I have never scaled the side of a mountain clinging to ropes and slings. I have never bungee jumped off a high bridge into a canyon below. I have never leaped out of a plane with a parachute on my back.

Why? It's simple. I don't like taking chances. I don't like risks. I don't have the nerve to do something that puts my life out there. Yet, deep inside of me is a hidden desire to take a daring adventure. Deep inside is a yearning to do something exciting. I'd like to be in a space capsule and feel the amazing power of the boosters launching me into space. I would like to travel in space. I would like to live on a sail boat for the summer and navigate only by the stars to uninhabited Caribbean Islands. What would it be like to take an adventure so that my heart beats rapidly and my palms begin to sweat? What would it be l ike to live on the "cutting edge?"

While it is not likely I will ever do any of those daring things, there is an adventure that I can do and I encourage you to try with me. It's prayer. Think of prayer as the compass pointing us in new directions as we explore uncharted spiritual lands yet to be discovered.

There are so many places and experiences where God wants to take us through our spiritual gifts and our Christian walk. The possibilities are endless from the stay-at-home Mom to the corporate director. Each has places of influences unique in their own world where the doors of possibility are wide open.

It is interesting to note that Jesus never taught his disciples how to preach or lead a Bible study. He taught them to pray. Why? Because whatever endeavor we attempt, without prayer, the task will eventually become a chore instead of an adventure. But, with prayer it becomes a thrilling journey not knowing where or how the Holy Spirit will lead. Someone once said, life without prayer is like a bus driver pushing a bus out of a rut not realizing that Clark Kent is seated inside.

I'm ready for some adventures to see where the Holy Spirit will take me. I want my pulse to quicken and my palms sweat as I wait on God for a Word or the supernatural. Who knows, God might reveal to you a spiritual treasure map where you will find the hidden treasure of heaven with your name on it.

Pastor Larry Wenzel