Daily Devotional for May 4, 2021

One of the things I love about Dr. Carl Bradley is, even though he is an incredibly accomplished musician, he does not have an ego-driven artistic temperament.  He’s a normal guy with the same bad sense of humor I have.

Recently, in a staff meeting, we were discussing a strange popping sound that came across the speaker system a few weeks ago.  That’s when Dr. Bradley told us of an experience he had at another church.

Decades ago, Dr. Bradley was serving a church in Longview, Texas.  A brand new cordless public address system had just been installed.  The congregation was enormously proud of this leap in technology.

That next Sunday, when they used the new PA system, in the middle of the worship service everyone heard a voice boom across the speakers saying, “Breaker, Breaker, 1 9 this is the Naughty Nun….Come back for the Naughty Nun, over.”

That’s when the entire congregation learned that a trucker, driving through Longview, had the call sign, “Naughty Nun.”  Needless to say, they quickly turned off the PA system because they were convinced the voice coming out of the speaker was not God’s.

Sometimes it’s easy to discern God’s voice.  Sometimes, it’s not.

While I am utterly convinced God is always speaking to us, so is the world.  Sometimes we get the two confused. 

If it conforms to scripture, calls us to be better versions of ourselves, empowers us to relieve suffering, and see others the way God sees us, it is God’s voice.

If it calls us to cater to self, not be concerned about others, forget God directs our lives, and keeps us in our lazy comfort zones, it is not God’s voice. 

Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”  (John 10:27)

Today you will encounter God’s voice and the voice of others.  Use discernment to determine which voice you pay attention to and which one you discard.

God will help you.  All you have to do is ask.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me hear your voice above the noise and distractions of my life.  Guide my steps, thoughts, words, and actions.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Just for the record, in listening for God’s voice, if you hear the term, “Naughty Nun,” that’s not God.  I promise.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins