Talk to the Hand

Psalm 65:1-5

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms%2065%3A1-5&version=NIV;NLT

 

 

Have you ever had a conversation with someone where you felt like they were just not listening to you? Maybe they reminded you of the saying from the 90’s - “Talk to the hand”.

 

Years ago, I had a boss who when he walked into my office, he would look out the window. I think he was listening to me, but I couldn’t tell for sure because he wasn’t looking at me. Instead, he was looking at the sky or a squirrel or the dirty window.

 

Truth be told, we are all guilty of the same thing at one time or another. But on those occasions when we feel like someone is really listening to us and sincerely cares, we feel closer to them; we want to hang out with that person; we want to hear what they have to say. Why? Because we feel valued and loved.

 

In Old Testament times, the Tabernacle courts were where God’s presence resided. The tribe of Levi was chosen to serve in the Tabernacle, which is to say that they were in the

presence of God more than anyone else.

 

⁴ Blessed are those you choose

    and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house,
    of your holy temple.        NIV

 

As a result of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, anyone who believes in him and follows him, has constant access to him. It’s like living in the Temple courts 24/7/365. Indeed, “we are filled with the good things of his house”.

 

And even though being in the presence of God makes us more aware of our sin, we can also be assured that He forgives us. There is nothing we have done or will do that He will not forgive; that will prevent us from being in His presence.

 

⁵ You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,
    O God our savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth,
    even those who sail on distant seas.   NLT

 

When you pray, you’re not talking to the hand. You’re talking to the Living God. Nothing can keep you from him. He is always there, always listening; always hearing; always answering. He’s never too busy or preoccupied or lost in thought. All you have to do is talk to him. And then listen for his response.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Status Update

The world sure has changed over the past 30 years.  I was watching one of those holiday cartoons with my son the other night, you know the ones that come on once a year and it's tradition to sit in front of the TV and watch.

After playing it for probably the fourth time my son asks, “Did you watch this over and over when you were a kid?”  I had to laugh as I explained that we didn't have DVR when I was his age.  He was stunned.

My husband and I continued to explain that we didn't have a lot of things he has.  No cell phones, WiFi, internet. We didn't have Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or Twitter.

I was actually surprised myself to see how much things have changed in a short period of time.  While all of these additions to life can be fun and entertaining, I can't help but feel they also give too many people the stage to have influence in our lives.

Our scripture passage today comes from Proverbs 3: 5-10.  Verse 5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…”  We do the opposite of this most of the time, don't we.

We will run to Facebook articles, news interviews, and our friends opinions before we turn to God.  But he want us to trust him with ALL of our heart and NOT lean on our own understanding.  

This passage is not telling us to turn off our brains.  It is telling us to use our brains and seek the ONLY one who has the answers we need.  Why? Proverbs continues saying, “He will direct our path”.

God will give us the direction we need.  Some versions of this passage say, “He will make our path straight.”  Isn't that what we are looking for when week seek out all this information?  God, the one who created us and who loves us says he will show us which way to go if we would trust him.

Now that's news worthy of posting.

Read today's passage Proverbs 3:5-10

Sunday, July 17 - Acts 4:18-31

Learning to listen to God speak is key to walking the road of life.  Do you hear God speaking to you?  Do you understand what message(s) He is sending?  It is an amazing adventurous existence when we move through life with God as our tour guide.  I don't mean to make light of difficult situations, or brush off how crippling certain seasons of life are, but I know when I lean on the Word of God for direction, when I wait for Him to speak to me, it all comes together.

The apostles knew what God wanted them to do, they heard Him speak to their hearts and they knew Jesus wanted them to continue sharing the message of Good News.  "Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:18-20)

These brave followers of Jesus knew their lives were in danger but they also knew the salvation of the world was more important.  Just think what a burden and gift their assignment from heaven was to them.  What did they do when the political rulers warned them?  "...they raised their voices together in prayer to God." (Acts 4:24)  They asked God to give them boldness to continue to tell the amazing story of Jesus.

God heard their prayers and honored them. "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." (Acts 4:31) ) God honored their prayers and sent the Holy Spirit to them.  God will do this for you and for me as well.  All we have to do is pray and ask God for what we need.

Read Acts 4:18-31 here.