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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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January 27 2020

The Way Of Community

The Way of Community

Hello my dear friend, welcome back to the table! It is hard to believe it has been two weeks already. How did you do with the shifting of mindsets we talked about last time? If you missed our last chat, you can click here to read it and have a chance to comment. This week at the table, I want to talk about The Way of Community. Grab your mug and a hot drink and take your seat at the table. If this is your first time with us, don’t worry, there is room for everyone here.

The Why Of Community

Why this focus on community? Why do all these blogs seem to lead back to this one concept? I believe that we have lost our way. I believe our society has become self-sufficient and self-focused. Because many of us have the means to be our own support and encouragement, our focus and our peer group have become narrowed. Self-sufficiency tells us that we do not require many people with little pieces of the puzzle, to come together and help make up the bigger picture of our lives. Instead, it tells us that not only do we get to decide on what the picture looks like ourselves, but we also are able and should build it ourselves. I’m here to come against this lie of the enemy that we have taken on as the truth in our lives and has caused us to become a group of individuals “doing our own thing” together in the world, rather than a collection of communities seeking to connect with one another. We were created for relationship – we were built for community. We were never meant for a self-sufficient and self-focused life.

The What Of Community

What is a community? It is important to note that a community is not just a group of individuals that continue living life in a self-sufficient manner, together. Nor is community connecting with others, just to further our own agenda. Rather, community involves living life together, sharing our time, resources, giftings and energy with one another for the benefit, not only of ourselves, but also of those around us. Communities can be small or large. We can be a part of a few communities or many communities. Community groups can overlap with one another.

The Who Of Community

We can live in community with a variety of people, in a variety of combinations over a varied span of time. However, community is not all about similar people with the same idea and thoughts and goals, gathering together to further their own agenda. True community may begin with similar people, with the same ideas and thoughts and goals, but must not stop there. The aim of true community is to reach out to those around us, offering up what we have, to improve the quality of life of those around us. Community flourishes when we become a group of varied people with varied idea and interests, giftings and resources to share – while working toward a similar vision.

The When Of Community

Community is an everyday event. It is not meant just for special occasions or when we need to get something done. If we could just grasp that our everyday lives are enhanced by the connections we have with others, we would be better able to understand that community is not a question of when – real community happens all the time.

The Where Of Community

Community happens wherever people are together. It can happen in your living room, your backyard, over coffee, at work, in the large community, in the church, in schools, in the grocery store, on the street or online. Community is about connection and connection can happen anywhere you have people who are open and willing to engage with those around them.

The How Of Community

Community does not just happen. The building of community is an intentional process. Especially in a society where the concept of self-sufficiency has taken such a solid hold. We have to want to be part of community. We have to reach out to those around us and encourage community. It is an active process; it does not just happen on its own. It requires some courage, moving outside of your own box and comfort zone and a large dose of authentic living.

Community Is The Answer

Community is a large part of the answer to the many questions we have today. If we are willing to be real with ourselves and real with those around us, we would be quick to admit that self-sufficiency is a lonely way to live. The willingness to live an authentic life is the first step to building community. When we begin to be real with one another and ourselves, when the masks come off and we begin to reach out our hand to those around us, for help and to assist, true community will begin to form. As it forms, we will need to become intentional about encouraging its growth. Building community requires some effort but the joy that comes from living/engaging in a true and flourishing community, far outweighs any effort we will ever put in.

What I Know

I have longed for true community for some time. Sometimes it takes time to find the community that you can truly connect with and be part of. I am happy to say that in the last month, as we have settled into our new home, we have become part of the most amazing community. We are not perfect at Agape House Canada, but we are committed to living the life we have been called to as followers of Jesus, expanding our community by reaching out to those around us, encouraging one another in the practical things of everyday life as well as our individual and group growth in our Christian walk, helping one another to recognize and develop our giftings for the cause of the Kingdom and making an impact in the world for Jesus. For the first time in a long time, I feel fully alive and fully engaged! What I know, is that I want this for each one of you as well. It is time to take a courageous step from behind the mask of self-sufficiency and to begin to reach out a hand to those around you – a hand for assistance as well as a hand to benefit. You need to find your community and you need to do it now. Time is short!

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, our time at the table is over for the moment. It does not have to end here though. Below you will find a number of ways to connect outside of checking in every two weeks for this blog. Directly below are a number of ways you can contribute to the conversation at this table. Below that are a number of ways you can connect directly with me. Today is the day to take the first step. It may take some time and a little bit of courage to step out and do so, but together, we can make community happen!

Your Turn To Comment

You can comment directly under the blog in the blog section. We, at the table, would love to hear from you. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1) What communities are you a part of?

2) What do you see as the benefits of community?

3) If you are hesitant to join in communities, what is holding you back?

4) What would you like to talk about in this community? At this table?

5) Just share!

New

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 Hopkins

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December 23 2019

The Praises of Christmas – Advent Week IV – The Praise Of Faith That Believes Without Seeing

“Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

“And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Luke 2: 38

Waiting In Faith

In the passages above we read of Simeon and Anna. I have to admit that of all of those in the Christmas story, I am most fascinated with their stories and specifically with their praise. Both Simeon and Anna waited on the Lord. They knew the Messiah would come and so they waited, in faith, for the day the Lord would fulfill His promise.

The Holy Spirit led Simeon into the temple at the right time. God granted him spiritual vision to look at the baby Jesus with His parents and to see in Him the Saviour that the Father had promised. As Simeon held the Child, he praised the Lord. “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32

Waiting Patiently

Now, I don’t know about you, but when I am waiting on the Lord, sometimes I become a bit impatient and then even doubtful as time moves on – so much so that when the promise is fulfilled, I sometimes miss it! But not Simeon. He waited patiently, was obedient to the Holy Spirit’s direction and then, when his eyes saw the Child, he immediately recognized the salvation of the Lord!

Praising As You Wait

What faithfulness in Simeon – to look at a Baby and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that THIS was the fulfillment of the promise. He didn’t wait to see Him grow, to watch his “career”, or insist on knowing HOW the promise would be fulfilled through a Babe – he just had faith in what he could not yet see and opened his lips wide to praise the Father. “My eyes have seen your salvation.”

His spiritual eyes could see the fulfillment in the seed and that was enough. What a precious picture – can you just see him with this Child in his arms, lifted up toward the Lord, with the praise of the faithful ringing through the temple?

When Your Praise of Faith Impacts Others

And along comes Anna at this exact moment. She sees Simeon and the Child and “in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord.” Her spiritual vision was also attuned and as she watched Simeon lift the Child high and praise the Lord, she too began to give thanks. She had not even TOUCHED the Child but believed in faith that this was the Saviour that had been promised. Her praise continues as she goes out and tells everyone who “looked for the redemption”, that the promise had come.

Trusting That The Seed Will Grow Into Fulfillment

Both Simeon and Anna saw a Baby in the temple; only the beginning, a seed of a promise. But neither wasted any time in lifting their voices and praising God; believing in the growth of that seed into the fulfillment of salvation. They did not ask how or even stick around to see it. They just believed in faith, that which they could not see in the physical, but that which God promised would surely come to pass. And then they praised Him. The praise of faith that believes without seeing; how sweet to the ears of the Father!

Possible and Impossible Dreams

This is the time of year we often talk about dreams; possible dreams and impossible dreams. I believe that there really are no impossible dreams “For with God nothing will be impossible” Luke 1:37

Perhaps those dreams that seem possible are ones we know we can accomplish in our own strength and those that seem impossible are those that we know we could never accomplish without the supernatural Hand of God on our lives. Do you think that seeing the Baby Jesus and believing salvation was at hand could have been an impossible dream for Simeon and Anna? Perhaps the impossible came in the form of seeing a Child and knowing that the dream was accomplished without ever understanding the how and when? But that didn’t stop Simeon and Anna.

Write the Vision

What dreams and promises has God placed in your heart? God places those desires in our hearts and then He fulfills then at the right time. “Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 Why not pause right now and wait upon Him as we head into Christmas Day and then into the beginning of the New Year? Ask Him to reveal those desires and dreams to you, the ones that He has placed in your heart.

Be honest, write them out – take the time and God will redeem that time. And even as you write begin to praise the Lord for the fulfillment of those dreams and promised.

The Real Good News of Christmas

You are loved! How do we know? Because the Word of God tells us,

“That God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

And how do we receive that everlasting life?

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10: 9

Perhaps you do not yet know Jesus as Lord and Saviour of your life. Do not delay,

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23

Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

“For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now [is] the accepted time; behold, now [is] the day of salvation.” 2 Chronicles 6:2

TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION!

The Saviour has been born!

Rejoice!

Lift up your voices in praise!

Merry Christmas!

Blow Holy Spirit Blow

And as we move into the New Year – for those of us who are the people of the Lord, let us pray that the Holy Spirit would blow into and through our lives, ensuring that 2020 be the year when the sweet sound of the praises of faith without sight, blow over all those around us as they rise to the throne room of the Lord!

Let us pray together

Oh Sweet Holy Spirit, blow through this nation even now! Rise up these dry bones once again into a mighty army for Your work. The time is short and the harvest is plenty. Train us up Lord; strengthen us and grant us boldness to do Your work! Grant each and every one of us a fresh revelation of the power of faith and praise on our lips. Teach us, Lord, that You must be a priority in our lives and that we must take time to wait on You – You always redeem the time but we must be obedient in order to see that fruit. We believe that as our praise of faith rises to You it will blow over and through those around us and draw them into Your kingdom. A mighty army of those that KNOW the power of faith and praise and the joy of dreams and promises, that are yet to be fulfilled. We thank You for the Blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ and pray these things in His name! Amen and Amen and Amen.

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

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