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March 23 2020

Why It’s Our Time

Why It's Our Time

Hello, my dear friend, it is so good to have you at the table. There is so much going on in the world at the moment, the past few weeks have felt like a bit of a time warp. The time has passed quickly and slowly all at the same time. Have you felt that contradiction? Well, you know the process here at this table; grab your favourite mug and a hot drink and let’s take a seat and have a chat. This week I would like to talk with you about Why It’s Our Time.

A Time Of Great Noise

We are living in a time that most of us can honestly say we have not experienced before. The world is chaotic, the sense is uncertain and the messages more mixed than ever. Social Media and technology allows us to have 24-hour access to information from all over the world. We are bombarded with many voices, all telling us what to think, say and do. The voices are loud, soft, demanding, insistent, compassionate, wise, and leading us in every different direction. Our minds and spirits were not created to take in or process such clamour. The noise is great!

And Time Stood Still - Not

We would like to think that at a time like this everything would shut down, like a safety valve that shuts off when the pressure rises above a certain level. That time would stand still and we would be able to stop, process, consider and make our decisions. Unfortunately, that is not how it works. The world moves on and time does not and will not standstill. As I mentioned earlier, the days seem to be moving fast and slowly all at the same time. I seem to have all the time in the world one minute and feel like I am running out of time in the next minute. The pace is fast all around us and yet, in the day to day, many things have ground to a halt.

From Whence Commeth My Help

As a Christian, when the time refuses to stand still and the world goes on even though it appears to be spinning slightly off balance and a bit out of control, I have to remind myself “from when cometh my help” Psalm 121:1 The remainder of the Psalm holds the answer.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. Psalm 121: 2-8 KJV

Forgive me, but sometimes things just sound better in the Old King James Version.

Direction For The Times

I find great comfort as well as strategy and direction in the Word of God. My Bible has been a faithful companion for me since I was a young child. Dog-eared and highlighted, underlined with many notes on the side, it has been a place of solace, encouragement and direction in my life. Today is no different. Different circumstances, different voices coming at me, but my anchor holds and my foundation remains firm in the Word of God.

Contradicting Voices

I have been looking through the Word for direction. It is important for me, at all times, and especially in times of crisis and chaos, that I remain a light and a witness in the world. I will never be successful at that by listening to the many and contradicting voices I am hearing all around me right now. The only way that I know to remain faithful is to go to the Word and hear what the Father has to say to me and for me in these times.

Conforming Vs. Transforming

Romans 12:2 tells us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

We are not called to conform, we are not called to become part of the herd; we are not called to conforming behaviour. Rather, we are called to stand out and be different; transforming behaviour. Where does that transforming behaviour start? By the renewing of our minds. How do we renew our minds? The Word of God is a great place to start. Get into the presence of Jesus and allow Him to speak peace, love, mercy, grace, healing and righteousness into your mind. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

When Fear Comes

As Christians, we believe that God is ultimately in control. He has this. We believe that He will work all things together for our good. Romans 8:28 (Not that all things are good but that He will use them for good in our lives). And yet, we still will experience feelings of uncertainty and unsettledness and sometimes even fear. Let’s be honest. It is not that we should not have those feelings (feelings are not wrong or right, they just are), it is what we choose to do with those feelings.

What Does Transforming Behaviour Look Like?

So what does transforming behaviour look like? It looks calm, composed, and wise. It looks like a light amid shadows. It looks like a helping hand when other hands have shrunk back. It looks like unconditional love. It looks like a word of encouragement when there seems to be no words at all. In short, it looks different from the behaviour you see the majority engaging in.

Turning The World Upside Down

“These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” Acts 17:6 In Acts, Paul and Silas were preaching in Thessalonica to a large group of Greeks who were quite taken with the Gospel message. The Jews, however, becoming jealous, stirred up the crowds and brought Jason and some of the brethren to the rulers of the city. They stated, “these who have turned the world upside down have come here too” and further accused them.

I love that they accused them of turning the world upside down. I believe that is what transforming behaviour looks like. They were preaching the Gospel, a new message, a message of hope and redemption and grace amid a society that focused on the law, rules and dependence on a never-ending sacrificial system.

We are called to “turn the world upside down”. Our behaviour should mirror that of the early Church – behaviour that lines up with the message we preach – behaviour that looks like hope and redemption and grace.

When The Church Became A Building

The early Church was scattered and spread out over the entire world. They preached in the synagogues but they also preached in homes, on the street, in the marketplace, at the city gate. They did not just speak to their own, the Jews, they shared with anyone they encountered and anyone that would listen. The Church never referred to a building. The Church was the people. The people were the Church. Today, when you say “the Church,” most people think in the context of a building. 4 walls, seats, music, liturgy, tradition, rules and regulations. We have failed to go out and share the Gospel message with those around us, those who we encounter in our day-to-day life. Instead, we invite them to come to us, to sit within our 4 walls, listen to our music and to adhere to our liturgy and traditions. We have boxed ourselves in and invited others to come and join us in our limiting box, rather than leading the way, taking the Good News to others and teaching them the truth about living abundantly, which requires living outside of the box. Why are we inviting people into a building and telling them how we believe they are to live their lives? Why are we not taking the Gospel to them, allowing them to encounter Jesus for themselves and allow Him to speak directly into their lives! An experience outdoes an argument any day!

The Real Church - The Body of Christ

Every body is made up of parts- hands, feet, arms, legs, a head, and a torso. Each part of the body has a function and a purpose. When any part of the body is not functioning, dysfunction happens in the body as a whole. The body must work together to fulfill its purpose. The church is not a 4-walled box; it is the Body of Christ. We are His hands and feet in the world. The real Church is not stationary; it walks around amidst the crowds, day in and day out. We, the individuals, are the Church.

It's Our Time

The world is in a unique situation. Each day new restrictions are being put into place with regards to the gathering of crowds. Social distancing is the word of the day. Our Church boxes are being shut down one at a time. Our small groups of likeminded people are being cancelled. As the Church, we are in the process of grieving life, as we know it. Nevertheless, let me tell you that I believe that it’s our time. All things are being shaken. We are in a refining process. The early Church suffered persecution, resulting in the scattering of the apostles. “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:4 There was a shaking.

We are in a shaking now! I believe the Church as we know it is once again experiencing a scattering. What an opportunity to reset the way we see ourselves and the way the world sees the Church. We are being forced, in a sense, to figure out how to be the Church individually, in our families, in our neighbourhoods, in our marketplaces, in a time when corporate gathering is restricted. What an opportunity!

What I Know

I know for sure that this is a new season and a new time and that we, as the Church, need to step up to the plate and begin walking out the walk that we have been talking for so long. We speak of a gospel of grace, mercy, unconditional love and redemption. So, let us, as individual members of the Body of Christ, start walking in grace, mercy, unconditional love and redemption. Let us begin to share out stories of our own encounters with Jesus. It is time to talk about where we were when He found us, what He has brought us from and what He has brought us to. It is time to get honest with the people.

What if the world saw the light of Jesus in us? We need to be showing those we encounter a calm, confident, wise demeanour while acknowledging the reality of our situation. Others should be so moved by the way we are presenting that they begin to ask, “How can you walk in that way during this situation?” We need to be the most generous people out there. We need to be checking on others, offering practical assistance and encouragement. Our Social Media feed should be the most positive and realistic; providing sound, accurate, up to date information and words of comfort, encouragement, and practical every day, useful, resources and advice. Now is a perfect time to learn to use technology that encourages community. Zoom, Skype, Facebook Messenger are just some platforms that can be used to bring people together virtually.

Let’s lead the pack. Blaze the trials. Show the world how to be more than victorious, to be overcomers.

This is a world we have not yet seen. Let’s get out there and begin to mould and shape it rather than allowing it to mould and shape us. It is all about transforming behaviour rather than conforming behaviour.

It’s Our Time!

Until Next Time

Well, my dear friend, my cup is empty. It is time, once again, to part ways. Thanks so much for taking the time to sit at the table with me. I so enjoy our time together!

Your Turn To Comment

As always, I love to hear from you. All voices are welcome at this table. Be sure to join in on the conversation by adding your comments in the comment box below.

Be In Touch

I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

laurie

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March 12 2020

When We Allow A Virus To Contaminate Our Witness

Hello my dear friend, so nice to have you back at the table. Grab a hot drink in your favourite mug and let’s have a heart to heart. This week I want to take us on a bit of a “touchy” journey – but a journey that I believe we need to go on, regardless. This week I want us to sit down, get comfortable and go deep while we talk about: What We Allow A Virus To Contaminate Our Witness.

When You Wait Upon The Lord

This blog was supposed to be released on Monday morning, but late Sunday evening, when I still did not have a clear topic, I knew I needed to stop and take more time to listen carefully for what God had for us this week. I waited Sunday evening and Monday and Tuesday and then Wednesday. Still nothing. Sure, I had a few potential topics, but nothing that grabbed me or felt relevant for this point in time. This morning (Thursday), I woke up and I knew that it was time to share the things that have been on my heart for the last few weeks. There are times in our lives when we are called to have the tough conversations. To say those things that may or may not be popular but that need to be released into the atmosphere. This is the day for that type of conversation, so stay with me until the end and let’s do this together.

Speaking Truth As The World Spins

These days, the world seems to be spinning out of control. On Social media, traditional media, conversations in the grocery store with strangers and around the kitchen table, there is a sense of unease and unrest in the air. There is an overriding feeling that things are fraying at the edges and about to let loose. So let me get right to the point. Today, I want to talk about Covid-19 (coronavirus) and how we, as Christians, are dealing with the current situation.

Let me start by saying, I am a Registered Nurse, a health care worker, who fully understands and appreciates how viruses work, spread and contaminate. I am also a Christian, who believes in the Hand of protection of my God in my life and that ultimately God is in control. There is no but here because I truly believe that these two belief systems do not contradict one another and that there is a balanced spot in the center where I can speak intelligently and compassionately from either position.

Grace For All

Furthermore, let me be very clear at the very beginning of our conversation – this blog does not come from a place of judgement, but rather from a place of grace. As a Christian, who is also an educated Health Care Professional, I feel that I have a responsibility to speak truth when I see that there is a need. I take that responsibility very seriously. It is, however, done from a place of concern and a desire to see Christians walking in love and truth, always being mindful of the witness we are called to set forth.

Set Apart In The World

As Christians, we are called to be set apart in the world. Not because we are better, not because we have more knowledge and wisdom, but because we have Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ is doing a new work within us. That new work, in time, will cause us to look, act, speak and relate differently than those around us. We are called to live and interact with others in such a way that others see Jesus Christ in us.

Faith And Wisdom

Faith and wisdom must coexist in our Christian walk. One does not contradict the other. Faith tells me that Jesus has placed a hedge of protection around me, wisdom tells me not to walk out in front of a moving vehicle. Don’t let anyone tell you that if you are walking in faith, wisdom goes out the window. The Father has given us brains and knowledge and life experiences, which all come together to form the wisdom He has for us. He also leads us in wisdom by His Holy Spirit. Faith is not equivalent to recklessness. Faith is the foundation from which we employ the wisdom the Lord has imparted to us. Faith is not a place of refuge from which we engage in unwise and reckless behaviour, putting others and ourselves at risk and expecting that God will protect us anyway. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, the devil told him to throw himself down from the pinnacle because the Word said that the angels were given charge over Him. Jesus’ response was, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’ ”

Fear And Healthy Respect

In the same way that faith and wisdom work hand in hand, fear and healthy respect also walk hand in hand. We are frequently told in the Word, “Do Not Fear!” We are to walk in faith and trust that the Lord is in control. Walking without fear does not mean, however, that you walk without a healthy respect for those things that can cause injury or damage in your life or the lives of others. Again, one does not walk in front of moving vehicles because they are not fearful. Walking in faith, rather than fear, comes from the fact that Jesus Christ lives in us and knowing that ultimately, the Father is in control. It does not give us liberty to be reckless.

Grace Vs. Judgement

We are not called to judgement but to have grace. We were once in the same place that those in the world around us are in currently. “Oh, but for the grace of God go I.” However, for some of us, we have forgotten what that part of our journey was like and we have become hardened to those around us. We cannot “imagine” how people could think or act that way. The truth of the matter is that we often thought and acted that way in the past. The bigger truth is that some of us are still waging a war within us between thinking and acting that way rather than the way Christ has called us to think and act. Our judgement often comes from a place of trying to make ourselves feel better about where we find ourselves. We are called to have hearts of flesh and not hearts of stone. We are called to compassion for those around us. Compassion calls for grace, not judgement. Compassion calls for us to ask, “What do I have to offer”, rather than, “I can’t believe they are like that”. Ultimately, what we have to offer does not come from us, but from the peace, love, and redeeming grace of Christ that was strong enough to save and change us and can save and change them too!

Understanding Hoarding

Sometimes we just need to pause and try to understand why people act the way they do. Let’s talk about the hoarding that is going on. People are hoarding toilet paper- even though this virus is primarily a respiratory concern. They cannot keep hand sanitizer on the shelves when all you really need is to wash your hands properly with soap and water. There is not a mask to be found, even though the fact of the matter is, regular masks will not keep the virus out. Hoarding behaviour of these particular items does not make any sense – and it causes more panic and shortages of items that others could be using. It seems absurd. So what is the Christian response to this? First of all, stop hoarding! Secondly, understand that hoarding behaviour is triggered by fear. Fear of not being able to get items one needs, fear of being quarantined to home, fear of lack of control. How do we combat fear? By sharing our faith. How do we share our faith? With compassion, not judgement. Talk to people, find out what it is that they are fearful about and begin to share the love of Christ that overcomes all fear with them. Practically, reassure those around you that they will not be left stranded, that you and others in your Christian community will be God’s Hands extended and then follow through on that promise.

Back To Wisdom

Back to wisdom, hoarding is the unnecessary collecting of items – stocking up appropriately on items that you may need if you contract the virus and need to be quarantined for a period of time, or if you are unable to get out in public for some time, or in the event the supplies are not as plentiful, is wisdom. There is a balance and as Christians, we need to find it, find it quickly and begin demonstrating it to those around us.

They Are Watching Us

The world is watching us. We claim to have something they need, so they are watching to see what that looks like in our day-to-day lives. They do not want to see Christians hoarding items, they do not want to see reckless behaviour, and they do not want to see nonchalance when the situation requires vigilance. They want to see calm, composed, wise decision-making and to hear encouraging words of compassion. When the world begins to see that we are walking in faith, not fear, balanced with wisdom and compassion, it will be at that point that they see that we really do have something they want and need. Until then, we are doing nothing but damage to the witness of Christ in our lives.

Are You Anointed For That?

A quick comment about some of the Facebook posts that are going around about people moving in great faith into areas where the virus is rampant and being protected. I do not disagree that this can happen. However, I want to point out that not everyone is anointed for that. There is an anointing of protection that goes beyond our ability to understand when individuals or groups are called to a certain calling. If God has placed that on you, in your spirit and your heart, then move in it. He is faithful. Life must go on, healthcare workers and other essential workers are endangered every day because of their call to the work they have chosen, but they are moving forward using wisdom and all the protective processes and equipment that are available to them, fully aware of the risk involved. Pray Psalm 91 over yourself, your family, your work, your day-to-day life, but do not walk recklessly. Use the wisdom God has given you.

Practicality For The Win

So what does this all look like in our day-to-day walk? A few things we need to be mindful of:

1) Stop posting inaccurate information on Social Media. Check your sources; make sure they are reputable and scientifically accurate. All we are doing is increasing the fear and confusion in the general population by spreading inaccurate and unnecessary information. Just because it is online does not mean it is true.

2) Stop fear-mongering. Telling the world (especially via disconnected means like social media) that the end of the world is near is not helpful. If you are concerned about their salvation, because you truly believe we are in the end times, then have genuine and compassionate conversations, in person, with those individuals. Make a real difference in their lives, do not just be a noise in the atmosphere.

3) Stop posting judgmental comments on Social Media. We are trying to win the world for Christ, not push them away. When non-believers witness our lack of compassion for them and each other, it turns them away. That includes political comments, comments on Covid-19 and your differences of opinions. If you are going to share on your beliefs, do so in love and compassion, strategically and constructively.

4) Be positive, but realistic. There should be no extremes in our views at this time in the world. Comments that “everything is a hoax and we really are all ok” are no more helpful than commenting, “everyone is going to die”. Find your balance – offer hope to a world that is fearful and looking for control. We claim to have that hope in Jesus – so demonstrate it and share it.

5) Be the witness you are called to be. Posts on Social Media that indicate that people are more afraid of a virus than the rapture are not helpful. People are afraid of what they see in front of them – right now, they see a virus. Many people do not even know what the rapture is, let alone to be afraid of it – because we, the Church have failed to share the Word of God and the hope and redemption of Christ with those around us. Vague posts on Social Media are not the way to be the witnesses that Christ called us to be. Put-on the compassion of Christ, get in relationship and share what Christ has done in your life – that is a true witness.

6) When in doubt, do not hit the button. Social media can be especially damaging. It is easy enough to hit the post button and share it without thinking it through first. It is also easy to get caught up in the emotions of the moment and share without checking with the Holy Spirit first. It is helpful? Is it needful? Is this the right time? Is this the right platform? Is this something that needs to be shared in a less disconnected way? What is the tone? How will it be understood?

It Isn't All About Us!

We must be concerned about our witness and whether or not our actions are a stumbling block or offence to another. We may be walking in liberty and faith but at the same time we need to be aware of what our actions look like, are perceived like and how they are influencing those around us. “But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9

Practically, you may feel confident that you can survive the virus even if infected. However, I would caution you, it is not just about you. It is about those that you may infect in the process and put at risk – those who are not walking in faith and/or are physically unable to fight such a virus.

As Christians, it is never really about us. It is about being Jesus to the world.

So Where Do We Go From Here?

So where do we go from here?

Your first responsibility is to strengthen yourself in the Lord. You will be of no benefit to others if you are not strong yourself. Get in the Word, go to pray, spend time with the Father, hear what it is He is speaking in these times, fellowship with other believers, encourage one another.

Take measures to protect your physical health. Make sure you have essential items on hand (not enough for the next 2 years, but a supply that is sufficient to carry you if you had to miss going out for groceries for a week or 2). Wash your hands regularly and well. Stay home if you are sick. Excuse yourself from gatherings where others are sick. Eat well, get enough rest, and get some exercise and some fresh air to help maintain your immune system.

Be mindful of your witness. Watch the words that you speak and that you type. Do your words show forth love, compassion, encouragement and empathy, and the hope of Christ? If not, they need to change. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”(Proverbs 18:21) Pray, pray, pray. Pray for those who are fearful, are sick, are looking for something more. Encourage one another and hold one another accountable. Speak the truth, but do so in love and with the right motives.

Practically, figure out where you can be of assistance in this time of need. Do those around you need practical help? Meals prepared, groceries picked up, financial support, a ride to the hospital or clinic? How can you as an individual and you as a Church body, reach out and meet the needs that are currently in your neighbourhood or among your family and friends? This is not a time to hide out in your house while declaring that you are full of faith and protected. Use wisdom and serve where it is safe and wise for you to do so.

What I Know

I know with all my heart that the Lord is in control. I seek each day to walk in such a way that my actions are not seen as reckless but wise in the eyes of the Lord. I seek to have a heart of compassion, at all times, for those around me. I am not perfect, any more than anyone else is, but I do my best to be a good witness by openly and willingly sharing what the Lord has accomplished in my life, with others. I want nothing more than to be the hands of Christ extended and to be a vessel of His love and compassion and grace in the earth.

Until Next Time

Well, my dear friend, my cup is long since empty and it is time for me to go for now. I am so happy you joined me at the table today. As always, it has been a pleasure to sit and share with you.

Your Turn To Comment

As always, I love to hear from you – be sure to join in on the conversation by adding your comments in the comment box below.

BE In Touch

I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

laurie

Category: Uncategorized | 8 Comments

February 24 2020

When Too Many Voices Cause You To Miss The One That Matters

It is a lovely sunny day here as I write –cold but sunny. There is something about the sun shining in the window that makes everything a little bit better, don’t you think? Well, it is that time again, there is a seat at the table waiting just for you. Grab your hot ________(fill in the blank), in your favourite mug and let’s have a chat about “When Too Many Voices Cause You To Miss The One That Matters.”

Let's Linger on Love

Before we get going on a new topic, I’m interested to know how everyone did with the last blog on love? February is the “season of love” and although the commercials are all nice and lovely, the reality of the “season of love” can look very different for all of us, depending on where we are in our lives. The truth about the love of Jesus, however, is that it is available to each one of us. Not only that, once we accept it, it can flow in and through us and overflow onto those around us (all of those around us) if we are willing vessels. February is almost over but the love does not have to stop – let’s linger on love this year!

Can You Have Too Many Voices?

We live in a world of many voices. More than ever before, people around us have the ability to speak into our lives. Technology, social media, our ability to travel easily from place to place, and our quick and easy access to information all contribute to this phenomenon. What happens when too many voices are speaking at once? Have you ever sat in a room full of people, everyone talking in small groups, all having different conversations? If you are in the right spot in the room you may be privy to one or more conversations at a time. The problem is when there is too much talking, not only your ability to focus is negatively impacted but also your ability to participate. How then do we know what voices to attend to?

What You Need To Know About The Loudest Voice

It is important to understand that not all voices are created equal. Sometimes it can be difficult to know when to listen and when to turn away. But it is important to understand that just because a voice is more persistent or speaks more loudly into your life, doesn’t mean it is the most accurate voice. The whole concept of marketing is about finding out what voices are going to best get your attention, in order to draw you into whatever that voice is selling, whether it is a product, a concept, or a mindset. So just because a voice seems on target, doesn’t mean it is speaking truth, it just means you were studied.

In A Multitude of Counsellors

Proverb 11:14 does say, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” So, I’m not saying that we are not to listen to any of the voices we find speaking into and over our lives. But I am saying that wisdom dictates that we need to understand when to listen and heed and when to turn away. You can ask 5 people for an opinion or advice on something today and you will likely get 3-5 varying responses. How will you deal with that? Even more importantly, wisdom dictates which voices we need to control from speaking in the first place. There are voices we allow to speak into our life even though we know beyond a doubt that it will lead to confusion.

Does Every Voice That Speaks Have A Right To Speak?

We must remember, that just because people have the ability to speak into our lives,

does not mean they have the right to speak into our lives. How does that work? Voices speak. That is what they do. And because we live in a day and age when there is such free access to one another, the ability to speak is much easier. But at the end of the day, we must be clear, just because a voice speaks doesn’t mean we have to receive it. There are two main situations we find ourselves in with regards to the voices that speak into our lives: 1) the voices we have control over but don’t exercise control over, 2) voices that speak but are not in line with what we know to be truth.

When We Choose Not To Take Control

So, let’s talk about those voices we have control over but are not controlling. Why are we reading through online sales for things we know we don’t need and can’t afford. That voice has studied us inside out and knows how to speak persistently and loudly over us, why then are we opening up that door and allowing that voice to even speak? Why do we go back to the same people over and over again when we know that they only speak negativity into our lives. Why are we allowing negative, violent and ungodly messages into our hearts and our minds through the books we read, shows we watch and music we listen to? These are all situations in which we can control the voices that are speaking. Why are we choosing not to take control? It is time to cut those voices off!

When You Know The Truth And That Isn't It!

What about those voices that don’t line up with what we know to be truth? Step one is that we need to know what the truth is. How do we find that out? We need to be in the Word of God and we need to be in a relationship with Jesus, listening to His Voice. Step 2, then, is taking the time to take what we are hearing and compare it to the Word of God and what the Lord has already spoken to us. If it doesn’t line up, it isn’t truth. If it isn’t truth, why are we accepting it and going back for more? Why do we continue to listen to and seek out prophetic words that are telling us what we want to hear but that we know are not lining up with the Word or what God has already shared with us. Why do we accept words that are spoken over us and into us that we know go against the very thing the Lord has already spoken. It is time to step back and take back our right to receive or not receive what these, often random, voices are speaking over us.

Who Can Speak Into Our Lives?

Who, then, can speak into our lives? The short answer is, God. If we are in the Word and in relationship with the Father, then He will speak into our lives regularly. In John 10:27 Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. Now, having said that, God does speak to us through others in our lives. And that is ok. Again, wisdom must come into play. Does it line up with the Word and what I know God is doing in my life? Is it coming from someone you are in relationship with? Someone you trust? Someone who consistently speaks accurately into your life? Or is it coming from some random person we have never met before or who speaks often but inaccurately? When I take it to God, does He provide confirmation for me?

Too Much Noise Can Cause You To Miss The Truth And The Truth Giver

At the end of the day, too many voices can cause confusion. Confusion can lead you down rabbit trails you weren’t meant to be on, can cause a distraction and can even cause you to miss the truth altogether. But even more dangerous, is the fact that too many voices can cause you to miss the voice of the Truth Giver. Often times the many voices we hear around us will overpower the voice of truth, because they speak what we want to hear rather than what we need to hear. They are often that very persistent and loud voice. The thing about the truth is that it speaks, no matter what. The thing about the Truth Giver is that He loves us enough to speak no matter what – the difficult and challenging truth as well as the pleasant truth. In a world of many voices, don’t miss the One Voice that cares enough to speak truth into and over your life. Not only does He speak, He wants to be in a relationship with you. He is not speaking to sell you a product, a concept or a mindset. He is speaking to bring you into a relationship with Him and into eternal life. Are you ready to listen to Him today?

What I Know

Voice comes and voices go but the True Voice lasts forever. Jesus wants to speak into your life. He is waiting for a surrendered heart and a listening ear? Do you have both today? Then today is the day to cut out those other voices and began to focus on the voice of the Shepherd.

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, it is that time again. I don’t know about you but I find that our time together goes by so quickly, but nevertheless, I’m glad we had this time together. Stay well until we chat again. Sit in the sun for a bit and soak up some life!

Your Turn To Comment

There are several ways to participate in the blog this week:

1) share your word for the year if you haven’t already done so,

2) talk to us about the last blog on love –how loving are you – what areas of loving others do you need to work on?

3) chat with us about the voices that are speaking in society today

4) what voices do you need to cut off?

5) share what you would like to chat about at this table,

6) just share!

NEW!

On the website, I have posted my word for the year and my Bible Verse for the year. I am planning for some changes to the site – help me out – what would you like to see on the website? Comment in the blog section.

Also, my new Lent Devotion has just released on Amazon. It is called A Walk Through Luke for Lent. It is a daily devotional for the Lent season. You can click here to get your Paperback or Kindle version.

If you are enjoying our time together – share the blog – there are options next to the comment section for sharing on Pinterest and Facebook and through email.

Remember that you can sign up to receive these blogs directly into your email. Click here to go to the website and then on the right-hand side of the screen, partway down, click on the subscribe link and follow the instructions. Invite your friends to do so as well!

Be In Touch

I’m at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

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