Hearing God's Voice https://www.wvbconline.org This blog is shared by the Elders and Leadership of WVBC. Each post is a description of what the Lord is speaking to their heart through the Word. Mon, 18 Mar 2024 20:13:47 -0600 http://churchplantmedia.com/ For God's Glory Alone https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/for-gods-glory-alone https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/for-gods-glory-alone#comments Sat, 01 Apr 2017 17:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/for-gods-glory-alone How often do we secretly love the praise of people?

Psalm 115:1 says Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory. Why would God need to remind us that the glory should be to Him and not to us? It's because we have at our core a deep seated desire for the praise of people. Look at any young child who gets applause for doing something cute and they will do it over and over ad nauseam. Why? Because we love the praise of men!


I can do good things but if I’m doing it for the glory of myself then I’m sinning. Who gave us the compassionate heart for others? Who gave us the athletic ability? Who gave us the business smarts? Who gave us the intellect? All good things are from God so the glory belongs to Him alone.


Father, I pray that as your people we would understand that you alone are deserving of praise. Please help us see ourselves for who we truly are and you for who you truly are. Don’t let our hearts leap with joy when we receive the praise of men. We are called to love you with all of our hearts, please don’t let our hearts be swayed to love another.


This thought of God's glory has been the reason for me signing off with Soli Deo Gloria at the end of each post. I need a constant reminder that God’s glory alone is to be my desire. Not the praise of men.


Soli Deo Gloria,

 

Greg Huber

 

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How often do we secretly love the praise of people?

Psalm 115:1 says Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory. Why would God need to remind us that the glory should be to Him and not to us? It's because we have at our core a deep seated desire for the praise of people. Look at any young child who gets applause for doing something cute and they will do it over and over ad nauseam. Why? Because we love the praise of men!


I can do good things but if I’m doing it for the glory of myself then I’m sinning. Who gave us the compassionate heart for others? Who gave us the athletic ability? Who gave us the business smarts? Who gave us the intellect? All good things are from God so the glory belongs to Him alone.


Father, I pray that as your people we would understand that you alone are deserving of praise. Please help us see ourselves for who we truly are and you for who you truly are. Don’t let our hearts leap with joy when we receive the praise of men. We are called to love you with all of our hearts, please don’t let our hearts be swayed to love another.


This thought of God's glory has been the reason for me signing off with Soli Deo Gloria at the end of each post. I need a constant reminder that God’s glory alone is to be my desire. Not the praise of men.


Soli Deo Gloria,

 

Greg Huber

 

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The Wickedness of Unforgiveness https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/the-wickedn https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/the-wickedn#comments Sat, 01 Apr 2017 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/the-wickedn What is our unforgiveness really saying?

Every person reading this has at some point in their life been sinned against. Sometimes it's minor and easier to deal with and sometimes it's bigger and causes deep wounds. Our response to the person sinning against us probably says more than we may think.

I want to focus in on the idea that along with the unforgiveness there’s this sense that we want to continually punish that person for what they’ve done. None of us do that right? If you don’t think so then consider the person you’ve not forgiven and ask yourself how you treat that person. Do you ignore? Do you retaliate? Either one of these is you handing out punishment for the crime. In the two scenarios below I’m not referring to consequences for actions which are good but rather us continually punishing someone who has sinned against us.

If the person who sinned against us is a Christian and we want to punish them further we are showing that we think what Jesus did on the cross wasn’t sufficient. Though God determined that his spotless Son would be brutalized and murdered as payment for all of their sins my punishment of them shows I don’t think that’s true. That may have been enough for you God but I need to punish them as well.

How about the unbeliever who’s sinned against us? God has seen fit that the just punishment for the unbeliever is eternal conscious torment in Hell. Think about that…eternal, conscious, torment. God has determined this is the proper punishment for their sins. Is God’s punishment inadequate that he needs my help?

Thanks to Voddie Bauchman Jr. and others for their thoughts on this subject.

Soli Deo Gloria,

 

Greg Huber

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What is our unforgiveness really saying?

Every person reading this has at some point in their life been sinned against. Sometimes it's minor and easier to deal with and sometimes it's bigger and causes deep wounds. Our response to the person sinning against us probably says more than we may think.

I want to focus in on the idea that along with the unforgiveness there’s this sense that we want to continually punish that person for what they’ve done. None of us do that right? If you don’t think so then consider the person you’ve not forgiven and ask yourself how you treat that person. Do you ignore? Do you retaliate? Either one of these is you handing out punishment for the crime. In the two scenarios below I’m not referring to consequences for actions which are good but rather us continually punishing someone who has sinned against us.

If the person who sinned against us is a Christian and we want to punish them further we are showing that we think what Jesus did on the cross wasn’t sufficient. Though God determined that his spotless Son would be brutalized and murdered as payment for all of their sins my punishment of them shows I don’t think that’s true. That may have been enough for you God but I need to punish them as well.

How about the unbeliever who’s sinned against us? God has seen fit that the just punishment for the unbeliever is eternal conscious torment in Hell. Think about that…eternal, conscious, torment. God has determined this is the proper punishment for their sins. Is God’s punishment inadequate that he needs my help?

Thanks to Voddie Bauchman Jr. and others for their thoughts on this subject.

Soli Deo Gloria,

 

Greg Huber

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You are not Condemned! https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/you-are-not-condemned https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/you-are-not-condemned#comments Thu, 30 Mar 2017 18:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/you-are-not-condemned What does this picture say about your Christian life?

Do you see it? I'm sure there are other thoughts that could go along with mine but I see the chains that once bound me to my sin and the post that kept me in check to do the bidding of my former master.

Here's the beauty of the picture. I'm not there anymore! By God's grace I've surrendered my life in repentance and faith. Jesus has rescued me from those chains and God has made me his son! I'm no longer held captive by the enemy to do his will and though I still sin and grieve over my sin I am no longer defined or condemned by my sin.

Romans 8:1 tells us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Isn't that a really hard thing to grasp?

I sin multiple time a day. There is no condemnation if you are in Christ.
I sinned this morning. There is no condemnation if you are in Christ.
I sin willingly. There is no condemnation if you are in Christ.

In God's grace he daily reminds me of ways I'm sinning that I may not even have realized a year ago. Sometimes the weight of it it absolutely overwhelms me but I hold on to what I know is true. Romans 8:1 has been a great comfort to Christians throughout the ages but it is only a promise to Christians. Are you in Christ? If so, celebrate because your sins are forgiven and you have eternal life but please don't make the mistake of only celebrating. If the celebrating doesn't lead us to a deeper love of God and obedience to Jesus we've missed a major point. Love for Jesus drives us to a self-sacrificing obedience to God. Selfishness leads only to self-obedience.

If you have not turned from your sin and put your faith in Christ please know that in love I must warn you that the wrath of God is resting upon you. God is angry at your sin but desires for you to acknowledge your sin, turn from it and surrender your life to him where he will truly give you life. Psalm 7:12 warns us this way. If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow. Think about the word picture for the one who does not repent. God has sharpened his sword and has bent the bow back and is waiting to let the arrow fly. He's warning us because he gets great glory by saving sinful people like us!

Please know that all sin must be punished and there are only two ways for this to happen. Either Jesus will pay for all my sins because I've turned from my them and placed my trust in him or I will pay for my sins for eternity in Hell because I've refused to surrender to Jesus. Here's a good video explaining this in greater detail.

If you're not sure you are a follower of Jesus take 10 minutes and read 1 John Chapters 1-3. Reading this made it crystal clear to me that I wasn't really God's kid when I thought I was. Note what it says about practicing sin and practicing righteousness.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Greg Huber

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What does this picture say about your Christian life?

Do you see it? I'm sure there are other thoughts that could go along with mine but I see the chains that once bound me to my sin and the post that kept me in check to do the bidding of my former master.

Here's the beauty of the picture. I'm not there anymore! By God's grace I've surrendered my life in repentance and faith. Jesus has rescued me from those chains and God has made me his son! I'm no longer held captive by the enemy to do his will and though I still sin and grieve over my sin I am no longer defined or condemned by my sin.

Romans 8:1 tells us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Isn't that a really hard thing to grasp?

I sin multiple time a day. There is no condemnation if you are in Christ.
I sinned this morning. There is no condemnation if you are in Christ.
I sin willingly. There is no condemnation if you are in Christ.

In God's grace he daily reminds me of ways I'm sinning that I may not even have realized a year ago. Sometimes the weight of it it absolutely overwhelms me but I hold on to what I know is true. Romans 8:1 has been a great comfort to Christians throughout the ages but it is only a promise to Christians. Are you in Christ? If so, celebrate because your sins are forgiven and you have eternal life but please don't make the mistake of only celebrating. If the celebrating doesn't lead us to a deeper love of God and obedience to Jesus we've missed a major point. Love for Jesus drives us to a self-sacrificing obedience to God. Selfishness leads only to self-obedience.

If you have not turned from your sin and put your faith in Christ please know that in love I must warn you that the wrath of God is resting upon you. God is angry at your sin but desires for you to acknowledge your sin, turn from it and surrender your life to him where he will truly give you life. Psalm 7:12 warns us this way. If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow. Think about the word picture for the one who does not repent. God has sharpened his sword and has bent the bow back and is waiting to let the arrow fly. He's warning us because he gets great glory by saving sinful people like us!

Please know that all sin must be punished and there are only two ways for this to happen. Either Jesus will pay for all my sins because I've turned from my them and placed my trust in him or I will pay for my sins for eternity in Hell because I've refused to surrender to Jesus. Here's a good video explaining this in greater detail.

If you're not sure you are a follower of Jesus take 10 minutes and read 1 John Chapters 1-3. Reading this made it crystal clear to me that I wasn't really God's kid when I thought I was. Note what it says about practicing sin and practicing righteousness.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Greg Huber

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Thinking the Best of Others https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/thinking-the-best-of-others https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/thinking-the-best-of-others#comments Thu, 30 Mar 2017 18:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/thinking-the-best-of-others What would you think if you walked by a bar and saw a Christian brother or sister inside?

Many of us would instantly cast judgement upon our brother or sister or maybe just wonder in the back of our mind if they are struggling with a secret issue. We may even go so far as to let others know about who we saw so they can 'pray' for them.

In our world today it's really easy to get caught up in thinking the worst of others when we don't know the whole story. Why don't we instantly view circumstance in the best light until we know differently? Maybe it's because we secretly long to see someone else stumble because it makes our own heart swell with pride as it tells us "You're better than them." Maybe it's because we know our own sinful disposition and wrongly put that on everyone else. We also hate when someone does that to us.

John 7:24 tells us to "not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." Though certainly not exhaustive, I'd like to challenge us on making uninformed judgements on two types of people.

Someone we dislike or disagree with
How hard is this one? When someone defames a person we like or someone who shares our views we generally rush to defend the accused. When a disparaging remark is spoken about a person we disagree with or dislike we generally want to agree with the disparagement even though we don't know the facts. Why? I think it's simply our wicked hearts showing that we are okay with injustice if we don't like someone. Justice is a big deal to God because he is just.

Our fellow Christian
How many problems in the Church would be avoided if we always assumed the best about our church family? If you're concerned talk to them in private and ask. If you don't know them personally but have heard gossip about them assume the best until you definitively know. They are a fellow heir of grace through Jesus and you will be spending eternity with them in Heaven. Imagine Jesus' reaction to someone slandering his bride.

May we accurately represent our King with our thoughts about others.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Greg Huber

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What would you think if you walked by a bar and saw a Christian brother or sister inside?

Many of us would instantly cast judgement upon our brother or sister or maybe just wonder in the back of our mind if they are struggling with a secret issue. We may even go so far as to let others know about who we saw so they can 'pray' for them.

In our world today it's really easy to get caught up in thinking the worst of others when we don't know the whole story. Why don't we instantly view circumstance in the best light until we know differently? Maybe it's because we secretly long to see someone else stumble because it makes our own heart swell with pride as it tells us "You're better than them." Maybe it's because we know our own sinful disposition and wrongly put that on everyone else. We also hate when someone does that to us.

John 7:24 tells us to "not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." Though certainly not exhaustive, I'd like to challenge us on making uninformed judgements on two types of people.

Someone we dislike or disagree with
How hard is this one? When someone defames a person we like or someone who shares our views we generally rush to defend the accused. When a disparaging remark is spoken about a person we disagree with or dislike we generally want to agree with the disparagement even though we don't know the facts. Why? I think it's simply our wicked hearts showing that we are okay with injustice if we don't like someone. Justice is a big deal to God because he is just.

Our fellow Christian
How many problems in the Church would be avoided if we always assumed the best about our church family? If you're concerned talk to them in private and ask. If you don't know them personally but have heard gossip about them assume the best until you definitively know. They are a fellow heir of grace through Jesus and you will be spending eternity with them in Heaven. Imagine Jesus' reaction to someone slandering his bride.

May we accurately represent our King with our thoughts about others.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Greg Huber

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Rest Easy, God is on His Throne! https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/rest-easy-god-is-on-his-throne https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/rest-easy-god-is-on-his-throne#comments Thu, 30 Mar 2017 18:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/rest-easy-god-is-on-his-throne My worries woke me up this morning before my alarm.  As I sat down to hear from the Lord I was comforted by this passage in Psalm 2:2-4.  The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!”  He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them.

In this crazy time we live in apparently God is not too worried about the nations who rage against him.  Christian artist Shai Linne puts it this way in his song "Our God is in the Heavens".  "That's like a kid with a Super Soaker trying to conquer Spain!"

Why is God not worried about those who would rage against him?  Because he alone is sovereign and he does whatever he pleases.  It's craziness to think otherwise.  When my worry wakes me up I'm comforted knowing God is on his throne doing whatever he pleases.  As his son nothing comes into my life that's not for my good and his glory and this must please him greatly.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Greg Huber

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My worries woke me up this morning before my alarm.  As I sat down to hear from the Lord I was comforted by this passage in Psalm 2:2-4.  The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!”  He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them.

In this crazy time we live in apparently God is not too worried about the nations who rage against him.  Christian artist Shai Linne puts it this way in his song "Our God is in the Heavens".  "That's like a kid with a Super Soaker trying to conquer Spain!"

Why is God not worried about those who would rage against him?  Because he alone is sovereign and he does whatever he pleases.  It's craziness to think otherwise.  When my worry wakes me up I'm comforted knowing God is on his throne doing whatever he pleases.  As his son nothing comes into my life that's not for my good and his glory and this must please him greatly.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Greg Huber

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Everything in Excellence https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/everything-in-excellence https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/everything-in-excellence#comments Thu, 30 Mar 2017 18:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/everything-in-excellence How the Quality of our Work Tells the World About Our God

Obviously this picture is getting a little out of control. I don't think that's what God is referring to when he tells us in Colossians 3:23 that whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. The point of the passage is to make us aware for whom we are working. Whatever our labor is it should be done for the Lord which means it should always be done well. Not perfectionism but a constant striving for greatness that tells the world we are working for our Master who does all things well.

Philippians 2:14,15 says that we should do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. We are to be light to the world and when our work and our attitude reflects our King it will shine brightly against the backdrop of a lost generation. When people ask why, we get to tell them about our King who is most excellent!

Soli Deo Gloria,

Greg Huber

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How the Quality of our Work Tells the World About Our God

Obviously this picture is getting a little out of control. I don't think that's what God is referring to when he tells us in Colossians 3:23 that whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men. The point of the passage is to make us aware for whom we are working. Whatever our labor is it should be done for the Lord which means it should always be done well. Not perfectionism but a constant striving for greatness that tells the world we are working for our Master who does all things well.

Philippians 2:14,15 says that we should do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. We are to be light to the world and when our work and our attitude reflects our King it will shine brightly against the backdrop of a lost generation. When people ask why, we get to tell them about our King who is most excellent!

Soli Deo Gloria,

Greg Huber

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Enslaved to the Enemy https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/enslaved-to-the-enemy https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/enslaved-to-the-enemy#comments Thu, 30 Mar 2017 18:00:00 -0600 https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/enslaved-to-the-enemy How often do we get frustrated with people who are opposed to Jesus and we start viewing them as the enemy?

2 Timothy 2:24-26 say this. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

Think about what this portion of Scripture tells us. We must be not fight with people but rather be willing to correct with kindness, patience and gentleness those who disagree with us. Though we may struggle with this at times we probably all would agree and say we try to accomplish this part.

How about the last part, the perspective part? The part where the Bible describes unbelievers as held captive or enslaved by Satan to do his will. What if we stopped thinking about the people opposed to our values as the enemy? What if we viewed them in light of the Bible when it doesn’t say they are the enemy but rather they are enslaved by the enemy? Suddenly we have compassion for someone who is trapped. We should also have great empathy because we were enslaved as well and God set us free!


We pray that God would grant them repentance to believe in the only one who could give them hope.  Jesus!


Soli Deo Gloria,

 

Greg Huber

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How often do we get frustrated with people who are opposed to Jesus and we start viewing them as the enemy?

2 Timothy 2:24-26 say this. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

Think about what this portion of Scripture tells us. We must be not fight with people but rather be willing to correct with kindness, patience and gentleness those who disagree with us. Though we may struggle with this at times we probably all would agree and say we try to accomplish this part.

How about the last part, the perspective part? The part where the Bible describes unbelievers as held captive or enslaved by Satan to do his will. What if we stopped thinking about the people opposed to our values as the enemy? What if we viewed them in light of the Bible when it doesn’t say they are the enemy but rather they are enslaved by the enemy? Suddenly we have compassion for someone who is trapped. We should also have great empathy because we were enslaved as well and God set us free!


We pray that God would grant them repentance to believe in the only one who could give them hope.  Jesus!


Soli Deo Gloria,

 

Greg Huber

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The Judicial System - Who Knew? https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/the-judicial-system---who-knew https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/the-judicial-system---who-knew#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2017 13:00:00 -0700 https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/the-judicial-system---who-knew You've probably seen or heard me talk about keeping God relevant in current times. Some people struggle with reading about the God of the bible from thousands of years ago, but feeling Him in the now of our lives. Of course to that I always suggest that a ongoing, real relationship with the Creator requires time with Him. In His word and in prayer. In actions of obedience and service to others.

Read Exodus chapter 18. (No, I meant right now. Stop and read chapter 18).

I'll wait.............

Here Moses is the man who God used to bring Israel out of slavery and bondage. The man who the people complain to every five minutes about their comfort and well being. And now the ONLY person the people bring their grievances to. Verse 13 says this poor guy sits as judge for his people from morning to evening. So when Moses's father-in-law, Jethro, comes to visit, he says "What is things thing that you are doing for the people?" (v. 14)

If you read the entire chapter like I suggested, you know that Jethro goes on to suggest that Moses bring on board some help. "...able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such them to be rules......". (v. 21, partial) Jethro basically lays out a system that our United States judicial system is based on. I'm sure many of you knew this already, but what about our younger generation. I doubt today's schools are teaching the connection.

So for me, another cool example of God being relevant for today. We still follow a legal structure today for people to bring their grievances to a judge, a third party. We can read about every part of our lives; how to deal with conflict, how to deal with relationships and struggle. How to love and serve those around us. God is relevant. Just look for Him!

Philip J.

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You've probably seen or heard me talk about keeping God relevant in current times. Some people struggle with reading about the God of the bible from thousands of years ago, but feeling Him in the now of our lives. Of course to that I always suggest that a ongoing, real relationship with the Creator requires time with Him. In His word and in prayer. In actions of obedience and service to others.

Read Exodus chapter 18. (No, I meant right now. Stop and read chapter 18).

I'll wait.............

Here Moses is the man who God used to bring Israel out of slavery and bondage. The man who the people complain to every five minutes about their comfort and well being. And now the ONLY person the people bring their grievances to. Verse 13 says this poor guy sits as judge for his people from morning to evening. So when Moses's father-in-law, Jethro, comes to visit, he says "What is things thing that you are doing for the people?" (v. 14)

If you read the entire chapter like I suggested, you know that Jethro goes on to suggest that Moses bring on board some help. "...able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such them to be rules......". (v. 21, partial) Jethro basically lays out a system that our United States judicial system is based on. I'm sure many of you knew this already, but what about our younger generation. I doubt today's schools are teaching the connection.

So for me, another cool example of God being relevant for today. We still follow a legal structure today for people to bring their grievances to a judge, a third party. We can read about every part of our lives; how to deal with conflict, how to deal with relationships and struggle. How to love and serve those around us. God is relevant. Just look for Him!

Philip J.

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Stop whining! Have faith and believe! https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/stop-whining-have-faith-and-believe https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/stop-whining-have-faith-and-believe#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2017 08:00:00 -0700 https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/stop-whining-have-faith-and-believe I love the book of Exodus. I've always been intrigued by the entire story of Moses, Pharaoh, the massive rescue. Even the back story of Joseph before that. I guess that is why one of my favorite animation movies is The Prince of Egypt.

This morning I was reading Exodus chapter 13 where God has finally allowed Pharaoh's heart to be broken by the death of his (Pharaoh's) son and Moses and the people of Israel are on the move. Think about everything they've seen in the past months. All the signs and wonders that God performed through Moses and Aaron. All the calamities that struck the Egyptians and not God's people. Wouldn't you be in a state of amazement and awe at the power and full time presence of God?

Their journey begins out of Egypt and God travels with them as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). Wow, try to imagine the scene. You aren't sure where you are going, but the God of the universe is leading the way. What worries or concerns could you possibly have.

But wait... Humans are stubborn creatures and the people of Israel demonstrated that time and time again. In Chapter 14, Pharaoh changes his mind, again, and begins to pursue them with his best troops and equipment. What is their reaction? "Then they said to Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we have told you in Egypt, saying Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness". (Exodus 14:11-12)

I wonder if they were looking at the pillar of cloud or fire while saying this? Of course you know the story. The next thing they witness is the parting of the Red Sea, the complete destruction of Pharaoh's army, and their ultimate rescue. "Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had one in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses." (Exodus 14:31)

In my own life, I wonder how many times God speaks to me, directs my steps, guides me in my daily life but I ignore it. How many times is He working wonders in my own life and I still lack faith. Do I need to see the entire Red Sea split in half to believe He is doing wonderful things in my life?

God, please let my faith in You be driven by my knowledge and trust in You and Your Living Word. Let my heart and mind be in tune with You and not this world I live in. God, when I begin to worry about earthly circumstances, bring me back to focusing on You.

Philip J.

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I love the book of Exodus. I've always been intrigued by the entire story of Moses, Pharaoh, the massive rescue. Even the back story of Joseph before that. I guess that is why one of my favorite animation movies is The Prince of Egypt.

This morning I was reading Exodus chapter 13 where God has finally allowed Pharaoh's heart to be broken by the death of his (Pharaoh's) son and Moses and the people of Israel are on the move. Think about everything they've seen in the past months. All the signs and wonders that God performed through Moses and Aaron. All the calamities that struck the Egyptians and not God's people. Wouldn't you be in a state of amazement and awe at the power and full time presence of God?

Their journey begins out of Egypt and God travels with them as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). Wow, try to imagine the scene. You aren't sure where you are going, but the God of the universe is leading the way. What worries or concerns could you possibly have.

But wait... Humans are stubborn creatures and the people of Israel demonstrated that time and time again. In Chapter 14, Pharaoh changes his mind, again, and begins to pursue them with his best troops and equipment. What is their reaction? "Then they said to Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? Is this not the word that we have told you in Egypt, saying Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness". (Exodus 14:11-12)

I wonder if they were looking at the pillar of cloud or fire while saying this? Of course you know the story. The next thing they witness is the parting of the Red Sea, the complete destruction of Pharaoh's army, and their ultimate rescue. "Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had one in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses." (Exodus 14:31)

In my own life, I wonder how many times God speaks to me, directs my steps, guides me in my daily life but I ignore it. How many times is He working wonders in my own life and I still lack faith. Do I need to see the entire Red Sea split in half to believe He is doing wonderful things in my life?

God, please let my faith in You be driven by my knowledge and trust in You and Your Living Word. Let my heart and mind be in tune with You and not this world I live in. God, when I begin to worry about earthly circumstances, bring me back to focusing on You.

Philip J.

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I hope! https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/i-hope https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/i-hope#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2017 08:00:00 -0700 https://www.wvbconline.org/hearing-gods-voice/post/i-hope How many times do you hear yourself saying "I hope ......."? You know you do it more than you think. "I hope traffic isn't bad today". "I hope my kid does well on his/her test". "I hope this new President does a good job". "I hope I get this promotion". I know I'm probably busting your chops for something you don't even think about, a statement that is more slang that anything else, but I was really challenged today as I read Proverbs 13:12, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life".

Why is my longing anything else then Jesus? What is my hope in? Man, my kids, my wife, my job? Those things will always fail me on some level. But a longing, a desire to be connected to the vine, to be one with Jesus is promised to be a tree of life.

So, these words are easy to write in this blog, but harder to live out day by day. That is why we need to renew our minds every single day through His word and in prayer with Him. He is our hope. He is our desire. HE IS OUR LIFE!

God, please make me a faithful follower who places my hope in YOU, my trust in YOUR plan for my life, my worries and cares at YOUR feet!

Philip J.

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How many times do you hear yourself saying "I hope ......."? You know you do it more than you think. "I hope traffic isn't bad today". "I hope my kid does well on his/her test". "I hope this new President does a good job". "I hope I get this promotion". I know I'm probably busting your chops for something you don't even think about, a statement that is more slang that anything else, but I was really challenged today as I read Proverbs 13:12, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life".

Why is my longing anything else then Jesus? What is my hope in? Man, my kids, my wife, my job? Those things will always fail me on some level. But a longing, a desire to be connected to the vine, to be one with Jesus is promised to be a tree of life.

So, these words are easy to write in this blog, but harder to live out day by day. That is why we need to renew our minds every single day through His word and in prayer with Him. He is our hope. He is our desire. HE IS OUR LIFE!

God, please make me a faithful follower who places my hope in YOU, my trust in YOUR plan for my life, my worries and cares at YOUR feet!

Philip J.

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