Today’s Reading: Luke 10:38-42

I love to get a new pair of running shoes. I cannot say I love how much I have to pay for the new shoes, but I love slipping them on and then taking a lap around the store to see if they are the right shoes for me. I love the mornings when I can slip on my running shoes and go for a short morning walk. It helps me feel alive to go out and enjoy the fresh morning air.

There are times when I choose to wear my running shoes all day. These are usually the days when I have a lot of distance to cover and I need a shoe that will help me get through the day’s events, like traveling through airports or running errands. And I must admit, there are days when I wish I could wear my running shoes all day, but unfortunately the required attire for my schedule will not allow it.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Do you find yourself on the go, running from this to that, in need of a good pair of running shoes? Does life have you so busy that you find yourself on your feet more than in your seat? It seems to me that most of us fill our schedules tightly enough that we miss the opportunity to just sit at the feet of Jesus and consider all of His blessings.

“When will you stop running?
When will you stop panting after other gods?
But you say, ‘Save your breath.
I’m in love with these foreign gods,
and I can’t stop loving them now!’” – Jeremiah 2:25

As Americans, we are guilty of running after all of the things our culture offers us. We find ourselves chasing after status and promotion; we are surrounded by messages that we need the newest technology or the most recent fashion. We never intend to chase after the things of the world, but it’s easy to get caught in the trap of wanting more.

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. – Ecclesiastes 6:9

God, show me the ways in which I am chasing after the things of this world. Help me to rearrange my schedule to make you a priority each day. When I am tempted to work long and hard, may I hear your voice calling me to slow down and spend time with you. When I find myself wanting all of the things this world says I need in order to be happy, help me to be satisfied by all I am receiving from my relationship with you. May I chase after your heart every day without chasing after the temporary pleasures of this world.

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-10

Have you ever heard the analogy that a busy person wears a lot of hats? It is simply another way to say someone plays a variety of different roles in their life. The hat we wear at work may be very different from the hat we wear at home or at church. On any given day, an individual can easily play a dozen roles in the lives of other people. Let’s consider changing that analogy from hats to shoes. This morning, let’s talk about our platform shoes.

Throughout history, individuals have been wearing platform shoes for various reasons. For many of us, platform shoes take us back to the fashion of the 1970’s when it was popular to wear shoes that added a couple of inches to your height. The platform shoe was a fun fashion statement, whether you were headed to the disco or going to work. These shoes allowed you to stand taller, be more visible, and gain confidence.

WE ARE MORE VISIBLE WHEN WE WEAR OUR PLATFORM SHOES.

Consider the “platform shoes” we wear when we are asked to play a role in the Sunday morning service. Whether you are making announcements, leading worship, or preaching the sermon, when you step onto the platform, you are stepping into a role. You now stand taller than most of the people in the room; you are more visible and the pressure of all eyes being on you is felt immediately.

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when we wear our platform shoes. We have all seen the comical videos of runway models trying to keep their composure while struggling to stay upright in their fancy stilettos. Many of us have stories of tripping or falling because we chose to wear the tall shoe or the slick shoe instead of the safe shoe. The shoes may be beautiful but it is easy to find ourselves flat on our face with little to no warning.

It is a privilege to be in ministry, an honor to step onto the platform, but with it comes responsibility and the need for intentionality. If I’m not careful, I can stumble, causing others to do the same. Paul describes himself to Timothy as chosen to the message of faith and truth (1 Timothy 2:7). He was called, and he was given a purpose. When we are chosen to lead others in worship, we are called to provide an atmosphere where God has our full attention and the Spirit has permission to do a work in our lives. When we are called to preach, God gives us a message for His people. We often have no idea what those in the congregation are feeling or going through, but the Spirit gives us the words to speak specifically into each heart across the room.

But it is easy for me to get in the way of accomplishing that purpose. I want others to experience Jesus but, when I stand on the platform, THERE I AM! My presence, with all my humanity and imperfections, can easily become an obstacle or distraction to others. How can I authentically lead others to the throne if they are distracted by the way I live my life?

“In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.” – 1 Timothy 2:8

My attitude can easily be a distraction to myself and to others. My ability to truly worship God is limited when I am struggling due to a conflict with another person. How can I experience the joy of the Lord when I am angry with someone else or refuse to forgive them? How can others believe that my worship is authentic if they know I am steeped in conflict or quick to run my mouth about someone else. If I am going to wear my platform shoes with grace, I must take care of that strained relationship with someone else in the congregation. If I am going to wear my platform shoes with mercy, I need to stop gossipping about those I am trying to lead to the throne of God.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. – 1 Timothy 2:1

Whether we like it or not, what we wear when we are on the platform can be a distraction to the main purpose of the service. Paul points out that our appearance can get in the way; it can be a distraction or become a roadblock to someone fully experiencing God’s presence or worshiping God (1 Timothy 2:9-10). It is important that what you wear does NOT get more attention than what you are saying!

SO HOW DO I LOOK IN MY PLATFORM SHOES?

Am I wearing them well, or am I a disaster waiting to happen? Am I standing in the way of the message God wants His people to hear today? Is there anything about how I live my life or how I have handled myself over the last week that will keep my siblings in Christ from hearing God because all they can see is me? Is my last social media post louder than the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life?

The one who speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; the one who serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies. Our desire should be that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. — 1 Peter 4:11

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Do you have a favorite gift – a gift that you will forever remember because of how the giver’s love was expressed through the giving? Can you think of a gift that forever changed your life? One of my favorite gifts I have ever received was a pair of church shoes. I know, it doesn’t sound like that significant of a gift, but this gift perhaps changed my life more than any other physical gift I have ever received. In order to tell you about this gift, I have to tell you about two very special people.

There are people in this life that we cross paths with, and then there are people we meet and the trajectory of our life is forever changed. Ron and Donna Pate changed my life forever. They crossed a busy street in Bloomington, Indiana, knocked on our door, and invited our family to church. When my mother politely declined, she invited them over to their house for sweet tea and a game of cards. This invitation expressed a desire to get to know my parents. Again, she invited them to church, and they politely said no.

After many attempts, Donna changed her invitation to a request to take my sister and me to church with them. My mom made up a reason why that Sunday wouldn’t work…and the next Sunday…and the next Sunday. Then my mom used the excuse, “Sherry doesn’t have any church shoes.” Before the day was over there was a knock on the door. Donna stood there with a pair of church shoes. The next day, my sister and I went to church – I wore my new shoes.

I was young but I remember being really scared when she dropped me off at my class. I also remember LOVING church! We went back week after week and soon my parents started coming too. There at Bloomington First Church of the Nazarene in Indiana, they accepted Christ as their Savior and were soon working with the youth group. My father lefta job he loved and his doctoral program at Indiana University, and he accepted a call into full time ministry. In 2010, Pastor Larry Fortado retired after 33 years as a pastor. The friendship Ron and Donna offered changed our family forever!!!

There are two parts of this gift of church shoes that stand out to me. First of all, these shoes represent a life brought up in the church with godly parents. Because of the influence of my parents, I too accepted Christ as my Savior. From a young age, I loved God and would tell people I wanted to be a pastor’s wife when I grew up. Eventually I made a full commitment to Christ, experiencing sanctification. My relationship with God has continued to grow little by little each day of my life. I am now married to an incredible man who serves the God he loves, and we have three beautiful daughters who love Jesus! All three of our girls are pursuing God’s call on their life and we could not be more proud. The impact of the gift of my first church shoes continues generation after generation.

The second part of this gift of shoes is the first-hand knowledge that I have the potential to forever change someone’s life, just like Ron and Donna Pate forever changed mine. This part is about opportunity. Donna had an opportunity and she took it. Now I have opportunities in my life. What will I do with them?

Remember this — a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! – 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Donna made a decision in her heart – she decided to cross the road, she decided to keep coming back, she decided our family was worth the cost of a pair of shoes. Donna was not rich but God supplied her with what she needed to obey Him. God provided the seed and Donna obediently planted it.

Two good things result from this ministry of giving: 1.) I received a new pair of shoes and the experience that would last a lifetime and 2.) I have a lens through which I can look at the opportunities around me. And in all things, God receives glory for everything He accomplishes through me in the lives of others. I thank God for this gift – the gift of church shoes – it is too wonderful for words!!!

On November 12, 2014, I attended the funeral for this precious woman who changed my life with an opportunity and a gift. That day, I stood with my parents and sister before the caskets of both Ron and Donna Pate as we said goodbye to a couple who made sure I knew I was loved by them and loved by God. Together we expressed our thankful hearts for the courage of a woman who dared cross a busy street to once again invite a young family to their church.

The gift of opportunity is extended to each of us today. What will we do with the opportunities God gives us before this day is over? What gift can we extend in love that will forever change someone’s life. Today is the day. What will you do with it?

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 6:13-20; Psalm 28 & 62

Sometimes there are disappointments in life. At times the burden we are carrying for other people is heavy enough to interrupt our thoughts throughout the day. Living out our faith does not mean that life is always easy or that everything works out perfectly all the time, but living in relationship with God gives us a place to take our fears and anxiety. No matter how difficult things look right now, we can be confident that God never breaks His promises.

God is not a man, so he does not lie.
He is not human, so he does not change his mind.
Has he ever spoken and failed to act?
Has he ever promised and not carried it through? — Numbers 23:19

I believe at times our disappointment is not that God made a promise and did not keep it, but rather that God did not do what we wanted Him to do. When things do not go our way or our prayers are not answered in the way we had hoped, we begin to doubt whether or not God truly is faithful. But in the midst of our struggles, we must remember that it is not God who is wavering.

GOD IS STEADFAST AND CONSISTENT — A ROCK TO HOLD ONTO WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE SEEMS TO BE SPINNING.

For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying:

“I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.”

Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

Now when people take an oath, they call on someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding. God also bound himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. — Hebrews 6:13-20

GOD’S PROMISE AND HIS OATH ARE UNCHANGEABLE BECAUSE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE.

My prayer for us this morning is that we can enter into His sanctuary, pour out our hearts to Him, and hold tight to the hope that lies before us. Thank you, God, for giving us this confidence this morning — that You never break your promises, and You never will! Amen.

Praise the Lord!
For he has heard my cry for mercy.
The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. – Psalm 28:6-7

Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge. – Psalm 62:5-8

Today’s Reading: Matthew 18:21-35; Psalm 103

There are times in our lives when it is easy to forgive someone who has wronged us, and then there are times when it is the hardest thing we have ever had to do.

The world defines forgiveness more from an inward perspective of letting go of resentment for the sake of peace of mind. If I make a conscious decision to let go of my need for vengeance or my desire to carry a grudge against someone, it frees me from the anger that can build up inside of me and rob me of joy. Forgiveness does not mean I excuse the behavior or give someone permission to continue to hurt me. I choose to forgive for my own sake, not necessarily for the sake of the one who has hurt me. [See this definition of forgiveness at https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/forgiveness/definition.]

Biblical forgiveness starts with my need to ask God to forgive me of my sin. I recognize that I have gone against His will or disobeyed Him, so the need to be reconciled with my Creator causes me to ask for forgiveness. This is not about merely going through the motions of saying, “I have sinned, please forgive me.” It needs to come from a heart that is sincerely repentant. There is an element of regret or remorse that brings me to a place of apology.

IF I MUST SHOW REGRET TO RECEIVE FORGIVENESS, SHOULDN’T THE PERSON WHO HAS WRONGED ME NEED TO SHOW REGRET BEFORE I FORGIVE THEM?

I think we often take this definition of forgiveness into our relationships with others. We think there is no need to forgive someone who has sinned against us unless they sincerely apologize, showing some kind of regret or disappointment in themselves. We wait for this recognition of wrong and hold onto our hard feelings until we see it. But let’s see how Jesus defined our need to forgive others.

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” — Matthew 6:14-15

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” — Mark 11:25

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!” — Matthew 18:21-22

GOD CALLS US TO DISPLAY MERCY AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO HAVE SINNED AGAINST US.

Then Jesus shared a story about a servant who owed the king a lot of money but was unable to pay. The king forgave him his debt, but then he turned around and demanded the money another servant owed him. When the man could not pay, he had him arrested and thrown into prison. When the king heard that he did not extend the same mercy to someone else that he had been extended, he called the servant in and had him thrown into prison.

“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” — Matthew 18:35

God calls us to be merciful to one another. He knows that we need to forgive other people just as much as they need to be forgiven. He does not tell us to demand an apology from someone else, nor does he say to wait until they make amends. He tells us to forgive just as He forgave us. And He knows that forgiving others is what will help us move forward. Forgiveness has a way of acknowledging my pain while refusing to let it define my future.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. — Colossians 3:12-14

It is not easy to forgive someone who has hurt us or sinned against us, but we serve a God who does not ask us to do hard things on our own. He steps in and gives us the strength to do what He is asking us to do. And then He fills the space that has been filled with bitterness with a peace that helps us move forward in freedom. Thank you, God, for your amazing provision! Help us to let go and forgive others, just as you have forgiven us.

MAY THOSE OF US WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED FORGIVENESS BE WILLING TO EXTEND FORGIVENESS TO OTHERS.

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. – Psalm 103:1-4

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.
He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.
For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. – Psalm 103:8-12

Today’s Reading: Psalm 138 & 139

I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;
For your promises are back by all the honor of your name. – Psalm 138:1-2

GOD’S PROMISES ARE BACKED BY ALL THE HONOR OF HIS NAME.

Can we just sit in that truth for a moment? God is faithful and true, and He always keeps His promises. What He says, He will do. And we can have confidence in this truth because the Lord’s promises are backed by the honor of His holy name. Stop. Listen. All that God has promised you is backed by the honor of His perfect and holy name.

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. – Psalm 138:3

GOD RESPONDS TO YOUR PRAYERS IMMEDIATELY.

When I pray, God listens and He responds to the cries of my heart. I may not hear an audible answer, and I may not immediately get what I am asking for, but I can have confidence that God is responding. Perhaps His response is to strengthen us, as it was with King David, or perhaps it is to comfort us. Let’s wait patiently on the Lord, knowing that His response is immediate even if we have to wait for the answer we are hoping for. When I stand confident in the knowledge that God is listening and responding as I pray, I can rest in the truth that He cares.

Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud.
Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. – Psalm 138:6-7

GOD SAVES YOU WITH HIS RIGHT HAND, SHOWING BOTH HIS STRENGTH AND HIS ABILITY.

God is bigger than our earthly troubles. He is stronger than the forces of evil, wiser than our worst enemies, and faithful to provide for us even in the hardest seasons of our lives. This world we live in is a mess and we are going to feel the pain of living in a sinful society, but God is not complacent. He is actively working in our lives.

The Lord will work out his plans for my life — for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me, for you made me. – Psalm 138:8

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand! – Psalm 139:1-6

GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU AND IS WORKING OUT HIS PLANS FOR YOUR LIFE.

You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me! – Psalm 139:16-18

May this be your prayer today as you trust in the God whose promises are backed by the honor of His name, who responds to your prayers as soon as you pray, and who is strong enough and capable enough to save you by His right hand. You are known by God, and He is actively working out His plans for your life. So open your heart to the One who formed you in your mother’s womb and knows every anxious thought that is distracting you from the message He wants you to hear today. Allow Him to reveal Himself to you as He leads you down the path He has prepared for you.

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

Today’s Reading: Psalm 119

How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. — Psalm 119:103

I fell in love with the Bible at a young age. I have my first Bible, and I can still remember the excitement of searching to find the text for the sermon or the verse for the Sunday School lesson. Later, I got involved in Bible quizzing and my love for the scriptures intensified as I spent hours memorizing the scriptures and perfecting my recall. God’s word is still a big part of my life today. It’s my favorite way to spend my morning and I find myself hungry for a word from the Lord.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. — Psalm 119:105

The Bible is unlike any other book we can read because it is alive. When we spend time soaking in the scriptures, it changes us. It is God-breathed and powerful. The Spirit accompanies God’s word and speaks to us through the ancient writings. We gain an understanding of who God is and what His plan is for our life, and the Spirit reveals the areas in our life where we are falling short of fully letting God have control. The moment we read the word, it becomes active in our life.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. — Hebrews 4:12

It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it. — Isaiah 55:11

When we long to hear from God, the first place we should go is to the Bible. God uses His written word to speak into our lives, to answer our questions, and to guide us through even the most difficult of situations. When we need Him most, He is there for us. If you seek Him in the Scriptures, you will find Him.

Do not snatch your word of truth from me,
for your regulations are my only hope.
I will keep on obeying your instructions
forever and ever.
I will walk in freedom,
for I have devoted myself to your commandments.
I will speak to kings about your laws,
and I will not be ashamed.
How I delight in your commands!
How I love them!
I honor and love your commands.
I meditate on your decrees. – Psalm 119:43-48

May God bless your time in His Word this morning! May you hear from Him in a special way as you open up your heart to all He wants to teach you today.

Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long.
Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide…
I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.
I haven’t turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well.
How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.
Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. — Psalm 119:97-98, 101-104

Today’s Reading: Psalm 29, 46 & 95

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. — 1 Kings 19:11-13

HAVE YOU EVER LONGED TO HEAR THE VOICE OF THE LORD?

When Kari Jobe came out with her song “Speak to Me”, it resonated with my heart. There have been so many moments in my life when I longed to hear from God; there have been times when I prayed for a word from the Lord to get me through a situation or to lift my spirits. God is faithful and He speaks to us in so many ways — sometimes audibly and sometimes in a gentle whisper.

The voice of the Lord echoes above the sea.
The God of glory thunders.
The Lord thunders over the mighty sea.
The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is majestic.
The voice of the Lord splits the mighty cedars;
the Lord shatters the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon’s mountains skip like a calf;
he makes Mount Hermon leap like a young wild ox.
The voice of the Lord strikes
with bolts of lightning.
The voice of the Lord makes the barren wilderness quake;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
The voice of the Lord twists mighty oaks
and strips the forests bare.
In his Temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” — Psalm 29:3-9

Years ago, I heard the voice of God loudly say, “Stop!” I was driving home from church and all three of my girls were buckled into their car seats behind me. We were approaching one of the busiest intersections in town, and I stopped at the red light. When the light turned green, I took my foot off the brake and applied pressure to the gas pedal. As I started to roll forward, I heard an audible voice tell me to stop. As I slammed on the brakes, a semi-truck came barreling through the intersection just inches from the nose of the van. I did not see it until it was right in front of me. I have no doubt that God spoke to me that day in order to save all four of our lives — it was not a gentle whisper, but a loud voice.

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! Father, bring glory to your name.”

Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. — John 12:27-30

Most of the time, God speaks to us through other people or through His written word — the Bible. But there are times in our lives when God allows us to hear His voice in order to teach us or to strengthen our faith. There are times when He clearly instructs us, like He did for Moses on Mount Sinai:

“Forty years later, in the desert near Mount Sinai, an angel appeared to Moses in the flame of a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight. As he went to take a closer look, the voice of the Lord called out to him, ‘I am the God of your ancestors—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses shook with terror and did not dare to look.

“Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groans and have come down to rescue them. Now go, for I am sending you back to Egypt.’” — Acts 7:30-34

I encourage you to spend time this week listening for the voice of God. Spend time in His word; find a quiet place to sit and wait on the Lord. Seek Him and He will be found — sometimes in a gentle whisper and at times in a loud voice; sometimes through a verse of scripture and at times through a preacher or friend who has been given a word for you. Give God your attention and listen for the voice of the Lord.

The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble!
God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! – Psalm 46:6

Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker,
for he is our God.
We are the people he watches over,
the flock under his care.
If only you would listen to his voice today! – Psalm 95:6-7

Today’s Reading: Psalm 25 & 26

O Lord, I give my life to you.
I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.
Show me the right path, O Lord;
point out the road for me to follow.
Lead me by your truth and teach me,
for you are the God who saves me.
All day long I put my hope in you. — Psalm 25:1-5

I am so thankful this morning that I serve a God who sets a path before me, even when I am not sure where the road will take me. When we put our trust in the One who created us, allowing Him to use us for the purpose for which He created us, we can know that He will be with us every step of the way. And when we stray from the path He has planned for us, He is there to guide us back. He does not leave the journey unfinished and He does not leave us where He found us. If we will humble ourselves before the Lord in repentance, He will lead us back into a right relationship with Him.

Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love,
which you have shown from long ages past.
Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth.
Remember me in the light of your unfailing love,
for you are merciful, O Lord.
The Lord is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right,
teaching them his way.
The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness
all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
For the honor of your name, O Lord,
forgive my many, many sins. — Psalm 25:6-11

This Psalm, written by King David, shows the repentant heart of a man who had strayed far from the path God had laid out before him. He had seen the generous provisions of God, yet reached beyond what was His to take what was someone else’s. This reaching caused him to get completely off balance with God and he quickly lost his way. One sin covered up another sin, which covered up another sin, until the multitude of bad decisions overwhelmed him. He found himself off course and cried out for God to rescue him from the mess he had made. “Lord, I give my life to you…point out the road for me to follow…forgive my many, many sins.”

The same grace displayed towards David is available for us today. Have you gotten off course? Perhaps today is the day to pray Psalm 25 and allow your Creator to get you back where you need to be — back on the path He planned for you long ago. God is ready to give you a fresh start so that you can live with integrity, standing on the solid ground of a right relationship with the Lord. When those around you try to point out the sins of your past, your God can declare you innocent. Put your trust in the Lord and do not waver from the path He has set out for you.

Who are those who fear the Lord?
He will show them the path they should choose.
They will live in prosperity,
and their children will inherit the land.
The Lord is a friend to those who fear him.
He teaches them his covenant.
My eyes are always on the Lord,
for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies.
Turn to me and have mercy,
for I am alone and in deep distress.
My problems go from bad to worse.
Oh, save me from them all!
Feel my pain and see my trouble.
Forgive all my sins.
See how many enemies I have
and how viciously they hate me!
Protect me! Rescue my life from them!
Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge.
May integrity and honesty protect me,
for I put my hope in you.
O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles. — Psalm 25:12-22

Today’s Reading: Psalm 24 & 104

Let all that I am praise the Lord.
O Lord my God, how great you are!
You are robed with honor and majesty.
You are dressed in a robe of light.
You stretch out the starry curtain of the heavens;
you lay out the rafters of your home in the rain clouds.
You make the clouds your chariot; you ride upon the wings of the wind.
The winds are your messengers; flames of fire are your servants. – Psalm 104:1-4

Those who know me well know that autumn is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler temperatures, the smell of backyard fires, and the fall decorations. I love going to Friday night football games and Saturday fall festivals. I love the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas that we often feel in the fall, but most of all I love the beauty of the changing leaves on the trees.

Fall is also fundraising season for the nonprofit I work for, so I have the privilege of doing a little extra traveling as I try to make it to as many banquets as I can. A few years ago, I was driving to Jacksonville, Illinois, for their Annual Fundraising Banquet, and I chose to cut through Spoon River territory in order to enjoy the beauty of the fall leaves. Typically I map out the route that will take me the least time, but that year I decided to take the scenic route, and I was not disappointed.

The weather that day was gorgeous. The temperature was comfortable and the sun was shining down on the trees. You could see all the gorgeous colors of the changing leaves. Red, yellow, orange and purple mixed in with so many shades of green. The beauty was breathtaking! Every time I came up over a hill, I would anticipate what the next mile was going to look like and I was rarely disappointed.

To make it even better, there was just a slight breeze that caused the leaves to slowly drift down across the road. It was raining down the colorful leaves around me and I was caught in the beauty of the season. I found myself praising God for the beauty of the leaves and the grand effect the sun had on the leaves as it shone brightly down.

The next day I drove to Shelbyville, Illinois, for another banquet, but the weather that day was much different than it had been the day before. It was cold and rainy, and clouds covered the sky. I have to admit there was very little beauty to be in awe of that day. The clouds were blocking the effect of the sun and the result was that the scenery was much less breathtaking.

Now, consider this. Were the trees any less beautiful on Friday than they were on Thursday? Did they have less color or less variety of colors? No, the trees themselves were the same. The difference was in the lack of sunshine. It is amazing the difference it makes to have the sun shining down on or shining through the trees. The beauty is still there, God’s creation is still quite gorgeous, but its beauty is hidden or veiled by the clouds and the rain on the windshield.

God spoke to me on that second day of traveling. He showed me that there is beauty in every circumstance of life and in every person I come in contact with. But He also showed me that, just as the beauty of the fall colors is dimmed by the lack of the SUN, the beauty of people is often dimmed by the lack of His SON — the lack of Jesus in their life. Their potential remains the same; their beauty is there but waiting for the enhancement of God’s son, Jesus Christ, to shine down and make a difference in the appearance of their life.

When we think of autumn, we often think of it as being a season of change. The temperatures are changing, the leaves are changing, and the foods are changing. This is probably what I love so much about this time of year. And more than ever, this has been a season of change for Scott and I. We are once again living in a new community and looking forward to being available for God to use during this next season of our lives.

What change is the Lord leading you through in this season of life? Is the SON shining down on your circumstances and showing you the beauty all around you, or do you find your blessings hiding under the clouds that today has brought? Perhaps this morning would be a good time to look for the beauty of the season and intentionally list out all the good that God is surrounding you with. Look at your day through a different lens — a lens of acceptance and submission, a lens of optimism that sees the beauty surrounding you. Ask God to make His presence known to you as you give Him praise for the season you find yourself in today.

May the glory of the Lord continue forever!
The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made!
The earth trembles at his glance;
the mountains smoke at his touch.
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live.
I will praise my God to my last breath!
May all my thoughts be pleasing to him,
for I rejoice in the Lord…
Let all that I am praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord! — Psalm 104:31-35

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him.
For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
and built it on the ocean depths.
Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
who do not worship idols and never tell lies.
They will receive the Lord’s blessing
and have a right relationship with God their savior.
Such people may seek you
and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. — Psalm 24:1-6