God's Treat

An October thirty-first birthday is sometimes a topic of tease and ridicule. But we have no control over our day of birth, even if it was a scheduled date or emergency surgical delivery. Solomon tells us there is a time for everything, including the day we are born (Ecclesiastes 3:1–2). God uniquely wove each of us. Before the world began, He planned your birthday, personality, abilities, hair and eye color, physique, fingerprint, and DNA—everything unique that makes you who you are; you are one-of-a-kind. Almighty God has always been and will always be in charge of all His creation; He has a perfect plan for your life. As you seek Him and surrender to Him daily, praise God and rejoice in the day the Lord has made every day. You are His prized possession: Happy birthday, Tami, our firstborn. We love you, thank God for you! 💞

Expert Opinion

It’s okay to judge. You looked at a hundred book titles for the best read and chose the one that grabbed your attention with its intriguing title and graphic on the cover. You opened your closet and decided which clothes to keep, donate, and toss. You thought the matters over and made a decision. But sometimes, we make decisions based on wrong first impressions, like rash, unjust judgments towards others. Jesus said when we do, they will judge us by the same standard of verdict we use on them: “Judge not that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). Rather than be critical, He said we should examine our faults and behavior, judge ourselves before we scrutinize someone else. By judging others, we expose what we are guilty of doing (Romans 2:1); we want their behavioral patterns to change while ours stay unchanged. What perfect example is your standard for judgment? God alone is Judge—no one else qualifies.

Broken Circle

Our dog was obsessed with a large azalea bush once she learned birds stayed in it; her running around it several times every day created a noticeable, shallow rut. Her barking rid the plant of birds each time, but they soon returned because that was where they nested.

 It may seem you’re traveling a never-ending circle of poor choices and performance. You do your best to break the cycle, but soon you’re back in the visible rut on the same path. Those old habits you flush out keep coming back to roost. But there is a way out of life’s rut; Christ died to free us from the penalty and bondage of sin: “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is through Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). When you ask God to forgive your sins, He will. Invite Jesus to be Lord of your life; He will. But when you falter along the way, that path doesn’t have to become another encircling life-rut. Call out to your Father when you see an old familiar path forming; trust Him to break the unwanted circle and set your feet back on course for faithful service, and He will.

Impressionable

The young boy sat next to his dad under a tree and mimicked his every move. As the dad enjoyed a cigarette he took from the pack, the son looked at his dad, picked up the cigarettes from the grass, and looked at them in his hand. That message could apply to inappropriate things we see, hear, participate in, anything harmful or unhealthy for our well-being. We influence others who watch us.

As God’s children, we should live as Jesus did: “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked” (1 John 2:6). No matter our age, godly influences are essential to our spiritual well-being but especially in shaping the lives of children looking for life patterns. Who are you walking as today? We ought to imitate Jesus, live as He did, devoted and obedient to His Father every day. Someone is always watching. 

No Exemptions

The ark of the Lord’s covenant was rescued and brought back to Israel’s camp with rejoicing and music. David told the Israelites, “Declare His glory among the heathen; His marvelous works among all nations” (1 Chronicles 16:24). The Word of God is readily available today. However, it’s still vital that believers declare God’s greatness and wondrous works. We tell others by word of mouth, books, correspondence, recordings, and social media. From the comfort of our home, workplace, or place of worship, we can post Bible studies, sermons, music, encouraging words, and words of caution electronically, reaching thousands.

Jesus didn’t invite us but commanded us to go and tell the world—now (Matthew 28:19–20). He is with us and has supplied every resource needed to carry out His assignment successfully. His command is for all Christ-followers—we have no excuse not to tell others of God’s glory and saving grace.

Don't Touch

 The eye, the most delicate part of the body with its pupil (apple of the eye), the small dark circle in the center, is precious and invaluable, covered by the eyelid to keep it from harm. God made us in His likeness. His eyes are always on us; He loves and shelters His children—we are precious in His sight. 

As David fled his enemies, he understood the eye’s guarded significance, calling on God to keep him as the apple of the eye under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 17:8). When anyone mistreats God’s treasured ones, they have reached out against the apple of His eye: “. . . for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8). Jesus said how we treat others is the same as doing it to Him (Matthew 25:34–46). That thought should cause us to think twice before “touching”—treat unkindly, neglect, or harm—the apple of God’s eye, His prized possession.

Revive Us, O Lord—Again

The writer of this psalm knew God’s people needed reviving before they could once again joy in His presence: “Wilt thou not revive us again that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?” (Psalm 85:6). He was confident of God’s love and forgiveness and trusted what He required was for their best, saying he would carefully listen and do whatever God instructed. But he also knew the danger of His people returning to their former wicked and foolish ways (v. 8).

We can be as confident as the psalmist that God wants what’s best for us. When we confess our sins, ask God for forgiveness, and go back to where we left Him, He is faithful to forgive. But after God restores our lives, do we live rightly before Him? We would be wise to heed Jesus’ warning to the paralyzed man He healed from his bed-ridden state: “Sin no more.” Jesus knew the man’s sins that led to his infirmity. If he repeated his former wicked and foolish ways, he would suffer worse consequences (John 5:14)—a dire warning for us individually, God’s Church, and as a nation.

Back or Forth

“Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you” (Jeremiah 7:23b). But it was not well with God’s people because they refused to listen, rejecting God’s instructions. Because they kept living the way they wanted, stubbornly following their evil desires, they went backward instead of forward.

If it seems you are not going forward in your walk with the Lord, evaluate yourself. Have you denied God by not listening to Him, refused to be taught His Word, or dismissed what you heard? Is truth crucial, or do you settle for shades of gray? For convenience, do you learn about and worship God outside His design of meeting with fellow believers? Are you stubbornly going your way rather than following the counsel of God’s Word? If the Holy Spirit convicted you while reading these questions, you are going in the wrong direction.

The truth of Jeremiah’s message thousands of years ago is the same today. Walking backward is unsafe for physical and spiritual well-being. “That it may be well unto you,” step forward, ask God’s forgiveness and live according to His commands.

Calendar Tell-all

Unless we stay focused on the Giver of blessings and all good gifts during this time of year, we are easily distracted with decorating, shopping, baking, cooking, and get-togethers. We each decide whether October through December busyness overtake our thoughts, leaving little room and time to reflect on the reasons for celebrating: “The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:3). As you plan holiday activities, be mindful of God’s goodness and all the “great things” He has done for us and “be glad” in them. God meets and surpasses our daily needs. He sent Jesus—the greatest Gift—bringing hope, forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life out of His great love. Enjoy the holidays, but as you calendar dates, remember Thanksgiving and Christmas are about God—the Sustainer, Provider, and the Giver of all good gifts.

Loose Lips

Living in the fallout of a pandemic and our ever-changing country, differing opinions about health, political, biblical, and personal issues cause edgy nerves and temper flare-ups and, left unchecked, ignite. We cannot retract regretful words; an unbridled tongue stirs up trouble and uncontrollable fires. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:10). James tells us that inconsistent speech should not be part of believers’ conversations—the same mouth that encourages and comforts should not speak unkind, vindictive words that cause harm. God made us in His likeness; how we must grieve Him when we don’t treat others respectfully.

David asked for protection and restraint not only over his mouth but also his heart, knowing if he dishonored his Maker by mistreating others, God would not accept his prayers (Psalm 141:3–4). Our Father offers us the same protection if we ask Him. Though God is faithful, we decide whether His protective covering and mouth control stays in place.

War Prisoners

Paul sometimes compared the trials he faced in ministry to warfare, not hand-to-hand battles, but spiritual as he contested those opposing the Gospel of Christ. As God’s ministers, we, too, engage in struggles against sin, the god of this world, our thoughts, or false teachings like Paul. If we enter any conflict relying on our strength and strategies, defeat is sure. The Word of Truth and God’s power tear down strongholds—fortified places of error and sin—and take captive every thought, reasoning, opinion, purpose, and wicked plan that raises itself against God’s authority. Our pride, self-confidence, stubbornness, and “every high thing”—anything contrary to God—are enemies of the cross that we must take as prisoners to the obedience of Christ, our Savior.

When the Word of Truth goes forth, people without Christ can choose to accept or reject the Savior God sent to rescue all, and straying believers decide whether to return to the covering of God’s care—His truth tears down strongholds and sets captives free if they let it. In this battle against evil and unseen forces, our Father didn’t leave us defenseless; we have God’s armor (Ephesians 6) but must put it on to be protected and effective in the Lord’s work. 

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5)

Committed

Adding to a day or removing something from it that isn’t in keeping with God’s divine plan is an invitation for unwanted results. The Lord’s diligent workers know they can’t carry out daily tasks without His leadership, wisdom, and strength. Resolve in your heart (where thoughts take form) to give all you do to Him. The works you roll onto the Lord should agree with His perfect will and begin and end for His glory—this sets and keeps your thoughts on a steady course: “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:3). Trust and depend on God without adding to or taking away from what He gives you. 

Steady As a Rock

God cares about you—what makes you happy, sad, weary, or discouraged. He says to throw all your troubles onto Him, everything that causes concern or anxiety. His grace and strength will help you endure all that life holds: “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22). Unchanging circumstances, trials, and disappointments may shake you, but they cannot overcome you. God promises to keep the righteous safely, those in right standing with Him. When you trust in and depend on the Lord, your faith stays unmovable. 

Tempting Choices

The irresistible bait on a mousetrap and a wiggling worm on a fishing line lure their intended victims to move in for a closer look. When we see a sign saying, “Wet Paint,” we want to touch the object. Adam and Eve wanted to eat from the only forbidden tree because the serpent convinced them they wouldn’t die but be as gods, knowing good and evil. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14). Wanting to satisfy our wants is tempting—follow-through can be deadly.

After a time of fasting, the devil tempted Jesus when He was most vulnerable: hungry, thirsty, and alone in the wilderness. But Jesus didn’t yield to his cunning, nor did He let His strength to resist be a source of pride. Instead, He declared God’s truth, confident that His Father supplied everything He needed—and the devil left Him. We, too, can be victorious over temptation’s lures: Surrender to and stay near God, resist the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7). Stay alert and avoid the bait. 

Strength's Secret

Samson equated his strength with his long hair. It seemed that was true after Delilah had someone cut off his locks while he napped on her lap because all his power was gone when he awoke. But failing to keep his commitment to God’s laws and the Nazarite vow was his downfall. Samson gave in to Delilah’s nagging: “And it came to pass when she pressed him daily. . . That he told her all his heart.” (Judges 16:16–17), and was unaware the Lord had departed from him—the true Source of his strength was gone. Samson’s disobedience had a high cost, but when he turned to the Lord in faith, God was gracious (vs. 28–30). Would it surprise you that the writer of Hebrews mentions Samson among the heroes of faith (Hebrews 11:32)?

Like Samson, have you erroneously relied on your successes or what you have? On our own, we are powerless; it’s only by God’s grace and help do we breathe and exist. Is there a cunning Delilah or something pressing you daily to “tell all your heart” for personal gain? Carefully decide why, with whom, and for what reason you open your heart and consider what consequences may come from it (Proverbs 18:7). There are some secrets meant for you and God alone. While our failures can be costly, we have a faithful and compassionate God to cry out to; our Source of everything never abandons His children: “For He hath said, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

Misleading Quote

How many times have you heard people say the truth will set you free? While it’s true that the truth may ease your mind, Jesus added a stipulation to genuine liberty. He said to the Jews who believed in Him: “If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:31–32). 

“If ye continue in My word”—It isn’t enough to know Jesus and God’s Word; lost people and Satan know Him and can quote Bible verses. Inviting Jesus into your life, surrendering to His Lordship, breaks the power of sin’s bondage and guilt over you—the greatest liberty. Genuine disciples receive God’s truth, embrace it, keep it, and live it out daily. Only then are Christ’s followers truly set free.

Basic Impulse

Noah obediently followed God’s instructions to build a large boat with only one door and window, entering the ark when God said it was time to board. But the Lord—not Noah—closed the door:  “And the Lord shut him in” (Genesis 7:16). It was for the good and safety of all inside. A year later, when Noah opened the window and saw that the land was dry and safe for walking, he was ready to exit, but God knew differently. A month later, God told him to leave, and because he waited on God, Noah and those entrusted to his care walked on solid ground.

You are accountable for your heart’s door. When Jesus knocks, open it and let Him in. After that, as God’s child, you will walk a sure and steady path leaving the opening and closing of life’s doors to our All-Knowing God, obeying Him. When a life-door closes, and you turn to another and find it closed, sometimes (to have what you want), the first instinct is to pry one open, creating a self-made path, one your Father never intended. Opening closed doors without God’s permission is a pathway in the wrong direction. Trust God. His wisdom and timing are perfect for opening and closing doors; His decisions always have your best in mind. Your good and safety, and those you influence, depends on your obedience—it’s your choice. 

Rest in the Eye

We take note of a tropical storm during hurricane season and pay closer attention when its swirling winds increase, forming a hurricane. Precautionary measures we take beforehand can be a matter of life or death. But how often do we miss the warning signs of a brewing life disturbance and dismiss it as insignificant if noticed? With little or no preventative actions taken, our lives and others we care about can suffer the after-effects of neglecting proactive measures; mounting stress, poor decisions, sharp words, and short tempers flare. But God is The Eye of the storm—the calm in the center. He sees, knows, and has power over the barrage of life’s winds and waves trying to overwhelm and defeat you. 

Jesus invites His Father's weary children to join Him when life spins in turmoil, offering to help carry the load of your burden and supply the rest you need (Matthew 11:28). You can lay down in peace and safety under His care and sleep well: “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8)—or ride out your life-storms your way and face the clean-up.

 

Infective or Effective

Escaping infectious diseases is almost impossible; germs are a part of life. And though not a sickness, negativism is like a contagious germ, spread by people who extinguish any fires that hint at the Holy Spirit working in one’s life or ministry. They long for the company of others in their misery and joyless life. So stay alert as you minister to the pessimists, doubters, scoffers, and gossipers; avoid lingering with them lest you are affected by their germy contagions and “catch” their attitude.

Now consider a good contagion—encouragement. Laughter works as medicine, and a joyous spirit can light up a room (Proverbs 17:22; 15:30). Believers living in the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit within them carry a spark that can ignite others into a glowing fire for the glory of God. Sometimes only a smile, deed, or a few kind words minister to people’s needs. By doing so, He receives honor as His light shines through your words and works, bringing refreshment and vitality to the people He sends your way daily: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mathew 5:16). If you must be infectious, affect others by spreading God’s love.

It Shall Be Well

Her son died in her lap—how could she confidently tell her husband, “It shall be well” (2 Kings 4:23)? She had learned much from God’s prophet as he often visited their home and believed him when he told her she would have a much longed-for son. Knowing God was the Giver of her miracle child, she went immediately to the prophet to call on the Miracle Maker. She waited with expectation for a miracle, trusting the power of prayer and God’s ability with unwavering faith that all would be well. Elisha did what was humanly possible for the boy but relied on God’s power to restore his life.

We don’t need to wait for an “Elisha” to intercede on our behalf; we have Jesus, our Intercessor, who intercedes on our behalf as we cry out to the Father. As we place our confidence in God, who knows the best for us and others, we, too, can say all is well, even when our eyes see, and heart may think otherwise. When we pray with an unfettered faith, trusting our all-powerful, miracle-working God with our most profound need, we can rest in His foreknowledge, wisdom, and care that He will do what’s best. It shall be well, either on this side of eternity or with Him in glory. 

Destiny

Why didn’t Jonah jump into the water if he knew that would quiet the life-threatening storm instead of asking his fellow seamen to throw him overboard and spare them the anguish and guilt they experienced? God’s providence. Jonah tried to run from God and knew the storm they were in resulted from his disobedience. He told the sailors about his defiance, introducing them to God, who was Master over the wind, sea, and all creation, and unless they threw him into the raging sea he caused, they would die with him. The men cried out to the One True God rather than the helpless gods they knew, yet the storm raged. Then they threw Jonah into the water, and at once, the storm stopped. They were amazed by God’s power, made sacrifices to Him there in the boat, vowing to serve Him (Jonah 1:1–16)—God’s purposes fulfilled.

We can run but can’t hide from God; disobedience can generate unwanted disturbances that affect not only us but sometimes innocent bystanders as well. Before those life upsets end, the sin that caused them must be confessed and abandoned: “I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid” (Psalm 32:5a). Only by repenting—turning back to God—followed by obedience to His instructions will God’s purpose-driven discipline cease. People affected by your circumstances or those who witness them may come to know and trust the One True God by your submission to the Lord. God’s providence. 

Lessons Learned

 Our newlywed house guest thought me an uncaring mother as we watched my determined toddler—despite my repeated warnings—sway back and forth in an overturned counter stool. Then the inevitable happened, she toppled over, and she cried because the fall hurt. Why did I let our child’s stubbornness continue? She had to learn the hard way: “Chasten thy son while there is hope and let not thy soul spare for his crying” (Proverbs 19:18). Although she longingly glanced at the stool the rest of the evening, she didn’t go back to it. Lesson learned.

 Some life lessons are more challenging to learn than others. Leniency is granted in some situations, while others need staunch disciplinary action. Sometimes God extends mercy, and other times He is firm. Because we love our children, we discipline, regardless of the tears. God does the same. While we may make mistakes in handling situations, God doesn’t. Our heavenly Father warns, and we choose whether to heed or disregard His instructions. The danger of ignoring God’s warnings is how hard a fall we are willing to take. Lesson learned?

Truth's Showdown

Most religious leaders hated Jesus because He loosened people from their prideful grip when He pointed them back to God as He spoke. The ones entrusted to guide the people spiritually stirred them up, plotted against and lied about Jesus, and smugly watched Him die on the cross. Instead of rightly leading the people, they incited them, imprisoning and putting to death those who embraced and proclaimed God’s truth.

Jesus came to earth as Truth: “. . . To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth My voice” (Matthew 18:37). He was trusted, followed, hated, or ignored—everyone who heard Jesus speak had to decide the truth of His Deity. The same decision is before us today. Human nature opposing God’s Truth has created and positioned us for a stormy showdown. We often choose self over righteous living—many entrusted with authoritative positions over us are more concerned with popularity than doing right; lies and deceit have run amuck and stirred the people. Believing God’s truth sometimes comes at a high price, but all who reject it will suffer throughout eternity, separated from their Creator. Now is the time to decide who and what you believe. Base your decision on who believes and follows God, upholding His truths, not humanity’s opinions.

The Cutting Edge

Solomon, the wisest person in biblical history, said it takes more strength using a dull ax, so sharpen it: “If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct” (Ecclesiastes 10:10). Carrying out a duty without the necessary skill or knowledge requires more effort, and the desired outcome will be lacking. God will not give you a task that He doesn’t first equip you to complete. But to succeed, you must willingly bend to His will and “sharpening.”

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; giving the reverence due to our Creator and bowing to His authority is the beginning of learning (Proverbs 9:10; 1:7). Insight is not gained only by gathering knowledge but by sifting through what one has experienced and learned, separating the needless from the beneficial, and applying that understanding for practical use. God’s Word is the most excellent resource for learning because it teaches truth, exposes what isn’t right and how to correct it—the Bible equips us for right-living (2 Timothy 3:16–17). A wise person receives God’s truths and lives them out daily for His glory, surrendering to His whetting stone for success in life.

Outside the Door

Jesus stands at everyone’s heart’s door: “Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in” (Revelation 3:20a). But Jesus will never push or beg His way into anyone’s life. When He knocks and we let Him in, we accept His invitation to enter God’s doorway to salvation. We are saved by confessing with our mouth the Lord Jesus and believing that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). You become a sheep of the Father’s pasture, and Jesus, The Door to the sheepfold (John 10:9), will protect you, feed you, and supply a place of rest.

Those who reject Jesus’ knocking—do not repent and turn to God—will spend eternity separated from the Father who loves them; He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). We can’t earn our way into heaven by being or doing good, not even by loving God and others. If you haven’t accepted God’s saving grace, open your heart’s door to His Savior today before it grows cold and callous and the opportunity is gone. Jesus doesn’t knock indefinitely.

Stockpiles

God entrusts believers in His Son with spiritual and tangible blessings to be shared, not hoarded: “Say not unto thy neighbor, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee” (Proverbs 3:28). When God stirs your heart to help someone or act kindly, your delayed response causes postponed or missed blessings, opportunities you cannot always recapture.

No matter how reasonable the excuse, putting off until tomorrow what you should do today is disobedience, and God doesn’t promise a tomorrow. We are not to withhold good from others when we have the resources to help (v. 27). When God lavishes abundant blessings, He expects faithfulness from His stewards in handling those investments. When He blesses much, God expects much (Luke 12:48). If you don’t act when you know you should, you have sinned: “Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17).

Dropped Call

You're talking with someone, and suddenly, the conversation breaks up or abruptly ends; the call drops. How frustrating to hear or say, “Can you hear me now?” over and over. Interference disrupts communication—traveling or living in remote areas, poor weather conditions interrupt cell phone and wi-fi signals, causing weak or no connections—but signal towers don’t move.

In the psalmist’s time of need, David knew to call on God and trusted He heard his plea: “Hear my cry, O God; give ear unto my prayer” (Psalm 61:1; 17:6). David stayed near God, keeping his line of communication open and trusting Him as his strong tower, place of refuge. God’s signal never needs boosting, and His calls never drop. He is our strong tower, too, but life distresses, lack of faith, unconfessed sin, or stubbornness can disrupt your connection with Him. Whenever communication glitches happen, and you wonder if God hears you, He didn’t move.

Tangle Free

Moses, Joshua’s mentor, was no longer with him to give advice or reassurance—all responsibility of leading millions of people rested on him. But God reminded Joshua He was not fulfilling his given task alone: “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). When Joshua felt overwhelmed, God’s frequent reminders of His constant presence eased his spirit and helped smooth and overcome the challenges he faced.

Steadfast, Bible-believing believers have days when life seems dry and entangled—unmanageable. God’s instructions for Joshua are for us also: be strong, courageous, unafraid, and be not dismayed (break down under pressure). God is always with us wherever we go, fighting for us and with us, untangling the way if we let Him. Like Joshua, we need only believe and walk in God’s truths and faithfully fulfill our calling. 

Outside the Lines

God set boundary lines through His Word, making clear the paths of blessing we should walk in this life. When you face a life crossroad and are unsure which way to go, ask God; seek a trusted source; study the Bible to learn how His faithful people dealt with such decisions. The “old paths” are the trodden, well-worn ones proven trustworthy by the saints of old. The excellent walkway that leads to blessings and peace for weary souls is the narrower, more challenging.

The people told Jeremiah they would not walk the “good way.” “Thus, saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is a good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein” (Jeremiah 6:16). By rejecting God’s boundaries, they had no rest for their souls while in captivity. God’s “old paths” haven’t changed. Living contrary to His Word produces a life held captive by self and the world, which doesn’t draw others to Jesus. Live inside God’s guidelines and experience refreshing rest and the Father’s blessings from a life well-lived.

Untarnished Communication

God decides when, where, why, and to whom He speaks. Why would God choose to speak to a boy instead of His appointed priest? Eli’s unconfessed sin. His disobedience tarnished his heart and dulled his hearing. So God addressed the innocent child who faithfully served Eli: “And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:10). Age is not a factor in hearing from God; only a listening ear and right heart.

Because of sin in our lives, we may be satisfied to listen only to God’s servants instead of hearing from Him. Their messages, although from God, are easier to set aside or ignore. But when God directly speaks to our heart, we must decide to heed His words, give pitiful excuses of why we can’t or won’t obey Him, or ignore His voice. Depending on hearing God only through others, you miss the relationship He wants with you. Samuel’s faithfulness positioned him to hear God’s voice. He listened, received, and obediently delivered God’s message as instructed (vs. 15–18). Our Father longs to commune with you, but conversing involves both parties listening and speaking with one another. Sometimes, we do most of the talking without waiting for God to speak. Is your heart clean and ready to be still, to hear and receive from Him? Are you prepared to obey? 

The Bonus

Sincere, consecrated people thrive in doing good—prosperity, usefulness is a reward: “A faithful man shall abound with blessings” (Proverbs 28:20a). As the abundance of those blessings overflow, the excess will touch something or someone nearby. When God blesses His faithful children, others benefit as their lives interact. But our motivation should not be centered on receiving or sharing God’s blessings, instead sincerely wanting to love, serve, and know more about the Giver of all good gifts. Obediently follow the Lord. He knows best, choosing when and how much to bless and who benefits from our faithfulness.