Listen To Him!

Transfiguration Sunday; Mark 9:2-9 KJV; The cloud overshadowed them; yet, in that darkness God spoke:  This is my beloved Son! Listen to Him.

Eyewitnesses

2 Peter 1:16-21 KJV; Transfiguration Sunday; Jesus on the mount with Elijah and Moses. Peter was an eyewitness to who was there and what was said. 

What Are You Doing Here?

A reading from 1 Kings 19:9-21 KJV for 3rd Sunday after Pentecost. The Lord asks Elijah was did he run; why is he hiding. Then sends him out to anoint others to do His will.

Listen To Him

Psalm 1:1-4 KJV

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

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God's will; His way, is for the good of all who listen and follow in that way. When we decide that we would rather do our own thing than listen to him things don't always go so well for us.

According to the prophet Isaiah:

"Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David."  

                                                                            (Isa 55:2-3)

And when Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus being transfigured and speaking with Moses and Elijah on the mountain they heard a voice that told them that they were to listen to him.

"While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him." (Matt 17:5)

This is His beloved Son. This is our beloved brother and our savior. Listen to him for all that he has done and is doing is out of love for humankind; for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Lord Provides

And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. 

                                                                               (1 Kings 19:1-8 KJV)

Jezebel is after him so Elijah is on the run. She has sworn to kill him because he has killed her prophets. His departure is so quick that he doesn't take any provisions for his journey. The escape wore him out so after a ways he lays down under a tree and falls asleep.

Of course, the Lord knows all that Elijah has done to let the people know that their false gods and prophets are just that: false. And, the Lord still has plans for him. He sends an angel to care for him; to feed him and to give him drink. The Lord provides for his servant in need. 

The Lord still provides for his servants. He provides our daily bread. Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

How Did They Know Them?

His Face Did Shine Like The Sun

And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid.

And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. 

                                                                                   (Matt 17:1-7 KJV)

How did they know? How did they know that the two talking with Jesus were Moses and Elijah? Scripture does not tell us how they knew. Maybe, it was from the content of the conversation. Maybe, their history and their traditions stirred something in them so that they just felt it and knew it within their own spirits. Maybe, the Holy Spirit moving upon them, inspired and told them. Maybe it was a little of all these things combined.

How can we know anything? We can know by the testimony of two or three witnesses. This testimony, of three, is found in the reading: "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him'” (Matt 17:5)

The same words spoken by the Father at Jesus' baptism were spoken at his transfiguration: "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. listen to him!"

The three disciples, in fear and trembling, witnessed the glory of Jesus Christ, our LORD, at his transfiguration. May God prepare our hearts and minds to witness the full glory of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Time With God

Woe unto them that join house to house!

Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! (Isa 5:8 KJV)

Isaiah makes it sound like it's a good thing to be alone and for some of us it is. Others, for some reason unknown to me, enjoy living side by side. I've tried it. It was bearable most of the time. I have also lived in places that were not quite so bearable. 

I am still trying to adjust to our latest home. It is a humble home on almost two acres. We really can't see any neighboring houses. The area surrounding our property is wooded areas and we have a small pond in the middle of it. I definitely appreciate those things! Yet, I find myself missing our home in Michigan. There is nothing expansive or extravagant about our property there, either. Yet, it is also mostly surrounded by a cedar swamp except for the bay that connects to Lake Superior in the backyard. There will probably never be anyone building in the swamp to the north of us as the Ojibway Tribe owns hundreds of acres there.  

I miss our secluded place in Michigan; but, when I consider the cold they are experiencing right now and the very slow economy that seems to be terminal there, I can really appreciate our home in Florida. We may not be as secluded as I like; but, it is secluded enough and I do not have to live on top of or below anyone in an apartment or condo. I do not have to live ten feet from my neighbor or contend with an HOA.

There is a time and a place for everything. There is a time and a place to be social. It is a very good thing to be in the company of others. But, there is also a need to be alone at times so that we can find rest in the company of none other than Almighty God. 

We; after all, need some quiet and alone time in order to hear God whisper. When Elijah was on the run and seeking to hear from God, he did not hear Him in the noise. In the sheer silence, he heard His whisper.

And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:12)

There may be many who can shut out all the noise of living house to house. They may actually enjoy it. I am not one of them. I need the quiet presence of God to keep my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I thank God often for the homes He has provided me with and for the opportunity to spend time alone with Him.

May God grant you enough quiet to spend quality time with Him.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A Quiet Hum

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:

And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?                                                                                                                                                           (1 Kings 19:11-13 KJV)

I woke up yesterday morning to the quiet hum of distant neighbors' generators. The power was off. It was off for over twelve hours (the reason for no blog yesterday). I spent a lot of time with quiet hums and not just due to generators. As my husband got moving we realized that I need to bring him to the emergency room. (He is fine - probable stomach virus) Since no one except the patient is allowed in the hospital I sat in the truck in the parking lot waiting for about six hours mostly in sheer silence except for the hum of the truck's engine and the air conditioner now and then when it got too stifling sitting there. 

It wasn't a bad day. I appreciate the quiet. Quiet affords us a time to listen for the voice of Lord. Too much noise around us is a distraction. It is a distraction from being more fully in the presence of God. Being present; being aware of God's presence and His voice is a good thing. It can be a very renewing experience to spend time alone with God. Be still and get to know the Lord. Be quiet and listen to Him.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 

                                                            (Psalm 46:10-11)

God's Peace - Pr. J. 

In Sheer Silence

And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

                                                                             (1 Kings 19:11-13 KJV)

What indeed was Elijah doing at Mount Horeb? Was he merely running from Jezebel? Was he frustrated, confused or tired and needed to leave behind his call as a prophet for awhile? After all, all that he had done didn't seem to have any kind of lasting effect on the people. Or, was he simply in need of direction; maybe just a single word, from the Lord? 

We all need direction. We all need to hear from the Lord. We may know that we need it and even want it. But, take a lesson from Elijah. You're not likely to hear His voice in chaos. It may be there; but, you're probably not going to hear it in the deafening roar of noise. You will be too distracted to listen. You are more likely to hear it as a whisper when you take the time to be still and listen for it. Be still, slow down, and listen for it.

You are more likely to hear it as you worship in the sanctuary when the only thing that you hear is the reading of the word or the preaching of the sermon when no one or nothing else is making a racket. You are more likely to hear it as you are quietly contemplating your morning devotions. 

Shut off the television. Shut off the music. Look away from your social media for a bit. Meditate on the word and listen so that you might hear the slightest whisper of the Lord. In the midst of sheer silence you just might hear the words you need to give you the direction that you desire that will remove your frustration and confusion. It is the word of God that will refresh your soul and bring joy once again to your heart and mind.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Listen In Sheer Silence

He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
                                                                            (1 Kings 19:11-13 NRSV)

Alone in the wilderness, the prophets of the old testament spent much time. Elijah was very much afraid because he was being hunted down by that woman Jezebel because he had killed her prophets of Baal. Elijah ran for his life. 

He had no clue what he should do. He needed instruction. He needed to know the Lord's will. An angel of the Lord instructed him to go and stand on the mountain where the Lord would pass by him. When angels speak, that usually catches our attention, so Elijah did as he was instructed. He went to this isolated spot on the mountain and waited. He did not hear the Lord in the wind. He did not hear the voice of the Lord in the earthquake. He did not hear it in the fire. But, when there was nothing; not another sound, Elijah heard the voice of God!  God spoke to Elijah giving him direction as to what he was to do next. He was to anoint Jehu as king over Israel and Elisha as prophet in his place.

How often do we wonder what exactly God's will is for me? How often do we wonder what it is that God would have me do? Where would he have me go? What would he have me say? If these questions often plague you, find a quiet place, a place with sheer silence and listen for the voice of God speaking to your heart and mind and soul.

The prophets of old found quiet isolated places to communicate with God. Jesus found quiet places to speak with and listen to our Father in heaven. It is most difficult to hear the voice of God when the noise around you is so loud that you cannot hear the whisper of God's voice. 

As children sometimes think that their parents are hollering at them when they are not yelling; but, are simply giving the same direction to them for the hundredth time; I admit that I, too, have ignored the voice and direction of God and when I finally accepted that it was God's will; it has felt like God has been hollering at me, as well. 

God still speaks to his people. Find an isolated place; shut off the noise, and listen. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

God Speaks To Us

"This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’" (Jer 33:2-3 NIV)

Prayer is not just about talking to God. It is also about listening to him. He promises to speak to us; but, we will not hear unless we take the time to listen. His voice comes to us in many ways: in the reading or the hearing of scripture; through the sermons or teachings that we hear while at Worship or Bible Study; through our neighbors as we spend time with them; and in so many other ways. Yes, we can even hear his whisper in our inmost being if we take the time to be quiet and listen. It is most difficult to hear God with the television or radio blaring. Elijah could not hear God in the chaotic winds or earthquake or fire. He heard God's gentle whisper in the sheer silence. (1 Kings 19:11-18)

But, not everyone wants to hear God speak to them. He may tell us something that we do not want to hear. He may ask us to go where we would not choose to go for ourselves; to do something for others that we'd rather not spend our time or talents on. He might even suggest very strongly that we repent; that we turn our lives around and follow His Son. That would require a sacrifice that we do not want to make. So, we turn on the radio, the television, and whatever other noise we can find to lessen the chance that when God speaks we might hear.

God still speaks to His children. Listen to Him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Listen To God In Silence

God Speaks To Elijah In The Sheer Silence; 1 Kings 19:11-18

Elijah had gone up on the mountain in anticipation of being in the presence of God. There was a strong wind; but, Elijah heard nothing from God. There was an earthquake; but, God was not there. And... then in the sheer silence, Elijah heard the voice of God. Elijah talked to God and God spoke to him, giving him instruction. Think about it for a minute... When we are in a crowded room, with lots of people talking or sitting at home with the television blaring, how hard is it to hear someone speaking to us? Turn off the TV, the music, all of the noise and just listen. Unless, that is, of course, maybe you don't really want to hear what God has to say to you.

My new home (an RV) is not real quiet as there are three of us living in it. So, I came a little early to the church building to spend some quiet time praying. I did not come early enough as I was not quite finished talking with God before everyone started showing up for various reasons. That actually is a good thing. I would love to see the church filled with people every day! I will just have to come a little earlier from now on so that I can kneel in sheer silence and listen for the whisper of God.

May God give each of us many moments of quiet throughout the day so that we might find rest in the presence of God and just maybe hear His voice comforting and guiding us all.

God's Peace - Pr. J