Speaker Boxes

Often, I have trouble communicating when I pull my car up to a speaker box at a fast food restaurant. It seems that the employees do not heard the words that I speak. Of course, this causes more problems as the food that I am given is not the food that I ordered. I am not sure if the problem is the device, the speaker (me), or the listener (employee). It always feels good when the communication is clearly understood and we receive exactly what we ordered.

In Matthew 6:7-8 Jesus said, “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” We do not pray in order to inform God of our needs, but rather to align our hearts with His. Prayer is a two way conversation with us acknowledging our needs, and with us listening to God speak truth to us regarding these needs.

As We Have Forgiven

I see a rush to judgement that seemingly pervades all of life in our society. We rush to judge what people say as it offends our sensitivities. We rush to judge actions as they do not match our self-determined morality. We rush to judge intentions, although we cannot fairly or accurately know or evaluate the motivations of other people. Social media advocates cutting others out of our lives after they offend us in some way. Where is the room for us to give second chances to people, like we desire that people give to us? In

Matthew 6:12 Jesus taught the disciples to pray, “and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” We are never more like Jesus than when we give someone another chance. Consider that Jesus died a cruel death on the cross to provide forgiveness for our sins.

Why Should I Believe You?

Many people speak as if they have authority. Our leaders think that they know the way that we should go. Counselors and advisors tell us what we should do. Even so called “influencers” don’t hesitate to tell us how we should live. Most speak out of experience and some education. But very few, if any, speak out of a life well lived.

I Samuel 9:6 says, “But he said to him, ‘Behold, there is a man of God in this city, and he is a man who is held in honor; all that he says comes true. So now let us go there. Perhaps he can tell us the way we should go.” What a wonderful statement to say about anyone! I want people to say that I am a man of God who is held in honor and what I say is true. I want my words to be able to help people know the way that they should go. What about you?

Promises, Promises

Covenants generally require two parties to agree. When we enter into a covenant, we expect the other party to faithfully honor their commitments and perform their responsibilities according to the guidelines of the covenant.

Deuteronomy 7:9 says, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.” A covenant requires two parties to agree. God initiated His covenant with His children and has sealed His participation in it with steadfast love and faithfulness. Our part is to love Him and walk faithfully with Him.

Appointed

Suppose you apply for your dream job. After your application, they call you in for an interview. You wait a little while, but eventually the company agrees to hire you for this dream job. They hire you, expecting that you will benefit the company by being productive. If you were to accept the job, but then not use your knowledge and skills to benefit the company, you would not be fulfilling the purpose for which you were appointed.

In John 15:16 Jesus is quoted as saying, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” God calls us not only to be forgiven and to have eternal life, but He also calls us to be fruitful and productive. He will answer every prayer that is offered with these intentions. He gives us gifts to use and bear fruit in His name.