God Speaks!
This week I’m sharing my song “The Nature of You” that further explores the topic of this blog. Enjoy![audio mp3="http://chrisatkins.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/The-Nature-of-You-1.mp3"][/audio] My wife Terese and I just returned from our anniversary celebration trip to Florida. The vacation couldn’t have come at a better time, as I was exhausted, physically and spiritually, from seven months of intense ministry. All of us come to points in our lives when we need to hear from God, and I arrived in Florida at that place. We began our time away by praying: for rest, rejuvenation, and for attentive hearts to hear and respond to God. I prayed this prayer:“Speak Lord, your servant is listening”During our time, we had several moments when our minds and hearts were set aglow by the magnificent, awesome power of God displayed in his creation. One such moment happened when we visited a small zoo in Sarasota, Florida. We were alone on a small path and came upon a Kookaburra, a bird native to Australia, quietly perched in its well-apportioned containment area. As we came up close, the Kookaburra gave us a personal concert. Watch this video:The Kookaburra sang to us of God’s creative power that gave a unique voice to this bird. Just as God provided food and shelter to this bird, I was reminded of God’s faithful love that has brought us safely this far and will care for and sustain us throughout life and eternity.The Kookaburra is a unique creature, and God also gave each of us individual characteristics, personalities, and purpose. Like the Kookaburra, we can voice our praise and love of God in unique and colorful ways.God also speaks to us of His power and presence even in difficult times, challenges, and changes. We simply have to listen and be ready to respond when He prompts us.The Bible chronicles the story of a young boy named Samuel who kept hearing a voice in the night call his name. Mistakenly thinking it was His mentor, Eli, the boy kept waking him to see why he was calling. After several of Samuel’s mistaken wake-up calls Eli realized it was the LORD who was calling the young boy and instructed him to answer the call with these words:“Speak Lord, your servant is listening”When Samuel once again heard the voice in the night, he replied with those words, and then he heard from God.God didn’t speak words of comfort to Samuel. Instead, God put forth hard words that revealed coming judgment. Samuel had to act upon what God had spoken to him, and his obedience opened the door to a lifelong relationship with God. The Bible states,
“The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground…the Lord continued to reveal himself to Samuel through his word” (see 1 Samuel 3:19-21)
I love that Samuel allowed none of God’s words to fall to the ground. When God spoke, Samuel heard and did what God asked of Him. It is a reminder and challenge to me and all worshipers of the One True God: When we ask God to speak, we must be ready to listen and respond.I invite you to join me in worshiping God for His creative power and beauty!Chris AtkinsPlease share a link to this blog with a friend, and check out my new book “The Isaiah Encounter: Living An Everyday Life of Worship” at Barnes and Noble and Amazon:Barnes and Noble:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-isaiah-encounter-chris-atkins/1122720646?ean=9781630477523Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Isaiah-Encounter-Living-Everyday-Worship-ebook/dp/B019CCJLXI