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The Important One
Once upon a time there lived a guy who just knew he was something special. After all, he had gifts and abilities far beyond those of his friends, acquaintances, and even his enemies. With one exception. But that really didn’t matter, as long as all the others knew how important he was.
Important. Yes, that’s what he was. Important! The way he figured it, there wasn’t anyone more important. All focus should be towards him. All conversation should be about him and his worth; his importance. In fact, the whole universe should revolve around him, because in his mind, it already did.
Little by little his self-importance grew, like a weed in a bed of flowers. He could no longer concentrate on using his gifts and abilities as they were designed; he began using them to showcase his position, his power, and of course, his importance. The team concept he’d been part of for years gave way to a “I’m doing things my way, now” kind of attitude.
There were some associates of his who thought he was an egotistical nut! They began to separate themselves from his maniacal manners and his constant bragging. Just to listen to him one would have thought he was the creator and sustainer of Heaven and Earth! No, they just couldn’t take him any longer. They’d had enough.
Yet there were others who agreed, at least outwardly, with the guy. He was great, very important, and should be listened to. His plans should be implemented, not tossed aside. Sure, he’s full of himself. But aren’t all great people? Yes, it’s true, he loved himself more than anything or anyone else. But you’ve got to look out for number one! So while the majority of his friends and associates walked away leaving him to bask in his own selfish glory, there were some who began to champion his cause.
The cause? Make everyone agree with the important one’s worth! To honor him, even exalt him as the one worthy of all worth-ship. The mightiest of all! The most beautiful, most gifted and anointed one.
However, there was the One exception, the One who really was greater than any other. He brought the important one into His office and asked him about the rumors He’d heard. The important one just looked at Him, placed his hands on his hips, curled his lip and said with a smirk, “Old man, your time is up. You’ve lost a step or two and can’t keep up. I’ve been running things for a long time, and have all authority and power. Everything but your chair! Well, now I’m taking that! I will do what you do, only better. I will say what you say, think what you think, create what you create; all you can do I will do, only better, faster, wiser. And I alone will be the important one. I will be above all!”
Well, as you may remember, that little “coup d’etat” failed before it ever got started. It takes more than being convinced of your own self-importance to actually sit in the seat of The Most Important One. But though the rebellion failed, the spirit of the “important one” is running rampant throughout this world. Maybe it’s even affected you.
Everyone will either live to sell their “importance” to all who will listen, or they will humble themselves under the hand of the Most Important One. Those who are convinced they have no reason to “bend their knee” to anyone, will someday experience that very thing. “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11 NLT)
It is an amazing thing to think about; the way to have true importance is to yield one’s life to the One Who is truly God! The One Who calls, equips, and anoints. The One Who really makes you “special.”
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:10 NLT)
What will you do?
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Addendum to “Shuffling the Saints”
In my last post, I mentioned several reasons why I believe people shuffle from church to church. I’ve seen it happen a lot, as a pastor, and I see it in scripture.However, I must admit I left out a few important details.
One – I do not know everything! I’m not God, and never will be. I am not the judge of people’s motives, nor the sole keeper of the Church. Jesus alone has that authority and position.
Two – Sometimes people change churches because of doctrinal issues. As scripture indicates, in the last days there will be those who depart from the faith. This includes church leaders. Or rather, it can include them. Christians who notice their church “sliding” from truth may decide to move on.
Three – People move to a new location. Kind of hard to commute 200 miles…
Four – God actually tells them to leave, and join themselves to another fellowship. Yep, that actually happens.
Finally, I just want to say I love the Church! I only want to see it be what God intended for it to be; His Glorious Church Triumphant!
Sorry if the last post may have sounded a bit harsh or judgmental. Not my idea at all.
Amen.
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Shuffling the Saints
There’s a phenomenon taking place in the church today; one that hasn’t happened before (in my opinion). The “Shuffling of the Saints” is what I call it. People changing churches like they’re playing musical chairs.
God refers to the ordeal, and the people involved, in a number of different ways.
For instance: God says they have “itching ears.”
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NKJV)
“Itching ears” people turn from truth and turn to fables, man-made ideas and doctrines; ideas that are easy to believe and even easier to follow. Less demanding, greater degree of freedom to do what one wants without feeling guilty.
Another reason saints are shuffled: “the offended”.
“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.” (Matthew 24:10 NKJV)
“Offended” people, by and large, shift from church to church without ever dealing with the real issue or offense. They carry it with them wherever they go; in fact, because the problem never gets corrected, they end up infecting each church they attend. The problem? Themselves! Thin skinned, selfish, got-to-have-their-own-way kind of people. Of course, they never admit to that; no, they change churches because God “told them” to. Instead of dealing with an offense in a scriptural manner, then “shuffle” on off to a new pasture.
Still, another aspect of the phenomenon is an unwillingness to endure correction or discipline. “Undisciplined disciples”.
“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:3-11 NKJV)
“Undisciplined disciples” won’t take correction from anyone “but God”! They believe that makes them appear to be very spiritual, but actually, it reveals their true immaturity and carnality. The Lord placed leaders in His church, who’s responsibility is to watch over other’s lives (Hebrews 13) and help bring correction, which grows into maturity and holiness.
Sure, there are times when the Lord really does move people from one church to another. But that’s not what I’m referring to.
If you and I are to grow up into Him, as mature, spiritual men and women, we had better learn to settle in to the fellowship of God’s choice. Endure correction, develop “thicker skin” so we’re not so easily offended, and keep our “ears” clean and clear; they’re less likely to itch that way.
Churches marketing their “services” can be a subtle part of the “shuffling phenomenon”, as well. Of course, they are really just trying to “reach the lost”. But how many “lost” people do you know who really give two hoots about all the programs designed for “believers”? Honesty could go a long way here.
Churches cater to and draw the saints who have their “shuffling shoes” on! “Welcome, child of God! Hope you will like us enough to stay and help us grow. Sure, you may have stirred up trouble at your last church, but that’s okay. We could use your offering; I mean, we could use your talents.”
Swap and shop! Way too much going on these days. If God is going to have a beautiful church to greet Him when He comes, the swapping and shuffling needs to stop!
Now!
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What Do You REALLY Have To Complain About?
What do you REALLY have to complain about?A simple question, wouldn’t you say? But in case you don’t feel like answering, please allow me to answer for you.
People complain about EVERYTHING! Anything and everything, from A to Z!
Algebra, air pollution, attitudes and authors
Beer drinkers, bomb throwers, bread crumbs and brothers
Credit cards, cold days, commercials and collectors
Dark rooms, diet plans, deacons and disorderEmpty heads, early days, essentials and excursions
Finger flippers, fast talkers, fraud and fake excusesGod lovers, God haters, God, and God’s Own Son
Heavenly talk, hellish rot, the homely and the handsome
Idiot lights, ice cream cones, issues and the insane
Jaw breakers, joke tellers, jealous folk and JaneKmart, kissing kids, kooks and kennel keepers
Lamp posts, lollipops, lumpy spuds and leadersMonopolies, missing links, motorcars and meatballs
Nasty smells, nosy neighbors, names and nature callsOral surgeons, ornery sisters, outdoors and off-key singing
Preened preachers, poor losers, pets and perspiringQueen beds, quick-tempered dolts, quiche and quorums
Ransacked rooms, rotten moods, rain and Rick Santorum
Sweaty palms, shifty eyes, salt and situations
Terror plots, tater tots, tabloids and temptationsUnderwear, uniforms, ugly and unfaithful
Vain egos, villains, vagrants and vengefulWater beds, wasteful, wicked and weirdo
X’s, x-rays, xenophobic Americano
Yesterday, Yankees, yard birds and yews
Zodiac, zombies, zealots and zoos.Those are just some of the things people complain about. But why?
Why do so many people seem to live a life of complaining?
Ultimately it boils down to this: they do not trust God!
In the Old Testament, the Israelites complained throughout their wilderness journey. They complained when they didn’t have water. God gave them water from a rock. They complained because they didn’t have food. God supplied food from Heaven; Manna. After a while, that which God supplied wasn’t good enough, so they complained about that!
They complained about their leaders (hmmm), they complained about their preachers (double hmmm). They probably complained when things were going well!
Complaining is a sign of the times… “These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.” Jude 16 NKJV
A few words from Paul…
“Do all things without complaining and disputing,” Philippians 2:14 NKJV
“nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.” 1 Corinthians 10:10 NKJV
Complaining reveals a lack of understanding of who God is, and what He said He could and would do. It says, in essence, “this or that which I’m experiencing isn’t right. I deserve better! I deserve better food, companions, things, friends, service…whatever. And it looks like God doesn’t care because He said everything I need, He would supply.”
BOO HOO!
Come on, people, what do you really have to complain about?
Think of the worst thing that could happen to you or a loved one. Just for a moment. Now, ask yourself, “in what way would complaining change that thing”?
Fact is, complaining doesn’t help, it only hurts. It reinforces the focus on the problem, and blocks faith’s ability to come to the rescue. It says, over and over, to your mind and spirit, “this problem, this situation, is too big for God.”
It also reveals a selfish side of the chronic complainer…
How about memorizing this description of God; especially when complaining seems like all that’s left to do (written by a guy who was no stranger to tough times)…
“‘Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. You show loving-kindness to thousands, and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them — the Great, the Mighty God, whose name is the Lord of hosts.You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 32:18,19 NKJV
Complaining is more than just a bad habit. It’s a fist waved at God! It’s a choice, a decision, a way of facing unpleasant situations. It is SIN, and it needs to be conquered! So submit yourself to God, resist the spirit of complaining, remind yourself Who God is and what He’s promised to do, rejoice in God your Savior!
Complaining will get up and leave the area, when it loses its audience.
Bye!
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Call Before You Dig
We used to have a dog named Joey. He was part Lab, part Brittany, and part Part. As a young pup, he loved digging holes in our backyard. It didn’t matter to him that he’d fall into the holes from time to time; he just loved to dig. Of course, it caused a bit of a problem for me when it was time to mow the lawn!I started thinking about “digging”, after talking with someone awhile back. I felt a few “digs”, a few taps with the shovel, while we conversed.
I’m sure you’ve seen the signs, “Call before digging…it’s the law.” It’s also for our safety!
Have you ever known someone who likes to “dig” at others while conversing with them? A Mister or Miss Sarcasm; always ready with a sharp tongue, quick insult (subtle, of course), and negative word?
Why do people feel a need to act that way? Are they that unsure or unhappy with their own lot in life? Do they get any benefit out of tearing someone else apart? Digging little holes, or big ones, in someone’s character, experience, or blessings surely can’t be that gratifying, can it?
I think it would be much more gratifying to be a hole “filler” instead of a digger. To be someone who looks for and finds ways to encourage others. Someone who “covers” the faults or mistakes of others. Besides, filling holes is a lot safer than digging them.
Imagine what could happen to a relationship if, while digging, a nerve is struck? As when a gas pipe is busted and an explosion occurs, the damage to the busted relationship could become irreparable.
“Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, “and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.” (Proverbs 26:27 ESV)
“See that man shoveling day after day, digging, then concealing, his man-trap down that lonely stretch of road? Go back and look again – you’ll see him in it headfirst, legs waving in the breeze. That’s what happens: mischief backfires; violence boomerangs.” (Psalm 7:15 MSG)
Jealousy, sarcasm, and digs of any sort are not becoming to a child of God. Destructive attitudes and actions do not belong in the Body of Christ. Actually, no one needs that sort of trash!
“Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless – that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. Whoever wants to embrace life and see the day fill up with good, here’s what you do: say nothing evil or hurtful; snub evil and cultivate good; run after peace for all you’re worth. God looks on all this with approval, listening and responding well to what he’s asked; but he turns his back on those who do evil things.” (1 Peter 3:8 MSG)
Remember, if you feel you MUST dig, CALL on God first for permission. It’s the law, and it’s for your safety!
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It All Begins With A Seed
It all began with a seed. How long the seed was in the ground, only God knows. But it was there, just waiting for the right time, the perfect time, to make its grand appearance. Once it started to grow, there would be little to stop it.A tightly wound, thin shaft of green pushed through the hard, dry soil, signaling new growth; new life. At least that’s what it looked like. Pretty green leaves, much like those around it. Ah, yes, it will fit just perfectly with everything else.
Soon, though, the beauty dies and you see the plant for what it is. A dandelion! A weed! A plant that can ruin the best kept lawns. In fact, a plant that can affect whole neighborhoods! By the time the plant withers, it can produce some 200 seeds; multiplying itself some 200 times. All it takes is a little wind, like someone picking it from the ground and blowing on it. Incredible!
And to think…it all began with a seed!
Our thoughts are like seeds. The things we think about, words we meditate on, dwell upon, are seeds of future beauty. Or, they can be like weeds, destroying beauty, affecting neighborhoods, families, relationships.
Seeds grow into words. All of life is affected by words. Words have the power of life and death. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Proverbs 18:21) Words can create friendships, heal relationships, or cause turmoil and discord. Words can affect nations, leading to war or peace.
You and I are the caretaker of our mind. We determine which seeds, or thoughts, are allowed to be planted in us. We choose which ones are allowed to stay and grow.
If you’re not crazy about the life you’re living, or if your life isn’t blessed with God’s Presence, you’d better check what you’re planting, or what you’ve allowed to grow. Maybe you need to burn out the old field and start over with good seed. Or, maybe you should pray for a “crop failure.”
Because it all begins with a seed.
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Victory Is Yours
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:1-5 ESV)
Everyone! No exceptions, no buts, no ifs; Everyone!
Everyone who believes. Everyone may not understand everything, or be able to explain it all, but believes. Believes to the point of confessing allegiance to a new “Owner”, a new Lord.
Believes Jesus is the Christ. The Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, Substitute. To believe He is the Christ is to believe, and confess, one’s need for such a Savior. “I needed Him, that’s why God sent Him”, is the cry of the heart of the one who believes.
Is born of God. A new creation is the one who is born of God. A new nature, new “DNA”, new hope, a new purpose; born of God! A new Father, new family, new future. Born of God!
Everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of Him. What a wonderful way of recognizing the family. They look like Father! The family loves like Father, talks like Father, walks like Father. And, does what Father desires!
And EVERYONE who is born of God, overcomes the world! There is nothing in this world, nothing, that can keep the one born of God in defeat, in sin, in hatred, in turmoil, in confusion. The world’s systems; its political, religious, financial, and educational systems cannot keep the child of God down!
Those who are born of God OVERCOME THE WORLD! Regardless of the country they are from, or their sex, financial status, or whatever. God makes the difference! Faith in God delivers from the trappings and the chains of the world. And though there may be struggles, battles, conflicts, or whatever; those born of God OVERCOME!
“And this is the victory that overcomes the world; even our faith.”
No longer a slave to sin and death. No more bound to the dictates of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Overcomers, that’s who we are in Christ! “…thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV) “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” (Revelation 12:11 ESV)
The VICTORY IS YOURS through Jesus Christ our Lord. DON’T SETTLE FOR ANYTHING LESS!
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Musicians and Music
It’s been said that musicians are a strange breed of cat. I’ve been inclined to agree. But I’m not sure anymore. I believe everyone has a bit of peculiarity about them. God would call it uniqueness.However, there is something powerful about music. Maybe it’s the melody, words, rhythm, and harmony all working together that makes it so powerful. Ask any person 50 years or older about a certain bell, a certain tune, they’d hear during the summer and chances are they’d begin telling you about the ice cream truck, or bicycle. And, oh, the power of that little tune was enough to get every kid running to their parents, all yelling the same thing, “Can we, Puh-Leeze?!?”
Musicians and music. In my opinion, you can’t separate the two. They are connected by the heart of the musician. A musician can create a piece of music, write it down so others can play it, all the while never realizing the spirit that embodies the song.
I know, it sounds pretty weird. Let me say it a different way. Whatever is in a person’s heart, or spirit, in abundance, is what will come out; regardless of what they’re doing or what their gift is. For instance: do you know people who complain all the time? Guess what’s in their heart. Actually, you don’t need to guess. They give it away! Know anyone who is kind and encouraging? Out of the abundance of the heart…
There are examples of this phenomenon in the scriptures. David, before he was king, was a singing, worshipping, shepherd boy. He loved God, worshipped God, and stood up for God’s Name regardless of the circumstance. His heart was full of love for God. So, when King Saul had emotional and spiritual problems, and probably felt like he was losing his mind, someone suggested to him that he get David to come and play music for him. David came and brought the Presence of God with him, soothing Saul’s soul.
Another time, King Jehoshaphat was preparing to join forces with King Ahab, but hesitated until he could hear from Elisha, the prophet. Elisha said, “Bring me a minstrel (or musician).” As the musician began to play, the hand of the Lord came upon Elisha. The musician helped usher in the Presence of God,and mighty things were accomplished.
Lucifer himself used to be the chief musician in Heaven (Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28). Music and a holy anointing flowed out of him; until the day iniquity was found in him. Until the day he was consumed with himself; his importance, his gifts, his power. But even though a holy anointing ceased to flow out of him, still, music and an unholy anointing flows from his heart. Out of the abundance of his heart his mouth speaks, sings, worships (himself), plans, etc. Same way with God and mankind, who were created in His image.
Everything flows from the heart!
Ministering, serving others, flows from the heart. Giving to the widows and orphans flows from the heart. The power to resist temptation flows from the heart.
Everything flows from the heart!
There’s coming a day when the children of God will learn this truth. They will come to know that, regardless of the situation they may be in, they can bring Godly influence and His Heavenly Presence into their midst. It’s not a matter of praying long prayers, fasting 200 days, or even saying so many “amens”, “oh me’s”, or “hail Mary’s”. It’s allowing the heart to do what it longs to do most – love and worship God! It was created to yield to God, to allow God access to all He’s placed inside each of us. The creation yielding to its Creator – now that’s beautiful music!
Whatever is good, lovely, pure, kind, fruit of the spirit (the human spirit); let those things be in you in abundance and they will flow from you. “Out of your inner most being will flow rivers of Living Water.” Because the River is in you, it can flow out of you.
Everything flows out of the heart!
“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ’Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38 ESV)
“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45 ESV)
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 ESV)
Musicians – do you want to make a positive difference in your world? It’s not about building a platform, putting a band together, recording and distributing your songs, or making a name for yourself. Do you remember the name of the minstrel who played for Elisha? No? That’s because his name wasn’t recorded. Only One Name is important. And amazing things happen because of that Name.
The main thing is being the person God can anoint and flow through to touch others. After all, something is going to flow out of your heart. Let it be something God can partner with.
Everything flows from the heart!
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Riches To Rags
He was the richest, most powerful man in the world. His wife was gorgeous; beautiful beyond description. Everyone knew she was made for him. For years people have commented about the first time he ever laid eyes on her. They say it was love at first sight. Yes, they were quite the couple.
He lacked nothing, nothing at all. If and when he ever needed anything, all he needed to do was speak, and his request was granted.
His influence was legendary, commanding respect. Known as a “world changer”, his pioneering spirit brought changes to such things as real estate, farming, animal husbandry, mining, fishing, parenting, religion, meteorology, and, of course, marriage.
He had it all. All but one thing.
That one thing was his undoing, his downfall.
He couldn’t stay away from it! He’d think about it constantly, looking for an excuse to walk by it, smell its fragrance, behold its shape, and etch its image forever in his mind.
He knew, deep down, things weren’t quite right. But he couldn’t stop. The voice, the calling, the attraction was becoming an obsession! Though he knew he could lose everything he had, it didn’t matter.
Finally, he reached the point of no return, and gave in to his passion.
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:6 ESV)
No matter who we are, or how “powerful” and influential we think we may be, there will always be something “off limits”. Something we must not touch. Something we must not dwell on.
A thing, a person, a habit, a lust. Something we must stay clear of, or else our world will come crashing down
None of us are so high and mighty we can’t find our way from riches to rags.
It only takes one bite!
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The Voice
There’s an extremely popular TV show called “The Voice”. I see a tremendous amount of Facebook posts about the show; who’s doing well, who’s not and why. While reading the FB posts, I began to meditate on a different Voice. The Voice that spoke the world into existence, blessed His new creation, cursed the serpent, called Noah to build a safe place, and directed Abraham to leave his homeland to pursue the land of promise. The Voice that sustains all life!
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord, over many waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars; the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare…” (Psalm 29:3-9 ESV)
The Voice I’m referring to is the same Voice Who called to Moses out of a burning bush, declared the Commandments from The Mountain of God against a backdrop of smoke and fire, commanded Moses to build the dwelling place for the Almighty, and called Joshua, Moses assistant, to lead Israel the final leg of their journey to the promised land.
This powerful Voice gave the children of Israel the plan that would open the city of Jericho for the kingdom of God! All they needed to do was hear and heed The Voice.
Down through history The Voice has actively been calling men and women. Calling Gideon to tear down his father’s idol, the children of Israel to choose between the God of Israel and Baal, and the returning remnant to rebuild the broken walls of the City of David.
The Voice has spoken to prophets, priests, princes, and just plain, ordinary people. The Voice has raised empires and torn down kingdoms. It has roared like thunder as it demonstrated its anger, and whispered its secrets to those who would quiet themselves to listen.
At just the right time, The Voice spoke to the virgin, “You shall bring forth a son, Jesus, Who will deliver His people from their sin.” And the virgin responded, “Yes”.
As Jesus was being baptized by John, the Heavens opened and The Voice spoke for all to hear, “…and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17 ESV) And Jesus knew it was so.
The Voice spoke to Peter, revealing to his heart the absolute deity of the One called Jesus. And Peter responded, “Yes”.
Jesus told us, “…My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 ESV)
Peter mentions hearing The Voice while on the mountain with Jesus: “And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.” (2 Peter 1:18 NKJV)
This Voice stopped Saul of Tarsus in his hate-filled tracks. While Saul was riding to Damascus, suddenly a Light and a Voice blew Saul out of his saddle! “And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4 ESV)
The Apostle John heard The Voice while imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet.” (Revelation 1:10 ESV)
Paul wrote of a coming day when The Voice will call His Sons and Daughters to be removed from this present world and be translated to His Presence forever. “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first…” (1 Thessalonians 4:16 ESV)
For the last 2000 years The Voice has been calling, calling, calling, men and women, boys and girls, to leave the paths of darkness and death. He says, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness,” (Hebrews 3:7-8 ESV)
The Voice. Creating fear in demons, contempt in unbelievers, and worship in the hearts of the redeemed.
The Voice. Though not obeyed by all, one day all will bow to The Voice.
The Voice. All of Heaven adores it. All of Hell abhors it. Creation reflects it, the lost reject it.
And when everything has been said and done, and mankind is finally through waging war against The Voice; when the lake of fire is stocked with the devil and his crowd, and eternity is finally beginning, The Voice will be loud and clear!
Though the television show, “The Voice”, is over for the season, God’s Voice is not seasonal, not dependent upon ratings, doesn’t need sponsors, and is always just what you and I need.
While it’s called today, don’t ignore The Voice. He is calling YOU!
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20 ESV)
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
