But They Refused | February 1, 2016
Some of the saddest words in the bible are recorded in this verse, "...but they refused to come." Why would anyone refuse to come to a wedding banquet prepared by a king?

Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come."
Matthew 21:1-3, NIV

Trapping Jesus | February 2, 2016
When we are listening for the voice of Jesus, are we simply waiting for Him to say what we want to hear?

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words.
Matthew 22:15, NIV

Phoning Home | February 3, 2016
One of my favorite attributes of the Lord is that He hears us. There are times when we feel alone, in trouble, distressed, and stressed, but like David, we can learn and know that we can always call home.

In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.
Psalm 18:6, NIV

It's Worth It | February 4, 2016

Wisdom is often associated with old people. The first chapters of the book of Proverbs are a father's exhortation to his "young" son to get wisdom as a young person, which means it is possible to be a young (or younger) person who has obtained it. There are three ways to gain wisdom.

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:7, NIV

Words From The Storm | February 5, 2016
We often reflect on Elijah's experience of hearing the Lord in the whispering voice, but here we have the Lord speaking out of the "storm." The Hebrew word here can mean tempest or even hurricane. When we are in a storm of life, the Lord is still speaking. However, in the case of Job He wasn't speaking answers, but questions.

Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm.
Job 38:1, NIV