When God Speaks, Things Happen

It’s so common to hear "God speaks" that it’s barely enough to evoke a yawn among churchgoers.  You’d think that it's a common experience enjoyed by all who consider themselves Christians. I've found that although practically all Christians agree God speaks, it’s a minority who regularly hear from God. I’ve made it a practice to read the Bible every day, unless I don't. Yes, there are times when even pastors and Bible teachers don't read their Bibles. I’ve had the joy of reading all the way through the Bible many times. Sometimes I read it on my own. Other times I use a devotional guide. This year I’m going to use one of my favorite devotionals, the Daily Walk Bible from Walk Thru The Bible. I also like to vary the translation. This year I'll be reading the New Living Translation Bible (NLT). In many of my posts throughout the year I’ll be sharing what God says to me as I read it. The first scheduled reading is Genesis 1-2. As I read through this familiar passage I was struck by a phrase unique to the NLT. We all know that in Genesis 1 God speaks and things come into existence. The way the NLT says it in Genesis 1:9 is,

Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened. NLT

I couldn't help but be struck by the simplicity and finality of the statement “And that is what happened.” God spoke and that's what happened. Has there ever been a time when God spoke and what He said didn't happen? Of course not. Think about the implications of that as it relates to your life and mine. As God speaks sometimes He teaches us. Sometimes He corrects us. Sometimes He tells us what He wants us to do. Sometimes He tells us what he's going to do. When He does that, it's going to happen. The fact that when God speaks, what He says happens, should give us pause. [Tweet "What are you doing in response to what God has said to you?"] Yes, God speaks. That isn’t news. What is news to you and me is what He is saying to us! We need to pay attention and do what He says! [Tweet "The fact that God speaks isn't news. It's what He says to you that's news!"] May I encourage you this year to make it a daily practice of listening to God. The easiest way to do that is to read his word each day. Then, when you hear him speak, do something. He expects you to and he expects me to, as well. Read through Genesis 1-2 and post below what God says to you! I’d love to hear from you.