Speak to Me, Please

2013-10-21In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. [Jeremiah 29:12-14a (NLT)]

Sometimes it’s easy to see God’s hand in our lives. We pay attention to Him in the major events of life: the births and deaths, illnesses and recoveries, accidents and close calls, marriages and separations, and when we heard the words “benign” or “malignant.” Yes, he is visible in the milestone moments, but he is also visible in the small things that happen every day of our lives: the song of a bird, a child’s laughter, a kind word from a stranger, the first flower of spring, or a phone call from a loved one.

Open my heart, O Lord, so that I see your hand, hear your voice and feel your touch in all things.

I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. [Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT)]

 

The child whispered, “God, speak to me”
And a meadow lark sang.
The child did not hear.
So the child yelled, “God, speak to me!”
And the thunder rolled across the sky
But the child did not listen.
The child looked around and said,
“God let me see you” and a star shone brightly
But the child did not notice
And the child shouted,
“God show me a miracle!”
And a life was born but the child did not know.
So the child cried out in despair,
“Touch me God, and let me know you are here!”
Whereupon God reached down
And touched the child.
But the child brushed the butterfly away
And walked away unknowingly.

[Ravindra Kumar Karnani]

Faith Alone Saves Us

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace!” [Luke 7:70 (GW)]

Lord, thank you for your saving grace. It would be easier, however, if we could buy or work our way into heaven. Deeds or writing checks are over and done with but maintaining a relationship with you means work. Faith is a tough requirement, because it requires complete trust in you. We have to give you the reins to our lives. Relieve our fears so that we fully accept this beautiful gift you so readily offer.

Be a man of faith, and faith will sustain you.
Sustain a life of love, and love will embrace you.
Embrace God’s grace, and His grace will follow you.
Follow in His footsteps, and His footsteps will lead to life everlasting.
[Christine Lahee]

Sometimes We’re Slow Learners

Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! [Psalm 119:6-8 (NLT)]

Teacher God, each day’s events provide lessons in which you show us how to live. It is up to us, however, to choose what it is we learn from these experiences. Sometimes we resist you and it takes several lessons before we finally understand and accept your message. Thank you for not giving up on us; please, make us attentive to your instruction today.

 

Paul’s Good Advice

…There will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! [2 Timothy 3:1b-5 (NLT)]

Unfortunately, Lord, the Apostle Paul’s words seem to describe people in these troubled times. Guide us as we check our conduct against his list. Let your Holy Spirit fill and lead us so Paul’s words will never describe our behavior. May we always heed his advice to “Stay away from people like that!”

If We Call, He Will Answer

Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know. [Jeremiah 33:3 (GW)]

God promises that He will answer our prayers, but first we have to call to Him. He will answer our prayers, but we must be willing to submit to His timetable and His plan. He promises an answer but not necessarily the answer we desire. While we’re waiting for an answer, it’s not a bad idea to work on our relationship with the one who will be giving the answer.

But I wait with hope for you, O Lord. You will answer, O Lord, my God. [Psalm 38:15 (GW)]