A Phone

1 Kings 19:12
We are definitely a communication, information oriented society. There are so many ways we get in touch with each other, even with friends all over the world. The telephone started us down this road long before cell phones and the internet took things to a whole new level. We're accustomed to getting in touch with others right away, or at worst leaving a voice or text message. Most of us lack patience when it comes to waiting for an answer, we want a response right away. Our need for speed can cause problems in our walk with God. Our prayers don't always get the fast response we desire, or God doesn't act quick enough, and as it is rare that God audibly speaks with us, interpreting what he is saying is also a challenge. Even Elijah had problems with waiting for God to respond after Jezebel threatened to kill him. He took off running despite the fact that the Lord had shown everyone his power. When Elijah finally lay down to rest the Lord was able to speak with him.

11 ...And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;12And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still, small voice. 13When Elijah heard the voice, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave... (taken from the Amplified Bible c.1987)

In our fast paced world sometimes we need to slow down and listen for God to find him. He may come with the sound of mighty trumpets or a faint whisper. We may have a sudden revelation or maybe a friend drops a subtle, timely hint. It may have the intensity of stadium lights or the softness of candlelight. Even when it seems our world is falling apart around us like what was happening to Elijah we must realize God will answer when he feels it's the right time. Like Gandalf from "Lord of the Rings, Return of the King" who said, "For a wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." That is exactly what we can expect of God as well. So take heart if you have communicated with God about some important matter and have yet to get a response, be patient, listen for the still small voice and have faith that the answer will come at just the right time. Spend some time today just listening for that still small voice of God.

A Mirror

1 Samuel 16:7

"Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?"  It's the question asked by a vain, jealous witch, or maybe a celebrity, or maybe you or I.  It's the same now as it was since the beginning of human existence.  People are obsessed by looks, by the outward appearance.  We see it everyday.  There aren't any magazines at the store checkout line with a gray haired, acne covered, overweight, hermit on the cover - now are there?  While our looks and fancy outfits may fool those around us, our dress up doesn't fool God.  He sees right through the designer business suit to the corrupt, greedy, corporate scam artist underneath or the best dressed, beautiful celebrity model who is nothing but show.  We can't be too hard on ourselves for being misled, after all Samuel, a prophet of God had problems getting past the looks of Jesse's older sons when he went to anoint the new king.  Samuel was impressed with Eliab but God had rejected him.  1 Samuel 16:7 reads, "But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'"  If you're like me, you're pretty relieved by that statement.  Whether people stare google-eyed when you walk by or the saying, "a face only a mother could love" describes you, don't let it get to you.  Instead focus your efforts to the inside and how God sees you.  Seeking to become more like Christ and following the command to "Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself" is far more meaningful and way cheaper than plastic surgery, makeovers, and thousands of dollars in outfits to fix your outward appearance.  So when you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, even if it causes it to crack, look deeper than the surface to what is underneath.  Then spend the beginning of your day dressing up on the inside, where God sees, and you'll be a whole lot happier and better off.