You live in the greatest era for the church, and your voice being heard has never been more needed than it is today!
Mark 11:12-14, And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
This incident preceded the greatest teaching on faith found in the New Testament. It is significant that the Bible records the phrase, “And his disciples heard it.” They had been walking together on the road between Bethany and Jerusalem. Jesus saw this fig tree from a distance and walked to it. It seems obvious that His disciples did not leave the path and accompany Him to that tree because it makes the point that He spoke loudly enough for His disciples to hear Him. Jesus then taught that our faith is to be in God, and that having faith in God means having faith in God’s word. Therefore, our words must agree with God’s Words in the exercise of Bible faith.
Hebrews 4:1-2, Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
How does one mix faith with what he hears? In meetings and assemblies, we commonly use sound systems to enhance the listening experience. There are a number of components in these types of systems, such as amplifiers and microphones. One component that is rarely seen by the audience, yet is essential is the soundboard, or “mixer.” It receives input from all the vocals and instruments and blends them together for a pleasant listening experience. How is a good mixer determined? By what comes out of the speaker. Our hearts and minds receive input and information from many sources, and that to which we give priority is what comes forth from our “speaker.”
Matthew 12:34, …for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Why then, and by whom does my voice need to be heard?
- Me. First and foremost, I need to hear my voice speaking God’s Word. It affects me on a number of levels, not the least of which is that it yields control in my life to the Lord. Not long ago, I was challenged by someone saying, “you cannot control God with your words!” It got me thinking and wondering how many people are confused about that. It’s true—we don’t control God with our words because the Bible doesn’t teach that. The third chapter of James compares the tongue to a bit in the horse’s mouth and the rudder on a ship. God is not the one who needs to be controlled—you and I are! Putting His Word in my mouth is the “bit” that puts my life under His control. It controls my mind, my body, my decisions and my destiny!
- God. The Word of God encourages us to put Him in remembrance, make our requests known to Him, and ask even though He already knows what we have need of. (Psalm 28:2)
- Circumstances. Jesus spoke to the tree, the wind and the storm. (Luke 8:25)
- Spirit Beings. We are continually interacting with the spirit realm. Angels and demons are real. They influence us and are influenced by us. Ministering spirits as well as demon spirits are influenced by the words we speak. (Psalm 103:20 & Matthew 8:16)
- Those We Pray With. The prayer of agreement is a powerful thing. It should not be taken lightly. It takes some communication and preparation to get into the true agreement that works. We should have a scriptural foundation for what we agree on so that Heaven has a part in the agreement. (Matthew 18:18-20)
- Our Elected Representatives. Most elected officials probably begin with a desire to serve and make a positive difference. But there are many temptations and pitfalls they encounter. Leadership can be a lonely place and angry public opinion can be a scary thing. The voices of unrighteousness and perversion are loud and constant, and the lure of unjust gain and abuse of power is ever present. We shouldn’t be so quick to write off those who displease or disappoint us and we should never cease to encourage and remind them of the promises they made and the reason they were elected.
Luke 18:8 (Passion translation), God will give swift justice to those who don’t give up. So be ever praying, ever expecting, just like the widow was with the judge. Yet, when the Son of Man comes back, will he find this kind of persistent faithfulness in his people?
Be persistent! What God has blessed us with is worth fighting for to keep and preserve. Sometimes the challenge is daunting, and the battle seems hopeless. Just remember, Jesus did not tell us to move the mountain…He told us to speak to it! Never underestimate the power of YOUR VOICE!
Let’s celebrate our freedom as believers and as Americans. God bless America!