I JUST WANT TO BE A BRANCH

 SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

Galatians 6:9-10

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

 

I believe today’s passage offers an important encouragement: don’t give up!

You might feel worn out, or you might wonder if you’re accomplishing any good thing for the Kingdom. But be reminded that outcomes are not in our hands and God has promised that good things are to come if we continue to be faithful. We are sowing the seeds that God promises to harvest.

We are sowing the seeds 

that God promises to harvest.

I just had to repeat that for us. 

If you are finding yourself lacking the energy or strength to serve, take the encouragement from our verse today, and then tap into the source of all the strength we need. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Don’t overlook God’s power working in you that will produce fruit.  Truly we can do nothing apart from Jesus. Staying connected with Him is essential for us to carry out the work He’s called us to.

 

REFLECT

 

In what ways are you staying connected to “the Vine” as you faithfully serve?

AN OVERWHELMING REVELATION

 AUGUST 31, 2023

2 Timothy 1:9

 “It is He who saved us and chose us for His holy work, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan long before the world began.”

 

Have you ever reflected on the notion that we are not simply saved from something, but we are saved FOR something? According to today’s verse, we have been saved and chosen to do God’s work, the really powerful thing to me is that this role has been God’s plan all along. What a revelation that is!

I don’t know if we grasp this as fully as we should. Just think with me for a moment, God provided a  rescue (salvation) on our behalf so that we could then turn around as Christ’s Ambassadors and do the same for others, tell them about God's amazing grace, help those around us to learn and see that God is the rescuer we need.  The best way for us to carry this calling out is to eagerly serve God for Kingdom purposes.

What does that look like? Scripture demonstrates an abundance of ways that this can take place in our lives. As we noted a couple days ago, as members of the body of Christ, we have talents and giftedness that God will use for Kingdom work.

Teaching, giving, encouraging, leading, and showing mercy are all highlighted in Romans 12. Matthew 25 highlights the significance of offering food to the hungry, hospitality to a stranger, care for the sick, visits for prisoners, offering clothing for the naked. Jesus emphasizes the importance of bringing children to know and experience Him in Mark 10. These are just a few examples we encounter in God's word.

Let me ask, What is the holy work to which you’ve been gifted and called?

 

REFLECT

Perhaps you are unsure of your gifts, and how God might want to use you. Let me suggest as a beginning point, that you pray and ask God where and how He would have you carry out the holy work to which you are called. And then as you listen for God’s voice,  respond in faithful obedience, to his call.

 

YOU ARE NEEDED

 AUGUST 30, 2023

Romans 12:4-8

“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;  if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;  if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

 

Romans 12 gives us a great picture of how God has designed us to operate as followers of Jesus, as the church, the Community of faith. He compares it to the body, which has lots of parts and various functions, but which all work together harmoniously to function in a healthy way.

You will note it teaches us that if any part of the body is dysfunctional or not operational, the whole body suffers. Which means, if we, as part of the body of Christ, are not using our gifts to serve the body of Christ, the body is suffering.

Do not misunderstand your place in the Community of Faith. You Are Needed!

So, let this be your encouragement to engage in what you’ve been created to do.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God has prepared in advance for us to do.” You may not feel you have a contribution to make. But God says you do. And the best way to discover what that may be, if you’re unsure, is to begin to engage. Give serving a try. And keep trying until you find that thing that helps you experience both fruitfulness and fulfillment. 

You’ll be glad you did. And so will the body of Christ.

 

REFLECT

 

In what way can you begin to engage in serving in the body of Christ. To answer this think about what things concern you, where your passions lie, what you enjoy doing, what talents and gifts has God has given you.

 

A HEART OF HUMILITY

AUGUST 29, 2023

Philippians 2:3-4

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

 

Often, we can view serving as a duty.  But let us remember that the kind of serving God desires initiates from the heart. A heart of humility.

I believe you will agree that humility is countercultural. If you think about it from an early age, we are conditioned to think and believe that “it’s all about me.” Child-centered parenting, a continual bombardment of media messaging, and our own natural inclinations shape us toward a “me first” perception.

Jesus demonstrated a life that is always countercultural. A life that goes against the flow. And to follow Him faithfully, you and I must intentionally seek to cultivate humility in our lives.

The humility that the Bible calls us toward is marked by these three characteristics,

Complete dependence on God’s mercy              Luke 18:10-14
Unconcern for power, prestige, and position    Matthew 23:8
Wholehearted acceptance of God’s Word         Philippians 2:6-8                                                                                                                       

 

Reflect

Read through today’s passage a couple of times, and as you do, reflect upon your own heart. Ask God to reveal your motivations in the things you choose to spend your time doing, and to lead you toward greater humility.

GO AHEAD MAKE SOME NOISE

 AUGUST 28, 2023

Psalm 150

1 Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty firmament!
2 Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his surpassing greatness!
3 Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
4 Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
5 Praise him with clanging cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

Praise the LORD! Where?

“ … in his sanctuary.” Not in some confined place, but wherever we experience God in life, as we gaze from our own yards into the heavens; as we walk along the pavement by the river; on a excursion to Point Pelee, as we listen to a music as we do our chores; as we pray in the solitude of our homes or sing in a congregation of worshipers. We praise God whenever and wherever our hearts are inspired to do so.

Praise the LORD! Why?


“ … for his mighty deeds, according to his surpassing greatness!” Praise the Lord for the rain, which nourishes the earth; for the wonder of a sunrise; for the cry of a newborn child; for the questions from the inquiring minds of young children; for healing bodies through the medical community; for comforting hearts as the Lord works through his servants.


Praise the LORD! How?


With some noise!! Make some Noise. With a diversity of instruments! 


Praise the LORD! Who?


Everything that breathes is to praise God! Breath is a sign of spirit, of life. Let’s all take note of the goodness of God in our lives today. Let’s be instruments, ourselves, and praise the LORD!


LET'S PRAY

"Give us pause, today, O God, to breathe in and out, to look, to listen, and so to notice and celebrate your goodness. Move us to applause, to song, to prayer, to smiles, to words and acts of gratitude, which praise you with our whole selves." Amen.

PUTTING OUR BEST FOOT FORWARD

 

August 25, 2023

 

Proverbs 16:3

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”

 

Putting Our Best Foot Forward

 

 The Bible makes it clear how we should approach new endeavors in our lives. Proverbs tells us to, “commit to the Lord whatever you do.” I believe what we are to understand by this is that considering God’s will in our lives and committing our actions to God, we can, as the saying goes, “put our best foot forward” and launch off on the right track.

In Church life, we tend to think of a new year starting in September, many of our ministries rise up from a summer rest, and get ready to start fresh, new and revived. I feel that this is not just in Church Communities, we all step into September, with some new endeavors and maybe some dreams for a real change in direction.

As we finish the week, I have been thinking about “new things”, my guess is you have been too. What new things are on your mind today? Maybe for you a new thing is launching a business, or a career change, moving to a new neighborhood or city, for some of us the new thing is moving forward after the death of dear loved one, caring for an aging parent, or some other painful loss.

I wanted to just touch a few areas, or focuses that can help all of us who are setting out into something new.

Todays, verse says “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Placing the “new” into God’s hands and seeking God’s will and purposes is way to start things off. The Bible teaches us that committing our way to God, seeking God’s will and way, that our God will “direct our paths”.

With that truth as a foundation, we lean in and with confidence we make the commitment to give our very best to where and how God leads us. When we put our very best effort and energy into a change or new thing, we have confidence that we are doing all we can to be faithful and fruitful in our efforts.

I think of Colossians 3:23 that says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Doing our best requires us to have our heart and attitude in the right place. You know what I have found? In that place I have discovered the “peace of God that passes all understanding” and that peace we are promised will “guard our hearts”.

Putting our best foot forward, means seeking God’s will, following God’s direction, giving our very best to the task, and it also requires us to persevere. A reality we all know very well, is that life can be difficult, challenges and struggles are commonplace. Let us be reminded that not everything that is worthwhile is easy. In fact, sometimes the best things can be the hardest, whether it is earning a degree, starting a business, building or mending relationships, moving forward after loss, or growing in our faith.

We trust God and we push forward. We do what Hebrews 12:1 teaches, we “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

One final thought, on putting the best foot forward, is the continual act of praying for God’s guidance. One of my favorite scriptures, is from Isaiah 30:21 “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isn’t that a wonderful promise? 

We commit our plans to God and follow where God leads, we give our best to the task, though obstacles come our way, we in great trust in our God, “run with perseverance” toward the goal, and we do this knowing that God is Good, that God is loving toward all he has made, we do this by seeking God’s guidance and listening for God’s voice that says “this way, walk this way.”

Yes, Proverbs has some great wisdom for us today, dare I say for everyday.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, 

and he will establish your plans.” 

AMEN

 

 

WELCOME HOME

 

August 24, 2023

Ephesians 2

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

 

WELCOME HOME

The whole world is dealing with the issue of refugees and migrants, people displaced from their homes due to war, internal conflict, economic hardship, political persecution, violence, climate change, and a host of other problems. When refugees realize they cannot return home again, they long to find a new community where they can belong, rebuild their lives, and begin anew, becoming new citizens in a new nation.

Paul uses the image of a refugee to illustrate how our status changes when we come into a relationship with Jesus. We were outsiders, excluded from citizenship with God’s Chosen People. Ephesians 2:11-13 says Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth . . . were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.” The passage goes on to say “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” The outcome of what Jesus did by his death on the cross, was that he destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” (Ephesians 2:14) so that we can enjoy a relationship with God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:18).

Good News!! The wall between us and God has crumbled!

We then become members of God’s family, citizens in the Kingdom of God. Ephesians 2:19, states that we become “fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.” We then, are no longer strangers, wandering from place to place, looking for safety and acceptance and love. We are welcomed home! Accepted as a citizen and member of the community that welcomes others searching for safety, acceptance, and love (Ephesians 2:22).

The Good News doesn’t end with this, however. We not only experience the wonderful words of welcome, that say, “You have arrived! You belong! You are loved! Welcome Home!” We in turn come to be proclaimers to other wanderers, refugees, and displaced people, who long to hear the words: "You have arrived! You belong! You are loved! Welcome Home!"

 

SURRENDERING the UNKNOWNS

 

AUGUST 23, 2023

Isaiah 55:8-9

 

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

 

Giving God the Unknowns

 

Life is full of unknowns and question marks. I find it can be easy to fall into worry and even fear about the future. I have learned over time, that we don’t have to live life in a cycle of fear and worry, we can grow to trust God, and learn the practice of surrendering to him the unknowns in our lives.

It is in these times that we need to call to mind who God is and what God promises to each of us. For example, we remember that God is all-knowing. God has knowledge of the past, present and the future. Truth is God knows more about the world and you and me, then we ever could. We sometimes say that “God knows us better than we know ourselves.” We can look at the unknowns in our lives, the uncertainties that cause us to fret, fear and worry and remind ourselves that what is unknown to us is known to our Good, and Loving God. So, we can open our heart and hands and let things go into God’s care.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Our understanding is limited, our knowledge is incomplete. God’s is not, and when we trust God with the stuff of living, we can have a peace that passes understanding, about the path ahead of us. You see, we don’t have to surrender all the unknowns and worries all at once, we can take each day one at a time. Trusting and giving God each one, minute by minute, hour by hour and day by day. Being mindful of Jesus words, “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”  Matthew 6:34

As Jesus followers may we grow and learn to live and trust God in the midst of the unknown and find the peace that passes our understanding.

 

“The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? 

The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?” 

Psalm 27:1

Through Good Times and Bad Times

 

August 18, 2023

 

Proverbs 17:17

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

 

Proverbs 17:17 (The Message)

Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

I Will Be On Your Side

 

Loving one another is important to God. In fact, Jesus says it is the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39).

Sometimes we may not know the how best to show love to others or even how we can be loving in a particular situation. Proverbs 17:17 says that a “friend loves at all times.” We should love others, not only during good times, but always. So, to end our week of Devotions, here are a few ways to consider as we seek to love at all times:

1. Carry Each Other’s Burdens

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2

Carrying each other’s burdens might not look the same in every situation. Some people might just want a listening ear. Others might need physical help, such as help with yard work or cleaning. Still others might just want to know someone is there for them if they need it.

As Proverbs 17:17 says, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. When we carry each other’s burdens, we are strengthening one another and living our lives to reflect Jesus and the words of the Bible.

2. Be Present in Rejoicing and Mourning

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15

Often, to love people, we must be present in what they are experiencing, whether it is in joy or hardship. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” When someone is finding success and going through happy times, it is easy to rejoice with them. Let’s acknowledge that sometimes the good times of others can cause us jealousy, or we question “why them and not me.”  However, we are told in the Bible to rejoice with them and be happy in their celebrations as this shows the love of Christ.

We are also told to mourn with each other. In times of grief, sadness and hurting, it may seem easier for us to avoid the pain of others, rather than to comfort them through their circumstances. However, we are called to show love to our brothers and sisters in Christ in the pleasant and the unpleasant times.

3. Forgive One Another

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is powerful. Colossians 3:13 tells us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. His forgiveness is perfect. Even though we do not deserve it, He freely offers it to us, and we should do the same for others.

1 Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

4. Care About the Needs of Others

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”  Philippians 2:3-4

Another way to show love at all times is to care about the needs of others. This can be need for physical items, such as the need for food or clothing. For example, you see that there is a coat drive, food drive, or Community Dinner for people in our community and you take the time to participate. Perhaps, you hear that your friend’s car has broken down, and you show love by offering to give them a ride.

However, there can also be other needs that may not relate to possessions. For example, maybe you notice that a mother seems tired lately and offer to babysit her kids for a few hours so she can have a break. Or perhaps a friend has seemed down lately, so you schedule a time to talk and hang out to help fill that need.

Philippians 2:3-4 talks about valuing other’s interests above our own. Loving other people requires taking the focus from ourselves and putting it on them.

5. Pray for One Another

“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” James 5:13

In some circumstances, it may feel like we cannot do anything to help meet the needs of others. We do not have to feel helpless in these situations, instead we can pray for those people and their needs, as this is a great way to love others. We can bring the person to God in prayer.

Whether the person is going through hard times or struggles, or they are at a high point in their life, prayer is powerful. 1 John 5:14 says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

Our concerns, our hopes, our questions, we can bring them all to Jesus. Here are some ways we can bring these things to God and pray for one another: 

·         We can pray that people will find hope in Jesus.

·         We can bring Him praise and celebration for others’ successes and good news, such as getting married, having a baby, opening a new business, getting over a sickness or accomplishing a goal.

·         We can search for answers or peace along with those who are confused.

 

Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

Proverbs 17:17

 

My we be known as Friends 

and a family 

that loves through all kinds of weather!

SPEAKING FROM THE HEART

 

August 17, 2023

Matthew 12:35-36

 

“A good person brings good things out of the good stored up in them, and an evil person brings evil things out of the evil stored up in them. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”

Luke 6:45

“A good Person brings good things out of the good stored up in their heart, and an evil person brings evil things out of the evil stored up in their heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

 

WHAT IS YOUR HEART FULL OF?

 

Words have an impact on us and those around us every single day. This means each day we are confronted with a choice: how do we want to use our words? We know words are much more than a form of communication. They can be a meaningful way to build others up, or a damaging blow to others and us. I suspect we have all experienced both sides of words used in such ways.

For this reason, it is extremely important to understand how to choose our words wisely. I for one know firsthand that it is easy to use words but impossible to take them back. The results from our speech can be either beautiful or unattractive.

A verse today asks us to answer the question: What is your heart full of? Are there any patterns that you notice? Stop here. Take a moment a really think about it. What comes to mind?

The Bible gives us one way we can tell what our hearts are full of. Jesus says, “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of,” (Luke 6:45). What is your heart full of?

Possible, in this little exercise, you noticed a pattern or theme in our words or comments. Maybe we are those who struggle with fear or anger or bitterness. On the other hand, maybe our words tend to be bursting with hope or are words that are encouraging or thoughtful.

When we want to choose our words wisely, we need to start by looking at our heart and examining it. It is there where we can find the root to our words. That is what our Bible teaches us today.

Look at Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

When we are examining our words and hearts, we must gauge whether our words are unwholesome or beneficial. The best way to do this is by turning to the Bible, our source of truth to see what it has to say about the difference between beneficial words and unwholesome talk. So, let me ask again, “What is your Heart full of?

“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

 

 

BE PREPARED with a STORY

 

August 16, 2023

1 Peter 3:15

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

 

BE PREPARED with a STORY

I believe that the followers of Jesus, we Christians have something that is valuable for our culture today, hope. We confess that our hope is found in Jesus Christ and his liberating sacrifice for us. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to “always be prepared to … give a reason for the hope that you have.”

Sharing your faith story might not always be an easy task, especially if you are afraid of being judged or looked at differently because of what you believe. It may seem intimidating at times.

Yet, sharing the Gospel does not have to be a source of stress or strain, rather it can be an exciting chance to share your story that illustrates what Jesus has done for you, and what Jesus means to you. That is what our role is, the Holy Spirit will touch people’s hearts through your words.

So, share your story or testimony when an opportunity is given. When you share your story, you form a personal connection with others, you can talk about how Jesus has personally impacted you. You are not trying to force anything on another, you are just saying that faith in Jesus and your experience of Jesus’ work in your life has given you hope, or peace, or joy, … In these moments you are sharing your own experience and letting the Holy Spirit look after the outcome of your words.  What we need to remember is that we are just planting seeds of hope. We are Sowers planting the seed of hope with gentleness and respect, through the way we live and yes, sometimes through the things we say.

 

“Declare his glory among the nations, 

his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”

Psalms 96:3

ARE YOU BRAGING?

 

August 15, 2023

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God — that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’




2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.


Galatians 6:14

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

 

 

It is not often that we see boasting encouraged, especially in the scriptures. Boasting is usually full of arrogance and pride and let us be honest a boasting person can be annoying. However, in the scriptures above, Paul encourages boasting. He doesn’t encourage just any boasting, but rather he encourages boasting in the Lord.

What Does It Mean to Boast in the Lord?

Boasting in the Lord is not the same as someone boasting about a new car, our kids grades or our achievements. Boasting in the Lord involves us giving glory, praise, and honor to God for who he is and for all the good things God done. Boasting in the Lord is not self-seeking, rather it is centered around our Creator God who deserves all our glory and praise.

“God is good all the time, All the time God is good,” we often say. Truly, God’s goodness is amazing. Boasting in the God involves praising his name and communicating his wonderful works. We can worship and sing praise, but that is not the only way that we can boast about our God. We can boast in God by voicing to those around us, that the steadfast love and kindness of our God never ceases, and God’s goodness never comes to an end.

Go ahead do some biblical boasting this week.

 

In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. 

Psalm 44:8

WHISPERS

 

AUGUST 14, 2023

1 Kings 19:11-13

 

“The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

 

Listening to God isn’t easy. We have our expectations for what we think he should sound like, and when those expectations aren’t met, we may question whether we heard God’s voice.

With all the voices shouting at us — social media, television, friends, family or even the messages we hear in church — how can we be sure that we are hearing God’s voice rather than our own thoughts or the enemy’s lies?

This is a overwhelming task, but by looking at Elijah’s experience we can get an idea of what God’s voice sounds like, how to listen for it and how to know when it is, in fact, the Lord’s message that we are hearing.

Many people think that the Lord’s voice only reveals as a loud shout, and for good reason. We see God’s voice described as such throughout the Bible, in Job and Revelation, God’s voice is described as “thundering,” (Job 37:5; 40:9, Rev. 4). So, does that mean that God’s voice is only a thundering shout?

God does speak like this, but that’s not the only way God talks. Many times, his voice is a whisper into your mind or spirit, where you can only hear it if you listen carefully. Elijah illustrates this for us in 1 Kings 19, where he stood on a mountain and heard God speak to him. Elijah could have been fooled by what many people thought was the Lord’s voice, an incredible show of God’s power, such as a natural disaster or a loud voice raining down from heaven, but he continued to listen, and instead, God’s voice came to him as a whisper, a still small voice. If Elijah wasn’t listening, he may have missed it.

We know that God speaks to us through a quiet whisper, but what does this sound like? Elijah, for example, only heard the Lord’s whisper by listening closely.

When we pray, we try to listen for God. If you’re having trouble sitting still for long enough to listen, it may help to drown out other sounds by listening to hymns or worship instrumentals or classical music. We can also silence our phone and go to a quiet place, where you won’t be distracted, like Jesus taught. Then, as we quiet our thoughts we listen for a voice or thought that isn’t ours. It may help to say, “God, I’m here. Whatever you want to say, I’m listening.” Some say that by saying or thinking these kinds of words it will signal to our mind, our brain, that it’s time to focus and listen to God.

When you get a response from God, it will line up with Scripture (John 1:1-3), bring peace (Psalm 29:11, Psalm 85:8) and challenge you to grow in your faith (Matthew 6:25-34). Let us not underestimate the power of the Lord’s whisper. Yes, God speaks in many ways, and when he does you can be confident that it will be in the best interest of those who follow him (Romans 8:28).