Taking It to Work:
Do you have what it takes to be a good captain? To be called a sea captain, you must study and pass an array of written tests. It is expected that you would know the rules of seamanship, and the complexities of how to pilot your vessel. You would understand anchoring, charting and how to follow your instruments and navigational buoys. You would know the basics for weathering a storm, and much, much more. And as daunting as that sounds, all of this can be studied and memorized from a book.
An experienced seaman, one that has more than the basic book knowledge, knows much more from many years on the sea. Unexpected storms, powerful tides, and driving winds instill a much deeper understanding of seamanship. Many actually end up not only knowing their books, but how to read the seas as well. They can look at the gentle chop, the birds, the clouds, and read the wind knowing long before any new captain would, that a storm approaches, or they can expect smooth sailing.
A new believer must strive to know and understand God’s book, the Bible. It is the textbook of life, divinely inspired that we would know our God and his ways, including His way of salvation, but there is more. Jesus promised a Counselor, the Holy Spirit, who would reside in us, speak to us, and remind us of all that God has taught us.
That reminding, teaching voice of the Spirit is very similar to soft hints that the sea offers the observant seaman. Continually speaking to us, at home and at work, gently pointing, guiding, warning, talking to us, (Isa 42:20). But like the subtle speech of the sea to the seaman, it can be easily missed, along with the wisdom you needed for that day. (Isa 42:20).
Paul said we are to pray continually (Matt 13:16). Jesus said that He wants us to seek Him, and is pleased when our eyes see Him and our ears hear Him (Matt 13:16). He is speaking to us today, in the middle of our crazy work lives, in the busyness, in the chaos of the moment; He is speaking through His Spirit. Take the time to Hear what he is saying, and as an informed captain, pilot your ship accordingly, as His living Word works in you, today.
1 Kings 19:11-13 (ESV) – And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
Isaiah 42:20 (ESV) – He sees many things, but does not observe them;
his ears are open, but he does not hear.
John 14:26 (ESV) – But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Matt 13:16 (ESV) – But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
Listening to the Holy Spirit:
I Am speaking that you might listen. Never have My words ceased, nor My Word, nor the speaking of creation, but all still speak. How shall you abide without? Those who live on the sea can both listen to its waves, or grow indifferent to them, though they still speak. For he who is skilled knows the language of the small seas, and forgets not its lessons. If safe harbor they beckon, then so goes the listening captain, but the fool listens not, and learns not from the small warnings, and must fight yet another storm. I speak in the stillness and in the storm, but he who listens in the still is wiser, for he avoids many storms. Come to My Word in the still, in calm seas, listen and watch attentively for My voice. I speak always, but in the still, there the storms will be made known. Give attention to My Spirit that speaks, My Word that stands forever, and to My Name, faith, that brings forth both guidance, and the wisdom to follow, to you who have been created and redeemed to receive.
