A Moment To Praise 8.17.20
Joyce Lochinger, Gravel Hill Worship Leader
Calls With God
I love to read devotional books. There are quite a few of them scattered around my house…and when I say a few, I mean about ten different ones! Sometimes, they are by the toaster so I can read something inspirational as I start my morning. Sometimes, they are on the end table so while I’m relaxing, I can pick one up and read something to empower me through the rest of my day. Of course, the nightstand has its share of books as well!
Calls To God
I have found a huge benefit to having all of these different books readily available. It seems that every time I pull out a devotion and read it, it speaks directly to me. It’s as if I was meant to see that particular meditation and scripture on that particular day. Isn’t it funny how God works like that? He gives us little nudges frequently, and it’s up to us to either pay attention to His whisper in our ear or ignore it and move on to some other activity that we deem more important.
I have to say, as I get older, I try to listen for Him in all situations. In the little moments, where I find a meaningful devotion just when I need it, right to the big ones; when He urges me to call a friend, when I get an uncomfortable feeling and decide to take a different path home than I normally would or when He leads me to stop and pray for someone. I’m not just spouting off about things that I don’t have experience with, I have lived through all three of these examples and many more.
Calls From God
When I was on vacation many years ago and my best friend was expecting her first child, I got the most persistent urge to call her because my heart felt as though something was wrong. Unfortunately, my feeling was right and something was very wrong – but I was able to immediately come home and be with her and her husband in the hospital. I was able to pray for them as well as with them as they went through a very difficult loss.
Choosing a different path has happened to me several different times in several different ways. Each of these times resulted in keeping me safe from a bad accident or, in my college years, a very bad situation. Of course, prayers have also been immeasurably valuable to me. I can’t even keep a tally of the countless times in which I was reminded to pray for a friend or family member, anticipating God’s goodness to help all involved through their struggle and to pray for protection or healing.
As you can see, it has been made clear to me over the years that God is always calling on us. Sometimes, we are just not in the listening mood! That being said, I would encourage you to start practicing your answer to Him when He calls on you. First, maybe start with the small things, like reading your devotions and scripture. Then, you can begin watching and waiting for God to speak to you through this time of delving into His Word more diligently. Look for Him in the bigger things too! Keep your ears and hearts open to His constant leading! He promises to answer you!
A Moment To Praise 8.17.20 in Scripture
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+33%3A3&version=GW
| Jeremiah 33:3 GW – Call to me, and I will answer you. I – Bible Gateway
Jeremiah 33:3 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW). 3 Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know. |
His word will light the way before you so you can have a close and enduring relationship with Him for all of your days!
Psalm 119:105 (Click to read the verse.)
A Moment To Praise 8.17.20 in Song
Check out this beautiful song: Your Word by Hillsong Worship!
Have a great week!
