My word describes many encounters that I had with the Pharisees, and I had some sharp words for them. For whom were these written? Do you suppose any of them read these as scriptures after they were canonized? My word says that these things were written for you. The Pharisees represented the religious establishment in their own generation. Do you in yours? If so then you should be aware that the same dynamics can be in effect, and the same faults can ensnare those in similar positions. I make no accusations and only invite you to examine yourself in this matter as you do others. Only wear the shoe if it fits. 

Did you find me in a church? This is a great place to find me, but it is also a place where you can hide from me. I live in my church, but I live everywhere. If you look for me in the course of a normal day you will find me present in the encounters you have while at work, shopping, and doing errands. Be fully aware and involved in these situations, recognizing my presence and responding the leading of my Spirit. This should make you more eager to attend church rather than less. When you meet with your fellow believers for worship it will be an opportunity to share the ways you encountered me outside and make sense of them. 

Do you expect salvations to come in mass crusades and movements of God, or one at a time? Have you labored patiently for years and seen only a handful of results, and been discouraged at the magnitude of fields to be harvested? Did you think that the principle that he who is faithful with little will be given much applied only to money? It applies to everything, and money is the least of it. You can only be faithful with what you have available. Your focus should be on diligence and excellence in effort. Be the right person and do what you can in your current place, and you will be positioned to respond when the floodgates open. 

Do you understand the concept of default settings? These are a matter of convenience so you don’t have to start from scratch when you start  a new task. In some cases you can set your own defaults that are customized for your usual preferences. This doesn’t just apply to computers. Do you find yourself using the same approach to problems you have encountered before? Don’t assume that what worked in the past will work now, even if you got it from me. I want you to seek me afresh this time the way you did last time. I may not give you the same answer I did then. This approach will keep you connected to me as your source of divine wisdom. This should be your real default setting.