Category Archives: Hearing God’s Voice

“Quit Yer Caterwauling”

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“Quit yer caterwaulin,” they used to say. As a youngster, I somewhat resented the sounds of children at play being likened to a bunch of screeching, quarrelsome cats. But now that I’m getting up in age, I can certainly sympathize with some of the older folks just wanting some peace and quiet.

I often feel that way when it comes to all of the clamor this world dishes out; unwanted phone calls from telemarketers hocking their wares, billboards screaming their messages to every passerby, soap box soldiers, and television commercials –many quite inappropriate, all vying for our attention, time and money. And the clangor goes on and on.

Admittedly, this world’s enticements and coaxing often seem to me to be little more than the raucous din of caterwauling. During those times, I am so very thankful for the privilege of being able to shut the world out and slip away for some quiet time with my precious LORD. As the Psalmist wrote:

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust (91:1,2).

As for today, the morning has just begun, yet I feel a stirring, a deep-down longing, for that heavenly quiet time. I cannot, therefore, think of a better time to silently tell the world, “Quit yer caterwaulin!” then slip off for some alone time with He who is worthy of all the time and attention we can give.

Dear reader, may you also find time today, and every day, to abide under the shadow of the Almighty and bask in His sweet presence. There, in the secret place, you will find peace and rest for your weary soul, and refuge from the bombardments of this world should you need it.

Blessings….

Two Coins in a Mountain

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Photo: Gabi Laron, Institute of Archaeology

Last night I had a few moments to relax so I spent time at the B.A.R. –Biblical Archaeology Review magazine, that is. Being a biblical archaeology enthusiast, I love this magazine for several reasons. Most importantly, B.A.R reports on the latest finds from the Middle East that validates the absolute historicity of the Holy Bible.

This month’s magazine reported on the find of two ¹bullae that date to the time of Jeremiah, the prophet. These bullae are inscribed with the names of two of Jeremiah’s worst adversaries. The names of both of these men, Jehucal and Shelemiah, are found in the Bible in the 38th chapter of Jeremiah –imagine that.

“What if tangible proof of these princes existed? It would corroborate Jeremiah’s account –and be colossal proof of the accuracy of the Bible…. Rarely do science and the Bible converge as dramatically as with the Jehucal and Gedaliah bullae.” B.A.R. Jan/Feb 2012.

Clearly, these two bullae do exist as proof of the Bible’s absolute accuracy; as do countless other artifacts. Amongst them, are two very significant coins which have recently been unearthed in the area of the temple mount in Jerusalem. One of the coins, a silver half-shekel, was minted by Israelite temple authorities in 66-67 AD. The half-shekel was required of the Israelites to be given as temple tax, as recorded in Scripture. The other coin, from the period of the First Revolt against the Romans, which preceded the destruction of the Second Temple, bears the phrase “For the Redemption of Zion. These coins are invaluable given the ownership issues which surround the temple mount –ownership which was clearly established in Scripture (That would be Israelite ownership –not Palestinian).

While there will always be those who scoff at the Bible, I am thankful for the archaeologists which labor tirelessly to prove its accuracy and validity. I guess it just goes to show, no matter how deeply the past gets buried, someone is bound to dig it up eventually!

Regarding the aforementioned artifacts (and more), B.A.R invites us all to “Come see these remarkable artifacts and discover the inspiring story of ancient Israel’s dramatic rise under King Solomon, its tragic collapse under King Zedekiah –and the faith-filled work of Jeremiah.

January 16 through October 16, 2012
Armstrong Auditorium
Emund, Oklahoma
(405) 285-1010
Armstrong Auditorium.org

¹A bulla (singular) is a hard clay seal impression used in the ancient world to record important information.

Click here to visit Biblical Archaeology Society online

The Biggest Little Word

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What is the biggest word in the Bible?

The answer may surprise you. The biggest word in the Bible is “IF.” You may ask how I could come to that conclusion? Simple, it is because this tiny word carries enough power in it to move mountains. Even so, this word is probably one of the most overlooked and neglected words in the entire Bible.

For example, notice the first word of II Chronicles 7:14:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Is it possible that there is so much turmoil in our land because we are asking God to heal our land but neglect the “if” part –to humble ourselves, and pray, and  seek God’s face, and  turn from our wicked ways?

God is not a man that He should lie, so obviously, we as a nation are neglecting the prerequisites that God set forth for the healing of our land.

Another example may be found in the twenty-eighth chapter of Deuteronomy. Here, we are instructed:

And it shall come to pass, if you shall listen diligently to the voice of the LORD your God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command you this day, that the LORD your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth.

Scripture then goes on to promise abundant blessing and prosperity to those who obey all of God’s commandments. I hear much about the blessings, but  seldom do I hear anyone mention the prerequisite “IF.”

The Bible says that God uses the foolish thing of this earth to confound the wise. I guess he uses the smallest things too. Remember, dear reader, the word “if” has enough power in it to move mountains, when we obey the words that “if” preceeds.

Still, Small Voice

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And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him…. but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. (I Kings 19:9,12).

Finally, we have gotten some much needed rain. I’ve been praying for a gully-washer, but the rains that have come have been, for the most part, soft and gentle.

It is often the same way with God. There have been times that I prayed, feeling the need for God’s voice to be as loud and clear as a piercing boom of thunder. I wanted Him to pour down answers until they utterly saturated me, so I could in no way misunderstand what He was speaking to my heart. And yet, the answers sometimes came like more like a soft, refreshing rain –a few drops at a time, not overwhelming. I am reminded of something the Lord spoke to my heart several years ago. He said:

Sometimes I come like the softest rain, when the drops tap ever so lightly against the pane. These are they that please my heart: Those who hear my lightest tap –even in times when the sun is not shining brightly –even in the early morning hours when the world lay fast asleep. Those who will awaken to my lightest tap and say, enter Lord, I welcome you; these are they that please my heart.”

Today feels like one of those days. Precious Lord, let us hear your voice; we welcome you.