Of course, we all know the question.  Which came first the chicken or the egg?  As familiar as we are with the question, none of us truly know the answer.  (Though I can’t imagine God scattering eggs all over creation but that’s another entry for another day.)

A couple of days ago, a good friend of mine made an interesting comment regarding my daily blog entries.  “I know how you write your blog.  You find a great story and then you try to match the tale with a scripture.”

Ouch! That hurt.  That isn’t the way writing about the Lord is supposed to work.  In fact, I’d like to say that I find a great scripture during my study or reading.  Then I try to remember a story to match the scriptural teaching.

Over the past few days, however, I’ve tried to analyze exactly how I come up with thoughts and ideas for my teaching and writing. I’m asking myself, “Which comes first the chicken or the egg?”  The answer is more than an interesting observation to me. It speaks about the intent of my heart. This question indicates the integrity that points to what I teach and share with people.

It’s true that often when I’m reading the Bible I see a window into God’s heart that I had not recognized before.  There is always an ante-dote that comes to mind regarding the application of the scripture that is illuminated in my spirit.

However, just as often, things happen during the day that remind me of a particular scripture or godly principle.  The raccoons who made a hole in my fence are an example.  Now they make nightly raids into my yard.  They desecrate my pool and even try to worm their way into the attic of the house.  These varmints remind  me that the enemy of my soul waits at the door of my heart, seeking entry.  He tries to maneuver his way into any unprotected or weak doorway of my life.

Geckos somehow come into my hurricane-protected, well-built house.  They  crawl on the bathroom and hall walls, turning white and pastey in color.  They help me to remember the Psalmist who speaks of the sparrows and swallows who come into God’s house finding a safe place to build their nests and raise their young.

Having lunch with a group of pastors brings the joy of fellowship and laughter with men and women who journey on a similar path.  During those times, I think of the first church meetings recorded by Luke.

Setting aside a time for fellowship or training with other ministers who work within the developmentally disabled community, I marvel at God’s people.  They are amazingly gifted individuals who are willing to sacrificially give their lives to a cloistered community that most of the world does not care to know or understand.

Perhaps the truth is that God has a kajillion ways to forage his teachings into our hearts and consciousness, if we will allow him.  He desires to be constantly teaching and molding our lives, if we allow him.  I find that he loves to break my through my traditions and self-made rules to surprise me with joyful experiences and delightful truths.

Which comes first the chicken or the egg?  Guess I have to say, I don’t know.  God is so creative and gives so freely of himself that I have more applications and stories from the Holy Spirit than I could share in a lifetime.

What about you?  How does God invade your life?  What is a story that you can share with us?