Are we holding onto the promises that God has spoken forth? Are we speaking up when we need to, or are we blending in with our culture and everyone else on this planet?
There is a time in our walk with God that we will be required to step up and speak out. Stephen in our New Testament reading, is standing before the Sanhedrin and the high priest asks him, “Are these charges true?” (Acts 7: 1)
At that moment, he had a choice to make. Would he deny knowing Jesus, or would he reply in honesty? Stephen, a man full of the Spirit of God, and wisdom, turn this time into “testimony time.” He begins by saying, “Listen to me! The God of Glory appeared to our Father Abraham…”(Acts 7: 2)
He tells of God’s promises and how God was faithful in the lives of the Patriarchs. Something he said, caught my attention. “As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, another new king, who dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our forefathers.” (Acts 7 17-19)
- Before the fulfillment of God’s promises, oppression (warfare) usually occurs.
Stephen continues in his testifying and speaks of the deliverer, Moses, “Who was powerful in speech and actions.” (Acts 7: 22 )
- Our speech should complement our actions and vice versa. They should be one in the same.
- A valid, honest testimony will include both.
The speech of Job’s friends needed to be tweaked, for sure! Now Bildad, has the floor, and asks, “When will you end these speeches? Be sensible and then we can talk?” (Job 18: 1)
C’mon Bildad! Your friend is hurting, cut him a break! Can’t your speech bring some hope to your friend, Job? Whatever happened to “There’s a time to speak, and a time to listen?”
Listening is my favorite part of engaging in a dialogue with God. Counselors call, it “active listening,” when hearing someone pour their heart out.
Can we use “active listening” with our God, when we are in prayer? I think we can. Here’s why: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the work of this law.” (Deuteronomy 28: 29) There are things on the heart of God that He wants to reveal, that will draw us closer to Him.
- Spending time alone with God in the secret place brings revelation, as God shares His secrets.
- Yes, God has secrets. It could be a mystery, a blueprint, or a solution.
- Press in and practice “active listening.”
“The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it.” (Deuteronomy 30: 14)
“For the Lord is our life…” (Deuteronomy 30: 20)
He is a God of restoration who fulfills His promises. His Word is full of His promises that are not only spoken but established, put in place.
(Acts 7: 1-22, Job 18, Deuteronomy 29-30, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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