to fruition.
If we look at our world between the personal creations and the grand stage of television things can take on a different meaning. Sometimes it is not easy seeing where we can create value in places that need value. We can enhance a community and preserve history while uncovering the beauty that is already there and bringing new purpose for today. We can take an area or building that may have been overlooked because it is not viewed as important and transform it into something that now contributes to the community.
One thing we have to consider as we look both inside and outside our personal world are the people we find everywhere along the way. We encounter every shape, size and personality that are found in every circumstance imaginable and can be like all the broken objects we have discussed so far. It may not even be someone you know or passed on the street, it could easily be you. So, if you look in the mirror how would you view yourself?
I do this once in a while and know that I still need further remodeling in certain areas of my life. Sometimes I feel that I am like some of the projects that I have tried to complete over the years where the finishing touches such as molding takes six months to install. It’s at these times that I turn to Christ for that little extra I need to finish what has been started. Strength in that time of weakness when confronted with that habit or guidance for new direction.
Even as we work on ourselves, we must still look at those around us. Much like creating value in an item or structure we can do the same with people. If we truly open our eyes we can find those who need everything from that minor touch up paint to help tearing things down to the studs to start over. Every step of the way we can turn to Christ for the words to say, the answers that are being sought, or just the strength to reach out.
When many people are evaluating a property that they want to refurbish you may hear them say that they are looking for good bones. This may be a consideration before attacking a property but should not be one with people. You can find and create value in everyone. You may even encounter a situation or work in an environment where there is more than one person and you could get easily overwhelmed.
This is similar to what Ezekiel encountered in 37:1-2, “The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry.” Standing in the middle of pain and suffering could be like being in that valley filled with dry bones. If this is where you are, what do you do?
Instead of getting overwhelmed or turning away you can once again turn to the Lord. I know that the outcomes were always better the more that I did. Not just turning to Him for strength to follow through, but also the words to say in prayer or for comfort. Not just my words, but the Lord’s from scripture.
This breathes life into the person you are ministering to as Ezekiel was led to do in 37:9-10, Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.”
This not only creates value in the people you are reaching out to but could also lift yourself in whatever you are facing. Join me in breathing life into those around us by speaking the words of the Lord with love wherever we can to bring hope and healing. As you do, please enjoy “Community Value(s) (Part II)”.
COMMUNITY VALUE(S) (PART II)
Whether digging through the rubble or sifting through the ashes.
Sometimes layers have to be removed until the beauty flashes.
The time it takes to make it through may be short or filled with trouble,
But the original loss is now a treasure with its value being worth double.
We may find that history can be preserved once the beauty is uncovered,
This will be bringing the past forward as a new purpose is discovered.
There are times where we must go slow to rebuild what has been chosen,
While others may not take as long because the foundation is not broken.
We all have this sight to find the value that others have overlooked,
We just have to see past the surface so the images will be unhooked.
The Lord can add much clarity if you don’t know where to start,
You just need to come to him in faith and open up your heart.
He will help bring forth many possibilities from vision that is attained,
Just don’t doubt what you are shown or new passion could be restrained.
When we reflect the love of the Father we can really make a difference,
People will again have Value and communities regain their Significance.
Simple Faith Christian
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Simple Faith Christian 