Monday, Feb 6

From the beginning I told you what would happen in the end.
A long time ago I told you things that have not yet happened.
When I plan something, it happens.
What I want to do, I will do.
Isaiah 46:10 (NCV)

There is a lot of talk about hearing what God says and following his leading. Ever wonder what would happen if you heard wrong? I have thought about this. I wonder as I’m asking him what he wants “What if I hear wrong?” or “What if I think I heard him but it’s not him but my own thoughts?” And then, I remember. It’s not really up to me to control what happens. It’s up to God. My role is to seek him. My role is to talk to him, to listen and then do what I think he says. If I get it wrong, guess what? He’ll fix it. God has a plan. He is always working out his plan and if we get it wrong, he’ll still get what he wants done. So, relax. Enjoy the relationship and the communion and the adventure that comes from following what you hear!

Friday, Feb 3

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

The word seek in this verse has the following definition.

to seek in order to find...
to seek [in order to find out] by thinking, meditating, reasoning, to enquire into
to seek after, seek for, aim at, strive after
to crave, demand something from someone

I like the definition ‘to crave.’ I think this accurately describes the way we are to look for God. Think of the way you would crave a pizza or a dessert. Think of the way you would crave time with a loved one. That’s the way we are supposed to seek after God. When we crave something, we find ways to get it. We think about it, plan for it and make it a priority. I also like the way the GNT translation puts it

Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. (GNT)

Thursday, Feb 2

…..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 19:12-13 (NLT)

A gentle whisper. That gentle whisper was God talking to Elijah when Elijah was scared and burnt out. Think about it. God was reaching out to Elijah, to talk. Sometimes God’s call to us is gentle and simple. Sometimes his instructions to us come in the form of a whisper. As one of his kids, I am beginning... to realize that the power of God is not in the fact that he can call lightening down and destroy a city, it’s not that he can heal with a word, God’s power – his hold on my life is that he wants to talk to me. He wants to whisper his thoughts and share his plans with me. The all-knowing, all-seeing, able to do anything God of the Universe initiating and continuing a conversation with each one of us – now that is powerful.

Wednesday, Feb 1

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me. Revelation 3:20 (NCV)

One of my favorite pictures from childhood is the one of Jesus standing outside the house at the door, knocking. He’s leaning in a little bit as if he’s listening for the invitation to come in. There is no door knob on the door because we have to open the door from the inside. The bible tells us that God is always initiating a relationship with us (John 6:44). He’s inviting us to join him whether in a relationship or an adventure. God will not force himself or his plans on you. He wants a connection with you. What should you do when you hear the invitation? Say yes! When you hear the invitation, tell him you want to get to know him. Tell him yes to the adventure! Don’t worry about the how. He will lead you to that. Your job is to open the door and let him in.