What is the essence of your faith? Essence is a unique substance or property that defines something. Many perfumes are based on the essential oils of flowers. Flowers contain other things but their essence is unique to their identity. So it is with the practice of your faith. How much of it is essential? There is a human and institutional tendency to add to it. Some add different things than others creating an unnecessary division. Worse, those outside may object to the additions without objecting to the basic message of the gospel. If they are to be offended, at least let it be for the right reasons. Are you willing to reduce the gospel to its essence to see it spread? 

Do you keep up to date on the news and current events? If you don’t, does it bother you to feel uninformed? Beware that you don’t let your life be driven by the news. Real truth has a timeless quality. It is eternal and enduring. The Bible is as current today as when it was written. The spiritual classics written since then are on the shelves at the library, and their content is fresh even if they are dusty and yellowed. Those who only watch the news are informed but lack an overall unifying perspective to make sense of events. He who is spiritual judges all things. Seek eternal truth and you will have a perspective for real understanding. 

Have you ever encountered anyone who didn’t claim to be busy? If this is true of everyone then does it add meaningful information to say it? Does this condition seem to be an inherent condition of modern life? Do you see this as an indication of an abundant life or do people give it as an excuse for not maintaining contact with friends? I know what you are capable of and do not assign you more than you can do. I healed the sick but there were still sick people when I declared that I had done all the Father had given me to do. You can do the same. Blessed are those who know their priorities and order their lives accordingly. 

I not only provide sun and rain to everyone, I give special gifts as well. Do you think of these gifts in a narrow sense as special abilities that equip an individual to ministry? This concept can be expanded to a larger sense. Every denomination has a gift in the central truth that they embrace. Your church does not have a ‘corner on the market’, and there is truth outside your tradition. What church isn’t eager to share the revelation given to them? Yet how many are willing to seek it? My word teaches you to desire spiritual gifts. You can take this many ways, one of which is to receive the gifts I have given to other denominations.