#SHHH…

By: Deborah Ard

Recently I dropped my phone. I have dropped my phone many times before but this time when it hit the floor the glass shattered. It was in such brokenness that when I tried to use it a glass chip stuck in my finger. Because my schedule is so jam packed, my husband offered to take my phone to be repaired. As a result, I was without my phone for 2 days. Boy was that an eye opening experience. By the end of the first day I was almost in a state of panic. I had no idea how very much I depend on my phone. I felt so out of touch and disconnected without it.  I couldn’t pick up my phone to send a quick text, make a phone call or look up information.

Let’s pause here for a confession. I must confess that I am a devotion junkie. I thrive on starting my day reading multiple devotionals from various sources. Ok…I will admit…I read a minimum of 8 devotionals each morning. See, I am a junkie.

Now back to the story of life without my phone.

I followed my usual morning routine of getting my cup of coffee and getting comfy in my chair and then I was not sure what to do next. I didn’t have access to the apps and emails I use during my morning devotion. What would I do in its place? How would I hear from God that day?

So I just sat and started thinking of a plan of action. And that is when I hear it NOTHING. Quiet. Solitude. PEACE. And then…God’s voice. Of course it was not an audible, loud, deep voice. But it was a movement of the Holy Spirit telling me to be still and quiet. And so I was. And during that still and quiet time, God revealed to me that this is what I needed right now.

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After wind there was earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19:11-12

God wanted me to slow down from the busyness of trying to fill myself up with devotional after devotional and use this time to sit and listen for His marching orders. While He often speaks to me through the many devotional apps and emails, for now He is speaking to me in a gentle whisper. How about you? Do you need to slow down, be still, and examine your busyness so that God can speak to you? I urge you to. Because in that quiet solitude and peace God just might whisper in your ear too!

#Prayer #HearYourWord

By: Julie Wicker

Father,

As you speak to us we will write down clearly on tablets what you reveal, so that it can be read at a glance Hab 2:2. For your word is sharper than any two-edge sword, piercing through us discerning our thoughts and our hearts intentions Heb 4:12. At times when you are quiet, when we can’t behold your face help us to keep seeking you knowing you are still at work Job 34:29. As we exalt your great name oh Lord, we will be still and know that you are God Ps 46:10. And at times when we need to scale the mountain top through the busyness and noise of life you will appear as a gentle whisper 1 Kings 19: 11-12. Blessed are we who hear your word and keep it Lk 11:28. In the name of Jesus Amen

#Quote

“Don’t confuse activity with productivity” – Christine Cane

#Worship
Word of God Speak by Mercy Me