I Want to Hear His Voice

 I'm thinking about voices today. (Doesn't mean I'm hearing them). Everyone's voice is unique to them. That's why a mother will recognize their child calling, "mommy", even when among other moms and children. I recognize a friend's voice on the phone, because I have been with that person and I know what they sound like. Even when I read a letter or note from someone I know, I'm hearing them saying the words.

After I had left home and started college, my parents would call about once a week. I'd be summoned from my room to walk down the hall to take the call from the only phone on the whole dorm floor. The phone's receiver was usually dangling mid air on the curly cord, that was attached to its box on the wall, waiting for me to pick it up. If I stretched the cord far enough into the lounge around the corner, which was hopefully unoccupied, I'd have some degree of privacy. Somewhere in the beginning of our conversation or near the end my mother would say something like, "It's good to hear your voice." 

Today, I'm finding it easier to text a message to family or friends than to dial their phone number. But my mother's desire to hear my kid's voices can only go so long before I reach out and make the call. As I'm reflecting on this subject, I wonder how much we are losing by not hearing each other's voices more often. Texts or messages can't relay tone or gestures or body language. We've likely all experienced an assumption or misunderstanding because we read a voice rather than heard the voice.

Those of us in relationship with the triune God are seeking to know his voice better. Few hear it with our ears. So, if we can't actually hear his voice audibly, how do we recognize it? The scriptures are full of examples of what his voice sounds like: thunder, rushing water, a trumpet... It can be loud, powerful, still, small; creation speaks without a sound or word. When God compares his voice to that of the Bridegroom, his tone is tenderness. When compared to a Shepherd, it conveys care and protection. A Warrior's voice is victorious. The Holy Spirit prayers for us with unuttered groanings. When his voice spoke to Paul during a time when Paul's life was in danger, it brought comfort and encouragement. His voice speaks direction, whether to turn to the right or the left. His voice comforts, invites to come, speaks justice and judgment. The voice of the King is majestic.

In John 10, Jesus identifies himself as the good Shepherd. He says that the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them, and they follow him because they know his voice. How wonderful that he speaks to us, that we can know his voice. He's not a distant , silent God, but wants to communicate with us. I want to get better at listening. I talk to him, a lot. But I want to hear him more often and more clearly. 

Here's my heart Lord, 
Here's my heart, Lord,

Here's my heart, Lord.
Speak what is true.

Taken from Casting Crowns

Lessons from the Book of Job

The last few years I've read through the Bible in a year by listening to the Daily Audio Bible app. This year I decided to use the app and read through the Bible in chronological order. So far I've read the first 11 chapters of Genesis and now we're in the book of Job. The Hardin family produces the app. Brian reads the daily scriptures in the first plan, while Jill, his wife, and their daughter China alternate reading the chronological portions. They all give thoughts at the end of the reading for us to reflect on.

The first reading plan has portions of the OT and NT and Psalms and Proverbs every day. I'm finding the chronological plan allows more concentration on just one book at a time. I also like the different voices, female voice perspectives. 

I've never "enjoyed" the book of Job. It just seemed a repetition of Job's mourning and his friends' wrong advice. And could I take any good or truth out of his friends' advice since they didn't have their theology right?

This time around, I've been seeing more of the depth of Job's suffering and his response to it. I also listen to The Bible Recap app where Tara Leigh Cobble gives a brief summary of what the chronological reading of the day meant to her. Tara has brought out some of the verses in Job's discourses that show how deep his trust is in God. And encourages us to have patience with Job. Expressing grief doesn't mean you aren't trusting God.

In Job 14:5 he says, ..."man's days are numbered..."  God is sovereign over my life span. We can't exceed God's limits. That should be a comforting promise. Then she shared a couple of questions that  really challenge me. Where do I feel offended that he's in charge? Where do I want to be the God of my own life? Where do I feel he's infringing on my rights with his sovereignty? 

I often pray Psalms 139:23-24. Seach me, oh God, and know my heart...and see if there be any offensive way in me. I've understood that as any way I'm offensive to God, but now I add anyway God has become offensive to me. I want to be led in the way everlasting where my heart is humbly acknowledging his sovereignty and submitted to his leading. 

Job's statement in 19:25 is familiar. "I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand on the earth...in my flesh I will see God...How my heart yearns within me!" This past Christmas advent brought a new longing in me for Jesus' second return. Even after not hearing a word from the Lord for 400 years, God's people still harbored an expectation that the Messiah would come. They were longing for a political deliverer, which we know now was not Jesus' mission. It was so much better that what they expected. Jesus' second coming will be better than what we can imagine also. Maybe I haven't lived in a longing for that because my life is comfortable right now. Maybe we associate his second coming with only judgment. But it will be Christ returning for his Bride. Like Job, I pray my heart yearns within me to see my Redeemer and Bridegroom.

The Year in Review

Coming into an uncertain, but hopeful 2021, we were beginning to shed more of the virus' restrictions, and many planned to go back to more normal living.  Masks seemed more political than necessary. Churches encouraged in-person attendance while on-line services were here to stay. The vaccine brought new hope to many. Yet one thing we knew for certain; everything was uncertain. Except for One. His love, strength and comfort continue to fortify and foster us with defiant joy as His purposes for this world and for us his people continue.

Here's our year in review, courtesy of the Hochstetler calendar.

 January- 

The first session of Jobs for Life was launched through our church's non-profit. Four students were enrolled in the 12 week course which teaches job related techniques like building resumes and the importance of character. Bible verses and stories support the lessons. Ruth was a mentor for a single mom with 3 teens who hopes to get a better job in the near future. Maria successfully graduated, and Ruth made a new friend. Kevin is hoping to get involved later in the year.

February-

Kevin continues a six month course online in business management. We collaborated on his assignments, sitting together every night at the dining room table.

My first ever Zoom baby shower brought relatives together from PA, VA and IN.

Kevin's dad, Stanley dies on February 14. He had been in healthcare with Parkinson's, but his death was unexpected. Kevin's parents had not seen each other for a year because of the lockdown in their retirement facility. The memorial was delayed until May. 

March-

Four vaccine appointments on this page.

April-

Hair and doctor appointments as well as friend dates, makes life feel more normal. "Clean" is written on certain days, reminding Ruth that an Airbnb guest is arriving.

May-

Josh's younger daughter, Elle, graduates! We flew to Tulsa for a six day vacation. Graduation attendance was limited so Nana and Papa watched the event at Josh's house online. It was fun to finally see the brewery Josh and two partners opened last year.

Amanda came for a weekend to attend her grandpa's memorial. We were thankful for a warm, spring day as the Hochstetler family gathered to honor a man who lived faithfully to his God and his family.

Ruth takes a quick trip to Ohio to surprise Rowan for her 6th birthday. 

June-

Kevin finishes his last class with top grades! What an accomplishment after a lot of time and effort. He hopes to find a different job experience.

The Schrocks gather at the end of the month in southern IN for Doris' memorial celebration. She had died the previous year. Josh and Kira were able to come.

July-

After two years of being apart, Jodi and family came for a visit. Ian is 13 and taller than us! Ruth spent a few days in FL before coming back with them to IN. What a fun, busy time!

August-

Twice, a get together with Austin and family was hindered because of illness or quarantines. 

Another session of Jobs for Life begins. Ruth is helping with instruction.

September-

Ruth meets a pen pal/ twin of 59 years in Youngstown, OH. This was only their 3rd time to be together. A youth church publication first connected them. 

October-

Amanda pops in to celebrate Kevin's mom's 90th birthday the first of the month. Elaine is in assisted living but is mostly healthy and able to get around with her walker.

Finally, a weekend visit with Austin and his family in OH.

Two weeks later we travel to VA to visit Amanda and family and my 93-year-old dad. He lives independently-very well and happy. It was a privilege to enjoy both visits.

November-

Josh and Kira came with their three young adult kids (we can't be that old!) for a wonderful Thanksgiving visit. We played a lot of games and ate our favorite foods. Dan and Kristina and family joined us for Thanksgiving Day. We're thankful for the one family who lives close by and our times together.

December-

We're ending the year with plans for a small family Christmas get-together with family in town.

While life goes on more normally, much has changed and the effects from the virus still linger. Variants push up cases, restaurants remain short of staff, or closed, and empty shelves in stores remind us that we are living in a different world. While jobs seem plentiful, Kevin has not found another position yet.

 Though we don't know what the future holds, we know God is faithful and He will never stop working. What a hope we have! It's time to pray for revival and share the good news of the gospel. May God increase our love for others, our care for those who suffer and boldness to be his witnesses.

Stay Alert!-November 23

 My take-away from Peter's words today challenge me to get my mind ready for action by being sober and setting my hope on the grace I'll be given when Jesus is revealed. I always want to be ready for Kingdom action. "Stay alert!",  is how the Message Bible says it. Setting my hope on future grace means I'm anticipating more of Jesus. Where my mind is dwelling, is where my affections will be. I still have a lot to learn about doing this. It's easy to get so caught up in my activities and focus on the present thing, that I forget to invite the Spirit to fill me and lead my thoughts.

Then I've always loved the verse that identifies me (all believers) as Chosen, a Royal Priestess, a Holy Nation Citizen, and God's Possession. I'm valued, loved, elevated with saints, part of royalty with a royal title and function, and living under holiness law. But the next part of the verse is often overlooked. This grandeur is all for the purpose of proclaiming God's virtues and how I was granted this turn of events. For when I was in a dark place, God led me into His life-changing light. 

Father, teach me more about getting my mind ready for action. Fill me with a greater desire to be in union with you where my affections are for you above all else. Thank you for bringing me into your Light. Give me opportunities to proclaim how you are and what you've done for me. Then I need boldness to actually step into those openings. Your will be done in me today. Amen.

November 22-Joy in Suffering

I want to be faithful with the gift of writing that God has graced me with, by writing more frequently. As an experiment, I'm posting thoughts about the readings I meditate on following the Daily Bible Reading Through a Year Plan. 

The plan is in the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament. Honestly, I'm not finding a lot of inspiration from these chapters. I'd like to hear what Biblical scholars make of the temple and its measurements that God shows Ezekiel. I may do some research on that at some point. Today the reading included requirements for priests and their holiness. I don't think we hold God's holiness in the reverence it deserves. Open my eyes, Lord, to understand your holiness and how you want me to live and respond.

The book of 1 Peter made it's entrance into the plan today. Peter is writing to scattered believers who had to flee because of persecution. May his words of encouragement speak to all of God's family today who find themselves in very trying circumstances:

May grace and peace be yours in full measure! Remember your inheritance in heaven that can't be diminished by any earthly thing. What a joyful thought, even in the suffering. And what indescribable and glorious joy is yours because you love and believe in Jesus. He is saving your soul, right now! The trials are proving the character of your faith, which is much more valuable than the most precious wealth of the world.

Our Father, give comfort to those who are refugees in difficult situations today. Send your words of encouragement to them. May those who love you dwell in the joy of knowing you and hoping in the future inheritance that is theirs. May the rest of us in your family see and know about their proven character of faith. Preserve their stories, so we can learn and grow in faith, also. Cause us to remember these brothers and sisters, often.

The verses I discovered from Psalm 119 today are a prayer and a declaration. Remove me from the path of deceit! Deceit is a popular tactic of the enemy right now. Whatever method he chooses to remove me from any path going that way; I welcome it. I want to keep my eyes and heart focused on the path of his commands. He'll enable me to run along this path. (vs. 32)

Continuing to Pray for Revival

 This revival focus is not going away. Yes, I have to nurture it, share it with others and keep a daily practice of prayer centered on the heart of God for myself, my community and my country. I need continual openness to the Holy Spirit to fill and use me. I need his love to consume me. I need to be aware of my need for forgiveness. My community and country need the love and humility of Jesus to work together. They need to know God's kindness that leads to repentance, that whosoever believes in him shall live in everlasting life.

I use a great tool from Christina Union Day and Night ministries that keeps me going. It's a list of 41 prayer points that I pray through regularly. It might sound monotonous and boring to repeat the same prayers, but I find the Holy Spirit dwelling on certain ones which leads to additional prayers in that area. I'd like to share some of those with you.

Number 15. "Let love for God and allegiance to the name of Jesus Christ be paramount in our hearts and our churches in Jesus' name." May this be what your people are known for, Jesus. This alone-not by our political affiliations, our voices on cultural matters that only divide us, and not by what we are against. 

Number 22. "We plead for the power of the Holy Spirit to fall on us and make us bold witnesses for Jesus, in Jesus' name."  Father, do this in us; we can't make this happen by ourselves. Give us opportunities that we can't miss and the desire to care enough to share with whoever needs to hear.

Today I read a Bible passage from 2 Corinthians where Paul, the author, shares the ways he and other leaders in the church commend themselves to those under their care. Number 16 is a prayer for pastors to protect their flock with devotion to prayer and feeding them the pure milk of the Word of God. I'm adding a prayer today from the list in 2 Corinthians. Lord, help pastors across our nation have great endurance no matter what troubles they are going through. Help them to stay in purity, understanding  their people, patience, kindness, filled with the Holy Spirit, having sincere love, truthful speech, the power of God, wielding weapons of righteousness, being genuine, always rejoicing, and out of their need making others rich.

You can find the prayer list here.

May God raise up his church in these days to repent of our sins and pray for his refreshing and revival to come-soon!

What Just Happened?

Have you looked back to when the pandemic started? There were myriads of losses since then, but were there any gains? What will you remember from this time?

I revisited my journal from a year ago and read my first reactions to the virus and the initial lockdown. I had compared the stay-at-home order to a lengthy snowstorm. When any one thing affects everyone in the same way, there’s a sense of oneness with others. We are all experiencing the inconveniences, the common lot of changing plans and the equal challenges of beginning the day, even if it’s the smallest decision of whether to wear boots. The only thing we can totally control is our response to the situation. In the case of snow, I’m swept back to the euphoria of a school day cancelled. Others grumble about the cold and delays, wishing they had gone to FL a little sooner.

So for awhile, the lockdown was almost fun. We’re All in This Together would have been a fitting title for this new adventure. Social media became our best connection to each other and how the world seemed smaller as leaders and artists of faith across the country spoke encouragement, called us to action or regaled us with free concerts. I remember Kirk Cameron’s call to prayer every day, and another leader’s invite to all sing the same song of worship outside on the same day and at the same time as we followed the music from the internet, and then post a selfie of our participation. Thank you, Sandi Patty, for being vulnerable and for sharing daily of your experience with Covid. Thank you, Selah, for singing to us from your front porch. Thank you, friends, for sharing scriptures and words of hope. 

 Our pastor, Jeremy, did a super job of drawing us together with a short video of encouraging words every morning on Facebook. We worshipped Sunday mornings together through Facebook or YouTube. We were invited into all church Zoom Bible studies and Zoom discussion groups. I remember thinking how united I felt with my Christian brothers and sisters, more than any other time in my life. 

The fact that now I have only a memory of those feelings speaks of how I’ve moved on and my question is, have I gained anything good from that time? Emotions don’t sustain us, but was anything worth holding on to? I remember a podcast conversation asking that question as we first began to emerge from our cocooning. Did God give us a unique opportunity to fix our minds on things above, let go of what keeps us distracted, and advance our unity in the body of Christ?  Not for a moment, but towards some real metamorphosis. 

Alas! How quickly we became distracted by the up-coming election, by our differences in political stances, and our desire to return to some normalcy. I believe we did not seize the moment or allow hardship to birth new lasting changes. Since then we’ve seen social media become a tool for hateful arguments, for angry demands to believe a certain way and a disregard for the division that’s happened in the wake of those behaviors.

What is God’s call to his people right now? Since he doesn’t abandon the work of his hands and since his church is the hope of the world, what is he saying? I’m hearing a call to revival. There’s a purging needed that brings repentance. A humility that surrenders all to him. Loyal hearts that love him so much that nothing in this life comes close to our joy in him. Lives that are prepared for service by “gazing deeply into the perfecting law of liberty and are fascinated by it and respond to the truth they hear and are strengthened by it-they experience God’s blessing in all that they do!” James 1:25 PTP

 The world is being called to greater equity and compassion for those less privileged. Black fellow Americans cry for it and are shouting their pain. Government is trying to appease and win favor. Often the fight against evil is with more evil, greater hatred and increase of power.

We know that Jesus and His kingdom come to earth is the only lasting change for individuals and communities. How can we not be passionate for his purposes in these days? Isn’t it worth all that we might be asked to surrender? How we need to learn to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading! Will we at least listen to the pain and cries of the persons in the world around us and hear the motives behind the methods before we cry “evil”, “progressive”, “demonic”? Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and I want to be in that fight with him, no doubt about that! But Jesus fulfilled that mission by giving his life to set the captive free. He brought healing and hope to the helpless, and sought after the lost to save them. By his example, that meant touching lepers to heal them; loving a rich young ruler and offering him a better way; calling an embezzler and corrupt government IRS agent into his inner circle; breaking norms and cultural prejudice to go out of the way to show a woman his forgiveness and her worth; not condemning a woman caught in adultery, but by extending mercy calling her to a new life; allowing his betrayer into the most intimate setting of his last meal on earth and washing his feet; looking beyond his pain on the cross to provide for his mother’s future; welcoming children; and speaking words of truth to all who had ears to hear. He’s entrusted the ongoing work to us who believe in him and follow his commands. He has no other plan.

Lord, I know how far I fall short, how little my faith and compassion feel and how easily I’m distracted by this world. I can’t change me by my own determination, so I ask you Holy Spirit to fill me and lead me into all you’ve destined for me. Give me a willing heart to hear you and obey. Help me love and care for others like you do. Increase my love and allegiance to you. Forgive my sins. Be my strength in weakness and may this all be for your glory and our joy of life together.