Life’s measure
Every few months I measure the height of my three boys. I do it the old school way. No fancy tools or cartoon wall charts. I make them stand ramrod straight against the door jamb of my office with a book on their heads and note their height with a pencil. Then we stand back and ooooh and ahhhhh at how much they've grown. They are growing fast.
Have you ever thought about how much we humans measure things?
Lighthouse
I always liked the image of a lighthouse in a storm. I have this same picture hanging in my office. I always think of God as the lighthouse standing firm, giving guidance, direction, and security.
I'm pretty sure that David - king and psalmist - didn't have a clue about lighthouses. But his words in Ps. 18:10 say it so well:
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteouss run to it and are safe."
It's truth that all that we take security in will come to an end one day. The kingdoms of this world will fall. But Jesus stands, and will stand in that day. He is our rock, fortress, strong tower.
God, is that really you?
How do you know God is speaking to you? Are you hearing God's voice or could it be the late-night pepperoni pizza you ate? How can you distinguish between a good idea and a God idea? Here are some steps I take to tune in to God's voice:
- I sit on it (just like the Fonz says): In some cases I won't shout things from the rooftops just yet. Instead, I'll sit on the thought like a chicken on her eggs. I'll let the thought incubate, warm, grow, and develop in prayer.
- I slow leak it: Rather than broadcast the thought, I narrow-cast it to trusted friends and advisers. "Many advisers make victory sure." (Prov. 11:24)
- I read about it: What does Scripture say? Note: the Bible often won't speak explicitly about your situation, however, regular reading of the Bible will wire your soul to hear God; like a radio, you will fine tune your hearing and insight via the Holy Spirit. What do others say via books, blogs, or articles?
- I die to it: That is, I hold the thought loosely and remain flexible. But, if I can't shake it, if it won't go away, then I continue to follow promptings and walk through doors.
- I act on it: I take faith steps and walk through doors looking for signs to follow, not vice-versa.
- And remember: Playing it safe is risky!
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