Can you hear that? No? Nothing? Even when we seek the quiet so we can hear that still small voice, many times we still hear…nothing. Silence. Listen to the quiet when long periods of silence occur. Listen during the times of rest and times of waiting. Never quit and never get tired of listening for what the Spirit is saying, even when nothing is heard. The times when it is quiet from God’s side, and you don’t know what to…
A friend and I were sitting and drinking coffee one day. We were talking about the bible story where Peter denies Jesus—three times. This is such an important story that it occurs in all four gospels: Matthew 26:33-35, Mark 14:29-31, Luke 22:33-34 and John 18:15-27. As we continued to discuss this further, we both claimed: “I would never deny Jesus. Never.” I even went so far as to say, “not only would I not deny Him, but I would never…
The Oxford Word of the Year is a word or expression that has attracted a great deal of interest over the last 12 months. Every year, candidates for Word of the Year are debated and one is eventually chosen that is judged to reflect the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of that particular year and to have lasting potential as a word of cultural significance. Do you have a favorite word? Some friends or acquaintances may pick a ‘word of the…
Delight. What does this word conjure? Ice cream sundae on a hot summer afternoon? A Friday off from work? Taking a stroll in the park with your dog? An al fresco lunch with two of your best friends? To delight yourself in something means to get pleasure from it and to SHOW that delight. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Why did David write this? As an encouragement to…
Today, January 14, 2021 from 5:00am to 11:00pm, there is a call to lift up hearts in prayer for America, believing this is God’s call to His people: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved,” (1…
In a dream, I didn’t have anywhere to go and couldn’t see where I was going to live. It was distressing and I was very upset. Things had been changing in my life, but now there seemed to be a deafening silence and a confusion I didn’t understand. On a walk, I bumped into the couple who had purchased my previous house. After exchanging pleasantries, they asked how I was doing and where I was living, so I told them…
As the Christmas season is here, set aside the noise, the busyness, the activities, and the plans. Celebrate the season, not only with a quietness of heart and mind, but with all the senses. Allow the Sprit to heighten your senses and abilities, and understand that all five human senses have their spiritual counterparts. Celebrate the spiritual sense of taste: If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:3 Taste and see that the LORD is…
Have you ever really looked at a bodybuilder? If so, you can appreciate the development that comes with a fierce commitment. Whether for sport or recreation, bodybuilders do not achieve that level of fitness overnight. Nor does it take just a week, a month or even a year. Their form and strength are built over a prolonged period using a wide range of exercises and disciplines, with an intense daily focus, diligence and dedication. Ask any bodybuilder and they will…
When Jesus heard that his friend Lazarus was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. (John 11:6) The bible shows us that Jesus didn’t immediately come running when he heard his friend was sick. Nor does it indicate that He sent a message back at once. When all is silent, this can be confusing or upsetting; delay of an answer feels bewildering or even agonizing. Oswald Chambers, in his writings in ‘From My Utmost for…
Daniel 9:4-19 is prayer where Daniel confessed the sin of his people, while glorified the goodness and righteousness of God. As we Americans enter a season of elections, holidays, and a new year of uncertainty, let all the saints come together in prayer for our cities, counties, states, and nation: I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,…