Yesterday my husband showed me this photo on his cell phone and said, “Can you see what this says?” I couldn’t. I squinted and turned it every which way. He pointed and cajoled. I finally saw it by making it much smaller. Wow! Can you see what God is saying?
This morning I was reading in Jon Courson’s 1800-page commentary on the New Testament. I’m on page 1334. Studying daily, I thought I’d finish in a year, but I didn’t. Anyway . . . today the first line I read stated, “If my disciples are quiet, even the stones will cry out.” I had just seen the photo above last night. Unbelievers will call that a coincident, but I know when God is speaking to me through his Word. He said, “I tell you, if they (the disciples) keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” Luke 19:40.
He's telling me if I fail to share my faith in Christ, He will show Himself through nature. It might be a rock formation, a bird flying on the breeze, or the swaying of the trees. Romans 1:19 NIV says, “Since what may be known about God is plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities--- his eternal power and divine nature ---have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Another version of the Bible called The Message says, “Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So, nobody has a good excuse.”
A writer friend contacted me yesterday to tell me this story: I’ll paraphrase. As she drove along, thinking about stories she hoped to write, several great ideas came to her. Grateful for the surge of creative thoughts, she felt like thanking someone. Since she was alone in the car, she decided to thank God. Why not? This was not her usual practice, but it seemed right at the time. She looked to the east and at that moment saw a hole in the otherwise solid cloud-cover through which columns of sunlight beamed down to the ground. She laughed, but it caught her by surprise, and she recognized God’s response. Through the clouds and sunshine, He spoke to her.
Every night, before I go to bed, I step outside and look up at the night sky. I see the stars and the moon which God put into place, and I’m amazed at the beauty of them. Even more, I am amazed that the God who created it all and set it in motion also created me and you. I thank him for the day, praise Him, and pray for others. He hears my prayers and sometimes the rustle of the leaves or the breeze that cools my cheek are his immediate response, just to let me know he’s listening.
The first time Jesus spoke to me was so funny, I just have to tell it. It was Easter morning, and I was concerned my cowboy husband was going to wear his usual wranglers and Levi shirt to church. I was getting ready to say something snarky like, “It’s Easter, can’t you do better for God.” Suddenly, I sensed an almost-audible voice say, “Have I ever let you down when you’ve kept your mouth shut?” Yikes! I almost jumped out of my skin. It was so real, I didn’t say a word and left early to play the piano for first service. Just before the service started, the doors to the church opened wide, and there stood my handsome cowboy in a three-piece western suit, complete with vest and tie. I’m sure I skipped a beat or two. My heart sure did.
God is amazing, and when we speak of His wonders, He is glorified and He promises, His Word will not come back void. (Isaiah 55:11 NIV)
Those who are Christians have access to God any time. He’s waiting to hear from them. Last year, I asked Him if he had something else for me to do and He gave me five comedy gigs. I had retired from the stage five years ago, but I made a comeback in my 80th year. That’s crazy, and I’m loved every minute of it.
Once, I simply told Him I needed to meet Mark Wahlberg to see if he would sponsor my fundraising for Rady Children’s Hospital. Weeks later, I was an unpaid extra standing right next to Mark on a movie set, had a conversation with him, and was in a scene with him. My God can do anything. Scripture says, “If we delight in Him, He will give us the desires of our heart.” Do you delight in Him? Rock On! If you don’t, THE STONES WILL CRY OUT!
When has God spoken to you in some way?
God is not a once-a-week sort of guy. How are you meeting with Him every day?
Jesus is a friend, who is closer than a brother. He wants to hear from you everywhere, every day, on any subject. You will be amazed at His wonders.
I would love to hear from my readers how God is speaking to you.
Great, lively, and encouraging thoughts! Thanks for the encouragement (though I still can't see the words in the stones).
Love your walk with the Lord, Karen, and your sense of humor! As for me, the Lord drew me into a relationship with Him at age 14 and has spoken to me many different ways. Through the Word mainly,through impressions, through insights, through dreams and visions, a few times by audible voice or a sense of urgency. Mostly by His Word! Thanks for asking! Thank you for your writings!