To know His voice…

The sun was sinking over southern Judah. Jehoshaphat was relaxing in his hammock, sipping a goblet of cider. As a warm wind brushed his face, he reflected back over all the events that had transpired since his inauguration. In around 864 b.c. at the young age of 35, he was appointed King. He walked uprightly in the ways of his father Asa, and it pleased the Lord. His pedigree, coupled with his accomplishments were quite impressive. He eliminated the remnants of the sodomites which remained in the days of his father. He placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah. He set garrisons all over the land including the cities of Ephraim, which his father had taken. He set princes over the cities of Judah to teach them the law. The fear of the Lord fell upon the adjacent kingdoms, so that none would make war with him. He built castles, set up stores. He had conquered endless battles. He watched as King Moab relinquished his eldest son as a burnt offering upon the rusty walls of the ancient city. Countless events. A nobleman, Jehoshaphat was. The Lord was with him because he walked after the first ways of his father David, and sought not after Baalim. Rather he sought the Lord and walked in the ways of His commandments. So the Lord established the Kingdom in his hand. All of Judah brought him presents and gifts in abundance. He was surrounded by mighty men of valor. The kingdom was finally in order, and there he lay, enjoying his success.
Soon, the silence was shattered:

“Jehoshaphat! Jehoshaphat! There’s a massive army of Moabites and Ammonites coming this way from beyond the dead sea! Equip yourself, they’re not far away!” Jehoshaphat, in shock, set himself before the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all of Judah. All the corners of Judah united together to fast, and plead with the God of Abraham for intervention. As they gathered in the house of the Lord before the new court, Jehoshaphat presented this plea.
“Aren’t You the all powerful God? Do you not rule over the kingdoms of the heathen? Is there not power in Your hands? Are You not the same God who drove out the inhabitants of the land before Israel, and awarded it to the seed of Abraham? And yet, they have built a sanctuary in Your name. For when any form of evil comes against them, they stand in Your presence and cry in their affliction, knowing You will hear them. Oh God! The children of Moab and Ammon and Mount Seir are come against us. They’ve come to cast out the possession which You have given us. Wilt thou not judge them? We have no might against them. They are innumerable, we don’t stand a chance without You. We’re helpless! We’re hopeless! But we are looking to thee, oh merciful God of our salvation…”

 After Jehoshaphat had made an end to his plea, the people stood quietly. From the eldest of men, to the youngest of babe, they stood waiting to hear from the Lord. Then! With the voice of divine authority, the spirit of God rested upon Jahaziel, the son of Zechariah, as he gave this message to the people of Judah:
“Hearken ye all of Judah, ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz, and ye shall find them at the end of the brook before the wilderness of Jeruel. #Ye shall not need to fight in this battle! Set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord. O Judah and Jerusalem, fear not, nor be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord will be with you.”
Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and the inhabitants of Judah all fell to the earth, worshipping the Lord. They arose early the next morning, eager for battle. Jehoshaphat stood to his feet. “Hear me oh Judah. Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established. Believe in His prophets, so shall ye prosper.” He then appointed singers unto the Lord. So that as they went out into battle, they would sing praises, and honor the beauty of His holiness. As they began to sing and shout, the Lord set up ambushments against the children of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir. And through the power and intervention of the great God of heaven, this rivaling mass of soldiers slaughtered themselves. When Judah came toward the watchtower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude that had come to attack them, and every last member had been slain. The bodies of this great army had fallen dead to the ground, without Judah putting a single hand towards them.

My spirit has been greatly vexed here of late. Over the past week or so, I’ve awaken multiple times in the night or early morning, troubled and concerned. I wish not to sound more committed than I am. I would like to establish here, that I am nothing or nobody. My life is full of mistakes and weaknesses. But when the Lord deals with me, I have no choice but to obey. Allow me to bear my heart. I began to pray and lament with God. What are You telling me? What are You saying? I feel as though the Lord put this thought on my heart. “Know My voice.”

Jesus told a group of Pharisees in the 10th chapter of John: “The sheep follow me: for they know my voice. A stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My father which gave them me, is greater than all…”
Had the army of Judah not been attentive to the words of the prophet, they would have been destroyed. Had Jehoshaphat not felt led to issue a fast, they would have never heard from God. They all worked together, they all remained quiet, and in their midst, God spoke. Not a hair of their head was harmed in that miraculous battle.

We are doubtlessly living in an age where it is nothing less than detrimental for us to know the voice of God. It’s not enough to just hear it, but we must discern it, and obey it. God speaks quietly. What with so many noises and distractions, it’s a wonder we can hear from God at all. He would absolutely have to scream to alert us. We’re too preoccupied, and completely distracted. Surrounded by idols, we are. Any substance that precedes God, is an idol. I’m ashamed to say that I have launched off countless days with facebook while my Bible collects dust on my nightstand. We’re a generation that engulfs ourselves in social networking far more than the word of God. He speaks through His word. He speaks through His ministry. They correlate, hand in hand. If we aren’t in tune with what the spirit is saying to the church, we will no doubt miss the very hand of God. We are witnessing a time of shaking. A time where our faith and our dedication is being tried. A time where the direction of God is vital. We must be able to hear and know the voice of God, or we‘re failing! The preaching can only carry us so far. The music can only carry us so far. The testimonies, the stories, the youth trips, the meetings, the picnics, these things are only temporal if our ears are not in tune to the word of God. The ministry of God has the capacity to lead us over Jordan, and into perfection. But if our ears aren’t listening for the spiritual things of God, we’ll never follow them. Our flesh is quite contrary to the boldness of truth. My prayer is that God would put an unquenchable fire in our vessels. I pray He touches our minds, anoints our ears, and grants us with a new zeal. We’ve had blessings, we’ve had shouting and dancing, we’ve had experience after experience. I’m a complete advocate of all of those things. They are completely vital and necessary. But what we need now, more than ever, is a clear vision. A keen sense of understanding. A strong sense of awareness. I believe there are people among us that have NO IDEA where they are. Listen, we are the body of Christ! We are members in particular! We need more than a blessing, we need God to remove any scales that may be over our eyes, and fill us with a determination to represent the beauty of His holiness! Somebody is going to do this. There will be a restored work. This message will go on. He doesn’t need us, He chooses us. He could raise up anybody He wants. It is so important that we get a hold of this message, and pour ourselves into the mold He has so lovingly crafted for us. Please just consider! He still speaks.

“I know His voice. Sweeter sound, never heard by mortal ears. And to think, that God! By His own choice, would speak to me, makes me rejoice. He still speaks, I know His voice… “

In 1 Kings 19, King Ahab informed Jezebel of all that Elijah had done, and how he had slain all the prophets of baal. So under the direction of Jezebel, a messenger notified Elijah that his life was in danger. For the sake of his existence, Elijah fled to Beersheba. Upon arriving, he left his servant there and made a days journey alone into the wilderness of Arabia. In utter despondency, Elijah wrapped himself in the shade of a juniper tree. And there, in a state of self-pity, he asked God to take his life. Elijah went alone. I realize the mention of his servant is a minor detail, but it spoke volumes to me. To hear from God, we have to escape distractions and isolate ourselves from the environment we’ve created. His servant had been by his side during this entire journey of emotion and fury. However, there came a point where Elijah needed something his servant could not offer. He needed to hear the voice of God.
Paul said it best in Rom 6:16 “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”
He’s saying, “Don’t you realize that whatever sin you choose to obey, you become his servant? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteousness.” So as Elijah was resting beneath this juniper tree he fell asleep. Deep within this rest, Elijah is interrupted by an angel who beckoned him to arise and eat. He indulged in the bread and water which was set before him, and fell back asleep. Again the angel awoke him, “Eat! The journey is too great for thee.” Elijah ate once again, and shortly after he embarked on a 40 day journey to Mt. Horeb. I believe he was led by the spirit of God, rather he knew it or not. Many scholars believe this to be the very cave where Moses dwelt in Exodus when the Lord passed by and proclaimed his name. Here was this mighty prophet of God, hiding in a dark cave lamenting with God. Awaiting a reply, he was met with a strong wind that rent the mountains and shattered the rocks. Seemed like perfect timing, but God did not speak through the wind. Elijah had just gotten the debris out of his dwelling place, fixed his hair back to normal, when suddenly an earthquake struck. Surely if God wasn’t in the windstorm, he must be in the earthquake. Erroneous. God was not found in the earthquake either. As he slowly peered out, embracing the damage that was far worse than the wind, he‘s met with a ball of fire. Frustrated over his lack of direction, and slightly singed eyebrows, he accepted that God did not speak through that either. Terrified of strike four, he sits down, and he listens. And there he heard from God in that beautiful still, small voice. He walked to the mouth of the cave, and God clearly spoke to him. (Personal details added.)

It stands to reason that even Elijah couldn’t clearly discern the voice of God. Take into consideration the impressive resume he has. He parted the Jordan river. He brought back to life the son of a woman who thought she’d never have children in the first place. He purified unsanitary water using only salt. He filled jars with olive oil so a prophets widow could sell it, and pay her debts without selling her sons into slavery. He fed one hundred prophets with twenty loaves of bread and a sack of grain. He healed a Syrian commander of leprosy. He made an ax head float. He blinded an attacking army. He provided pools of water for a coalition army…. Elijah was no lollygagger. In fact, even after he was dead and buried, he revived a man whose body simply touched his lifeless bones. There is no denying that he was a mighty man of God.

While God is so intricate and complex, He speaks so quietly. Just a few weeks after I started writing this, I received detrimental news that our beautiful friend, Amanda Anderson, had been murdered in her home. Impossible! Those things don’t happen to God’s people. We’re exempt from such tragedies! A few of the thoughts that flooded my mind. Immediately I made plans to be in Texas for the weekend. And as that weekend came and went, I felt my faith being shaken to the core. How could such a horrific thing happen to such a dedicated child of God? Why her? Why not somebody who had nothing to live for? Or perhaps one who had earned such brutality…but her? My mind and heart was overwhelmed with questions until the day of her funeral. Humbled and honored, I sat in that service, looking out over a sea of beautiful faces. Not just faces, but the very faces of the army of God. I watched as hundreds of young people who are sold out to this Gospel tested the seating capacity of the Tyler assembly. In the midst of all the grief, all the pain, all the shock and hurt, I felt the hand of God more vividly than ever. My questions were answered. There was a beautiful covering that swept into that sanctuary and blanketed all the present emotions. God knows what He’s doing. Maybe one day we’ll comprehend that. How does a family pick up the pieces? How do friends carry on? How do you answer the surfeit of questions your mind asks you? You don’t. Alone, it’s impossible. In such times, the only hope we have is to lean upon the loving arms of God. To listen to His voice, as He tells us what to do next, or where to go, or how to respond. We absolutely can not accomplish anything in the flesh. We MUST know how to listen for the voice of God. This journey with the Andersons did not end there. They have witnessed trial after trial through all of this. But their heads are still lifted. Their minds are made up. And they plan to follow the leading of the Holy Ghost wherever it may take them. I marvel at the strength they’ve had through this journey. Although I know they’ve shed many tears and grieved as any family would, the strength and determination they’ve displayed should be a wakeup call to anyone watching. God is no doubt using them to show us that peace, real peace, can only come from Him. We lost a dear minister just a few months before that, in a similar fashion. Mortal minds can’t grasp these things. Life is hard. A few days, and full of trouble. Simply put, Life. Is. Hard. But it’s not impossible. There’s a strength that no man can measure. There’s a peace that passes understanding, even in the midst of adversity. But unless we draw close to God, and tune our ears to hear Him, we’ll crumble under such pressure.

Bro. Kennedy said just a few days ago:
“If you can’t face death in your own family, or tragedy in your own home, and keep your head up, you’ll never be able to give your life for Jesus Christ, or this gospel. You haven‘t stood in the street like Stephen, and preached under a heavy anointing only to be stoned to death. He then looked into the heaven and saw a Hand coming down…we haven’t done that. But He’s raising up a people who will…”
Heed the call! There is coming a time where we have NO choice but to solely depend on the direction of God! When that time comes, nothing else will suffice! There’s no monetary element that will save us or hold us in times of despair. We BETTER draw close to God while we’re able. Don’t sit back and watch these events come and go. Don’t shed a few tears and then mark it off as history. This is serious!! God is trying to get our attention! Although it goes without saying, we are the body of Jesus Christ. But if we keep ignoring the evident hand of God, and build in our own flesh and ideology, God could slowly begin to remove His individual covering. We’re not promised anything!
I heard it said recently: “Sometimes I feel guilty saying “we’re the body of Christ”. I’m not sure we bring Him the honor that title deserves. I’m not sure we fully recognize Christ as our head.”

Paul said “Knowing the time, that it’s high time to awake out of sleep!” I recently heard an impressive analogy. A minister stated that when his alarm clock goes off the first time, it’s time to get up. But sometimes he hit’s the snooze button. When it goes off the second time, it’s ‘high time’ to get up. He has to get up right then, or he’ll be late. It’s been time long enough. We’ve been snoozing for far too long. It’s now high time. Time to stop making excuses, time to stop justifying our own self gratification, time to step up and actually be the people we claim to be. I’m preaching to the choir. I’m not exempt by any means. And I wish not to use the scare tactic, it’s impossible to frighten anybody into the kingdom. My only motive is to shed light on the seriousness of the time we’re living in. God is doing a great work. And unless we’re constantly praying, fasting, and seeking His will… Praying, fasting, and seeking His will… PRAYING, FASTING, AND SEEKING HIS WILL! Then we’re going to miss it. Without a vision, the people perish. Yet, without the
people, the vision perishes. Somebody will keep this vision alive. Somebody will adhere to this holiness. Somebody will live a self-denied life. Somebody will crucify their flesh and walk in the spirit. Oh God! Let it be me! Let it be me oh Lord! Whatever it takes, regardless if I agree or think it’s necessary, open my eyes to the truth and guide me in it! Let me be the one! First, believe that God can, and does speak to His people. Not just generally or collectively, but personally! All throughout the scriptures you can see where the voice of God spoke to mortal men. He spoke to Cornelius and told him to send for Peter so that the Gentiles could receive this precious gift of the Holy Ghost. He spoke through an angel unto Zerubbabel saying: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts! The same voice that spoke to Habakkuk and told him to Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that they may run who read it! The same voice that spoke to Moses and told him to lead His people into the promised land! That same voice is speaking to us today. He’s saying Take heed lest you fall! Pay attention to the signs of the times. Listen to my voice! My fields are white with harvest, I have a GREAT work, and I’m calling you to be a part…

My close friend Kyle Morgan and I made a trip to Texas a short time ago. Among many places, we visited Cisco. While we were there Sis. Leah McClure gave a beautiful testimony about the upcoming generation bringing about the restored church. She gave an illustration that I’d never heard. And after I listened to it over and over, I felt my Holy Ghost quicken, and I had church in my bedroom as if I had lost my mind! All kidding aside, I felt the confirmation of the Holy Ghost make this so real to me! I won’t attempt to quote her verbatim, but I’ll share it the way I perceived it, as I’m sure my personal emphasis will be added. But she was expressing how Jesus appeared face to face with many of these men of old. These mighty men of valor had experienced speaking to Jesus one on one. He visited Peter and Paul in their times of trouble. That’s what gave them strength to go through. And He’s going to do that for this latter reign ministry! Can you just imagine, one night as you’re sleeping, the Lord wakes you up and tells you to pray. You’re tired, you’re comfortable, but He says pray on. And out of obedience, you get up, and you begin to pray. And as you‘re praying, all of a sudden you feel this sweet presence sweep in, and when you open your eyes, it’s Jesus!? FACE TO FACE! Can you imagine the strength you’d feel as He says “C’mon child! I have a plan for you! C’mon child! This is the job I‘ve called you for, now go do it!” Whew! Hallelujah!! We can have that!! We are limiting ourselves! It will take a people SO sensitive to the voice of the Lord, that they are absolutely terrified to miss it. This is serious folks.

Oh God, would You help us to know Your voice? Would You teach us to listen when You speak? Search us oh God, let us feel checked and rebuked every time we cross one of Your boundaries. Convict us again oh God. Send conviction upon the church like never before. We’ll never make it alone, please don’t give up on us yet. Help us get sin out of the camp! Keep showing us and helping us! Give us a burning hunger and desire to get this right! Let us put actions behind our zeal and fulfill that which You have called us to do! Bring us to repentance Lord, don’t ever let us be exalted in our flesh, or numb to our sins.
Wake us oh God! Don’t let us sleep as others sleep.

May we find ourselves constantly on our faces, pleading for direction! Tune our ears so we can clearly hear when Zion sounds the alarm. Make us fit for Your Kingdom oh God.
Thank You Lord! Thank You for everything You allow us to go through, You’re so holy, and mighty, and just. You’re beautiful Lord…thank You for loving us. Amen…amen. “To have my heart circumcised, so that I’m sensitive to Your spirit, to be able to hear You when You speak. I want to know when You say go, and to obey when You say stay, or stand still Lord and see You move for me…”