John 10:22-30
It was now winter, and Jesus was in Jerusalem at the time of Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication. He was in the Temple, walking through the section known as Solomon’s Colonnade. The people surrounded him and asked, “How long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
Jesus replied, “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me. The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else.
No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Today would be the 101st birthday of my Mam-ma Polly ,were she still living. As I looked back through my prayer journal, I noted day after day for more than year, I asked… “Can’t Mam-ma come Home, LORD? She is so ready.” And on March 8, 2013, God whispered the name of his precious sheep, and she answered. All of the time I was asking this, I knew that He would answer…in His time – not mine. I truly respect the sovereignty of God… the wisdom of His plans and timing. And I believe that He heard my requests…and probably smiled as He whispered, “The timing was not perfect… until now.”
So when I received news this morning that the 32-year-old son of a childhood friend had died last night in an accident, I was once again reminded of how different God’s plans are from ours sometimes… and how important it is that we listen to His voice. I attended the baptism of this young man almost a decade ago. And I found his name peppered throughout my prayer journal entries in the years since that day. I truly believe that God answered my prayers to meet this person’s needs… just not in the way I had anticipated. And again, I am confident in the knowledge that He rests in the arms of Jesus this day… along with my beloved Mam-ma Polly and countless others – all sheep who know His voice.
I know that NO ONE can snatch these dear souls from Jesus…they are safe and protected in His arms… and that gives me tremendous comfort. I am learning that we are not going to always understand why God does what He does… or why He does it in a certain manner. But when we listen for His voice… when we know Him and follow Him, the outcome will be perfect – Eternal Life with Him where we never perish. NO ONE will be able to take us from Him…no harm can truly ever come to us when we are Jesus’ sheep.
The question becomes… “Do you hear the voice of Jesus?” Does He know you… and do you follow Him? Do you trust His power…His plans for you and the manner in which He executes them? Do you truly respect God? Isn’t it time to put your faith in the One who is more powerful than anyone else? Isn’t it time to stop trying to tell God how things ought to go… and trust His wisdom and power to bring about the most perfect results? Don’t you want to rest safely in the arms of Jesus someday?
This is the perfect day to stop and say, “LORD Jesus, I surrender to You…to Your will, Your power, and Your plans. I respectfully trade my desires for Yours. I humbly honor Your perfection and thank You for the love and protection You offer me… both now and for all Eternity.” Have you prayed a prayer like this one? Have you made Jesus your Great Shepherd? Can you say with confidence that you are one of His sheep? Isn’t it time you were?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Showing posts with label Gods voice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gods voice. Show all posts
Daily Devotional for May 1, 2013
Romans 1:8-15
I thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That’s first. People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But don’t think I’m not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you.
Please don’t misinterpret my failure to visit you, friends. You have no idea how many times I’ve made plans for Rome. I’ve been determined to get some personal enjoyment out of God’s work among you, as I have in so many other non-Jewish towns and communities. But something has always come up and prevented it. Everyone I meet—it matters little whether they’re mannered or rude, smart or simple—deepens my sense of interdependence and obligation. And that’s why I can’t wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever really wanted to do something or go somewhere, but nothing worked out? It seemed like no matter how hard you tried - or how much you wanted to do this - things just never came together. You might have even said, “There’s just something holding me back!” On the other hand, there might have been something you felt you should do… but everyone else said, “That’s crazy!” Still, you strongly felt you were supposed to take a certain job, donate to a certain cause, or even go visit someone you might not know very well – or with whom your relationship had not been all that great.
I don’t know about you, but I am comforted to know that this even happened to the Apostle Paul! And yet, I’m not surprised, because clearly the timing was not right… this was not his “season” to visit the Romans! And the “something” that held him back was most likely Someone – God Almighty!
In this passage, Paul is somewhat making excuses. But in his case, the reasons are valid. There truly are times when we are not meant to participate in something… to volunteer for a particular ministry, join a Bible study group or civic club, take on another project or hobby, or even take a trip. The KEY is to know when we are merely making excuses because we don’t want to do something or it doesn’t fit our own personal agenda…and when God is whispering, “This is not your season for that project,” or “This doesn’t fit my plans for you.”
Our pastor was speaking to the membership a few weeks ago about areas of service within the church, and he plainly told those in attendance not to sign up for everything on the list! God doesn’t want warm bodies… He wants willing servants that He can equip for the task. If we take on anything and everything that comes down the pike, we will be something of a “jack-of-all-trades-and-master-of-none.” We cannot be effective if we spread our talents and energy too thinly. So sometimes, the “excuse” that “it’s just not working for me right now,” or “this is not my season” is totally appropriate.
Believe me, if God had wanted Paul to visit the Romans at the time of his letter, He would have cleared the way. And if you and I stay in close communication with Him, we will know that He is guiding our steps and opening doors. When something doesn’t feel right - or things just don’t seem to come together – stop and ask God, “What are you showing me? Am I on track? Is this where You want me to be?” If you do not get a clear indication that God is sending you, I strongly encourage you to re-evaluate your choices.
By the same token, I can name more than one time in my life that I have felt strongly convicted I was supposed to move in a certain direction or make a specific decision that my head told me was ridiculous… but God spoke to my heart and said, “Do it anyway.” I know people who paid for meals in restaurants for complete strangers, reached out to someone with whom they had a strained relationship, and stepped up to be foster parents, and more… all while “that little voice in their heads” said, “This is crazy!” But the Voice in their heart said, “I’m beside you all the way… do this for Me.” And the outcome blessed all concerned. When God calls you to step out and do something that is scary, unconventional, or unpleasant… trust Him to make the difference - and go for it!
There are plenty of times when we make excuses because of our own selfish desires. But sometimes, our “excuse” is that “God told me to do this… or NOT to do this.” And this justification is not only appropriate… it is extremely critical to the life of a Christian. Following God’s will is the only thing that truly matters. The next time He leads you in a specific direction…will you be ready and willing to follow? Make sure your “excuses” are always based on your “heart-talk” with God… and not on your own agenda.
©2013 Debbie Robus
I thank God through Jesus for every one of you. That’s first. People everywhere keep telling me about your lives of faith, and every time I hear them, I thank him. And God, whom I so love to worship and serve by spreading the good news of his Son—the Message!—knows that every time I think of you in my prayers, which is practically all the time, I ask him to clear the way for me to come and see you. The longer this waiting goes on, the deeper the ache. I so want to be there to deliver God’s gift in person and watch you grow stronger right before my eyes! But don’t think I’m not expecting to get something out of this, too! You have as much to give me as I do to you.
Please don’t misinterpret my failure to visit you, friends. You have no idea how many times I’ve made plans for Rome. I’ve been determined to get some personal enjoyment out of God’s work among you, as I have in so many other non-Jewish towns and communities. But something has always come up and prevented it. Everyone I meet—it matters little whether they’re mannered or rude, smart or simple—deepens my sense of interdependence and obligation. And that’s why I can’t wait to get to you in Rome, preaching this wonderful good news of God.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Have you ever really wanted to do something or go somewhere, but nothing worked out? It seemed like no matter how hard you tried - or how much you wanted to do this - things just never came together. You might have even said, “There’s just something holding me back!” On the other hand, there might have been something you felt you should do… but everyone else said, “That’s crazy!” Still, you strongly felt you were supposed to take a certain job, donate to a certain cause, or even go visit someone you might not know very well – or with whom your relationship had not been all that great.
I don’t know about you, but I am comforted to know that this even happened to the Apostle Paul! And yet, I’m not surprised, because clearly the timing was not right… this was not his “season” to visit the Romans! And the “something” that held him back was most likely Someone – God Almighty!
In this passage, Paul is somewhat making excuses. But in his case, the reasons are valid. There truly are times when we are not meant to participate in something… to volunteer for a particular ministry, join a Bible study group or civic club, take on another project or hobby, or even take a trip. The KEY is to know when we are merely making excuses because we don’t want to do something or it doesn’t fit our own personal agenda…and when God is whispering, “This is not your season for that project,” or “This doesn’t fit my plans for you.”
Our pastor was speaking to the membership a few weeks ago about areas of service within the church, and he plainly told those in attendance not to sign up for everything on the list! God doesn’t want warm bodies… He wants willing servants that He can equip for the task. If we take on anything and everything that comes down the pike, we will be something of a “jack-of-all-trades-and-master-of-none.” We cannot be effective if we spread our talents and energy too thinly. So sometimes, the “excuse” that “it’s just not working for me right now,” or “this is not my season” is totally appropriate.
Believe me, if God had wanted Paul to visit the Romans at the time of his letter, He would have cleared the way. And if you and I stay in close communication with Him, we will know that He is guiding our steps and opening doors. When something doesn’t feel right - or things just don’t seem to come together – stop and ask God, “What are you showing me? Am I on track? Is this where You want me to be?” If you do not get a clear indication that God is sending you, I strongly encourage you to re-evaluate your choices.
By the same token, I can name more than one time in my life that I have felt strongly convicted I was supposed to move in a certain direction or make a specific decision that my head told me was ridiculous… but God spoke to my heart and said, “Do it anyway.” I know people who paid for meals in restaurants for complete strangers, reached out to someone with whom they had a strained relationship, and stepped up to be foster parents, and more… all while “that little voice in their heads” said, “This is crazy!” But the Voice in their heart said, “I’m beside you all the way… do this for Me.” And the outcome blessed all concerned. When God calls you to step out and do something that is scary, unconventional, or unpleasant… trust Him to make the difference - and go for it!
There are plenty of times when we make excuses because of our own selfish desires. But sometimes, our “excuse” is that “God told me to do this… or NOT to do this.” And this justification is not only appropriate… it is extremely critical to the life of a Christian. Following God’s will is the only thing that truly matters. The next time He leads you in a specific direction…will you be ready and willing to follow? Make sure your “excuses” are always based on your “heart-talk” with God… and not on your own agenda.
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for April 12, 2013
April 12 ~ Exodus 4:10-17
Moses raised another objection to God: “Master, please, I don’t talk well. I’ve never been good with words, neither before nor after you spoke to me. I stutter and stammer.”
God said, “And who do you think made the human mouth? And who makes some mute, some deaf, some sighted, some blind? Isn’t it I, God? So, get going. I’ll be right there with you—with your mouth! I’ll be right there to teach you what to say.”
He said, “Oh, Master, please! Send somebody else!”
God got angry with Moses: “Don’t you have a brother, Aaron the Levite? He’s good with words, I know he is. He speaks very well. In fact, at this very moment he’s on his way to meet you. When he sees you he’s going to be glad. You’ll speak to him and tell him what to say. I’ll be right there with you as you speak and with him as he speaks, teaching you step by step. He will speak to the people for you. He’ll act as your mouth, but you’ll decide what comes out of it. Now take this staff in your hand; you’ll use it to do the signs.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A lot of Bible scholars believe that Moses stuttered. I KNOW! The man who said to Pharaoh, “Let my people go!” had a speech impediment! So when God commanded Him to lead the Israelites, this was his excuse for not stepping up to the plate. And God’s answer was, in essence, “Okay then… I’ll tell you what to say, and you have your brother, Aaron, say it for you!” You cannot outsmart God!
You and I have all sorts of excuses for not taking on any number of projects or tasks… some God-designed, and some created by mere mortals. You might even say that more than a few of us have become fairly expert at tossing around excuses. We’ve covered our tracks and bowed out of agreements and commitments for so long that we don’t even have to think about it these days…our justifications simply roll right off the tongue! And a few of them might work with regular folk. We might be able to talk our way out of serving on a committee or going to a party that we don’t care to attend. We can probably come up with a “good enough” reason for skipping a workout or eating that extra slice of pie. And everyone might have a good laugh over it… as in “I’m not fat… I’m just short for my height!”
But I’m willing to bet that God has nudged you to do something at least once or twice in your life, and you have made excuses to Him. Maybe He has whispered, “You need to call Tom or Sue…” and you said, “I wouldn’t know what to say,” or “I’ll do it later.” Perhaps God has created an opportunity for you to witness to someone and share the Good News of Jesus Christ… and you “froze” and reasoned that “I might embarrass this person,” or “This is not really the time and place…” Or maybe God has convicted your heart that what you are participating in – physically or verbally – is wrong, but you continued, with the defense that you would rather not risk ridicule, call attention to yourself, or suffer a temporary embarrassment.
Like I said, we all have our reasons for the things we do… and most of us feel fairly confident that they are sound. But we haven’t asked God what He thinks, because deep down, we know that there are a lot of holes in our alibis… our explanations are fairly flimsy… and our excuses are exactly that - a dodge and deception. We can make all of the apologies in the world… as if that makes the situation better or more plausible. But at the end of the day, God knows the truth. And if you care anything at all about what God thinks of you… or what He knows about you… then you have to admit that our excuses are completely ridiculous and unacceptable.
When God calls us to do something, we need to be front and center – asking “Where, when, and how?” We need to fully believe that whatever God calls us to do…He will equip us to handle. He may send an “Aaron” to help us… or He may provide us with strength and abilities we had no idea we possessed (and didn’t without Supernatural assistance!). Regardless of how the tasks are accomplished, we must be ready and willing to accept God’s assignments. What about you? Are you ready to step up – and out – for God… or are you still busy making excuses?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Moses raised another objection to God: “Master, please, I don’t talk well. I’ve never been good with words, neither before nor after you spoke to me. I stutter and stammer.”
God said, “And who do you think made the human mouth? And who makes some mute, some deaf, some sighted, some blind? Isn’t it I, God? So, get going. I’ll be right there with you—with your mouth! I’ll be right there to teach you what to say.”
He said, “Oh, Master, please! Send somebody else!”
God got angry with Moses: “Don’t you have a brother, Aaron the Levite? He’s good with words, I know he is. He speaks very well. In fact, at this very moment he’s on his way to meet you. When he sees you he’s going to be glad. You’ll speak to him and tell him what to say. I’ll be right there with you as you speak and with him as he speaks, teaching you step by step. He will speak to the people for you. He’ll act as your mouth, but you’ll decide what comes out of it. Now take this staff in your hand; you’ll use it to do the signs.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
A lot of Bible scholars believe that Moses stuttered. I KNOW! The man who said to Pharaoh, “Let my people go!” had a speech impediment! So when God commanded Him to lead the Israelites, this was his excuse for not stepping up to the plate. And God’s answer was, in essence, “Okay then… I’ll tell you what to say, and you have your brother, Aaron, say it for you!” You cannot outsmart God!
You and I have all sorts of excuses for not taking on any number of projects or tasks… some God-designed, and some created by mere mortals. You might even say that more than a few of us have become fairly expert at tossing around excuses. We’ve covered our tracks and bowed out of agreements and commitments for so long that we don’t even have to think about it these days…our justifications simply roll right off the tongue! And a few of them might work with regular folk. We might be able to talk our way out of serving on a committee or going to a party that we don’t care to attend. We can probably come up with a “good enough” reason for skipping a workout or eating that extra slice of pie. And everyone might have a good laugh over it… as in “I’m not fat… I’m just short for my height!”
But I’m willing to bet that God has nudged you to do something at least once or twice in your life, and you have made excuses to Him. Maybe He has whispered, “You need to call Tom or Sue…” and you said, “I wouldn’t know what to say,” or “I’ll do it later.” Perhaps God has created an opportunity for you to witness to someone and share the Good News of Jesus Christ… and you “froze” and reasoned that “I might embarrass this person,” or “This is not really the time and place…” Or maybe God has convicted your heart that what you are participating in – physically or verbally – is wrong, but you continued, with the defense that you would rather not risk ridicule, call attention to yourself, or suffer a temporary embarrassment.
Like I said, we all have our reasons for the things we do… and most of us feel fairly confident that they are sound. But we haven’t asked God what He thinks, because deep down, we know that there are a lot of holes in our alibis… our explanations are fairly flimsy… and our excuses are exactly that - a dodge and deception. We can make all of the apologies in the world… as if that makes the situation better or more plausible. But at the end of the day, God knows the truth. And if you care anything at all about what God thinks of you… or what He knows about you… then you have to admit that our excuses are completely ridiculous and unacceptable.
When God calls us to do something, we need to be front and center – asking “Where, when, and how?” We need to fully believe that whatever God calls us to do…He will equip us to handle. He may send an “Aaron” to help us… or He may provide us with strength and abilities we had no idea we possessed (and didn’t without Supernatural assistance!). Regardless of how the tasks are accomplished, we must be ready and willing to accept God’s assignments. What about you? Are you ready to step up – and out – for God… or are you still busy making excuses?
©2013 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for February 5, 2012
Romans 8:5-8 Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them – living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking our about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn’t pleased at being ignored.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Evangelist Joyce Meyer tells a story about going to the grocery store one day and getting in the checkout line behind a woman who was struggling to come up with the change to pay her bill. She had a couple of small children clinging to her legs and she was clearly flustered and embarrassed as she counted the money in the bottom of her purse. Joyce heard God telling her to help the woman. At first, she argued… “No, LORD… that will only add to her embarrassment. I can’t get involved. This is not my problem.” But God would not stop troubling Joyce’s spirit, and she ended up handing over a couple of dollars (or whatever was needed). As the woman looked toward Joyce, her entire body seemed to relax in relief, and she thanked her profusely for helping.
There are several lessons here. First of all, every one of us hears that “inner voice” more often than we will admit. The trouble is… we’ve gotten pretty good at squelching or ignoring it! In my prayer journal, I found these sermon notes… “All the ‘gifts’ lie in a man’s spirit. Most of the time, people fear and aren’t willing to hear that Voice. It shuts down and Satan comes in to cause you to fear the word of the Spirit and operating in it.” So we argue with God… “No, LORD… I can’t do THAT! Please don’t ask me to speak to him/her. I can’t get involved… I’m too busy… shy… underdressed… lacking (in whatever area seems to fit at the moment).”
I’ve heard Joyce Meyer tell more than one story about God speaking to her and saying she should help someone else. On occasion, she ignored Him… and it gnawed at her. The times she listened, she not only blessed the other person, but God blessed her, as well. Blessings and prosperity are not about you… they are about God! He reaches us through our Spirit, who then reaches us through our mind. When you hear that “voice” telling you to do something, don’t let your intellectual fear hold you back. Too many of us are letting our head (intellect) lead us instead of our heart (the Holy Spirit).
I am trying to operate more from the heart than the head. It’s not easy, because Satan works hard to plant fear in our hearts and minds and make us think that what we are hearing is not really coming from God. But when I can’t shake a feeling that I am supposed to call someone… when I know somewhere deep within me that there is something I am supposed to do – especially for someone else - I am learning to step out in faith and lead with my heart. You’ve heard the saying, “Go with your gut!” I believe God often speaks to us from our “gut” – the very inner workings of our body. And yes… I’ve given a few pennies to someone at the checkout who was digging for change… and it felt great for both of us.
Don’t be afraid to do what God tells you to do. Don’t live in the defeat of intellectual fear. Don’t give Satan that satisfaction. Recognize that this is not about us… it’s about God. He is speaking to us each and every day… showing us how to serve, who to bless in His name, and how to live outside our own “self.” Don’t ignore Him! Focus on listening for His voice… and when He speaks, step up and out… then get ready to live in the blessings that will come for you and those you serve.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Evangelist Joyce Meyer tells a story about going to the grocery store one day and getting in the checkout line behind a woman who was struggling to come up with the change to pay her bill. She had a couple of small children clinging to her legs and she was clearly flustered and embarrassed as she counted the money in the bottom of her purse. Joyce heard God telling her to help the woman. At first, she argued… “No, LORD… that will only add to her embarrassment. I can’t get involved. This is not my problem.” But God would not stop troubling Joyce’s spirit, and she ended up handing over a couple of dollars (or whatever was needed). As the woman looked toward Joyce, her entire body seemed to relax in relief, and she thanked her profusely for helping.
There are several lessons here. First of all, every one of us hears that “inner voice” more often than we will admit. The trouble is… we’ve gotten pretty good at squelching or ignoring it! In my prayer journal, I found these sermon notes… “All the ‘gifts’ lie in a man’s spirit. Most of the time, people fear and aren’t willing to hear that Voice. It shuts down and Satan comes in to cause you to fear the word of the Spirit and operating in it.” So we argue with God… “No, LORD… I can’t do THAT! Please don’t ask me to speak to him/her. I can’t get involved… I’m too busy… shy… underdressed… lacking (in whatever area seems to fit at the moment).”
I’ve heard Joyce Meyer tell more than one story about God speaking to her and saying she should help someone else. On occasion, she ignored Him… and it gnawed at her. The times she listened, she not only blessed the other person, but God blessed her, as well. Blessings and prosperity are not about you… they are about God! He reaches us through our Spirit, who then reaches us through our mind. When you hear that “voice” telling you to do something, don’t let your intellectual fear hold you back. Too many of us are letting our head (intellect) lead us instead of our heart (the Holy Spirit).
I am trying to operate more from the heart than the head. It’s not easy, because Satan works hard to plant fear in our hearts and minds and make us think that what we are hearing is not really coming from God. But when I can’t shake a feeling that I am supposed to call someone… when I know somewhere deep within me that there is something I am supposed to do – especially for someone else - I am learning to step out in faith and lead with my heart. You’ve heard the saying, “Go with your gut!” I believe God often speaks to us from our “gut” – the very inner workings of our body. And yes… I’ve given a few pennies to someone at the checkout who was digging for change… and it felt great for both of us.
Don’t be afraid to do what God tells you to do. Don’t live in the defeat of intellectual fear. Don’t give Satan that satisfaction. Recognize that this is not about us… it’s about God. He is speaking to us each and every day… showing us how to serve, who to bless in His name, and how to live outside our own “self.” Don’t ignore Him! Focus on listening for His voice… and when He speaks, step up and out… then get ready to live in the blessings that will come for you and those you serve.
©2012 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 29, 2011
1 Kings 19:9-14
While Elijah was on Mount Sinai, the LORD asked, "Elijah, why are you here?"
He answered, "LORD God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!"
"Go out and stand on the mountain," the LORD replied. "I want you to see me when I pass by."
All at once, a strong wind shook the mountain and shattered the rocks. But the LORD was not in the wind. Next, there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. Then there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.
Finally, there was a gentle breeze, and when Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat. He went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. The LORD asked, "Elijah, why are you here?" Elijah answered, "LORD God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When an argument or crisis arises, the general human temptation is to raise one’s voice… to yell and scream. If you have ever been involved in a discussion with someone who remained calm and spoke softly and slowly, you know that this can be an incredibly powerful tactic. In public debate, the person who keeps his/her cool and controls the voice is usually the more effective speaker.
So why is it any surprise that God would come to us in a whisper instead of a loud booming voice? After all, He really doesn’t need to shout, does he? We are often looking – and listening – for the blustery effects of God’s “earth, wind and fire”… while He is whispering, “I’m right here, ready to meet your every need.”
Our challenge for today is to calm ourselves and truly look and listen for God… not in major, earth-shattering events or “signs” – but in the still small voice of a whisper. Where is He showing you His will for your life… a blessing you didn’t expect… or an opportunity to serve Him? Will you truly recognize God when He speaks?
Have you dialed back the volume your own heart and mind, so that you are attuned to whatever decibel level God uses? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
While Elijah was on Mount Sinai, the LORD asked, "Elijah, why are you here?"
He answered, "LORD God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!"
"Go out and stand on the mountain," the LORD replied. "I want you to see me when I pass by."
All at once, a strong wind shook the mountain and shattered the rocks. But the LORD was not in the wind. Next, there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. Then there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.
Finally, there was a gentle breeze, and when Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his coat. He went out and stood at the entrance to the cave. The LORD asked, "Elijah, why are you here?" Elijah answered, "LORD God All-Powerful, I've always done my best to obey you. But your people have broken their solemn promise to you. They have torn down your altars and killed all your prophets, except me. And now they are even trying to kill me!"
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
When an argument or crisis arises, the general human temptation is to raise one’s voice… to yell and scream. If you have ever been involved in a discussion with someone who remained calm and spoke softly and slowly, you know that this can be an incredibly powerful tactic. In public debate, the person who keeps his/her cool and controls the voice is usually the more effective speaker.
So why is it any surprise that God would come to us in a whisper instead of a loud booming voice? After all, He really doesn’t need to shout, does he? We are often looking – and listening – for the blustery effects of God’s “earth, wind and fire”… while He is whispering, “I’m right here, ready to meet your every need.”
Our challenge for today is to calm ourselves and truly look and listen for God… not in major, earth-shattering events or “signs” – but in the still small voice of a whisper. Where is He showing you His will for your life… a blessing you didn’t expect… or an opportunity to serve Him? Will you truly recognize God when He speaks?
Have you dialed back the volume your own heart and mind, so that you are attuned to whatever decibel level God uses? Isn’t it time you did?
©2011 Debbie Robus
Daily Devotional for September 25, 2011
John 10:1-6
Jesus said: I tell you for certain that only thieves and robbers climb over the fence instead of going in through the gate to the sheep pen. But the gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd, and he goes in through it. The sheep know their shepherd's voice. He calls each of them by name and leads them out.
When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice. The sheep will not follow strangers. They don't recognize a stranger's voice, and they run away.
Jesus told the people this story. But they did not understand what he was talking about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were sharing a nice backyard fire with friends one evening, and the conversation turned to our cats. Our friends said they merely have to call, “Breakfast!” and their cat comes running from wherever he is to be fed. He knows the tone and structure of that word… he knows his master’s voice. I seriously doubt that I could get their cat to come if I uttered the same word.
Our cats hear the tinkling of a spoon on a dish in the kitchen, and they come running. They will often come to us when we call them. But let a stranger come to our house, and they run as fast as they can to a familiar hiding place and snuggle in there. They will not follow strangers… they run away and hide.
When I talk to my mom, sister, grandmother, niece, cousin, and a few of my best friends, I never have to identify myself on the telephone. They know instantly they are talking to me… they recognize my voice… and I recognize theirs. I know my husband’s voice and the voices of several others so well I can “hear” them just by calling them to mind. And you can probably do the same thing.
The question is…do we know God’s voice as well as that of our significant other, parents, family and friends? Do we recognize God when He speaks to us – and follow Him… or do we turn and run away? Are we so attuned to God’s voice that we can “hear” it by merely thinking of Him? I cannot stress enough how important it is that we recognize God when He speaks to us. We must trust Him to be our “Good Shepherd” and lead us in the right direction… and we must get in line behind Him and go along – wherever He leads.
Spend as much time as it takes getting to really know God. Get so comfortable and familiar with His voice that you know when He speaks to you. Ask Him to always lead you in the right direction… and trust Him to do so. Follow the Good Shepherd... never run away… and always answer when He calls your name.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Jesus said: I tell you for certain that only thieves and robbers climb over the fence instead of going in through the gate to the sheep pen. But the gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd, and he goes in through it. The sheep know their shepherd's voice. He calls each of them by name and leads them out.
When he has led out all of his sheep, he walks in front of them, and they follow, because they know his voice. The sheep will not follow strangers. They don't recognize a stranger's voice, and they run away.
Jesus told the people this story. But they did not understand what he was talking about.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We were sharing a nice backyard fire with friends one evening, and the conversation turned to our cats. Our friends said they merely have to call, “Breakfast!” and their cat comes running from wherever he is to be fed. He knows the tone and structure of that word… he knows his master’s voice. I seriously doubt that I could get their cat to come if I uttered the same word.
Our cats hear the tinkling of a spoon on a dish in the kitchen, and they come running. They will often come to us when we call them. But let a stranger come to our house, and they run as fast as they can to a familiar hiding place and snuggle in there. They will not follow strangers… they run away and hide.
When I talk to my mom, sister, grandmother, niece, cousin, and a few of my best friends, I never have to identify myself on the telephone. They know instantly they are talking to me… they recognize my voice… and I recognize theirs. I know my husband’s voice and the voices of several others so well I can “hear” them just by calling them to mind. And you can probably do the same thing.
The question is…do we know God’s voice as well as that of our significant other, parents, family and friends? Do we recognize God when He speaks to us – and follow Him… or do we turn and run away? Are we so attuned to God’s voice that we can “hear” it by merely thinking of Him? I cannot stress enough how important it is that we recognize God when He speaks to us. We must trust Him to be our “Good Shepherd” and lead us in the right direction… and we must get in line behind Him and go along – wherever He leads.
Spend as much time as it takes getting to really know God. Get so comfortable and familiar with His voice that you know when He speaks to you. Ask Him to always lead you in the right direction… and trust Him to do so. Follow the Good Shepherd... never run away… and always answer when He calls your name.
©2011 Debbie Robus
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)