A Voice With Purpose

Good Morning! 

Every one of us carries a voice placed in us by God, shaped by our story, and meant to serve a purpose bigger than ourselves. But the real question is this: Are you using your voice, or are you running from it? Are you speaking from the place God planted you, or hiding from the assignment that keeps tugging at your spirit?

John the Baptist didn’t preach from a church or pulpit. He didn’t stand in the center of town where crowds naturally gathered. He cried out from the wilderness—a dry place, an overlooked place, a place most people avoided. Yet that is where God positioned him. And from that unlikely place, John prepared the way for Jesus.

Your wilderness might look different. It might be a season of transition, a place of discomfort, a role you didn’t expect, or a calling that feels too heavy for your shoulders. But even there, God has given you a voice. A message. A purpose.

Some of us silence ourselves because we feel unqualified. Some of us run because the assignment feels too bold. Some of us whisper when God is calling us to shout. But purpose doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. Purpose waits for obedience.

Whatever God has placed in your hands—your gifts, your testimony, your influence, your compassion—use it for His glory. Let your life, your words, and your work draw people to God, whether directly or indirectly. You don’t have to be center stage. You just have to be faithful where you are.

John’s voice made room for Jesus.
Your voice can do the same.

So today, ask yourself: Am I shouting in the wilderness, or hiding from the call? God is still preparing the way, and He intends to use you.

The Voice That Shook the Room

Good Morning! 

His voice boomed.

Standing slowly and carefully approaching the podium, Mr. Clyde - small, frail, and bent with age - finally braced himself against the wood. The room fell silent. Every eye followed him as he lifted his head and scanned the faces before him. No one expected much. His body looked too tired, too worn, too fragile to carry anything powerful.

But then it happened.

Out of nowhere came the most unbelievable, thunderous baritone voice rising from a frame that looked incapable of holding such strength. His melodic tone filled the sanctuary as he began to sing “Ship of Zion.” The walls trembled. Hearts stirred. And the room shifted from polite attention to holy awe.

It wasn’t just a song. It was a reminder.

God often hides His greatest power in the most unlikely vessels. We look at outward appearance like age, size, status, or ability, but God looks at the heart. What seems small to us becomes mighty in His hands. What appears weak becomes a weapon of glory when God breathes on it.

Mr. Clyde’s voice wasn’t simply strong; it was anointed. It carried the weight of years, the depth of faith, and the courage of someone who knew that when God calls you to stand, He also equips you to speak, sing, or serve with supernatural strength.

How many times have we counted ourselves out because we felt too old, too tired, too broken, too insignificant? How often have we assumed God couldn’t use us because we didn’t look the part?

Yet Scripture reminds us that God delights in using what the world overlooks.

Today, let Mr. Clyde’s moment remind you: God has placed something powerful inside you. When it’s your time to stand, don’t shrink back. Don’t silence your gift. Don’t underestimate what God can do through you.

Open your mouth.

Take your place.

And let God’s strength roar through you.

Knowing God

Today's affirmation: #knowingGod

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. (Matt. 13:16-23)

Good Morning! - Obedience Of Love

Good Morning! - Ignoring God's Voice

Good Morning! - Can't Hear God

Good Morning! ~ A Stranger's Voice

The poorest sermon has a message – just listen

Read Psalm 85:6-13

I will hear what God the Lord will speak… Psalm 85:8

Poor sermons

When listening to a sermon or choir sing have you ever been agitated? The preacher seemed lost and unable to deliver?  The choir’s tone was terrible and “They didn’t sound like so and so choir!” Though well-meant they lack certain qualifications. Several years ago I learned how to enjoy the poorest of sermons and tone death choirs simply because God’s servants delivered the message.

God speaks to you

I ran across an article which proclaimed “At one point in every sermon God breaks through the words of the preacher and speaks directly to the people.”  It may be a phrase or sentence when God speaks directly to you.  Understanding this logic one cannot afford not to listen to the entire sermon or song.  Or neglect hearing that one illuminated moment when God speaks – bringing conviction, hope, strength or renewed faith.

Ignoring God’s word

So many people ignore that one word of God because they are comparing the preacher or choir with another recently heard.  For every person who God called to preach or sing it was based upon their unique personality, knowledge and aptitude.

Boring preachers

What would the world be like if all preachers and choirs sounded alike? It would be boring! God’s word can be like your favorite dish of food or the sound of good music that stirs the soul. One word, phrase or song can be the conduit to unite with God. It is us who often unplug from God the Father.

The next time you attend your place of worship listen intently for that one portion in the sermon and hymns which God intended for your heart. Hear what God the Lord will speak to you!

Prayer

Father God,

Open my ears that I may hear a word from you. Speak to my heart and refresh in me a renewed spirit.  Remove all interferences which impede me from hearing a word form you.  This I pray in your son Jesus Christ name. Amen

The unfamiliar voice of the Shepherd

The Shepard and his Sheep

Read: John 10:1-18

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. - John 10:27

The sheep know their voice

Two shepherds lead their flock to graze; one heading north the other south. As the men greeted each other so do their sheep, hundreds commingling into a sea of unrecognizable wool. 

There are no brands, or unique markings just sheep. So how do these shepherds separate their flock? Each man shouts a cadence or whistle, systematically parting the sheep like the Red Sea, triggering the flock to fall in line with their rightful master. What appeared to be disorder was resolved with a voice that only their sheep recognized.

God's sheep

Over 200 times sheep is mentioned in the Bible. Sheep where important to the people of that time as well as they are symbolically referred to as God’s people. David, a shepherd himself, wrote the 23rd Psalm which illustrates what a “personal” relationship with God should be like.  The Lord is my Sheppard and I shall not want. 

We like sheep often go astray, turning to our own ways Isaiah 53:6.  We pay attention to unfamiliar voices while seeking greener pastures of living. In the prime of life, we find ourselves following the voice of leaders, government, and even strangers forgetting that God guides us! All too often, in the mist of personal crusades, people find themselves lost confused and sometimes trapped. Their cries for help reach the ears of many, yet individuals who don’t have a relationship with Jesus, mistaken the Master’s voice with thieves, who want to physically and spiritually steal kill and/or destroy.

Hearing God's voice

Understand God's voice is not always audible it is unlike that of Cecil B. Demille’s version in the movies - a talking bush. Through and bible study, learn God’s voice.  Become acquainted with God’s communication by Practicing, resting, and abiding in God for spiritual comfort. There will be frustration during your process of tuning into Christ and keep in mind the green pastures, shadows of the valley, and flowing waters are temporary yet the message is to follow the shepherd and develop a relationship; these things will never fade.

The Good shepherd

A good shepard know their sheep

Jesus told his followers that he is the good shepherd his sheep know his voice and he calls them by name. To be one of the chosen, humble yourself and desire the need to commune with Christ. Shake off the negative characteristics of sheep: demanding, stubborn, straying, easily influenced, fearful, as well as restlessness. Make way for a better relationship by becoming totally dependent of the shepherd for every need. We all have fallen into ruts and are easily thrust aside in life, but thanks be to God, for Grace and Mercy which will allow us to live in His goodness and loving kindness all the days of our life

Tigner


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After Thought

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14







Using people for what we want

Many of us stand accused of disregarding family and friends who stood by our side during times of need. After being consoled and invigorated back to life, we toss them away like a used rag; they become after thoughts.

I have a friend who had a heart wrenching experience so tragic life became unbearable he was unable to sleep, eat, or desired to live. The storm had his mind rambling and speaking confused statements of life; in short trying to make sense of a bad situation. I became a soundboard, the voice of reason; someone he could confide in during the darkest hours of the night.

In our personal lives, we groan and cry out woe is me, the storm is too strong the night too dark and the pain is unbearable. Where are you Lord? I don’t feel your presence, weeping has been endured for more than a night and morning seems like it will never come. Nevertheless, when sunny days finally arrive, God now becomes an after thought.

After Thought - feeling good

Today, my friend’s turmoil has ended, life is back to normal. He has moved out of state, frequently visits home and enjoying life. On occasion he calls, typically when departing home. I’ve become the person who keeps him awake during a long journey. In spite of his happy ending I have become the after thought.

Question 1: how does one deal with this situation? Do I allow the flesh to curse and loose a friend? Or do I confront my friend and forgive him? 

Question 2: Do I stop helping people because in the end I will be hurt or does one continue being the voice of reason by providing words of encouragement to others in pain?

Question 3: Reflecting back over your life, have you treated Christ or friends as after thoughts? Only calling when needed or do you reach out to Christ and friends during all times thanking them for being in your life?

So, what is the closing statement? What should I do, loose or regain a friend? Call on Christ when needed or all times? I’m seeking advice from you! Let me know your thoughts.

Tigner

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