Wouldn’t it great if God would speak to us in the way he did the prophets of old? Those men had such clear visions and understanding. They knew exactly what God wanted them to say or do. These prophesies to God’s chosen people were given out of love to keep them safe. They were clearly told what they should do, but instead they often ignored his word and did as they pleased.

It makes you wonder why God created man knowing that his own chosen people would reject Him. God had the foreknowledge to know what men would do before he created us. Not only did they reject him and worship idols, but over and over again, they ignored the laws He set before them to fulfill His purpose.

This rejection angered God to the point that he subjected them to a number of punishments and slavery yet he never forgot them or left them.

Today, we as Christians who have accepted Christ as our savior are included in God’s view of “his people”. He adopted us as his own but many still reject his word and live life to serve themselves.

^{Ephesians 1:4-5} even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will

When God Speaks

So does God speak today like he did in ages past?  Have you heard from God in the way of the prophets?

There have been times in my life I have heard God so clearly that I knew without question what I was to do or to share with others. These times have been few but they do happen and can happen to you if you are in tune with God in the way he intended us to be.

It takes dedication and obedience to be where God wants us to be. We CAN hear from God. Did you realize we actually do hear from him most every day through his holy spirit? That sense of where to go or what to do may not be a fiery vision, where we are swept off our feet and taken to a Holy place but it is God speaking to us.

^{Ezekiel 3:12} Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me a great thunderous voice: “Blessed is the glory of the Lord from His place!”

Sometimes Gods voice is very hard to hear, perhaps it’s because we don’t want to hear Him just now. This is where obedience comes in. Do we really want to be obedient to the whisper of God?

^{1 Kings 19:11-13} Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. – After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. – After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. – And after the fire came a gentle whisper. – When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. – Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

One thing is certain when we don’t listen to God, He is saddened by our actions.  We are told in scripture to fear God. Not because he is going to cause us harm, but because in his love he will correct us. Just as we would correct a child, He will teach us a lesson in obedience when we don’t do as he instructs.

We are not unlike God’s people described in the old testament. We are His children who are in a constant struggle to serve him, blessed as we do his will, and punished when we disobey.

God created us In His Image

Why do you think God created us to be like him? I believe it was so he would have people like himself in heaven. We know there are many other creatures in heaven glorifying God. But I think God wanted to create us in his image like him to be the ones who have chosen of our own free will to serve him and call him father. God created us to join him in heaven for fellowship with him.

He knew before the earth was formed many would reject him.  He knew we would crucify the Son he sent to save us. He knew we would struggle to keep his commandments. Yet he chose to love us and make a way for those who believe in him to spend all of eternity together with Him in paradise.

His love is beyond my comprehension. I can only stand in awe of who He is and what He has done for me. I am so thankful that he loves me and you this much, even knowing we will sin again. Yet He covers all our sin as his children, past, present and future with the blood of Christ.

What can we do for God Today?

• Listen for his voice. Whether it be loud and clear or a gentle whisper. He is speaking.
• Draw near to him and his voice will grow loader.
• Be obedient and fear Him that you may be blessed.