From the Edges – A Level Playing Field

From the Edges – Morning Devotions
A Level Playing Field
Scripture focus – Jeremiah 31: 7-9
I was recently reading an article in regard to building up and helping commerce and sustainability in third world countries. Of specific interest is the present situation in Haiti. You know of our passions for Haiti and though I have very specific opinions in regard to the international treatment of Haiti, I do believe and recognize that for centuries there has not been equality with many smaller nations and territories in regard to treatment and consideration based on who they are and what they can offer.

I also recognize this in the church. Many times, the energy that is exhibited by the move of the church is managed and recognized in larger bodies of believers and often the small rural church is missed and discounted because of its size and attractiveness. The largest part of my ministry has been in the little country church where I have felt the power and movement of the Holy Spirit in a very real and recognizable way. I have recognized this recently in the desire and longing to come to the “heart of Worship” regardless of size of church, class meeting, small group, etc. This comes through submission which we will speak about later.

While reading through the article the term “level playing field” was used. While thinking through these processes and ideas in personal life I felt a desire to investigate further what a “level playing field” really was. I learned through Wikipedia this definition: “In commerce, a level playing field is a concept about fairness, not that each player has an equal chance to succeed, but that they all play by the same set of rules. In a game played on a playing field, such as rugby, one team would have an unfair advantage if the field had a slope. Since some real-life playing fields do in fact have slopes, it is customary for teams to swap ends of the playing field at half time.”

It really does then come down to fairness, equality, and a desire to win. Turning to Jeremiah 31 at the great return of the Israelites back to God we read yet another covenant, promise God has made –
Jeremiah 31:8-9 shares this – “See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers, and women in labor; a great throng will return. They will come weeping; they will pray as I bring them back. I will lead them beside streams of water on a level path ( a level playing field ) where they will not stumble, because I am Israel’s father ……… “

According to Jeremiah there are some important considerations that we must make to experience this level playing field in our faith journey and relationship with God. The first and foremost being “returning to God”. If God wants to gather us from where we are speaking where we are in our soul and relationship with God, then we must have a desire to leave the rest and trust the best who is God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit . Just as the Israelites were gathered from the north and south and all points, we too can be leaving our sinfulness behind with a return to God with our everything.

Once we have become committed either for the first time or recommitted for the 100th time, we have to be willing to leave the sinfulness and strife that we have become comfortable with. When we accept that invitation, I see the promise that it will be then “that we will be on a level path”. Again, this is strength for our soul, moving from the earthly and physical to strength for the soul.
Are we ready to receive all that God is offering us for the healing of our mind, body, and soul or do we like staying lost in the fringes of whatever. This return begins through prayer and making the effort to return from all that has separated us from our relationship with God.
My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ it is time to return to God’s level playing field – peace to you this day.

(PERSONAL NOTE) I realize the length of this but it is really important to ponder in our personal relationship with Jesus – I hope you receive it with openness and willingness to draw nearer to God.”

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