Thursday, August 13, 2009

Part Two of my last blog entry: God speak's to his children


I am still pondering the wonder of hiding God's word in my heart--how it brings power and encouragement to me and those around me. I decided to go ahead and use my recitation of Isaiah 55 as part of my speaking project in Toastmasters.* The morning of my speech God spoke to me through a flip calendar. Yes, he even speaks through paper calendars. The quote of the day by Oswald Chambers said, "Let memory have its way. It is a minister of God.

I am almost positive Oswald was probably thinking about the memory of our pasts not Scripture memorization, but isn't it perfect the way this quote worked to speak encouragement straight from God's mouth and into my listening heart? The message God spoke to my heart through Oswald's quote went something like this: "Go ahead and share Isaiah 55 in your speech at Toastmasters. It will be used to minister to the people there." I love when God steps in and cheers me on.

Dear Jesus, May we all slow down enough to pick up the little ways you speak to us. We don't ever want to miss a word. We so need your encouragement every day. I love you, Lord, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.

*Toastmasters is an international organization that I joined to improve my speaking skills. Their mission is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. For more information visit http://www.toastmasters.org/

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

The Powerful Affect of Hearing God's Word

A big part of my testimony includes what I consider one of the most beautiful chapters in the Bible--Isaiah 55. This chapter represents an invitation from the King of the Universe to spend time alone with him, listening, so he can feed you the finest spiritual food and shower you with his many gifts. When I recite this chapter from memory during my presentations, indescribable power comes down from heaven. Lives are changed (including mine) and God's people are encouraged. It is exciting to experience.

If you check out this chapter in your Bible, you will notice that most of this passage is in quotation marks. Through Isaiah 55 King Jesus is speaking directly to you, otherwise he would not have put you and your in this passage 18 times! In these few verses, he promises wonderful things. Are you listening?


Special Note: In my Bible Study, I teach an easy-to-conquer method of memorization. If I can do it, anyone can. If you are interested in finding out more about it, please contact me.

photo by zixeslew courtesy of flickr.com