Worn and Well Read

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

At halftime of our granddaughter's basketball game, a couple of boys took the floor. They practiced their shots and dribbles with a well-worn basketball. The orange color had dulled to a brown and the black grooves smoothed out. As they shot we could tell they spent hours with the ball, not just from the condition of the ball, but by the way they handled themselves on the floor.

After Billy Graham passed away, I read some articles about him. In one, the writer talked about how Billy always left his Bible open. Frequently throughout the day, he'd look at his Bible to see what God had to say. I love that picture. A wise man of God continually consulting the book of truth. Like the basketball the boys wore down, Billy wore through the pages of the scripture. Obviously, he not only read the Bible but lived it.

We are so blessed to have God's word to guide us. Think about how much more difficult life, as a believer, would be if we didn't have a reference of truth to read and study. I may not understand every word, but I know the ones I do understand are God's. I want to be a follower who not only wears out my Bible but lives by the beautiful truth of God.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. -Psalm 119:105

Amid the Noise

Revelation 3:19-22
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Our grandson plays basketball on an Upward Bound team in his community. As often as we can, we sit on the side lines and cheer with other fans. As I watched last week, I couldn’t help but notice the noise level in the gym. As Aiden dribbled the ball down the split court shared by two games; fans clapped, cheerleaders shouted, and team members encouraged. Despite the loud din, he heard his coach’s voice and followed his directions. Because his coach’s voice was familiar to him, and he depended on him for instruction and encouragement, he focused on his voice.

Too often my days fill up with voices from temptation, commercials, radio programs, negative people, talking heads, and on it goes. God’s voice is in there too, but do I recognize it? How often does God’s voice go unheard because I choose not to listen? Aiden could ignore his coach and do his own thing, but he knows that this man, who volunteers his time, is there to guide him. He knows his voice because he’s spent time with him at practice. How do I recognize God’s voice amidst chaos and confusion? Or even in silence— how do I know it’s him? I spend time with him in prayer and in his word. His voice always aligns with his truth. Whatever way he communicates, through the Holy Spirit, friends, family, books, sometimes even billboards, God’s voice is the one I want to hear. The one I seek.

How do you know when God speaks to you?