“Does God H.A.S. You?”

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“God does speak -- now one way; now another – though man may not perceive it.” (Job 33:14).


OK, so we’ve just completed a fly over of the Vocabulary of the Kingdom; a high altitude glance at many of the ways that God is pleased to make Himself known to us – even though we may not perceive it.

Remember, the verse says that we MAY not perceive it – it doesn’t say that we cannot. And that’s good news. Because the door is left open for us – we know believe and know that God will speak to us, and that we may indeed perceive when He does so, understanding what He says to us.

How do we get to that place? What does it take? What needs to happen in our lives to cause us to be open to the word of the Lord in all its various voices? How can we learn to hear God’s voice speaking to us through the Scripture, through dreams and visions, through prophetic ministry, through natural and supernatural things?

Putting it in the simplest of terms, I have found that it takes these three things: humility, availability, and submission. Let me briefly explain.

Humility is the God-given self-assurance that eliminates the need to prove to others the worth of who you are, and the rightness of what you do. It’s the freedom that comes from agreeing with God. It the content of a pure heart. “Blessed are the pure in heart,” Jesus said, “for they shall see God.” In other words, when our hearts are pure we are free to walk in humility – and that is when we begin perceiving God’s voice.

The prophet Micah said, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8).

This brings us to the second requirement – Availability. “Speak, Lord,” said the boy Samuel in the still of the night, “for Your servant is listening.” The Bible tells us that the eyes of the Lord search to and fro throughout the whole earth, that He might show Himself strong on behalf of those “whose heart is completely His” (2 Ch.16:9). The Prophet Isaiah serves as a great example – “Here am I! Send me!” It has been said that the two greatest abilities of any individual are availability and dependability. That’s what it take to hear God’s voice. Are you available? Are you dependable?

And, third, it takes Submission. Let’s look at that word. The root word is mission. When you place the prefix “sub” to the word, we see it in a new and brighter light. It is not “submission”, as in living your life in servile restriction to somebody who holds power over you. No! Rather it is sub-MISSION – the intentional reordering of your life UNDER the mission of another! And in this matter – the Other is the Lord Jesus Himself.

When your life is marked by Humility, Availability, and Submission (i.e., H.A.S.) – you may rest assured that you will learn to hear the voice of the Lord as He walks with you and talks with you along life’s varied ways. After all, He is yours, and YOU are His – He HAS you in the palm of His hands!
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Two Great Truths About the God Who Speaks

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"God is Light....God is Love" (1 John 1:5, and 4:8).

Towering above all the other truly amazing things we learn in the Bible about the Vocabulary of the Kingdom, there are two great truths about the God who speaks. Simply stated, they are 1) God is Light, and 2) God is Love.

Don’t be too quick to dismiss this as simplistic and trite – for in these two declarations we have supplied to us the full width, depth, height, length, and breadth of WHO God is. Everything else we are to discover about Him flows from these two indispensable truths. God is Light, and God is Love.

Let’s go back to the beginning where we hear the first words God ever spoke -- “Let there be light!” (Genesis 1:3). The very first thing we are told in the Bible about God is that He speaks. And when He speaks, the LIGHT prevails over darkness. LIGHT, by its very nature and presence, reveals things as they truly are. While there is much that can remain hidden in the darkness, there is nothing that can hide in the light.

“There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves” (Heb 4:13, Good News Bible).

While some shudder at the thought of accountability to a perfect God, for those who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good -- this coming Day is not dreadful at all, but filled with great hope and eager expectations. Why? Because God, who is Light – is also LOVE.

John the Beloved tells us himself: “Now the message that we have heard from his Son and announce is this: God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. If, then, we say that we have fellowship with him, yet at the same time live in the darkness, we are lying both in our words and in our actions. But if we live in the light---just as he is in the light---then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from every sin” (1Jn 1:5-7, GNB). He then goes on to say, “Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love" (1Jn 4:8).

Here, then is what we know. God is Light, and light reveals. Therefore, God reveals Himself to anyone who will look. Also, God is Love, and love communicates in every way. Therefore, God communicates to anyone who will listen to what He says.

If we will look and listen, then we will discover that everyday is filled with opportunities to have a conversation with the God who speaks; the God who is Light and Love.

Why not take some time today to intentionally look and listen for what the God who speaks might have to say to you?
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God Speaks through Supernatural Things (Part Two)

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"Where the word of a king is, there is power; and who may say to him, "What are you doing?" (Ecclesiastes 8:4).

The apostle Paul supplies testimony in the New Testament which shows that God's use of supernatural phenomena as a means of guidance was not exclusive to the days of old. He wrote to the Christians in Corinth and told them of unusual visions and revelations he himself had received from the Lord.

"I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know - God knows. And I know that this man - whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows - was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell" (2 Corinthians 12:1-4).

We know that Paul is speaking about himself in this cryptic passage because he later says, "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me" (vs.7).

His personal testimony supplies us with wisdom when it comes to discussing these kinds of spiritually mysterious things today. First, notice the simultaneous clarity and perplexity of a supernatural experience. "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven." That much is clear to him, but then he adds: "Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know - God knows." There's the perplexity. He knows that it happened, he just can't figure out how it happened.

Another lesson we learn from Paul is the importance of exercising great discretion when talking about spiritual matters of this sort. He says that this "man who he knew fourteen years ago heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell." Though Paul is speaking of himself, he veils it in language that does not draw attention to himself but leads us to think it was someone else. Also, he doesn't give much detail of what he saw when he was "caught up to the third heaven." He simply says that it happened, and leaves it at that. Paul's experience was undeniable and mysterious, and he handled it with wisdom.

That’s the best policy for anybody who encounters God in some supernatural way. It’s best to simply keep it to yourself unless the Lord clearly directs you to do otherwise. The prudence in this is obvious, and it also keeps you from unwittingly camping yourself with those who actually make up such fantasies and publish them for no other reason than having others stand in wonder over their otherwise dull and meaningless lives.

When it comes to testifying about supernatural experiences and the like, the bottom line is this – who gets the glory when you tell the story? If the answer is not Jesus alone – then it’s best to keep quiet.

By the way, someone once asked me if I had ever seen an angel. I answered, “You bet! I even asked her to marry me, and she said, “YES!”
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God Speaks through Supernatural Things (Part One)

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"Where the word of a king is, there is power; and who may say to him, "What are you doing?" (Ecclesiastes 8:4)

Few things are more unsettling to our well-ordered way of life than for God to suddenly break in upon us with “a rushing mighty wind.” Especially when we are inside a building, with no open windows.

Or when somebody tells us that an angel visited them in the night, or that they heard the audible voice of God speaking to them in their car. Or when they were in a trace, or saw a vision, or were mysteriously transported from one place to another by the power of God.

We have no place to put things like this, so we don’t put them anywhere – we toss ‘em! We deny them, even though they are undeniable. And we debate them – especially if nothing like this has ever happened to us. And we often discredit those who say such things, for their testimony is otherwise too overwhelming.

Some seem to get just enough Bible-knowledge to become opinionated about everything they think is wrong with everybody else. And nothing sets them off more than when somebody confesses to having an unexplainable supernatural encounter with God. I mean, just try telling your friends that you were baptized in the Holy Spirit and started speaking in tongues – you’ll see what I’m talking about real fast.

In fact, the very fact that I even gave THAT example has already tuned somebody off; and they won’t even bother reading the rest of this. C’mon, folks; are we really that stupid?

Jesus is Lord. He reigns on high, and He moves freely among the sons of men. He speaks as it pleases Him to do so, and none may say to Him, “What are you doing?”

In view of the fact that we are looking into some of the many ways through which God speaks, it seems rather essential that we not overlook the spiritual dimension of the supernatural realm. While the Lord most often speaks to us in our language, sometimes He uses His own – and thereby transcends the natural realm. He is not reticent in using things that are outside the rational, concrete, logical world of facts and figures. He is both natural AND supernatural.

Webster defines supernatural as "existing or occurring through some agency beyond the known forces of nature, and outside the natural order; relating to an order of existence beyond the visible, observable universe; transcending the laws of nature."

Remember, He is the Lord of Heaven and earth; the King of all. And, in the words of Solomon, “Where the word of a king is, there is power; and who may say to him, ‘What are you doing?’" (Eccl 8:4).

Solomon also gave us an important warning -- "Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2).

Tomorrow we will look at Paul’s personal testimony about his mysterious visit into the third heaven, and learn a very important lesson about the supernatural things of God.
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God Speaks through Natural Things

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“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard.” (Psalm 19:1-3).

All nature joins in manifold witness to the goodness and glory of God.

“Fire, and hail; snow, and vapor; stormy wind fulfilling his word: Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth; Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.” (Psalms 148:8-13).

Each and every one of these categorical marvels of nature serves God’s purpose. And often becomes the vehicle through which He makes Himself known among us.

One example comes to mind. The prophet Jeremiah was told by God to go to the potter’s house, where he would hear the word of the Lord. Jeremiah obeyed. He tells us that upon arriving he saw the potter working at the wheel on a lump of clay, fashioning it as it suited his desires. “Then the word of the LORD came to me,” Jeremiah tells us, “saying, O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel” (Jer 18:5-6).

Moving to the New Testament we need only scan the parables of Jesus to see this principle at work. If you don’t realize that God speaks through natural things, how will you fully appreciate the beauty of Jesus’ insight into the many stories He told us, using natural things to convey a supernatural message?

Consider the sower casting his seed upon the ground; or the great treasure hidden in the field; or the merchant giving everything for a rare and costly pearl; or the King making a marriage supper for his son. Each of these natural, everyday occurrences suddenly take on a newer and fuller significance as we see though through the eyes of Jesus.

Why not live every day like that? Learn to see things with two sets of eyes! You just might find that your whole world all around you is teeming with the divine!

Years ago I saw this cartoon in the local paper. It showed a little girl entertaining herself by playing with a beam of sunlight shining through her bedroom window. Her mother walked into the room as the little girl was playing with the light.

"Look mommy" she said, "Isn't it beautiful?" She then began explaining to her mom all the many things she saw while playing with the sunbeam. "It's like an angel's gown and I'm fixing the hem", she said. "Now it's like a movie projector and I can make the actors appear on the wall." With childlike excitement she continued, "Now I'm pretending it's a magic slide! See how my hand glides down the surface?"

On and on the little girl went, telling her mom all the delightful things she saw in the sunbeam. Finally, as the little girl left her room to play with a friend, the mom stood alone in thoughtful silence looking at the sunbeam. "And to think", she then said to herself, "a moment ago all I saw was dust."

What do YOU see?
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God Speaks through Prophetic Ministry

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“Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:1).

Paul urges each one of us to cultivate the spiritual giftings placed in trust by the Lord into our lives -- especially that of prophesying. He goes on to explain why this one gift is so important.

"For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying” (1 Corinthians 14:2-3, NASB).

The Message defines prophesy as “proclaiming the truth in every day language.” In other words, it is straight talk from God straight into the heart of His people. And more often than not, the majority of prophetic words which are spoken in public serve as a confirmation of what the Lord has already told you privately, in your heart.

The Lord speaking through the prophetic ministry can happen any number of ways, but it is always unmistakable to you when it occurs – even if no one else knows it is going on.

You can be in a casual conversation with a friend, or even a stranger, when something they say somehow echoes deep inside your heart and takes on a far greater meaning to you than they even realize.

Or, you might be watching a movie and suddenly the Lord speaks to you through the scene in ways often too personal to even explain. A song on the radio can also become much more than just a song on the radio. These, and a thousand other ways, are all tools in the Lords capable hands – the various means He often employs for talking to His girls and boys.

In short, the prophetic ministry pertains to that which is written, spoken, seen, heard , or experienced. And, according to Scripture, it will always be marked by love. “The one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding, encouragement, and consolation.” (1 Corinthians 14:3). And the result will be an experiencing of God’s presence.

Look for every opportunity you can find to build someone up, rather than tearing them down. To encourage them in their gifts and abilities, and to console them in their struggles and defeats. To speak in such an affirming, loving way that they actually experience God’s presence because of your touch!

This is what it means to “desire earnestly to prophesy.” And our world would be so much better if everybody made this their personal pursuit. How about making it yours today?
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God Speaks through Dreams and Visions

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“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17 NKJV).

The New Testament narrative opens with an explosion of heavenly visitations, many of which occurred in dreams and visions. Take Joseph for example, the husband of Mary. We are told that no less than four times that God spoke to him in dreams with specific guidance. The first is historically influential – “Take Mary to be your wife, and you shall name the baby JESUS” (Matt.1:20-21).

Jesus. His name was revealed in a dream, and knowing Him is a dream come true!

The Wise Men who came to honor the newborn King were warned by God in a dream to avoid Herod and return a different way, for the wicked ruler was already planning a murderous overthrow.

Moving forward in the Book of Acts we discover no less than nine occasions when God spoke through dreams or visions to His followers. Beyond the text of Scripture into the record of Church history, we have repeated accounts in the writings of the early fathers of God speaking to them in dreams and visions – some quite dramatic to read.

The great Charles Spurgeon, in a sermon about a dream he had, said, “We must take care that we do not neglect heavenly monitions through fear of being considered visionary; we must not be staggered even by the dread of being styled fanatical, or out of our minds. For to stifle a thought from God is no small sin.”

Dreams and visions fill the pages of Scripture, and are generously strewn throughout Church history. But for the past few hundred years very little serious attention has been given to this subject at all. It seems that dreams and visions have become God’s neglected gift.

I find the short prose of Henry Longfellow to be the best expression of my own thoughts in this matter:

Tell me not in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they may seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not the goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken to the soul.

Peter said it openly on the Day of Pentecost, “Your young men will see truth from God in visions, and your old men will know about the truth from God in their dreams.” (Acts 2:17, Translators Handbook). This promise is for young and old, male and female, Jew and Gentile – it is a promise for you and me today.

Why not ask God to speak to you in a dream? Be ready to wake up and write it down. Let your attitude be as that found in Song of Solomon, “I sleep, but my heart is awake, listening for the voice of my Beloved” (Song 5:2). Sometimes we are most awake to God when we are asleep to this world!
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God Speaks through The Scripture (Part Three)

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"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life” (John 5:39-40 NKJV).

We know beyond all doubt that God speaks to us through the Scriptures. This is not the ONLY way He speaks – but it is the first and foremost way He speaks. Indeed, ALL others methods of revelation must align to the clear and comprehensive teachings of Scripture. Otherwise we are to dismiss them as nothing more than straw.

“Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:28).

When we say that God speaks through the Scripture, we mean it in two specific ways. First, the Bible is the historical Word of God. In other words, you don’t have to wonder if He is speaking to YOU when He says things like, "Thou shalt not steal.” That is the Word of the Lord, whether you like it or not. It is historical and final. The Lord has spoken.

But there is also a second way that the Lord speaks to us through the Scripture. Not only does He speak His historical word to us – but He also speaks a personal word to us. Many times you can be reading in the Bible and unexpectedly come upon a passage of Scripture that jumps off the page and resonates within your heart with such vibrant life that it seems as though it were written specifically for you in that moment.

Here are three proven characteristics of a personal word from God coming through the Scripture. First, it will be relevant to some real need you are experiencing, or some challenge you are facing. It will fit you as though it were tailored made just for you. Second, it will be revealing; giving you some definite sense of direction or supply for your immediate situation. And, third, it will be redemptive; always leading you into a deeper love for Christ, and a higher resolve to live a life that pleases Him.

Open your Bible and your heart and ask God to speak to you. Then brace yourself – because HE WILL!
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God Speaks through The Scripture (Part Two)

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"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life” (John 5:39-40 NKJV).

According to Jesus, The Bible was given to us we might have a personal relationship with the Author.

Yet some argue presumptuously that since we now have the Bible we no longer need to hear from God personally. This notion is born out of fear, and exposes a need for religious control over others. The celebrated theologian, D. Martin-Lloyd Jones, said, “The Bible was never given to stop personal revelation and communication; it was given to correct abuses.”

As long as we hold faithful to the teachings of Scripture, we are free to explore the vast landscape of God’s manifold grace and discover at every turn a variety of deeply personal and truly astounding ways in which He is personally speaking to each one of us.

And always the Scripture is the standard whereby we discern and judge all others revelations. Isaiah the prophet said it best, “To the Law and to the Testimony! If they speak not according to this, there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20).

Later on Isaiah also wrote, “When people tell you, ‘Try out the fortunetellers. Consult the spiritualists. Why not tap into the spirit-world, get in touch with the dead?’ Tell them, ‘No, we're going to study the Scriptures.’ People who try the other ways get nowhere -- a dead end! Frustrated and famished, they try one thing after another. When nothing works out they get angry, cursing first this god and then that one, looking this way and that, up, down, and sideways -- and seeing nothing, A blank wall, an empty hole. They end up in the dark with nothing” (Isaiah 8:19-22 The Message).

We know from the Apostle Paul that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" ( 2 Tim.3:16,17).

Jesus said, “You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about Me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want” (John 5:39-40 MSG).

If we have a relationship with the Bible, but not with the Bible’s GOD – we are nothing more than religious bigots who become the ultimate turn-off to all other seekers who otherwise would find and love the Lord through the witness of our illuminated lives.

Let God speak to you through the Scripture, and then lovingly share with others the life-giving message that He provides.
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God Speaks through The Scripture (Part One)

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"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life” (John 5:39-40 NKJV).

First and foremost of the ways that God speaks are the Scriptures. There should be no controversy among adherents of historic Christianity over this claim, for the Bible is the Word of God. Therefore any discussion concerning the means by which God makes Himself known must begin with the Scripture as a matter of priority, for it alone stands as the final authority on all revelation. Yes, The Bible is our highest court of appeal on all matters of Faith and Doctrine.

There is no oracle, vision, revelation, nor any other thing man claims as being from God that stands above or apart from the Bible, or unanswerable to its sovereign scrutiny. All other means through which God may speak must themselves perfectly align with what the Bible says or we must forthrightly dismiss them as not being from the Lord.

"To the law and to the testimony" Isaiah cried, "if they speak not according to this word there is no light in them!" (Isaiah 8:20).

Clearly the Scripture is vastly superior to all other means of revelation. A dear friend of mine was once approached by a man asking him for a "word from the Lord." My friend thrust his Bible into the man's hand and said, "Here, sir, is a whole Book of words from the Lord! Read it!"

What wonder-working power resides in the Word of God! "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men" (Psalm 107:19-21)!

Glory to God for the Bible! Would to God that all men everywhere would devote themselves to reading and obeying it, highly esteeming it and humbly advancing its claims.
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The Vocabulary of the Kingdom

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“God does speak -- now one way; now another – though man may not perceive it.” (Job 33:14).

I have preached hundreds of sermons to thousands of people in many nations over the past several years. The one topic that always generates the greatest interest and meets the deepest need is the subject of “Hearing the Voice of God.” And it's clear to me why this is the case; for everything else depends upon this one thing. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”

Surprisingly, however, there are those within the Christian family who think it presumptuous, naïve, unsound, blasphemous, heretical, or insane to believe that someone can converse with God. (I am all these things to some people out there – bless their hearts!)

Nevertheless I am unshakably resolved to move forward in life with this uncompromising message: YOU can personally experience God’s presence, learn to recognize His voice when He speaks to you, and find the power to be and to do whatever He is calling you to become.

Let me say up front that there are two mistakes we must avoid in this matter of “Hearing God's Voice.” One, going too far; and, two, not going far enough.

Some imagine that everything that happens somehow contains an embedded word from the Lord, and they strain themselves beyond the bounds of credibility in interpreting and publishing their messages. Others, on the other hand, dismiss the notion altogether and miss out on truly extraordinary encounters with the Lord in otherwise ordinary moments.

“God DOES speak; now one way, now another; though man may not perceive it.” Notice, it does not say that man CANNOT perceive it; rather, he may MAY NOT perceive it. This leaves open the equal possibility that man indeed MAY perceive the voice of the Lord.

In the following devotional posts we will focus on what I call the Vocabulary of the Kingdom -- the variety of ways the Lord speaks to us every day, and show you what it takes to learn to tune in to those wondrous moments when He gives you a leading….and you obey.

Stay tuned – this is going to be life-changing!
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Get With the Program!

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"How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?" (Proverbs 6:9).

It is possible to sleep though Life's greatest moments; to hit the snooze button one too many times and, through no one's fault but our own, miss out on that which was ours all along -- if only we had wanted it enough to get up and go for it.

Perhaps this little poem, relatively unknown and dwarfed by it's "brother's" widespread fame, might be all the incentive you need to get with the program.

One night I had a wondrous dream,
one set of footprints there was seen.
The footprints of the Lord they were,
but mine were not upon the shore.

Then some stranger prints appeared,
and I asked, "What have we here?"
These prints were large and round and neat,
much too big to be my feet.

"My child," He said in tender tone,
"For miles I carried you alone.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
but you refused a step to take.

"You would not learn, you would not grow;
the way of faith you would not know.
So, though I love you oh so dear,
I stopped and dropped you on your rear!"

You see, in Life there comes a time
when one must try, and one must climb;
when one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave their butt prints in the sand!

Hey, isn't it time you got with the program? No more slumbering around with indefinite mind, waffling here and there, yawning away the epic days in which you are placed by God. Wake up from your sleep, and shake off the slumber from your life. Your presence is needed now more than ever!
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The Four Marks of the Immovable Man

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"And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:22-24 NKJV).

Here, in his own words, is the secret of Paul's prevailing perseverance. As we look over his confession, four distinguishing characteristics stand out -- charting for each one of us today the pathway through our own difficult challenges. By following Paul's example, we also can become men and women who are immovable from our sure foundations, and unstoppable in our eternal quest.

Paul's example shows us four marks of the Immovable Man....

He had conviction of Spirit -- "I go bound in the spirit," he said. The word means to be irrevocably resolved in commitment to the present course of action. There is a finality to the conviction Paul possessed, like a man "bound in chains" from which there is no escape offered...nor desired. Any appeal made to Paul by his friends, urging him to take it easy, fell powerless to the ground. Something far more powerful held him firm to his course of action.

He had courage of Heart -- "not knowing what will happen to me there, except that bonds and afflictions await me." It takes a man or woman of immeasurable courage to walk headlong into open hostility. Those who seek a life of ease will never reach the heights of glory gained by those who press upward against great oppositions.

He had composure of Mind -- "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself." Here we see the true magnificence of a selfless man. Paul was not looking for a chance to advance his career, bulk up his portfolio, sweep the competition, nor leave his mark in the Vaulted Halls of Man's Celebrated Giants. Something higher and far more noble had captured his imagination. He had set his thoughts upon heaven, and the honor of the name of Jesus. And, though dismissed by the world as a fool with a misspent life, he is now cheered in the realms of glory as the Great Apostle of Grace.

He has constancy of Purpose -- "that I may finish my race with joy." And what a race he ran! Through valleys and over hills; in the thick of the woods, and out in the open meadows; upon rocky terrain, and across the hot desert sands -- he ran with faith, and finished with perseverance. Such is the internal power of a prevailing purpose in life. I once read that a man can stand almost anything except a succession of ordinary days.

My friend, in what ways can you benefit by Paul's example as you face your own challenges in today's world? How might his words find a place in your life, and embolden you to rise in a new resolve of faithfulness -- even if its against all odds?
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The Immovable Man

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"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Act 20:24).

Emerson said, "The hero is no braver than the ordinary man; he just fights five minutes longer." Perseverance in the face of difficulty is a quality that is indispensable in the lives of those who leave a lasting mark on this world. Theodore Roosevelt said, "There has never yet been a man in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering."

Paul was a man of indefatigable resilience. He makes the energizer bunny look like a Australian sloth! In his own words, which are filled with a passionate faith as he surveys the gloomy prospects of impending persecution, he says, "None of these things move me."

We will come back to this tomorrow, but first let's look at all that Paul endured as he pressed forward in faithfulness to Christ. Here is his own testimony:

"I've worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death's door time after time. I've been flogged five times with the Jews' thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I've been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I've had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I've been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I've known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather. And that's not the half of it, when you throw in the daily pressures and anxieties of all the churches." (2 Co 11:23-28, The Message).

If ever any one proved the old adage that you can't keep a good man down, it was the apostle Paul. Tomorrow we will look at the four things that marked Paul as an Immovable Man.
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Some Said it Thundered

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“The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.” (John 12:29 KJV).

This fascinating verse of Scripture is tucked away in the Bible, capturing for all time an extraordinary moment in the life of Jesus. It happened right after the celebrated Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, where Jesus came riding upon the colt of a donkey. A large and exuberant crowd had gathered about Him, buzzing with wonder over the recent news of Lazarus having been raised from the dead.

Jesus, troubled in his heart, prayed a very pointed and public prayer -- “Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.” And then He concludes with, “Father, glorify thy name.” (John 12:28).

At that moment there came a voice from heaven, saying, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.”

Now here’s where it gets fascinating -- “The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.”

Think about it. Almighty God just spoke in an audible voice to His Son, Jesus. This is the unmistakable Voice of God. Yet, for some people who were there – it was nothing but thunder, while others marveled that it was the voice of an angel.

How remarkable that God Himself can do a thing so openly and yet some dismiss it as nothing other than a rather ordinary natural occurrence. And then others veer off into the realm of the phenomenal, and miss the real point altogether.

This sort of response to the Divine is still going on to this day. Some blow it off altogether as nothing unusual, and others grow wide-eyed with spooky wonder. May God grant you grace to fall into neither of these groupings.

May you hear God speak as He glorifies the Names of Jesus, and may the result be that you are attracted to Him, and gather with others who are following Him in these crazy days!

Back when this happened, Jesus answered the crowd and said -- “This voice didn't come for Me but for you. At this moment the world is in crisis. Now Satan, the ruler of this world, will be thrown out. And I, as I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to me and gather them around Me." (John 12:30-32 The Message).
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The Voice of the Lord

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“The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic” (Psalm 29:3,4 NIV).

There is nothing in our natural world so universally disruptive as a thunder storm. Especially when it is so intense as to include tornadoes in its arsenal.

The ominous black clouds gathering on the horizon give us our first blush of concern. Then, high in the clouds off in the distance, we see the explosive power of lightning flashes; looking as though they are trying to burst each cloud into a thousand pieces from the inside out. And, by the measure of the eventual downpour, it would seem that they finally succeeded.

We hear the fascinating peals of thunder; a most unearthly sound, unrivaled by anything man has invented. For this earth-shaking noise comes from somewhere far beyond our power, and as it rumbles triumphant through hill and vale, we are reminded of just how small we truly are.

Then, a sudden drop in temperature signals that we have crossed the point of no return; the storm is imminent. And the winds suddenly unleash the full force of their freedom, bending all things in submission to their relentless power.

All radio and television programing is interrupted with break in updates of the storm’s path, and the devastation it is leaving in its wake. We hunker down, say our prayers, hug our kids, pet the dog, and hope that it is all soon over. And it is.

In the aftermath we walk with wonder back into the bright sunshine and witness the indiscriminate rearranging of things by a power we have absolutely no control over whatsoever.

How insightful that the Psalmist would liken the Voice of the Lord to a mighty thunder storm! Here, you can read it for yourself and see what I mean:

“Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!" The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever. The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace."

In what ways has your life be rearranged by a thunderstorm of God’s Voice? And, in the aftermath, how did it bless you with strength and peace?
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Recognizing a Word from God

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"Prove all things, hold fast to that which is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Is there a way to prove it, when someone brings what they believe to be a “word from the Lord?” Yes, there is. And this fact alone tells us that not every “prophecy” is from the Lord.

Some come from the distorted thoughts of embittered individuals who unwittingly play into the hands of the devil, as he uses them to disrupt what God is doing in a person or a place. And some “prophecies” comes from a spirit of deception, working to distort truth and destroy true faith.

But some prophecies are real and right, and should not be discarded with a smug flip of the wrist; batted away as though it were a pestering fly.

So, how then can we know? Is there a way to recognize a prophetic word from the Lord. The answer is yes! In fact, in my years of experience, I have learned (by trial and error) that there are at least seven ways to authenticate a genuine prophetic word from God.

Just ask these seven questions, and be honest with your answers:

Does it lead me to Christ and fill me with love for His Church? The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy; it will be at the heart of every true and authentic word from God.

Does it align itself with the clear and complete teachings of the Bible? "To the law and testimony," said Isaiah, "if they speak not according to this word there is no light in them!" (Isaiah 8:20).

Does it strengthen my faith and give me an honorable purpose in life? Paul assured us that a prophetic word from God would always build us up in the faith, and inspire us with courage for doing God's will.

Does it turn me from wrongdoing, promoting righteousness and purity in my life? God's Word will always direct our steps into God's ways.

Does it find wide acceptance and affirmation by notable men and women of God? The beauty of Community is that it provides a barrier against those things that would destroy our lives if left to ourselves.

Does it build up the Body of Christ, equipping believers to the work of ministry? The church is always strengthened and empowered with faith when God speaks.

Does it anger the self-righteous, exposing them as hypocrites? Those who use religion as a means for controlling others are outraged when prophetic words come, for such word represent a clear and present danger to their way of doing things.

Use this simple, straightforward test to "prove all things" -- and then, by all means "hold fast to that which is good!"

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Listening for God to Speak

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“Despise not prophesying” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).

The Bible only tells us things that we need to know. And even some of that is way over our heads, for that is far down we have fallen! He says here that we are not to despise prophesying – this must be said because left to ourselves we most certaily would despise it. Let me explain.

The word despise means “to deem unworthy of consideration; to discount as unimportant and insignificant; to dismiss without any regard.” In our Western culture of logical facts and fixed statistics, things like prophesying tend to be viewed as more than a little loopy.

And of course, it doesn’t help matters when many of those who do the prophesying are in fact loopy individuals; men and women with electric eyeballs and frazzled appearance, one chapter short in the book of social protocol, and too often quite dramatic in their methods of delivery. And, speaking in King James English doesn’t help matters either.

Neverthelss, the word of the Lord stands sure; and He tells us to not despise prophesying. But what exactly is this thing called prophesying, and how can we recognize it when it happens?

Prophesying, by definition, means “to speak under divine inspiration.” It is the act of giving a timely message from God to a person, or to a people. It may concern the future, but most often deals with some present situation. And always, according to the Apostle Paul, the result will be “edification, exhortation, and comfort”(1 Co.14:3).

The gift of prophesying may express itself in many ways. A sermon on a Sunday morning may be filled with prophetic life, as the pastor brings a timely word from the Lord to his congregation. Or a conversation over a cup of coffee may be the ocassion when a prophetic word breaks through the otherwise casual moment. Sometimes a song playing on the radio can be packed with such personal meaning and happen at so timely a moment, that the person hearing it experiences God’s presence speaking to them through it.

There are in fact many ways in which God may speak a prophetic word to us, and tomorrow I will give you seven ways to recognize when He is doing it.
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The Pure in Heart

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“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8).

Have you ever tried to tune in on a radio broadcast, but the tuner just can’t seem to pick up the signal? What you hear is a crackling, whirling sound of raspy distortions – occasionally teasing you with a discernible word or two. The problem, as you know, is not with the broadcasting station. It’s with your equipment.

The signal is good, strong, and clear as it travels the airwaves. But something in your receiver is malfunctioning, and what you are getting is a distorted message. That’s what was going on in the poor fellow’s heart who disrupted the worship service with his “angry word from God.” I told you about him yesterday.

I once heard someone say that we do not see things as they are; we see them as we are.

There is a filter in our lives, built up over years of personal experience, through which we pass and process virtually everything that we see and hear. If our lives have been significantly wounded, and our hearts are filled with the bitterness that comes from being broken – then even the best and most beautiful of things will be distorted in our eyes.

The pure in heart will see God. That is, they will know the truth about Him, understand and experience His love, hear His voice when He speaks, and see His hand at work in their lives as well as the lives of others. And when they tell others of these things the results will always be uplifting and faith-building.

Ask God to cleanse you of anything and everything that causes you to think in distorted ways, and thereby to live in a destructive manner – not only tearing yourself down, but damaging others around you also.

Become a person who helps others experience God's presence through what you say and do.
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"O My People!!"

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“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8).

The conference was well under way into its third night, with over three thousand in attendance. The worship on this particular evening was rich with a growing sense of God's presence and power. Each song seemed to lift us higher and higher into another realm, until a moment came that was exceptionally memorable.

A holy stillness settled upon the congregation, and a profound silence filled the great room. We stood there filled with such a deep sense of God's presence, waiting for whatever was to happen next. Then suddenly, some sad soul belted out a “prophecy” that was miles off the mark in every way imaginable.

“O My people,” he shouted out in anger, “How long must I bear with you? You draw near with your mouths, but your hearts are far from Me! O, I detest the sound of your music and the noise of your songs! Know ye, therefore that if thou dost not repent, and that right early, I shall surely smite thee with the sword…..yea verily!” (I suppose the King James inflections were added to make it sound more like the Lord.)

Well, as you might imagine, the mood in the room shifted immediately. We went from being a gathering of God-adoring worshippers to a sand-blasted community of bewildered believers…..contemplating murder.

I came so very close to standing up on my chair and shouting out, “Thus says the Lord, ‘That was not Me!’”

According to Scripture the gift of prophecy is to serve the express purpose of helping others grow in grace, by encouraging them and comforting them. This fog-horn of a fellow did nothing of the sort.

Tomorrow, I’ll tell you why.
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Our Daily Bread

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“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11).

It is without doubt one of the singularly most renown passages of Scripture – The Lord’s Prayer. At least, that’s what we call it. In reality, it is not the Lord’s prayer at all. It is OUR prayer, given to us by the Lord.

And the importance of this distinction must not be overlooked. For the secret to answered prayer is to ask “according to God’s will.” St John the Beloved said, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15).

In other words, God answers EVERY prayer that He hears – but He only hears the prayers that are according to His will!

This brings us back to the prayer that the Lord gave us to pray. Since Jesus told us to pray it, we KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT that is a according to God's will. Therefore, we also know that when we pray it – what we ask for will happen. And what is it that He tells us to ask for?

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

Do you suppose He is talking about hamburgers here? Or any other natural food for that matter. Well, on the one hand, YES; because our daily needs are always met by the Lord. But there is more to this.

Earlier Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4).

I firmly believe that the Lord wants you and I to ask Him to speak to us every day; and if we will…..then He will! And just as our natural bodies live by the food we eat; so our spirits will nourished and strengthened by the words we hear our Savior speak.

Bon Appétit!
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Our Holy Hearing Aid

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"Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7).

Jesus called the Holy Spirit – The Helper. The word He used means “to come alongside and provide aid.” In other words, when it comes to hearing God's Voice, the Spirit of God is our Holy Hearing Aid!

He comes alongside each one of us, helping us to hear, to learn, and to understand what the Lord is saying. “He will teach you all things,” Jesus said, “and will bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit opens our hearts to the truth about Jesus, and then propels us into all the things which Christ has provided for us.

"He will testify of Me,” Jesus told us, and then added, “He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit is here to take the things of Christ and make them known to us.

Perhaps you’ve not given it much thought before now, but you have Someone with you -- alongside you even now. He is the Holy Spirit, and He has come to your aid. You can hear God’s voice, know God will, learn God’s ways, do God’s work, and experience God’s presence in your life – all through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Why not take some time right now and listen to what He is saying to you today.
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The Truth About Hearing from God

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“Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” (John 18:37).

It has proven true in my experience that “everyone who is of God” hears His Voice. This is the great distinction of Christian Faith. As we learned yesterday, Jesus said, “My sheep will hear my voice.”

The truth is that Hearing from God is the singular experience of every believer. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live” (John 5:25).

Just as Jesus called Lazarus by name and raised him from the dead – He does the same with each of us today.

I, like you, serve a risen Savior; He’s in the world today. I know that He is living, whatever men may say. I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer. And just the time I need Him – He’s always near! He lives! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way!” (Alfred H. Ackley)

The undeniable teaching of Scripture is that every follower of Jesus will hear God’s voice. This is the specific ministry of the Holy Spirit; it is why He has come during this time of waiting for Christ's Return.

And tomorrow we will take a closer look at how the Holy Spirit helps us to hear God's voice every day.
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You Can Hear From God

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"My sheep will hear My voice." (John 10:27).

Did you know that you can hear God's voice? I'm not talking about the Hollywood Boom-Box version; I'm talking about the still, small voice that speaks in the depths of your heart. “Be still and know that I am God,” He says. And He is speaking to YOU when He says it.

In another scripture we hear the voice of Wisdom calling to us, “Blessed is the man who listens to Me, watching daily at My doors, waiting at My doorway. For whoever finds Me finds life and receives favor from the LORD” (Proverbs 8:34-35). Life and favor from the Lord is the payoff to anyone who will listen for God's voice. This includes YOU.

Take time to listen. Read slowly and thoughtfully through the pages of Scripture, and you will discover that God will speak to you time and time again. The great preacher, A.W. Tozer, said, “God did not write a book and send it by messenger to be read at a distance by unaided minds. He spoke a Book and lives in His spoken words, constantly speaking His words and causing the power of those words to persist across the years."

D. Martin-Lloyd Jones put it this way, “The Bible was never given to stop personal revelation and communication; it was given to correct abuses.” We can walk safely through life’s tangled paths by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, speaking to us personally through the pages of the Bible – God’s Living Word.

If we will look and listen, then we will learn that every day is filled with opportunities to have a conversation with God.

What is God saying to YOU today?
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The Pro3510 Plan

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"I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

Did you know that God has YOU on His mind? That He thinks about you constantly? And that His thoughts are filled with purpose and promise.

He has a plan for you -- one that suits you perfectly. A plan to prosper you; to take care of you, and bring about the future you hope for. He has it all planned out, and He will not abandon His plan; nor will He abandon you! He wants you to enjoy success, and to live a life of significance.

The only thing you need to do is be willing to forsake your own plans and trust Him to guide you into what He has already set in place for you.

There is a copy of the agreement posted for you. It is found in Proverbs 3:5-10. I call it The Pro3510 Plan. Here is how it reads:

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine" (NKJV).

Why not sign up today -- it will be the smartest decision you've ever made!!!
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"Life is Worth Nothing Unless...."

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“But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus -- the work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love” -- Acts 20:24 (The Living Bible).

What is the work assigned to you by the Lord Jesus? What is the thing that you simply must do? One way you can tell is by how empty everything else is apart from it.

There are many things I enjoy doing, but none of them provide me with the depth of personal fulfillment that comes from doing what I've been called to do by Christ. For example, I love to play golf, but it is an empty pursuit and worth nothing at all -- unless it holds a subservient role to my higher purpose.

What is the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus?

In Paul's case, it was "telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love.” Perhaps we each could say a similar thing, although there is a specific emphasis on how we each individually go about fulfilling our assignments. In my case, the under-lying, driving passion of all that I do is "helping others experience God's presence." And for me, life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing exactly this.

Every sermon I preach, every book I write, every blog I post, every twitter I twit, and every conversation I have -- each and every one is yet another attempt on my part to help others experience God's presence.

There is a beautiful poem called Indwelt, by Beatrice Clelland, which sums up what I hope anyone could say about me.

Not merely in the words you say,
Not only in the deeds confessed,
But in the most unconscious way,
Is Christ expressed.

Is it a beatific smile,
A holy light upon the brow?
Oh no, I felt His presence while
You laughed just now.

For me, 'twas not the truth you taught,
To you so clear to me so dim,
But when you came to me you brought
A sense of Him.

And from your life He beckons me,
And from your heart His love is shed,
Till I lose sight of you and see
The Christ instead.

Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus -- the work of helping other experience God's presence.
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Rekindle the Fading Embers

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"I remind you to keep using the gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. Now let it grow, as a small flame grows into a fire." (2 Timothy 1:6, New Century Version).

I enjoy sitting on my patio with a good fire going in the outdoor fireplace. The crackle and pop of burning wood, along with the distinct aroma of lit timber, make for a soothing experience -- especially on a chilly night. In some ways, that's the effect our faith ought to have upon others -- especially in times of darkness, when the love of many grows cold.

In our verse today, old Paul is exhorting young Timothy to "stir up the gift that is in him." The language he uses is fireplace talk.

A fire must be stirred, the coals turned and new wood added, or else it will go out. And, of course, there must be an air supply of some sort. In the same manner our lives need the presence of the Holy Spirit blowing upon the gifts and abilities He has placed in our hands, as we do our part to be faithful is using what He has given us.

Paul's words to Timothy are now God's word to us. "I remind you to keep using the gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. Now let it grow, as a small flame grows into a fire."

There is a personal responsibility here. We cannot sit idly by and expect God to do what He has commanded us to do ourselves. We must acknowledge God’s will, affirm our obedience, and actively use our gifts.

It is true in almost all things, that a person gets better by repetition. Bill Hybels said, “What you feel the most deeply about, you will give yourself to do your absolute best for." How deeply do you feel about the call upon your life to bring honor to the name of Jesus? Doesn't he deserve your absolute best?

Rekindle the fading embers of a dwindling flame, my dear friend. Your days are not over, nor is your service finished. The nights are cold and dark, and your flame is needed nbow more than ever in the midst of the camp!
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Two Scandalous Thieves are on the Prowl!

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“Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

There are two thieves waiting to ransack your life. These unscrupulous scoundrels will seize upon any opportunity they find, and once given access into the unsuspecting soul they will trash the palace with utter disregard to the value of its priceless treasures. Their names are HURRY and WORRY.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” Jesus said. The word he used means to be agitated like boiling water. In other words, don’t be over heated and in a hurry. Jesus went on to say, “Don’t be afraid.” The word here means cowardly and unbelieving. Hurry will trouble your heart, and worry will make it afraid.

And both will ruin your life.

What a bizarre pairing they make -- inseparably linked in bipolar tension and continually at war with each other. HURRY always runs ahead, while WORRY lags behind. HURRY is reckless; WORRY is cautious. HURRY sees only those things that speed him on his way, while WORRY sees only those things that are in the way and are sure to cause a problem.

HURRY never sees the thousands of little things that make life truly worth living. WORRY sees nothing but a thousand little things, none of which have anything to do with life at all. HURRY never thinks about the consequences of hasty choices, and WORRY never makes a choice at all – for it might be the wrong one.

These two thieves are forever pulling in opposite directions. God pity the man or woman whose heart and mind is filled with HURRY and WORRY. Oh, hear the words of Jesus as He speak straight to you – “Let not your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid.”
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The Voice of Wisdom

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“Wisdom shouts in the streets wherever crowds gather.” (Proverbs 1:20, Contemporary English Version)

Did you know that God wants to talk to you? Even in the midst of a thousand different distractions, there is one Voice that can always be heard – but only by those who want to hear. It is the voice of Wisdom.

"Wisdom goes out in the street and shouts. At the town center she makes her speech. In the middle of the traffic she takes her stand. At the busiest corner she calls out: 'Simpletons! How long will you wallow in ignorance? Cynics! How long will you feed your cynicism? Idiots! How long will you refuse to learn? About face! I can revise your life. Look, I'm ready to pour out my spirit on you; I'm ready to tell you all I know.'" (Proverbs 1:20-23, The Message).

You would think such an offer would be quickly seized, but not so. Instead, there is broad rejection of Wisdom, with little regard to the consequence.

“I've called,” Wisdom says, “but you've turned a deaf ear; I've reached out to you, but you've ignored me. Since you laugh at my counsel and make a joke of my advice, How can I take you seriously? I'll turn the tables and joke about your troubles!

“What if the roof falls in, and your whole life goes to pieces? What if catastrophe strikes and there's nothing to show for your life but rubble and ashes? You'll need me then. You'll call for me, but don't expect an answer. No matter how hard you look, you won't find me.

"Because you hated Knowledge and had nothing to do with the Fear-of-GOD; “because you wouldn't take my advice and brushed aside all my offers to train you, well, you've made your bed -- now lie in it; you wanted your own way -- now, how do you like it?” (Proverbs 1:24-31, The Message).

It makes sense doesn’t it? If we will not listen to what God says when He calls out to us, why should He have to listen to us when we call out to Him?

I had a friend; at least I thought he was a friend. But despite how often I called him, wrote him, emailed him, or tried to get together with him -- he would never answer. So I stopped trying to connect with him. Do you think maybe the Lord does the same?

With so many voices filling the air, let’s give the highest regard for the one voice that truly matters – the Voice of Wisdom.
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Good News People in a Bad News Day

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"How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" (Isaiah 52:7)

As trouble stirs all around us in so many sectors of our world, we can keep our footing so long as our feet are "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace"(Ephesians 6:15). In other words, we must be ready to be good news people in a bad news day.

Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). When those things that men have placed their faith in fail, and leave them bewildered and embittered -- then, more than ever, they will need those who have walked the path of peace with Jesus to stand on solid footing and say, "Your God reigns!"

Can we count on you? Or is it possible that you yourself are so entwined in the affairs of this world that any disruption of its comforts and causes will find you unprepared in that day?

There is an old truth that says, "You cannot give away what you do not have." If you do not have the peace that Jesus gives, how will you be able to pass it along to others?

Paul stood unwavering on the deck of a sinking ship in the midst of a hell-storm at sea and said, "I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.' Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me." (Acts 27:22-25).

Do you know to whom you belong? Do you know whom you are serving? Has He spoken words of comfort to your soul in times of upheaval and unrest? Do you believe that His word will come to pass as He has spoken to you?

If so, then strap those boots on your feet, and get ready to take your stand in a day when all hell breaks loose, and men's hearts are failing them for fear. Be a good news person in a bad news day!
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