God's Voice Cannot Be Silenced

Music appeals to just about everyone, and each person has a voice for singing, if only in private. Can you imagine a world without music? Music appeals to our heart and soul, mysteriously lifting our mood. Music has been instrumental in leading millions to Christ while giving others a desire to live for him.

Temptation is another convincing and powerful voice, but it can seduce only those who are willing to be conquered. The voice of Christ Jesus will never be silent, regardless of temptation’s effort to squelch it. When we submit to temptation's voice by shutting out God’s voice, we are in danger of experiencing severe consequences.

Listen to Isaiah 30:20-21. “Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the waters of affliction, you will hear God’s voice behind you saying, ‘No, this is the way, walk here.’” Proverbs 2:10 follows with, “For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling you with life and joy.”

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Yes, he’s our God, and we’re the people he pastures, the flock he feeds. Drop everything and listen, listen as [God] speaks.

~Psalm 95:7 The Message

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A Sure Escape from Temptation's Snare

A strong feature of a child’s security is the comforting voices of family and caregivers. Nothing calms a troubled child or adult like the calming voice of a loving parent or trusted friend. Conversely, a persistent and angry voice trying to gain and maintain harsh, neurotic control can destroy faith and trust.

The internal voice we listen to is influential and powerful. Its intent can be godly and filled with goodness or, on the other hand, can direct us toward what is evil and sure to end in pain and grief. Our internal voice can be calm, urging us to be loving and kind, or saturated with anger or fear.

Temptation’s voice deceives and attempts to destroy your faith. God’s voice from Deuteronomy 30:19-20 instructs you on how to escape temptation’s snare. “Now choose life by choosing to love the Lord your God so that you and your children may live. Hold fast to him, for his voice leads to life and peace.” Believe this.

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Cry for help and you’ll find it is grace and more grace. The moment he hears, he’ll answer… [The Holy Spirit] will be right there, local and on the job, urging you on whenever you wander left or right.

~Isaiah 30:19-20 The Message

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Searching the Heart with Search Talk – Part 3

It's difficult to thoroughly know another person until you’ve seen them at their worst. As a college freshman my son shared an apartment with a friend from high school. By semester’s end he was ready to move in with another friend he believed would be more compatible. We seem destined to search for contentment and happiness.

Virgil, the first century BC Roman poet observed, "Happy is the person who searches out the cause of things by inquiring, questioning, and observing." Wanting to understand why someone made a particular choice motivates search talk. Search talk need not be offensive when designed to benefit each person by discovering truth.

Searching for the truth to better understand a person or situation is acceptable although the truth may be painful. Search talk’s objective is to discover truth, which relies on honesty. The Psalmist invites God to search his heart and to know him so he would be free to truly be himself. You can also give God this invitation, so listen closely to what he finds.  

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Look deep into my heart, God, and find out everything I am thinking. Don’t let me follow evil ways, but lead me in the way that time has proven true.

~Psalm 139:23-24 Good News Bible

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

~Psalm 139:23-24 New Living Translation

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Hatred: Favoritism's Fallout

It all started as a normal day.  A young brother was sent to check on his older brothers so their father could be assured everything was okay. The older brothers were envious of Joseph for he was their father’s favorite. To make matters worse, their father Jacob had given Joseph an expensive coat that clearly set him apart from his older brothers.   

 

It never occurred to Joseph as he left home that morning that this would be the last time he would see his home. When his brothers saw Joseph coming, the extent of their hatred and bitterness is recorded in Genesis 37:19. "Here comes that dreamer. Let’s kill him and say some ferocious animal devoured him. Then what will become of his dreams."

Thank God one of the brothers was mature enough to interject some sensibility into the situation. No matter how justifiable your anger and hatred may seem, God will give you an alternate way to respond to save you from the disaster hatred creates. Your responsibility is to listen and act according to the message and help that God sends to you.  

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When his brothers realized that their father loved him more than them, they grew to hate him – they wouldn’t even speak to him.

~GENESIS 37:4 The Message

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, practice loving your enemies and praying for your persecutors, to prove that you are children of your Father in heaven…”

~MATTHEW 5:43-45a Williams

God Is There! Are You Listening? - Part 3

One function of the conscience is to issue warnings when we are out of compliance with our commitment to God, Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit and other people. We admire those who stand up to the infestation of sin and depravities and thus maintain a healthy self-image that witnesses to others. A strong conscience forbids acts detrimental to self and others.

A healthy conscience affirms conduct becoming of persons who care about their spiritual and social well-being. Listen to Paul’s testimony from 2 Corinthians 1:12: “Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world and especially in our relations with you in the holiness and sincerity that are from God.” Could this be your testimony?

It’s incredibly important to listen to the nudging and nurturing of your conscience. The conscience gives advice or consultation where certain behaviors are questionable. God cares for you and wants what is best for you now and in the future. Faithfully trust God to be your guide and protector.  

God Is There! Are You Listening? - Part 2

How did you come to believe in what is right or wrong, good or bad, appropriate and inappropriate? The Apostle Paul emphatically declares in Romans 2:14-15 that those people who have never heard of the Ten Commandments do by nature what is required. They do so because it is written in their hearts and minds, and their conscience bears witness.

It’s possible to mute out and disregard the values promoted by the conscience. This doesn’t imply freedom from guilt resulting from wrongful choices and behaviors. Delayed consequences can be more painful because of accumulated guilt. The purpose of an active conscience is to guide, protect, accuse and defend each of us.

A weakened conscience can be strengthened by renewing your covenant with the Lord Jesus Christ, creating a place in your heart for God’s word, and finding a Christian mentor to be an accountability partner. God’s purpose is to cleanse the conscience so fellowship with him can be possible and enjoyed. 

God Is There! Are You Listening? - Part 1

How would you evaluate the ethics of our culture when it comes to going beyond what is required, doing what is commendable? Several years ago, a plane crashed into the Potomac River just outside Washington DC. A young man risked his life to save passengers by swimming out to the plane in freezing water to bring helpless victims to shore.

Luke’s Gospel records the account of the Good Samaritan who helped a wounded man who had been left for dead beside the road. He went beyond the call of duty to insure the injured man was given proper care. This parable also relates how two religious leaders of the same nationality as the wounded man used excuses to pass by and refused to give help.

The strong voice of conscience directs us to do what is morally right and good. Each person can choose to perform spontaneous acts of kindness with no thought of reward. If an opportunity arises to follow the voice of your conscience, are you ready and willing to hear and respond? What would Jesus do?  

Your Conscience: God's Inner Voice - Part 3

Andrei Sakharov, the decorated Soviet physicist, believed his work would ensure peace and protection for his country. He later came to believe that nuclear testing was destructive and dangerous to the human race. Because of this change in critical thinking, he was forced to live in isolation for eighteen years.

Andrei Sakharov listened to the voice of his conscience and stood up for what he believed. His faith in common people and the power of reason made him a hero to people everywhere. When a person listens to his or her conscience, appropriate conduct usually follows.

Andrei Sakharov won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975, and by the time of his death, democracy had engulfed some of the communist nations. Jesus’ determination to do the will of God cost him his life but made possible our redemption from sin. God blesses those who resist the temptation to cave in to the external pressures of the world and choose instead to abide by the inner voice of their conscience.  

Self-Respect Missing? Check Your Lifestyle - Part 3

The nation of Israel wanted a king so they could be like other countries. God chose for this position Saul, a young man thirty years old. Samuel, the last judge to rule Israel, was designated to anoint Saul as king. However, on the day of his coronation Saul hid himself from Samuel and the people. You could say Saul was reluctant a king.

Saul is described as handsome and taller than the average man, so he was someone the people could literally look up to. He showed leadership in organizing an army and rallying the nation to defend itself against an enemy. Saul did develop courage and proved himself in battle early on.

Perhaps Saul’s need for approval overruled good judgement and consequently cost him God’s approval. As his self-respect diminished, confidence in God, himself and the Hebrew people also faded. Saul’s story illustrates that self-respect must be protected by listening to God’s voice above all others and faithfully following his instructions for your life.