Thursday, August 15, 2013

He that Speaks


Meet Omar, my African Gray.  The Hebrew meaning of Omar is “he that speaks; eloquent speaker.”  African Grays are noted for their ability to quickly pick up not only the words of their owner but their voice tone as well.  They, like a child, learn to speak when they are 6 months to a year old.  And like with children you must be careful what you say often around them least you hear it repeated when you most likely desire it not to be.
Omar has indeed become “the speaker”.  When I spend time talking with him, his (my) words flow effortless from him.  However, if Omar does not hear the voice of his owner often enough only noise (sounds of his world) come out of his mouth (so to speak.)

Crazy thing how God uses things, people or even pets to teach us needed lessons.  Have you already caught my drift here?
Aren't we a lot like Omar? When we stay close to our owner (maker) we mimic his words, his heart. However if we drift too far we only make the noise of this world!

So who owns you? Are you listening and learning to sound like Him?  How I long to be an imitator of my Lord!


“You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV)

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

The Voice



She couldn’t decide which voice was louder, the one coming from the lady speaking to her or the one in her own mind. 
 If only she could close her eyes, perhaps the one in her mind would be silenced. 
The hurt and wounded hearts sound much alike although told by different women.  The questions echoed time and again are the same.  Why did God allow this to happen in my life?  Why can’t I just get it right one time? What am I to do now? 

The voice in her mind says you too have lived this life.  Flesh cries out why.  All reasoning gone!  Be silence voices, there is only one voice she wishes to hear.  The true voice of reasoning, which is beyond our ability to make a wrong become right, comes to remind her of the truth.  She is no longer the person that Satan now wants to taunt her mind with.  And the lady across from her is about to go on a journey that only God can orchestrate.  It is then that the healing words flow through her mind.  Just as God has healed her so He will again heal another, and so many more.
His words are so sweet, so gentle, so inviting.  The voice of the turtledove beckoning us to come away to freedom.  He beckons us to come away to wholeness. Listen to sound of God beckoning not only these ladies but you also. . .

 “My beloved spoke, and said to me: "Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away. For lo, the winter is past, The rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; The time of singing has come, And the voice of the turtledove Is heard in our land.”
             Song of Solomon 2:10-12 ESV

You'll find more encouraging devotions over at Spiritual Sunday

Friday, August 2, 2013

And She Prayed


And she prayed, Father surely I have fallen too far from your grace.  My world seems to be spinning out of control.  Once I believed that all things were possible.  Now I find myself wondering if my very existence is possible.  The hurt and pain, bought on not only by others but also of my own choices, seem too much to bear.  Crying out to you, my words seem to hit a brick wall simply echoing back at me.
Are you there?  Do you still care?  Will you rescue me yet again?  And Father if I fail you again tomorrow, oh Lord I do not think I can stand the gap between us.   The pit seems to become deeper with each passing moment.

And the Father whispers, my child I will always allow my grace to cover you.  Remember my grace is sufficient for you.  Your world only seems to be out of control.  If you will allow me to help, give me control then will I right the wrongs and set all things in order. 
Your very existence is of my choosing.  I have placed you on the planet earth for all to see my glory working in and through you.  Do not be afraid, trust me.  Why do my people hurt one another?  Perhaps the others also did not trust me enough and chose to reach out in their flesh instead of by my Spirit.  Still, my child, remember I am the Healer, trust me. 

Your words, your cries have not crashed into a wall for I do indeed hear each cry one of my children makes.  I am indeed here and my love for you cannot be measured.  So you may grasp a ray of understanding, let me tell you of my love.  I love you so much that I sent my Son to die on the cross for you.  My love is not based on performance.  Nothing can separate you from my love.

My child I have not moved nor changed.  I am the same today, yesterday and forever.  You may come to me at any time and I will be right here for you.  Your prayers will quickly fill the gap you now feel if only you will call upon on me.  Trust me, I can and will heal the broken.  It is what I do!


Spiritual Sundays a great place to read other Christian devotions