The Voice of God

...as it is said, Today if ye will
hear His voice, harden not your hearts.
Hebrews 4:7b

A speaking voice is something we take for granted. We may not think about our voices until we have sore throats or lose our voices for some physical reason. Some folks talk so much we might like to ask them to give their voices a rest. It goes without saying that our voices are very necessary when needing to communicate with others.

This thing of the voice came to me as I observed five grand-boys ages eight and under who were here in our home for the last four days with their parents. My hubby has always told me that “Little girls talk while little boys make noise.” Truer words were never spoken. It was amazing to observe the different voice ranges and volumes that are a part of each boy. It wasn't hard to detect who was speaking, laughing or crying when in another room or when in the back yard playing. From birth, our voices are meant to distinguish us from others.

Voices have various tones and even volumes as folks grow into adulthood. Few people sound vocally like other people. My sister, Sharon Kay, and I found people telling us that we sounded very much alike, especially on the phone. When visiting in her home, she would at times ask me to answer a ringing phone if she was outside with the her dogs and if her husband Kent was gone to run errands. There were church friends who sometimes called and I answered the phone. They would begin talking like they thought I was my sister. I always hated to correct them, but did and their responses were generally the same: “You and your sister sound just alike.”

There is a voice, however, that can never sound like any other voice. This sometimes a still, small voice that speaks to our hearts, a voice that can minister to us if we are silent enough to listen. That voice I'm speaking of is the voice of God. Scripture tells us to “be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) At times, we will hear His voice only if we are quiet enough in our spirits to listen and receive what God has to say to us.

Recently, in what I call “Recreational Bible reading,” I came across Psalm 29. This is the reading I do that isn't a deep study read, but when I just want to sit back with the Word and read whatever, wherever I want to. The first two verses of this Psalm got my attention right away for both verses started out with the same phrase...”Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength.” That was just verse one. Verse 2 echoed the same as if to impress that same thought into the reader's heart...”Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” In these days, in our spiritual walk, we give a lot of glory to a lot of people, but true glory is reserved for God and God alone. We give glory to authors, athletes, musicians and even the best of preachers. Not one of them is worthy of true glory...only God.

However, the rest of this Psalm speaks of “the voice of the LORD” over and over, and lists some of the ways where God's voice is heard or felt. For instance:

The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth...(3)
The voice of the Lord is powerful---the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. (4)
The voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars (5)
The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire (7)
The voice of the Lord shaketh the wilderness (8)
The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to calve (9)

In this Psalm I see that my God can do anything with His voice. The list could go on and on if we look closer in Scripture. We human beings can have some influence with our voices, but no way can we come close to the powerful voice of God. I see from this Psalm that when God chooses to speak, it is more powerful than we can imagine. I also see that in all the ways I read how God speaks, that I am more important than any waters, cedars, wilderness areas or anything that is on fire. His voice can speak on my behalf under any of my circumstances.

This Psalm ends with proof of what I just said, when David, the beloved Psalmist says:

The Lord will give strength unto His people;
The Lord will bless His people with peace.
Psalm 29:11

We can take heart that the voice of God will function for our good and that He will grant to us a strength that can only come from Him as well as a peace that cannot be explained.

Away from Psalm 29 is another precious “voice verse” and we all probably memorized it when children in Vacation Bible Schools. The verse is Revelation 3:20:

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:
if any man hear my voice and open the door,
I will come in to him, and will sup with
him, and he with Me.

This verse is most often used to encourage an unsaved person. However, this verse speaks of “any man.” Even when saved, there are times when Jesus still comes and knocks at the door of our hearts but notice, He doesn't just knock...He also speaks. He does all He can on His part through action and voice to get our attention, to ask Him in for fellowship. 

John 10:3,4 tells us that Jesus, as the Good Shepherd Who knows His sheep and then adds that His sheep know His voice. You and I should not only know Jesus, but should know Him so intimately that we immediately recognize and heed that precious voice of His.

Dear Father, I confess that I get so busy about the things of life that can so easily focus on things in general to the point that I don't hear Your still, small voice. I know that You won't yell or even raise Your voice to get my attention. I pray I will be alert to Your voice and leading in even in Your whispers. In Jesus' precious name....Amen

LET

And LET the peace of God rule in your
hearts, to the which also ye are called
in one body; and be ye thankful.
LET the word of Christ dwell in you
richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms
and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Colossians 3: 15,16

The word “let” has been a part of our vocabulary all of our lives. I remember some phrases from time past where I heard it:

“Let me help you.”
“Let me call you sweetheart, I'm in love with you.” (Blast from the distant past)
“Mom, let me go to Susie's house.”
“Let me talk to you for a minute.”
“Let me tell you something...”

Because of my study for our recent ladies Bible study on the book of Colossians, while paying close attention to Chapter 3, I found the word “let” used several times. I recalled other places in Scripture where that little word is found. It is scattered throughout our Bibles. I have found through computer information that in the KJV, the word “let” can be found 1,289 times. That's a lot of “lets.”

As I am one for looking up definitions, I found a consistency in meanings of the word while checking various dictionaries and concordances. I found the word “let” to mean what we might think it would mean: allow, give permission, enable to do something. Also indicated was that although it is a word that implies a voluntary action, it can also imply a request or command.

When we find the word, “let” in Scripture, we have to take care as to if that word means we can do whatever we want or what Jesus wants. That small, three-letter word “let” should signal for us a call to obedience. I'm sure the Lord would love for us to voluntarily obey all of Scripture with no questions or debate. So, LET us view a few Scriptures using our special word of the day. All of the verses are a means of encouragement to grow in the Lord. As you read the verses, remember the meaning of the LET-word

LET the words of my mouth, and the
meditation of my heart, be acceptable
in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and
my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

O magnify the Lord with me, and LET us
exalt his name together.
Psalm 34:3

LET your light so shine before men, that
they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
Matthew 5:16

LET this mind be in you, which was also
in Christ Jesus:....
Philippians 2:5

Nevertheless the foundation of God
standeth sure, having this seal. The
Lord knoweth them that are his. And,
LET every one that nameth the name
of Christ depart from iniquity.
II Timothy 2:19

And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.
And LET him that heareth say, Come.
And LET him that is athirst come.
And whosoever will, LET him take
the water of life freely.
Revelation 22:17

Scattered almost from the beginning of the Bible through the end, there are let-phrases that are too many to number. No matter how Scripture comes into our lives...preaching, teaching, private study/reading, this last admonition is worthy of our consideration:

He that hath an ear, LET him hear....

The word “hear” doesn't just refer to the physical process of taking in sound through the ears. This word has to do with taking in and applying information. As we read God's Word, may we be true hearers LETTING God change us for His honor and glory.

So what do I do in my own life with that little word “let?”
Will I LET Jesus have complete control of my life?
Will I LET the Word of God sink deep into my spirit?
Will I LET God use me in the lives of others?

May I LET it be so in my life and yours as well.

Dear Father, thank You for Your precious Word. Forgive me when I read it so casually that I miss allowing it to really penetrate my spirit. Help me to never approach Your word in a blaise way, but to take every word seriously, as a royal command from You. In Jesus name...Amen

Murmurs in the Wilderness

But with many of them God was not well
pleased: for they were overthrown in
the wilderness.
Neither murmur ye, as some of
them also murmured, and were destroyed
of the destroyer.
I Corinthians 10:5,10

Most people have their favorite persons in Scripture. Of course, we all would agree that Jesus is our favorite along with God, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Beyond that, our opinions would probably vary. I have my favorites, but one man I admire greatly from the Old Testament is Moses. Career-wise, in my life, I was a social worker more than anything else. On a very, very small scale, compared to Moses, I often had to work with groups of people of all ages, just trying to get some kind of project accomplished. Some of those projects were difficult and it didn't take long for the complaining to begin. Amazingly, many of those complaints came from “mature” adults and not teens or younger children. All of the griping only served to slow things down and the bad attitudes caused stress on others to the point of some just walking away from what needed to be done.

The Israelites left Egypt for their promised land. They were on track to go straight to that promised land under the leadership of Moses. God had no intention for those folks to take so long getting there. Their wandering didn't happen until there was a certain sin among the people...that of complaining.

And when the people complained, it
displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it;
and His anger was kindled; and the fire of
the Lord burnt among them, and consumed
them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.
Numbers 11:1

Only when Moses prayed to the Lord for God's mercy was the fire quenched.

Even after that experience, the people griped, murmured and complained about everything...no water...no food. God, however, provided for their every need. They didn't want manna. Manna fell from the heavens on a daily basis. Water flowed from a rock. Even meat was provided for that ungrateful people. God's provision was always in place and functioning. Still, in their time in the wilderness, despite God's care, the murmuring continued so God stepped in to teach His chosen people a lesson.

We, too, can find ourselves in a wilderness of life. It may not be a place like the Israelites knew, but it seems like a wilderness, none-the-less. We can feel the same frustration and discontent as those folks felt so long ago. One of the main indicators of feeling like a wilderness wanderer is feeling trapped with the inability to escape from our wilderness, with no end to it all. For the Israelites, the trip was longer than anticipated, full of many inconveniences with 40 years added to it. I could think of several reasons for God judging their attitudes of ingratitude, but I was really surprised at His reason for bringing judgment on His people. They were punished for their murmuring...in our words...griping and complaining. I guess human nature has been a lot the same down through centuries of time.

The wilderness for us is rarely being in the middle of a hot, dry desert. The wilderness areas we find ourselves in take on entirely different characteristics. There are many places that can make up a wilderness for us. Our times in a wilderness are usually times of being very alone, not with hundreds or thousands of people like the Israelites were. So what might some of our wilderness experiences look like, where we find ourselves in survival mode:

*Stuck in a dead-end job
*Chronic or terminal illness
*Severe financial difficulties
*Divorce
*Child on drugs
*Close relative in hospice care
*Depression
*Consistent physical pain

You could probably add to that list depending on where you are at the present time. We have learned that God hates murmuring and complaining. What's wrong with our complaining every now and then?

*It reveals a lack of trust in God and His leadership in our lives
*Complaining keeps us focused on the wilderness problem
*Murmuring doesn't solve any problem
*Only to a certain point do people want to hear our complaints no matter our pain.
*Rest in the fact that nothing can touch our lives until it first filters through the fingers of God. He has everything in control even though it may not seem like it.

Books have been written on the wilderness experiences of people. There really isn't anything I can add to the writings of those authors. I only know what has helped me in such times.

*Know that in any circumstance, God will never leave you or forsake you.
*Even in the wilderness of life, there are practical lessons to be learned and we should take advantage of that time of learning.
*Spend extra time in God's Word even though you might now]t feel like it at the moment.
*Be a person of prayer. Our Father wants to hear from us...often.
*Take time to do something for someone else who is in their own desert experience. It helps to take one's mind off of their own problems.
*As hard as it may be, take time to be grateful to the Lord for His goodness.

In every thing give thanks: for this

is the will of God in Christ Jesus

concerning you.

I Thessalonians 5:18

Dear Father, I never want to disappoint You and don't want to so sin that You would have to bring judgment into my life. Thank You for Your unconditional love and direction in my life. Keep me from the sin of murmuring. I love You...In Jesus' precious name...Amen

Be of Good Courage

Have not I commanded thee?
Be strong and of a good courage;
be not afraid, neither be thou
dismayed: for the Lord thy
God is with thee whithersoever
thou goest.
Joshua 1:9

A few years ago, I went to lunch with a friend in Austin, TX. Before leaving the restaurant, I noticed a series of shelves on the wall behind the cashier. On those shelves were a variety of mugs of various sizes, shapes and designs. One caught my eye...a John Wayne mug. I have always loved a good John Wayne cowboy movie on television...a good guy who almost always caught the bad guy. He also did a lot of moral teaching in his movies. I asked to see that mug. It was somewhat oversized with about three different pictures of “The Duke” on the outside. Much to my amazement, there was lettering on the inside of the cup that one couldn't help but notice when taking a sip of tea or in my case, soup. I had never heard the saying up to that point but have seen it several times since. I guess Mr. Wayne was known for it among other sage sayings of his. It said:

“Courage is being scared to death,
but saddling up anyway.”

I really like that definition of “courage.” Courage is also the ability to do something that frightens us. It can be strength in the face of pain, grief or fear. I've been thinking more and more about courage these days. I've watched the media with others as we've observed hostages being killed, many for their faith. I've seen people in our own country standing up for their own spiritual beliefs...bakery owners who refuse to bake wedding cakes for same sex marriages, teachers with their Bibles on their desks, cheerleaders who write Scripture on the huge paper banner their ball team members run through, Hobby Lobby that could have been shut down for their Biblical standards, down to the little check out lady in Wal-Mart who hummed, quietly “Amazing Grace” and always sent customers on their way with “Have a blessed day.” All of the things I've listed took courage with millions of dollars at risk down to someone losing a job.

I can't imagine how Joshua must have felt when God took Moses to Heaven. Joshua had been Moses' right hand man but now found himself the man in charge. I can't imagine the butterflies in Joshua's stomach, but God was right on hand to encourage him.. God gave Joshua every promise and assurance of His presence with this new leader. God gave him specific jobs to do. Over and over, God said, “Be strong and courageous...” God knew what it would take for Joshua to complete his assignments.

Joshua was faithful to do all God asked of him right down to the time of his death. It is so interesting at the time of Joshua's death that his final words to the leadership of Israel echoed what God had given him at the beginning of his time of leadership. He said in 23:6:

Be ye therefore very courageous
to keep and to do all that is
written in the book of the law
of Moses, that ye turn not aside
therefrom to the right hand or
to the left.

The one addition he made to that statement was for the people to be obedient to the book of the law of Moses. He also admonished them to establish a straight path with the Law and not veer right or left...just straight ahead, strict obedience. Joshua had come a long way from the “newby” leader to a man of strength and integrity, BUT, it took a great deal of courage on his part as well as trust in God's ability to bring him through everything he would face.

God often calls on you and me to venture forward in to areas that may be foreign to us. I think of my husband who stepped into teaching an adult Sunday school class. He had never taught adults and the adults were peers. I watched him with agony knowing a little of what he felt. I've watched folks of all ages sing their first solo in church. I had a big, strapping football friend who had to make his first speech in our college speech class. Even with stiff jeans on, those shaking knees could be seen. By the end of the semester, he wasn't a professional speaker, but was doing very well before the group. Very often, it's those “first” things that take all the courage we can muster.

There are ongoing things that require courage beyond our own strength. I think of caretakers I know who wake up every day to some very difficult circumstances. With great courage they face what must be faced. Some folks are mistreated on the job, but they go, face the difficulties and do their jobs day after day. We can't forget our policemen who keep us safe as well as firemen who do the same, but in a different way. I've had friends who go to face chemo treatments week after week who face it all with courage.

So how do we handle this need for courage in our lives? We rely on the strength God provides and His Word that guides and comforts. It's in His power that we put one foot in front of the other as we progress into areas that are frightening or foreign. Scripture gives us promise after promise of His presence and provision. So join me...let us BE OF GOOD COURAGE.

Heavenly Father, I know that your power can sustain and uphold me. Help me as I face decisions large and small. Help me to know that in it all, Your opinion is the only one that matters and I can be courageous because of who You are in my life as taught in Your word. In Jesus' precious name...Amen

Who Am I?

And God said unto Moses, I AM
THAT I AM: and He said, Thus
shalt thou say unto the children of
Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14

We don't think much about who we are in the whole scheme of life. We all wear unseen tags that defines who we are. If introducing ourselves, we could easily begin a sentence with “I am...” We all wear invisible badges of various sorts that identifies us to people. For instance, I am Glendarae Lanoue and I am a: Christian, wife, mom, grandma, sister, daughter, teacher, church pianist, etc. I am not all of those things to everyone who knows me, but they suffice for whoever does know me. There are “I am's” that I know about myself that no one else knows, things I keep to myself. There is one name, however, God told Moses that was a name that could not be disputed. What can be said to One who says, “I AM THAT I AM.” There's just not much that can be said in reply to to that.

Moses was facing a huge assignment from God. He told God what most of us would or even do when facing an assignment from God. We, like Moses, try to give God all the reasons as to why we aren't able or talented enough to complete His desire It's then we come up with the “BUT, I am not...” or “I can't...” much like Moses did. But the great I AM extended to Moses His full support and backing in leading His people out of Egypt back to their homeland. It was all done with God giving His credentials for success to Moses...simply put...Moses was to tell Pharaoh that I AM THAT I AM had sent him.

Fast forward many centuries to Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus and His Father have more names and titles in Scripture than we could ever put to memory. Most of those names are expressed by those worshiping God...Almighty, Savior, King of Kings, Help, Refuge and many more. As I've been reading in the book of John, I have noticed that Jesus gives some “I am” statements about Himself. He wasn't bragging about Himself, but was just being honest as to who He was. Let me put these in verse order from this precious book:

I am the bread of life:
he that cometh to me shall never
hunger; and he that believeth on
me shall never thirst.
John 6:35

I am the light of the world:
he that followeth me shall not
walk in darkness, but shall have
the light of life.
John 8:12

Verily, verily, I say unto you,
I am the door of the sheep.
I am the door: by me if any
man enter in, he shall be
saved, and shall go in and out,
and find pasture.
John 10: 11,14

I am the resurrection, and the
life: he that believeth in me, though
he were dead, yet shall he live.
John 11:25

I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father,
but by me.
John 14:6

I am the true vine, and my Father
is the husbandman.
I am the vine, ye are the branches:
He that abideth in me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit:
for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:1,5

With every “I am” Jesus spoke of Himself, He was also saying down through the years to you and me right now that He is those things for us. Every statement He spoke is a part of a huge letter of encouragement to us that has been signed, sealed and delivered with Jesus' precious blood. With every “I am” He declared, I can respond with great enthusiasm that if I know nothing else in this world, I do know that “I am His!” All other I am's in my life fade in comparison to that fact of belonging to the great I AM.

Dear Father, I know You are the great I AM but I'm grateful that you are my Abba...Father...and that I can rest in Your strong arms. It is in Your arms that I feel loved and secure. Thank You...Thank You. In Jesus' precious name. Amen