Thursday, January 25, 2018

The Voice

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)

I left the Book on a wooden crate by the sea shore next to my chair while I got up to get a cool glass of lemonade. The wind began to flip the pages and the fluttering let me know that the pages were turning. 

God is always speaking!

Often, we speak of hearing God’s voice. But what does that sound like to someone who has never experience the Lord?

This weekend I was at a restaurant and as I was leaving someone called my name. As I turned around her face looked familiar, but I could not quite figure out from where.

She recognized my voice as I was interacting with my friends at the dinner table. Once I got up she confirmed that the familiar voice indeed was me!

It may be difficult to explain how the Lord speaks. Let’s begin with the Book whose pages are now flapping in the wind. The Word of God speaks of who he is and goes into great detail on how far he will go to reach us. 

Creation speaks of Him!

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:7-10)

I was embarrassed that I did not recognize my friend at first. But a few quick moments into the conversation and I realized this woman had babysat my son for years. My son is a grown, married man now. It’s been years! Her ear was keen. Mine not so much.

Do we miss God sometimes?  Is our memory short-lived? 

She recognized the sound of my voice through dishes clashing at the restaurant, plenty of conversations and loud laughter.

Can you hear Him calling?

What I’ve discovered is that our voices are unique.

Image if your mom and dad had the same voice. That would be creepy! What if your favorite singer’s voice sounded like “Doc”, the inventor of the first-time machine from “Back to the Future.” Hmmm, no need to download that song.

The unique sound of our voice is like a fingerprint.

It’s that uniqueness that makes me, me. Each of us created special and exceptional in God’s sight. The Scriptures note that we are created in His image; spirit just like God. (Genesis 1:27)

As a little girl I loved going to my grandma’s house. Years later when she moved to Puerto Rico and the years of life were added, her voice was still grandma’s voice.

Get a cold and our voice might get raspy for a short time. Spend some time in the roller rink screaming over the noise and music and our voice might get hoarse. But this unique feature is one of our trademarks. My voice is still mine.

God who made us is that way too. The Bible says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

When God speaks through his Word, the heart of God is exposed and is the same from Genesis to Revelation. He loves us in Genesis and He loves us in Revelation.

That’s one way we recognize when he speaks. He does not contradict himself.

God who created life would not ask us to harm ourselves.

God who sent his Son as a payment for sin does not want anyone to leave this earth without this gift.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28

Have you heard him Speak? 

Has he been calling you? 

His Voice is like no one else. When he speaks things go into motion; creation, salvation, the redemptive plan for mankind is unleashed.

The sound of the waves reminds us that God the creator put boarders on the ocean so that it doesn’t spill over and consume us. (Psalm 104:9)

God speaks through his Word. We get to know him better as we remain in it.

“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8:32-36)

Lay your back on the grains of sand that amount to billions. Look up to his handiwork and the stars that he placed in the sky speak of Him, our Creator. He is everywhere!

I pray that my ears and sight would become keener. Not only to recognize friends from my past but to recognize the God of my present and future!

He's everywhere!

Can you hear him?

God bless you!~Liz

CHANGE, WELCOME IT!

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