|
| God told me to be still... |
|
| |
This past Saturday morning was a peaceful interlude in the midst of hectic days! Our biweekly men's breakfast kicked the day off, and turned out to be one of the most Holy Spirit-filled times I have yet had with these men. I offered some hearty worship in the car on the way back home, and continued to worship as I did some mid-morning yard work. After this, I cooled off in the pool, alone. Sitting on the step, I meditated on Psalm 46:10, a recent memory verse, when suddenly I became aware that God Almighty, Maker of the universe, King over all creation, was speaking to me... me, of ALL people, at that very moment!!
Be still... rest, be at peace... and know, take heart, have confidence, that I am God... and nobody else, my loved one. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth... not a prediction, nor an expectation, nor even a desire, but simply a fact.
As I continued to pause, the subtle sounds of the morning brought joy, and a new revelation. The birds, the insects, the breeze through the trees, even the nearby horses, all screamed the glory of the Lord... it was gentle, and it was deeply soothing, yet this new chorus of worship was so loud and clear!!!
I was so glad I actually noticed God's gentle call to stop and listen, to him and his worshipers. God refreshed me when I wasn't even seeking it, though he must have known my unconscious yearning, my need. I also realized that this "new" chorus I heard has actually been going on all my life, in fact since the creation of the world, yet so rarely have I stopped to listen. I hope to make stopping and listening a habit, perhaps even joining in from time to time. |
|
| To add a comment to "God told me to be still..." |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
 |
|
|
Mike, I'm a listener.....at the camp out Friday night, I taught the grandkids to listen. Night is especially awesome, crickets chirping, birds singing and the wind in the neighbor's pines.......and then the stillness, you can almost hear the stars :)
When we feel overwhelmed with the busyness of our lives....hubby and I take off camping to our "special" place.......and God is always there waiting to refresh us with his orchestra of nature.
It is very refreshing, isn't it? |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Mike I know that voice Excellent Blog
It's a peace that surrpasses all understanding |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Mike you have made me feel what you felt, I am so happy to hear you are stopping to take a listen to him. We all some time are so busy, but thanks be to God he knows our yearnings.
God bless you! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Great one Bro.!!! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
CinLou, glad you are a listener. We all need to be listeners, don't we? You're setting a great example. MaKelly, thanks for your kindness. It's wonderful when we actually stop to enjoy that peace, isn't it? Ev. Keith, yep we're all busy, and while busy is ok, I've found that I have to continually monitor myself lest I become too busy...an easy trap to fall into. God bless you brother! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Doyle, you bless me! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Ahhh, Mike! Now I have that song in my head...'be still...be still...be still and know that I am God...' It's one of our worship songs that we sing at church. Perhaps I am being wooed this morning as well...heehee! Lovely thoughts! Bless You! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Birdie, could you sing a few bars for us? :-) |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| WOOHOO!!! Welcome to the chorus!! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Mike it takes only a moment to get caught up in His Glory, doesn't it? That is when we stop and be still, when we let go of our busyness and allow the angels to clean out the wax, in order for us to hear and appreciate God's spiritual melody, a declaration of who He is. Pastor Aminata |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Now I have that song by Rebecca St James stuck in my head!lol Really good blog Mike! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Isn't it awesome? That particular moment in time when we can hear Him in the wind, birds, clouds. When everything around us become so still and silent to hear our Fathers voice. I relish and cherish those moments with him. Yes Mike, those are the times he is telling us to be still and KNOW THAT I AM GOD. Those are the times when he has a message just for you and me.
Great Blog |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| It sure is Lara! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Mary, it is then that I think I might know what his voice actually sounds like. :-) Bubs, have you been singing all along? Lara, I have a mental pic of you being among the busiest in the kingdom. Am I wrong? Thanks Liz!! (What song might that be? lol, this seems like one of those times everyone is in the know but me) |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Dear Friend Mike! Because of recent events in my world....being still and knowing He is God brings great comfort. Getting there...has been hard. I'm trying. Reading your blog helps me to know that I don't always have to be looking....I think I have always known that...but it is a reminder that I needed.
Great post, and thanks! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Pastor Aminata, God is timeless, eternal...that moment could stretch forever! (You do have a way w/words, oh hater of writing!) |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| I think it's called Peace, though I could be mistaken.lol |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Great blog--I went there with you. I hear the chorus of that song so frequently here in the woods. My husband and I love the sounds of this time here--life. The earth is truly filled with His glory. It is amazing how holding still and listening to the sounds of His creation can bring us *bang* into the throne room when many times we try so hard to get there and don't seem to make it. Thank you for this post. I am heading outside with my Bible now... |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Coreena, may I come too? Hi Val! Man that's true, getting there is so challenging. Roadblock after roadblock, distraction after distraction. Before we know it, we're elderly and yet in our entire lifetimes have only spent scant minutes in this place! I think new habits need to be formed immediately. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
It is hard getting to that place of stillness. Try this. Inhale...hold..one..two...three... Exhale. Do it again. inhale..hold...one..two...three... Exhale. One more time. Inhale...hold... one...two...three... Exhale. Now listen... what do you hear? Pastor Aminata |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Printer, fingers tapping a keyboard, microwave oven, papers rattling, cars on the street outside, metro train..... :-( |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Blessed quiteness! Wonderful blog. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| simply put... awsome. I think I might miss alot from God because I dont just "listen" when I should. I think God is Talking to me alot more than I give him credit for. I just need to step out of the world and hear Him. Thank you Mike. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| lol....yeah, I was going say...I hear....mamamamam, from my grandbaby, and AJ all over the house and then there is my neighbor who, no matter what time of the year, thinks he has to rev his engine on his vehicle. (I live in a house where my neighbor is so close that I could open my window and probably spit in my neighbor's) :) I miss small town, out and away....simple life. (go read my latest blog....) |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Awe Mike you have made it to heaven on earth....That's what i like to call it i love to stop and listen to Gods creation giving Him all praise....I love to go to the ocean and listen it is awesome....Now that you have your ear tunned DON"T be suprised when you hear the heavenly choir.....I'm serious about this.... |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| God Always is there talking to us when we least expect it.. Keep on waiting and being still cause the best is yet to come.. God Bless.. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| An awesome experience....I love those times with the LORD! God does love you Mike and He thinks a lot of you. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Since my heart was healed. Well, except those times where I was mad at God- like when I went through the divorce.
You know where it says that just before the end and the seals are going to be opened? Rev 5:13
We are going to hear it! Loud and clear. Now that your tuned it- you will hear it too.
 |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
I guess that's where we get the phrase, stop and smell the roses!
This is what theologians call the "ontological argument for the existence of God by design." Of course I'm not a theologian, but it seems to me that if we sit still for a moment, we can hear that which only God could have created! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Why do theologians have to use such big words??? I mean...."ontological argument for the existence of God by design." Why couldn't they just say....our big ears have heard and we can prove it! Geez! ( not saying anything to you Ed...this is just Val and her funny side) Simple Life....we have ruined it. I really, really want a time machine!!!! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Valerie, I think Theologians use big words cause they spend big money for their Phds. I have my PHd and it came straight from heaven... Pass Having Doubt.' Mike... you too funny. Pastor Aminata |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| I had one of those moments last night. It was a dialogue with God that brough great peace and a sense of direction in the midst of my grieving heart. Thanks for sharing. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Brad, that's great to hear! Your ministry isn't really yours anyway, so why not let him steer it. Thanks for dropping by. Val, lol. Thanx for keeping it light. And I agree, gimme the simple life. Ed, I really like how you put that, "we can hear that which only God could have created!" Todd, those times are awesome....sooo awesome. The last time I was really struck (bowled over) by God's "still small voice" was in Canada in 2004 (or was it '05), sitting by a remote lake, grabbing a short devotion time before starting a day of canoeing. Tiffany, so nice of you to drop in, nice to meet you! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Rosie, heaven on earth would be untainted w/sin...prob'ly nobody else around...suits my shy side well! Tammy, I pray you find time to stop and listen soon. I sure could stand to listen a lot more. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Wow! I could feel the Peace of God as I read this. So soothing, so loving! I could just imagine His still, soft, smooth, small, tender voice, speaking to you. What an awesome way to relax. Awesome!!! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Tania, I am so pleased that you enjoyed experiencing this w/me! :-) |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| I'm gratefull that in his time our lord and saviour has chosen to resore my eyesight. I can apreciate your blog even more after the last few weeks of restoring my insulin levels. Thanks Mike. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| I love to listen to the birds sing as I lay in bed in the mornings before the day begins. I love the sounds, the scents, just the feeling of peace. It is great to soak it up before the day begins. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Wow, what a wonderful time just listening and KNOWING He is GOD!
We have a bird haven of sorts in our back yard, and the wrens are truly my favorite. They are the tiniest plain little brown birds with the biggest most bold and beautiful song. They make my heart want to sing praises to our maker right along with them. They have taken up one of our bird houses and are raising a family. I can't wait to hear them all singing God's praises.
Well written my friend.
peace |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Mike... ahhhh there's that wonderous sound. How glorious. Your description touched my soul mmmm much better then I could ever imagine. Thank you. :0) |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| How beautiful Mike. Be still... the hardest command that many of us, myself included, find hard to follow. You would think that it woud be the easiest. I mean gosh, be still, how hard is that? It reminds me of this movie I just watched "Next" is the title. There was this scene where he knew what the future was going to be and there was a car rolling down the hill towards him and he knew he had to stand still and wait until the last moment to move in order to live. He had to "be still" and it was so hard that he was breathing in deep breaths waiting for it to come. And I think of that and I think of this, how similar. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Mike...wonderful...simply wonderful...God is good and as near as a whispered prayer...Learning to hear Him is such a wonderful thing... |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Be still and know that he is God
Be still and know he is our Father
Come rest your head upon his breast
Listen to the rhythm of his unfailing heart of love
Beating for His little ones
Calling each of us to come
Be still, Be still
Taken from Steven Curtis Chapman's "Be Still and Know" |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Mike,
What you said is profound...serious....and very aww inspiring. I believe that at sometime, all people who truly seek after God and serve Him with all of thier hearts are told at times to "Be Still".
Jeremy |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| So many people must have noise.They are afraid to be alone with themselves or with God.You can retrain yourself not to be afraid or uncomfortable with the silence.When it's quiet you can truly hear the voice of God.Working with deaf kids in missions,I am often envious of them.How much easier it must be for them to hear the voice of God. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Thanks Mike. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| If we would only take the time to stop and listen! There is so much beauty all around us, but we rush headlong through life missing so much of what God is providing. What a beautiful moment you have shared with us. Thank you. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Shirley...you're welcome. It is such a privilege to be able to share God's blessings.
Racunpoodle, you said "Working with deaf kids in missions...How much easier ...for them to hear the voice of God." Now that's a fascinating observation!
Jeremy...indeed, I am sure you are right. "all people who truly seek after God and serve Him" are called to "be still". Now if I can just do so more often.
Val, thanks for those lyrics! I'm not a big SCC fan, so they're new to me.
Debora, regarding the difficulty, I sooo identify. God bless you sister, and a special prayer that you find him in stillness, shortly. |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
Ms Melanie, there is much you said that really touched me. You are a born encourager, you are most definitely in the right vocation. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for your love and support.
Ms Booga, he is near, may I overlook him less often!
Deb, the sounds of nature are indeed rejuvenating! Wonder why? :-)
Thank you Robin!!!
Glenn, good to hear that you too find God's fingerprints in nature praiseworthy!
Dave, I am glad for you! Welcome back into our midst! |
|
|
| June 10, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Yes, Pastor Tim, indeed he is! (Thanks - your cheerful hello and star are always appreciated!!) |
|
|
| June 11, 2008 |
|
|
|
I used to have a cassette of BJ Thomas songs about thirty years ago. The chorus of one song.....
I need to be still and let GOD love me
I need to be still and let GOD love me
When this old world starts to push and shove me
I need to be still and let GOD love me
Mike, often we are so busy being a christian we don't have time to be still and let GOD love us. Like the man who works such long hours to provide for his wife and children that he does not have time for them. Not quality time. He's exhausted.
Jesus knew about being still. We get glimpses as we read of his habit of rising early in the morning to spend time with His Father. And when Jesus "left" His Father's presence He was still with Him.
11:28 Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 11:30 For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.
Jesus knew our tendency to take this walk and make it a lot harder than it needs to be. He knew we needed "special times" alone but He also knew we needed to learn how to make time special. When we are still and know GOD the rest becomes a way of life.
.....peace..... |
|
|
| June 11, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Gordon, this ("so busy being a christian") reminds me of a point an author made in a book I just read, often we are so busy doing for the Lord that we leave no time to be with him (or something very close to that). That is the direction I believe I'm headed these days. Thank you for weighing in, I'm always blessed by your comments, Gordon! |
|
|
| June 11, 2008 |
|
|
|
MIke, I often read your blogs and usually have nothing to respond with that hasn't already been said by others. However, you had me thinking of two things; first the song ( I cant remember the actual title or artist) - 'sometimes he calms the storm'.... And next, with this move coming up in our (the Thomas family) lives, I feel almost foolish for forgetting that He is in charge, clearily He wants us to move to NY, so I simply need to 'Be still..and know..."
Thanks for putting me back in 'the realm' without even knowing it. Truely a Blessing. |
|
|
| June 11, 2008 |
|
|
|
Mike.... those words? Said to myself and felt immediate peace. Heading outside.
Thanks for the nudge. I've heard those words before when I've taken time to listen after I've prayed. God bless you, my friend. |
|
|
| June 11, 2008 |
|
|
|
Joey, I'm glad that you've been reminded of God's desire to whisper in your ears.
Brian, really looking forward to visiting you in upstate NY, the wings are awesome up there. SU once had a great football program too. |
|
|
| June 12, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Awesome! |
|
|
| June 12, 2008 |
|
|
|
| Thanks Cheryl! (still celebrating Nate, and glad for the good news about Melissa....NTL still praying) |
|
|
Follow this blog
