Do you hear what I hear?

On the day of Pentecost the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak so that those around them heard the message each in their mother tongue. Miraculous for sure! And what was the message that grabbed the attention of the bystanders? It was the declaration of “the wonderful works of God” (See Acts 2:11) or as stated in various English translations:

“The wonders of God,”

“The mighty works of God,”

“The great things God has done,”

 “The magnificent acts of God.”

How different from the usual conversation of our day, especially in today’s climate of mud-slinging, blame casting, accusatory speech.  How much would we impact those around us if our conversation centered on the wonderful works of God?

If someone overhears my speech today what will they hear? I hope they hear a clear, understandable and hope-filled message of the wonders of God.

In the words of hymn writer, Fanny Crosby:

“To God be the glory, great things He has done;

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

                Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,               

                Let the earth hear His voice!
                Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

                Let the people rejoice!

                O come to the Father through Jesus, the Son,

                And give Him the glory,

                Great things He hath done!”

Father God,

Today may I declare Your wonders to those I encounter. Help me to speak words that please You and draw others to You. 

Amen

Doing what comes naturally

God’s commands supersede natural inclinations.  In 1 Kings chapter 17 there is an account from the life of the prophet Elijah. God told Elijah to go into hiding and that He had commanded the Ravens to feed him. And they did! “The Ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening.” (Verse 6) I have sometimes wondered why the birds didn’t eat the food themselves. That would be their natural behavior. Then I considered that they could not because their Creator commanded them otherwise.

We may sometimes excuse our behavior because we are just doing “what comes naturally” even though it may be hurtful to others or ourselves. But if we want to follow Jesus, desire to please Him, and have positive impact on those in our sphere of influence, His Word will rule over our natural tendencies.  In John 14:15 Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”   Obedience to Him is one way we demonstrate our love for Him.

So today, I choose to NOT do what comes naturally, but rather to live supernaturally and do what pleases Him.  Perhaps I’ll start with this: “Let my mouth be filled with your praise and with your glory all the day.” Psalm 71:8

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14

Staying Positive in Negative Times

“Why are the nations in an uproar, and the peoples devising a vain thing?”  Psalm 2:1

It’s hard to stay positive in today’s politically charged climate where accusations and generalizations are flung in every direction at everyone.  Claims are made and charges leveled against just about anything. It’s hard to see any humor in this. Right is wrong and wrong is wrong – it’s all just wrong! Snide comments on social media, blatant hateful remarks, and absurd illogical conclusions find us looking at each other with suspicion and dislike, wondering “what in the world is wrong with you?” 

We stand on shifting sand, among overturned values in a society run amok and we wonder why we feel off-balance! It’s enough to make you sick in your stomach, fearful, and even despairing.

But then – as if seeing a lifeline atop the turbulent waves, we remember who is REALLY in charge, and IT'S NOT US! It’s HIM.  Try listening to some good praise music today.  Put on your favorites or if you can't think of any, here are some suggestions. Go to YouTube and find these:

“God will make a Way”, by Don Moen

“Press ON” or “Wonderful Merciful Savior,” sung by the group Selah, who reminds us that “He offers hope when our hearts have hopelessly lost our way.”   

“We’ve Come This Far by Faith”

“It is Finished” or “Let Freedom Ring,” by the Gaither Vocal Band who also reminds us that “Because He Lives” we can face uncertain days without fear.

And, of course, there are always the great hymns like "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," and "Amazing Grace" or "It is Well with My Soul." Remember those?

Oh, and more importantly, perhaps a change in reading material is in order!  Take a break from social media and get into THE BOOK.   What encouragement did you find there today?  I’ll get you started. Feel free to add your own verses in the comments. Maybe you can encourage someone else today.

“Then Job answered the Lord and said, ‘I know that Thou canst do all things, and that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted.’” Job 42:1

“As for God, His way is blameless; the word of the Lord is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” Psalm 18:30

“Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, Nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, what shall man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5-6

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Blessings, 

Ruth