The God Who Speaks

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1:1-4

The apostle John wrote: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). After reading this Scripture, A.W. Tozer wrote:

“An intelligent, plain man, untaught in the truths of Christianity, coming upon this text, would likely conclude that John meant to teach that it is the nature of God to speak, to communicate His thoughts to others. And he would be right. A word is a medium by which thoughts are expressed, and the application of the term to the eternal Son leads us to believe that self-expression is inherent in the Godhead, that God is forever seeking to speak Himself out to His creation. The whole Bible supports this idea. God is speaking. Not God spoke, but God is speaking. He is, by His nature, continuously articulate. He fills the world with His speaking voice.”

While God communicates primarily through His Word, He is not limited in His expression. He often uses pastors, friends, and others to bear witness to His will for our lives. Be sure the voice you hear is God’s by establishing a close, personal relationship with Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you through His Word. A person who focuses his thoughts on God will be lead by God and will gain the mind of Christ.

Needed: Husbands Who Understand

“You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:7-9

It is said there is nothing better a man can do for his children than to love his wife. The example of mutual affection and submission between husband and wife is the main ingredient for enduring family harmony and a living portrait of the relationship between Christ and His church. In a culture that frequently celebrates the macho male image and an evangelical community that stresses the authority of the husband, the apostle Peter, no milk toast himself, strikes the right balance.

Husband, understand your wife. She operates on a uniquely feminine wavelength that cannot be picked up by a man apart from a concerted effort to know what makes his mate tick. This is a lifelong process, but there are plenty of Christian books that can help the husband gain insight into his wife’s emotional makeup. Find out what makes her happy, what triggers her anger, what opens the tear ducts.

Realize she is a weaker vessel. Weak doesn’t mean inferior. What Peter implies is that the wife is not designed to carry the entire load - financial problems, disciplinary measures for the children, and other common family difficulties. The wife is the husband’s helpmate; and he is her ever-ready helper, willing to relieve emotional or physical overloads.

The Reward of Meditation

“O how I love Your law!
It is my meditation all the day.
Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies,
For they are ever mine.
I have more insight than all my teachers,
For Your testimonies are my meditation.
I understand more than the aged,
Because I have observed Your precepts.” Psalm 119:97-100

He won three gold medals in the 1994 Winter Olympics. Johann Olav Koss’ remarkable feat was the result of a minimum of six hours training per day, a devotion even his competitors admired. Koss captured the gold and the hearts of his countrymen because he knew that hard work paid dividends. The innumerable hours of solitary rigors would eventually be rewarded.

Meditation is a deficient discipline in most because they fail to see future benefits. It is viewed in a strangely passive light, though it calls for active engagement of mind and spirit. Meditation is the training ground for wisdom and insight. The progressive intake of Scripture, combined with sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, renews the mind, priming it for godly decisions in tough matters.

Meditation sifts the heart. Problem areas, sins that perhaps we didn’t even know lurked within, are surfaced through the work of the Holy Spirit. This may be painful; but when accompanied by true repentance, it liberates us to live holy, pure lives. Meditation accelerates obedience. God speaks quietly to our hearts so we can obey and reap the rewards.

Listen and let God cull the chaff. Wait patiently and obey His prompting. The rewards are bountiful.

Maximize Your Investment

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither.” Psalm 1:1-3

Any farmer or gardener prefers a soft, steady rain for thirsty crops or plants. Heavy downfalls may appear favorable; but much of the water is wasted, the ground unable to absorb the deluge. However, the soil and rain are synchronized when the precipitation falls at a steady rate. Meditation is akin to this analogy. Slowly, steadily and productively, the Word of God is distilled and digested. It is the process of patiently listening, hearing, and waiting upon God. However, meditation can be hindered for two significant reason:

Quiet time vs. Busy time. We are harried and hurried. Our pace is fast, even on a slow day. But meditation requires time, still time where the voices of duty and responsibility are deliberately muted.

Quality vs. Quantity. Many Christians have a reading schedule that takes them from Genesis to Revelation in a year. This is a profitable exercise, but its benefits can be negated if our hearts aren’t set on digesting meaningful portions. Reading shorter passages of Scripture can facilitate biblical meditation. And often, God will focus your attention on but one verse.

Customize your schedule to find an appropriate quiet time that allows your to maximize your investment.

My Dad Knows God!

“My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your sight;
Keep them in the midst of your heart.
For they are life to those who find them
And health to all their body.
Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.
Put away from you a deceitful mouth
And put devious speech far from you.
Let your eyes look directly ahead
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
Watch the path of your feet
And all your ways will be established.” Proverbs 4:20-26

It was a typical scenario of young boys debating who’s father was the best. This discussion highlighted who their fathers knew. The first boy started the debate by claiming his father knew the mayor. He was soon topped by the second boy who said, “That’s nothing, my dad knows the governor.” The stakes were getting pretty high and the eavesdropping father wondered what his young son would say about him. The little boy shot back, “So What!? My dad knows God!”

Would your son say the same thing? May our children always be able to say, “My dad knows God!” Happy Father’s Day!!!

Are You Listening?

So the LORD called Samuel again for the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli discerned that the LORD was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:8-10

In a pointed exhortation, James captures the importance of listening and thinking before you speak. “But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak...” (James 1:19). James’ context is human relationships, but it is equally apropos in our fellowship with the Father. God wants us to express our needs, but He also desires that we listen to Him.

Often, our communion with God is one way. We present our requests, pray for others, and conclude. God’s plan gives ample room for such communication, but He also has much to say to us if we are willing to listen. “Oh, but it is such a strain to discern God’s voice,” you say. This is a common concern among most Christians, but it is one you can put aside. Simply tell God you want to hear from Him. He will not lead astray the man or woman who sincerely desires to know Him.

God speaks to you primarily through Scripture. When you open your Bible, you are not engaging in a mere reading exercise; you are ready to hear what God has to say. His Word is His voice. Listening to God changes your life. You will find guidance, comfort, encouragement, and correction for the day. Order will replace confusion; peace will supplant anxiety.

Praying for Others

“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.” 1 Timothy 2:1-8

Prayer is a supernatural tool for developing a genuine compassion and burden for the needs of others. We are admonished to pray for all sorts of people -local, state, and national leaders (1 Tim. 2:2); the universal body of Christ, especially those under persecution (Eph. 6:18-20); laborers in God’s harvest fields (Matt. 9:38); our personal enemies (Matt. 5:44); all men - believers and unbelievers alike (1 Tim. 2:1). That is quite a list, isn’t it? If we are honest, most of our time spent in prayer is for personal requirements - sprinkled in with a pinch of worship and a neighborly request or two for others for good measure.

Laboring in prayer for the welfare of those mentioned just does not come naturally, does it? That is why - when we begin earnestly and systematically to intercede for others - we find a strange release from our selfish bent. Less time is spent on ourselves, but we spend significantly more time praying for the needs of others. In so doing, prayer becomes the spiritual scalpel that lifts off the stifling layers of self-preoccupation. We are freed to heed Jesus’ great command: “Love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers.” Philemon 1:4