buildingbodies4christ

Nails and Pennies

A few times a week I walk my neighborhood. I like to think it is an extension of my prayer time. However, there are many times when I am thinking about the day ahead or what I need to write next. While I was walking this morning, I was looking around not really thinking about much. On the last stretch of road my attention was drawn to a nail laying there. The nail was a reminder not of a spiritual truth, but there has been quite a bit of rebuilding in my neighborhood over the last year and a half. I have picked up many nails as I have walked about. If God brings my attention to something in the road, I pick it up (within reason, of course). I don’t know if it’s impacting anyone, but maybe it’s saved a tire or two.

I have also found that when I am concerned about financial matters, God will place a penny on my path that day. I also scoop it up as well. One penny isn’t very valuable. However, I look at the inscription on that penny, and it reminds me “In God We Trust.” This impacts no one really but me. It gives me encouragement.

The truth of the matter is: what am I doing for my neighbors as I walk the neighborhood? How am I impacting them? The nail really is a spiritual truth. Jesus died, nailed to a cross for the ones I am passing by. The Holy Spirit helped me to remember the reason I am in this neighborhood is to make an impact for Jesus. That’s the truth of the nail. That’s the reason I really should be stopping to pick up a nail. Maybe I found the nail in front of a house that needs prayer. God has a purpose for everything in our paths. But we have to be paying attention in order to be obedient to our call. He cares more for the condition of the neighbors rather than the condition of the path.

Thank you God for nails and pennies. Let me consider thoughtfully the things you put in my path today. Amen.

What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:27-31