Hearing God Speak

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I have come to love my morning walks with the Lord. It is not just a time to exercise, but to worship. The lyrics of the songs and the music cause me to walk a little quicker as my heart rejoices in the Lord. Last week I was on my last little stretch when my eyes caught sight of the most amazing spider web. It was huge and in its own way striking beauty. There in the center of it all sat a proud little spider. Assignment accomplished and now he enjoyed the rest.

I reached for my phone to capture a photo when the Lord nudged me to pause and listen. He wanted to reveal to me something far greater than just the beauty of this intricate piece of heavenly art. I stepped a little closer with phone back in pocket and heard the Lord speak.

“If I can put in that little spider the know how to create this,

do you not believe that I have put within you everything that you need to accomplish all that I have called you to?”

It was a profound question and a startling, holy moment.

Yes, God had personally spoken to me through the work of a spider.

I immediately felt faith arise within me and confidence in my God that He is able to do all things. His word began to fill my mind and cause my heart to leap.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Now to him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.

Ephesians 3:20

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Romans 8:32

The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your loving kindness, O Lord is everlasting; Do not forsake the works of your Hands.

Psalm 138:8

“Lord, still our hearts to see you and hear you.

Awaken us to your voice. Speak to us and reveal to us your heart. Thank you for depositing within us everything that we need to accomplish your will.“

Look Up

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“And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” -Luke 21:28

As I was driving to the office this week, I heard the call in my spirit to “Look Up”. I quickly glanced up and today’s scripture came into my thoughts. When I pulled into the parking lot, I sat gazing up into the sky pondering what it will be like when Jesus returns with a burst in the sky. I felt a sense of urgency to live that day with a looking up attitude.

What does that mean? I didn’t listen for the trumpet sound, I didn’t sit staring into the sky all day, I didn’t sit paralyzed thinking this might be my last day. But an expectancy and urgency came over me that I long to have every day.

Most of America was caught “looking up” into the sky on Monday, August 21, 2017. The phenomenal solar eclipse affected all of America in some way. We pressed through crowds, searched, begged, and purchased the appropriate specification glasses in order to gaze at the spectacular occurrence in the sky. School was canceled, work was postponed, and roads were closed to normal traffic.

My first glimpse erupted in a gasp. It was unfolding just as all of the media had said it would happen. Right there above me, with the proper glasses, I was able to stare at the sun as the moon passed over it. A view to remember forever. It wasn’t the event that grabbed my attention as much as the reminder that I serve a mighty God that controls all things.

“Lift up your eyes on high and see Who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power,

Not one of them is missing.” -Isaiah 40:26

Even though the world seems to be quickly spinning out of control, our Sovereign God holds it all in place according to His command. His word tells us all these things will happen and we can know that our redemption is drawing nearer and nearer. He is in control and some day soon, He is returning to gather His Bride. He will make all things right in the end.

The question is: Will we listen and will we prepare?

If only, America would turn their eyes upward to stare at the Son!

If we would pause our busy schedules, put work on hold, cancel plans, pull over on the side of the road, do whatever is necessary to gain new perspective. As we stare at the Son, we will know the Father. His Spirit that lives within us will give us everything that we need in these last days.

“Lord, please continue to speak to us and call us to Look Up, living our lives expectant of your return. Give us your heart for the lost, the broken, and the wounded. Let us be messengers that point others in the right direction that they too will be prepared for your return. Oh, Lord, don’t let us be more intentional about a solar eclipse than we are at seeing and hearing you. Awaken us Lord!”

"They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” -Acts 1:10-11

Standing Still In The Storm

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“And suddenly a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping. And the disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us, we are going to die!” He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” - Matthew 8:24-26

During the recent hurricane news reporting, I was fascinated how the ones reporting on site of the storm seemed to take delight in their opportunity to be in the midst of all the adverse weather conditions. They were rain soaked, wind torn, tossed around, dodging broken limbs flying through the air. They positioned their feet and legs in such a way as to not be blown away. I took note of one reporter saying to another: “I watched you reporting during the storm and I was amazed that you were not blown away. I would have been blown into a tree.” His response to her was, “We were built to stand still in a storm.”

If Jesus could sleep through the storm of hurricane force, should we not also be able to withstand many adversities? Oh, that we as disciples of Jesus would take delight in positioning ourselves as He places us in the midst of adverse life situations and stand still in the storm? We have the strength of the Lord within us. We are equipped with the Armor of God to stand firm. We have been made warriors of God.

We have everything that we need in Christ Jesus.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” - 2 Peter 1:3

Would Jesus say to us today, “Why are you afraid, you men and women of little faith?” As we are rooted and grounded in Him, the strong winds will blow, but not blow us over.

Lord, increase our faith to believe You are who you say You are. You are our strength and shield. You are our stronghold. You are our help in times of trouble. When the winds of life blow against us, may we stand firm.

“To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings.”

- George Mueller