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| THUNDER IN THEIR EARS |
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After a drought, a thunderstorm was approaching our valley in the Hill Country. I climbed the highest hill around and watched it approach. IT SOUNDED LIKE SPEECH The clouds rolled and boiled as they came closer. Because the sun was setting, the colors of the sky were constantly changing, creating a heavenly light show. Beauty and power were both manifest. The voice of the storm was fierce as the thunder reached my ears. It sounded like speech, but I couldn't understand the words; however, I was awed by the intensity of the sound. I thought I must be feeling a little of what the Israelites felt when they approached Mount Sinai just before God gave the Ten Commandments.
The Lord said to Moses, "I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you . . .
On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled . . .then Moses spoke and the voice of the Lord answered him. Exodus 19
FEAR MAKES THEM KEEP THEIR DISTANCE It was a frightening encounter for the former slaves, so frightening that they decided they no longer wanted God to speak to them directly; they chose to keep their distance and let God speak to them through Moses. (Exodus 20:18).
NOW LED BY THE GENTLE HOLY SPIRIT How blessed we are to be on this side of the cross! Our sins have been dealt with, the Holy Spirit has been given, and we can now be led by the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit, whose voice produces peace in us rather than fear (Gals. 5:22). ... the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, |
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| To add a comment to "THUNDER IN THEIR EARS" |
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| June 29, 2007 |
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Did you take that picture, Jay? It is wonderfully awesome!
I cannot even imagine how overwhelming God's holiness must have been to the Israelites. I have often wished God would speak to me audibly concerning one issue or another. Then I remember this pasage in Exodus and wonder if I could really handle it if my wish came true! The Holy Spirit in us does seem to be a less frightening way of communicating. How often do I take it for granted. How often have I quenched the Spirit in my life?
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:15-19.
He is Good. |
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| June 29, 2007 |
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| I took the photo from a tall hill behind my house in the Texas Hill Country as the storm was rolling in. Having lived in a flat pine forest before, I seldom got to see the sky or the weather as it was coming in. Here, I chase sunsets and sometimes enjoy storms (for more click here) and the local wildlife. Yesterday there were twin newborn deer, and we had 7 swans in the small private lake behind our house through the fall and winter. Most importantlly, we have a great church. I bless God continually for leading us here by his Spirit. Yes, He is Good! |
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| June 29, 2007 |
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| Awesome! Loved your swans Sister! |
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| June 30, 2007 |
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Yes our God is a fearful God! And yet so gentle. Great blog Jay! ~mike |
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| June 30, 2007 |
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| Beautiful picture and great blog. I am so glad that we live with the Holy Spirit's peace within us! |
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| June 30, 2007 |
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| Awesome photo and blog, Jay! |
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| July 06, 2007 |
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| Thanks all, for your comments. I enjoyed writing this piece. I'm glad you liked it. |
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