Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Ephesians 5:20 I look out into a world, of drugs, alcohol and murder. Fear grips my heart, there is no avenue of safety. What to do, Lord? A silent prayer, eyes closed to the dangers at hand. A cool breeze flows, born in the rising of angel’s wings. Sweet music, somewhere distant, ripples closer, from the depths of my soul. Whispering, Sweet Jesus, floating above the circumstance. A strengthening rises, as the Spirit renews it supreme peace. I gaze out again, at what the enemy has wrought. Fear has faded to compassion, terror gave way to love. Only the tears remain, knowing that so many will never understand, the indescribable power of a single moment of prayer. ------- Written 5/16/95 By Linda J. Humes From Moments With The Master
Tag Archives: God
A SINGLE MOMENT OF PRAYER
7 JulDREAMS
11 Nov
“And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” Numbers 12:6
I’m standing in my dining room window and I realize that my plants have all gone dry. I have been so focused on keeping the fireplace burning and the house warm, that I hadn’t thought about the other life around me that needs attention, and water, to survive.
I wonder if I have forgotten about my own life and the desires I once held so dear. I have found myself going through the motions of life to survive. I am living in the memories of a lost yesterday, a wonderful time gone by, of clear direction and extravagant dreams. I often find myself so absorbed in the memories of yesterday that I forget about the reality of today. We were created to flourish, not simply survive. Why do we stop dreaming about tomorrow? Why have we allowed circumstances to dictate the end of a vision that God has placed deep in our hearts and souls? Am I the only one?
Illness may steal our energy, but it should never steal our joy. An unwanted job may bring tremendous stress and pressure, but it cannot steal our dream of the work God has put inside of us, it is merely a stepping stone soaked with valuable lessons and information that God is teaching us for the next part of our journey.
A loss is only a loss if we allow it to be, or it can become a beautiful valuable lesson to guide our steps forward on the path that God has placed us on.
Do we get so caught up in daily survival that we forget to reach out to the God who gave us life. Do we forget about the dreams, the people in our lives to receive from, and the people that He wants us to pour into. Do we get so caught up in trying to figure out how we are going to fulfill a need that we forget to take it to the Father in prayer, which is all He is waiting for to send resolution? Are we so consumed by the fear of what might happen that we don’t step into the dreams of the wonderful things that could happen?
Reach out to the Father for the next step of the path that He placed in you at birth. Reach deep inside for the faith and trust you nurture every day through the Word. Reach back to help another find their path, encouraging them daily. Reach up in praise and worship for the gifts of life bestowed upon you and the dreams birthed inside.
A dream isn’t a wish your heart makes; it is a call towards a life ministry, one moment at a time. Nurture it. Flourish.
Written 11-11-2018
The Fire Within
30 Oct
“Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently.” Exodus 19:18 NIV
My wood burning stove and I have a love-hate relationship. When it is cooperating I love it; wonderful dry warmth. However, when I don’t have the fire building components right, it becomes the subject of several hours of frustration. The Fire Triangle represents the 3 simple components that ensure continued combustion, or a nice warm fire. The components consist of flame, oxygen and a continued source of fuel. Ah, fuel!! Therein lies the problem.
So, first goes in the paper, then bits of cardboard, next small branches or twigs, and then split log on top. The perfect building blocks for a solid fire . . . except that the split logs wouldn’t burn. At the onset of cold weather we’d had many dry months; the wood was dry and easy to start. Then came several tropical storms, and although the wood wasn’t openly in the rain, the ends became damp and the wood absorbed the thick humidity hanging in the air.
I would start up a fire, watch it flare and roar, close the door, set the flue, and walk away. Within a few minutes I would realize that the fire had gone completely out. The fire had consumed all of the viable fuel, but the damp split logs were not viable.
I added more paper, cardboard and twigs, encourage the flames with the billows, would get it roaring, and then close the door. Once again it went out. This repeated over and over again, often for hours. Each time the split log would get a little drier and start to smolder in spots. After many, many starts the log would finally get dry enough to actually ignite and burn.
I started thinking about how much that sounded like the journeys of our faith? We start out with hearts on fire and great expectations, but our components aren’t complete. We need the daily building of the Word inside to keep the fire of the Holy Spirit burning brightly. We need encouragers, teachers and mentors to build our foundation. What we allow to come into our lives, our eyes, our ears, our mind, can absorb into that foundation and dampen our spirits, causing our fire to smolder or go completely out.
With my wood burning stove I have discovered that I have the best results in starting a new fire if I never to allow the embers of the previous fire to go completely cold. Tossing a small branch in the stove and closing down the flue will allow the embers to smolder underneath the soft ashes for many hours. When it is time for the new fire, I only need to remove the ash and set the new split log onto the embers. The embers will dry the wood and ignite the log after a period of time. The firefighters talk about this phenomena, it’s called a “flare up.” Flare up is very dangerous in campfires and forest fires, but it is not dangerous in my fireplace – and it is absolutely not dangerous in my faith.
Do you feel as if you have spiritually grown cold? Do you feel that the faith you once had has left you in the aftermath of testing and trials? God tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6), and that His Spirit will consume us, fill us and guide us as we allow it (Hebrews 12:29). He’s right there under the ash of burned away days, traveled roads and deep disappointments; a burning ember waiting to rekindle the faith we so desire. Rebuild your foundation. Reignite through prayer and study. Your flame will draw many.
Written 10-28-18
Forbearing One Another
19 Apr
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3
Probably the most common question I hear from a Christian is, “How do I know what God is calling me to do?” It’s a tough question. It’s something that isn’t always obvious to you, and yet could be to other people around you. Sometimes there are folks who push us to serve God in a capacity never meant for us, just to fill a need. Sometimes we move around doing different things in the body, and all of the sudden we realize that we are in a position that we are very good at and there is a great need for. Sometimes we are doing exactly what God has called us to do, but we haven’t realized it yet. How often do we spend so much time trying to figure out what our call is that we miss all of the opportunities at hand to help us prepare for that call?
I belonged to a wonderful church in Chino Valley, AZ that made the decision to feed the community at Thanksgiving. Everyone was invited, at no cost to them, no preaching, just food and a little gift bag. It was an amazing time for the entire church as they came together to make this event happen. For months food was collected, assignments made, food handler cards obtained, and teams organized. It wasn’t a large church, but it had a big heart with a big vision.
During those months of preparation everyone in that small church had to pull together to make such an extravagant event come together to bring the blessing to the community. Every person had to recognize those called to authority and submit to those people’s callings, as they found where they fit in best for this particular event. There were those who donated or collected food. Those who cleaned, prepared, sorted, and cooked the food. There were those who made the dining area beautiful and inviting. There were those who greeted the guests, helped people park, ushered folks to the food tables and made people comfortable. There were those who stepped in, at any place along the way, into any position that needed extra help; they saw a need and they filled it. There were those who interceded in prayer for weeks prior to the event and all the way through until the rooms were clean and the doors locked. Then there were those who kept records and notes and started the planning procedure for the following year’s event. It was, and continues to be, a life changing event.
Our scripture reference is a perfect formula for the preparing and executing of an event like the one described above, or any type of event where a large (or small) group of people need to come together to bring a wonderful program to others, whether churched or unchurched. Perhaps you will give me the grace to paraphrase the scripture to explain what I mean.
“I ask that you would work together on any event to which you have been requested, not lifting yourself up to a position for which you feel you deserve, but graciously accepting any position that those in authority feel you are best fitted to perform. Work together with humility, gentleness, patience; encouraging one another through prayer and word, and honoring each other’s duties and assignments with Christian love. Keep in mind the final goal, working hard for the souls that will be touched and drawn to salvation, as you remember the Spirit that guides each and every saint through the bond of peace.”
I wonder how many times we get so caught up in wanting to know what God has specifically called us to do, that we completely miss the fact that He has called us to be bondservants, working diligently together, to further the Gospel and honor the lost and hurting (1 Peter 3:8, 1 Cor 1:10). Hebrews 12:1 tells us to set aside every weight (anything that might hold us back) and run, with patience, the race (or event) that has been set before us. Can we set aside the need to have a title, or a specific call, to fulfill the needs of spreading the Gospel? Let us all be known as servants in His Kingdom.
**A Journey Through Ephesians – Chapter 4, Part 1
Written by Linda J. Humes
4-19-2017
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Gifts, Callings and Ministries:
Here is a list of Gifts, Callings and Ministries from Scripture, along with their references. I hope you find this interesting and useful.
Romans 12:6-8 – Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leadership, Mercy.
1 Corinthians 12:28 – Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Miracles, Kinds of healings, Helps, Administration, Tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:8-10 – Word of wisdom, Word of knowledge, Faith, Gifts of healings, Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning between spirits, Tongues, Interpretation of tongues.
Ephesians 4:11 – 5 Fold Ministry – Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher.
1 Peter 4:11 – Whoever speaks, Whoever renders service.
Other Gifts Mentioned – Celibacy (1 Corinthians 7:7), Hospitality (1 Peter 4:9-10), Intercession (Romans 8:26-27), Marriage (1 Corinthians 7:7), Effective Witnessing (Acts 1:8), Craftsmanship (Exodus 35:30-33), Interpretation of Dreams (Joseph & Daniel), Composing Spiritual Music, Poetry and Prose, Charity.
A Prayer For My Children
29 Dec
My Children. You are my breath and depth of life. You help me find joy in darkness and peace in chaos. My day starts with prayers for you, continues with prayers for you, and ends with prayers for you. You are each so different, in your own quirky ways, and yet so alike in your humility and compassion. I could not be prouder. God blessed me and trusted me with your lives, and for that I will be forever thankful.
I pray that in each day you will see and receive Hope in every situation. Hope for today, Hope for tomorrow, Hope for eternity. And in those moments, I pray that you will reach out to help another find Hope in their circumstances, for in giving Hope, your Hope will grow brighter. “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13
I pray that every day you will receive Grace for every situation, and in return, you will give Grace to those who have come short of your expectations. Grace allows people to err and yet be restored once again for any inabilities or lack of judgment in their lives. Grace is our greatest gift from God. For through all of our failures He continues to love us and encourage us, and for that our lives are richer. “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:2
I pray that each and every day you will receive Mercy, and in return, you will give Mercy to each and every person, animal and situation you encounter. Mercy is the very compassion that we receive, no matter our circumstances or what brought us to those circumstances. With Mercy we see the soul inside of another that may be hidden deep within a hardened exterior, and forgive the trespass. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7
I pray that Joy will infuse your life so fully that it overflows into the paths of everyone you meet, and captures them in the moment, permeating them for their lifetime. I pray that it will overflow your every action, every word, every step and every essence of your being. I pray that the very Joy within you shines so contagiously that it doubles back and reinfects you over and over again. “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11
I pray that in all things you will receive the gift Patience from others, and in turn, you will give the gift of Patience to those struggling to figure things out in this life. More than others, I pray that you will grant Patience to yourself when you are trying and trying to figure out a life lesson and have failed at it over and over again. Patience can seem quite small at times, but most of the time it stretches every muscle and sinew inside of us, putting us on the edge of frustration and anger. Realize that you are not, and never will be a perfect human being and you have permission to fail, many times, in many areas. As long as you are Patient and continue to try, you will never be a failure. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:4
I pray that people will always show you Kindness, and you will honor that gift by showing Kindness to others. Kindness is stepping back and recognizing that everyone has difficult days and it can all be turned around by a simple smile, an offered hand, an opened door, or a simple gift. Kindness embraces sympathy and empathy, without requirement of return. Kindness does not have to cost anything more than a moment in time, and we have a lot of those to share. “For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalm 117:2
I pray that you will be surrounded by Goodness, and that in that loving atmosphere, you will show and lead others into Goodness in all that they do. Respect follows goodness and paves the way for all good things. Goodness always receives ultimate favor among men, cherish it. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
I pray that your life will be surrounded by people of Faithfulness and that you will find and live in Faithfulness all of your days. No matter what character a man has, if he is not found faithful to his convictions, he has lost all. Remain faithful to your beliefs, to those who surround you, and most importantly, to God. “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
I pray that as you walk through your life you will be treated with Gentleness, and in return you will treat other people, animals and situations with Gentleness. No matter how big, strong, smart or creative you are, Gentleness is a gift that cannot be ignored. Gentleness can turn the heart of the most hostile around in a moment’s time. Gentleness can defuse anger, bring confidence, turn tears to determination, and give another the courage to continue. “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.” Titus 3:2-3
I pray that you will recognize the strength inside yourself, and that your strength will give you the confidence to maintain Self-Control. So many things in life can drastically change in one moment of lost Self-Control, things that cannot be recovered, things that cannot be fixed, things that are forever lost. I pray that your courage in exhibiting your Self-Control will give others the strength and inclination to maintain their Self-Control. You will be an example to all around you, whether you recognize it or not, and your choices will help others in making their choices, good or bad. I pray that you will always choose wisely. (Self-Control – The virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites). “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance (self-control); and to temperance (self-control) patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8
I pray that you will always walk in the presence of Peace, Peace that surpasses all understanding. Peace that allows you to stand strong in the challenge of fear, in the heat of angry men, in times of eminent danger, in the absence of understanding and the face of the unknown. May Peace overwhelm you and cover you with a shield so graceful, so dense, so all encompassing, that nothing can penetrate it. It will be your defense in the face of all odds. “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79
Most of all I pray that you will always feel and receive Love. Love is the very center of every person’s being. Love is a feeling that cannot be explained with words. Love is a presence that cannot be shown with actions. Love is something so deep that it can only be experienced. Love can be a feeling between friends, spouses, animals, nature, and the entire environment around you, but it can also be something inside that is very personal between you and God that no one else can share. Love is the very foundation of who you are. Love is your integrity. Love is your humility. Love is your sun and moon and stars. Love is your very breath. Love brings you to tears at the sound of music or the sight of a child. Love turns giants into gentlemen and weaklings into giants. Love makes us go farther that we ever expected we could or would. Love boasts pride and breaks hearts. Love is the greatest gift to mankind by our most wonderful God. I pray that you will never try to harness your Love. I pray that you will always let Love guide you and set your path, for by Love, your path will always be straight. I pray that your Love will be strong. I pray that your Love will be deep. I pray that you will always remember the source of your Love and will praise God for that precious gift. “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and Love—and the greatest of these is Love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And we have known and believed the Love that God hath to us. God is Love; and he that dwelleth in Love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16
This is my prayer for you. I thank God every day for giving me the honor of being your mother. I speak these words over you, and through you, with deep conviction, knowing that the God who created this universe hears every word and answers my prayers with His most gracious wisdom. Never forget who you are or the difference you were called into this world to make. God Bless You.
12-29-2016
There You Are Jesus!
19 Jul
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
What happens when innocence is lost? Like a fresh new flower, ripped from the plant, first we wilt, then harden, then we crumble and are blown away.
I love movies, especially children’s movies. One of my favorite is Peter Pan, the version where Robin Williams plays Peter. At the beginning of the movie, he doesn’t realize that he’s Peter. He’s lost his innocence. He’d lost touch with what things in life are truly important. He believes the tale of Peter Pan is something made up and passed down in stories from generation to generation.
Movies, as they are, overlook the logical (that’s what I love about them) and Robin Williams ends up in Neverland with the Lost Boys. The Lost Boys try desperately to convince him of who he is and teach him how to be a child again. Everything in Neverland is completely dependent upon imagination. They wouldn’t even have food, drink or sustenance without a good, active imagination.
The Lost Boys are finally successful at helping Peter find his innocence again and let go of the stresses and frustrations of schedules, bills and responsibilities of the real world. At one point in the movie, one of the Lost Boys walks up to Robin Williams, looks deep into his eyes and says, “Oh, there you are Peter.” A revelation of innocence returned.
This sequence always reminds me of my Christian faith. So many times we’re caught up in the stress and frustrations of schedules and appointments and trying to please so many in so little time, that we loose the miracle and the innocence of working in ministry. Our innocence is dependent upon our faith. Sometimes we allow the enemy to convince us that by striving we work the good work, when in fact, it is by faith and the leading of the Holy Spirit that we accomplish everything that God has called us to do; without the loss of innocence.
I look hopefully to the time when I can casually enjoy all of those around me, without worrying about where I should be, lest I fall behind (again!!). I look forward to the day when I will be filled with faith to the point of complete peace and serenity. When someone, perhaps a child, will look deep into my eyes and say, “Oh, there you are Jesus.” When the Jesus in me will shine past my many earthly flaws.
Jesus, may I always hear and obey your voice. That the innocence, birthed in faith, will always be the most obvious attribute in my life.
** Moments With The Master
By Linda J. Humes
Written 7/16/2000
Faces of Hopelessness
11 Jul
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. Galatians 5:5 (KJV)
At Christmas our ministry sends Christmas cards to the 100+ active inmates and the many released inmates and families. Arizona Department of Corrections moves inmates frequently between yards and has recently made the decision not to forward mail to inmates that have been moved to different yards. Thankfully, ADOC provides an inmate database for friends and families to monitor their loved ones.
When I receive the cards back I pull out my spreadsheet and mark moves and releases. Making these changes started out to be fairly mechanical, but it didn’t finish that way. Not at all.
Each time I pulled up an inmate’s page a photo displayed haunting photos. Picture after picture displayed; angry and aggressive pictures, pictures of men with eyes swollen shut, stitches, lips split; and pictures of men who eyes said:
“How did I get here?”
“What do I do?”
“I’m scared.”
“Help me!”
They were the faces of hopelessness. Faces wondering if anyone cared, if anyone saw, if anyone heard.
I have always prayed over every card and letter sent to these inmates, praying that Jesus would hold them, draw them close, give them peace. Jesus, the only answer in a place of fear and hopelessness, the only peace when there is confusion and insanity all around.
Every inmate was sent a Bible, and if they wanted, several study books to learn more about Jesus. Several of the inmates started “God Squads” in their pods to encourage, learn and find hope. A little light in the darkness. A little hope to displace the hopelessness.
Lord, let me always speak Your words when writing to your children, that they will always see and hear You in the worse of circumstances. Amen.
By Linda J. Humes
Written 12/29/2009
**The Road To Emmaus”
Daughter of Zion
11 Jul
Micah 4:8-10 And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem. [9] Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail. [10] Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the Lord shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies. . . . . [13] Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.
Why do you weep,
Daughter of Zion?
Have you forgotten who you are?
At the hem of your garment,
Cling the children of Israel,
Dare they see your tears?
Why do you cry out,
Daughter of Zion?
Your voice was created,
To put your enemy,
In his place,
Beneath your feet,
Far from the children,
You protect.
Let your tears be saved,
For intercession,
And your crying out,
To birth a new mission,
That your children,
Will take forth.
Forget not that you are birthed,
Of royalty.
A king and a priest.
Stand your station,
And raise your head high.
Forget not that you were birthed,
To counsel.
Prepared to call forth,
The promises and armies,
Of God.
Reclaim the territory,
Stolen by the enemy,
The cities and the lands,
That once were a testimony,
To the One true God.
Stand in faith,
And watch the evil,
Slither away,
As the hand of the Lord,
Forbids its sting.
Stand up,
Daughter of Zion,
With dignity
And righteous pride,
For what is yours.
Don’t let the momentary pain,
The enemy has wrought,
Overcome the truth,
Of who you are.
Stand up,
Daughter of Zion.
For into your hand,
Have I placed the hope,
Of the Nations.
Stand Up!
FRESH BEGINNINGS
20 Mar
A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. [2] My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
I love my morning cup of coffee. Nothing fluffy or sweet or blended, just fresh ground, brewed coffee. I claimed it as my last vice, until recently that is.
Having food allergies, all of my fun food was disappearing – one item at a time (bummer). People were always curious at my unusual diet and would inquire at my ability to stick with it. “It’s easy,” I’d reply, “I still have my morning coffee to look forward to.”
Well! Pride goes before the fall and it wasn’t too long after that the doctor removed my coffee. I pled, rationalized and begged – to no avail. Coffee was out!
I went before the Lord and “Pitched a Fit.” I’m so grateful that my Jesus is patient and understanding of me. “What is it that you so enjoy about your cup of coffee,” He asked me.
“The aroma,” I said. “The feel of the warm cup nestled between my hands. The minutes I get to blow a cooling breath across the top while sipping the robust drink. The moments I get alone, enjoying the morning and reflecting on the goodness of God.”
A smile touched my lips and my sorrow faded. It wasn’t the cup of coffee I missed – it was the fellowship and tender times with God that I was afraid of losing. The aroma of a fresh morning, the grass wet with dew. The warmth inside that He spreads, from the top of my head to the bottom of my feet. The cooling breath of God as a breeze caresses my cheek. Sipping of His goodness – if only for a few minutes before my day begins.
Lord, let me never loose touch with what the true meaning is, of everything I do. Let me release the ritual and enter directly into your presence – with praise and thanksgiving and joy.
The Music of Life
7 Feb
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 (KJV)
I recently watched a movie called August Rush. It was a delightful story about a young boy, given up to an orphanage as a newborn, who grew up in the orphanage hoping and believing that one day he would find his parents.
The unique thing about this young boy was that he could hear the music of life. Everywhere he was he heard music; the music of the tree leaves moving in the wind, the music of the grass in a breeze, the music of the water in a brook, the music of a fan turning, the sound of a bus starting and braking in traffic, the cars moving in rhythm to the traffic lights; music – everywhere. I thought I was the only one!!
I have a difficult time keeping track of the time of day. I surround myself with clocks to help me stay on task. Each clock has its own unique tick and movement. As I sit here writing, there is a beautiful clock above my monitor, pink roses surrounding the numbers, making a loud rhythmic sound. I can hear music in my head that encompasses that beat and enhances that tick. Not a song that I’ve heard before, or one that can be sung, but a tune to be hummed and explored.
Outside there is an explosion of music. I live far out of town and the birds, each species, has their own distinct sound, pitch and rhythm when they call, fly or perch. The insects have their own sound (especially the mosquitos). Walking on the ground has its own sound. The beat and tone of a gentle rain, and the loud and specific crash of heavy rain. The sound and beat of the waves hitting the shore, some peaceful and gentle, while others loud and angry. The crisp and shocking sound of thunder. The light tapping of the hens pecking at their food and the smooth hum of a generator running in the distance. It all has its own sound. The wind, gentle or at gale force, has a specific and unique sound, rising and falling, rising and falling. All of these sounds blend together into a wonderful symphony of musicians calling to God with their joy, exclaiming His glory!
God made everything to sing its own story to everyone and everything around.
Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness. They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing. Psalm 65:11-13
God used some of those songs to bring joy to us, His children.
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. Proverbs 18:4
God also uses these sounds and songs to warn His people of danger or when to wait for His signal before going forward.
And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines. 2 Samuel 5:24
He made a complex and intricate rhythm to every aspect of earth and man, creating a beautiful and perfect harmon, if we would only spend time listening. Listening, something we take so little time to do, especially if it doesn’t advance forward our day. Listening, not just hearing, not just being present – Listening.
God gave us this amazing and miraculous life filled with music and beauty and wonderful other people. He could force us to slow down and listen, but it would not hold the incredible enjoyment of experiencing it out of true worship.
Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together. Psalm 98:8
I challenge you to turn off the noise and listen for the music. Walk outside in the early morning or late night and listen to the birds and insects singing. The trees will rustle in the cool breeze. There will be a rhythm of the vehicles traveling nearby. Footsteps on a walk will have a beat all of their own; unique. Your own heartbeat and breathing pattern sings in unison with each other. Can you hear it? Even when we don’t listen, they sing. They offer up their worship to God when they are being completely ignored by everyone on earth. They sing, in their own special sound, their own special beat, their own special pitch; they sing. It is time to join them. Sing!
Thank you God for allowing us to hear the perfect music created by and dedicated to You. Help us to hear this, Your wonderful and excellent gift.
Linda J. Humes 