The Voice

Believe it or not, cows are tameable. The right palate persuasion of rolled oats in a confined space coupled with hindquarter scratches and verbal encouragement can make a group of skittish heifers your best friends.

The longer this routine is repeated, the stronger the relationship becomes — to the point that those bovine will follow when called, even by name. They will not respond to any other voice, only that of the ranchers who trained them.I know because I played an active role in this transformation of twenty-five Red Angus heifers and, eventually, their offspring. It was incredible.

Likewise, when you and I as Christ-followers devote ourselves to the discipline of reading and meditating on God’s word each day, our minds are sharpened and our hearts are attuned to clearly know our Creator’s voice. So well that our spirits will swiftly retreat from all other babble.

Especially that of the world and its attempts to lure us away through temptations within the lust of the flesh (sexual immorality), the lust of the eyes (covetousness, envy) and the pride of life (arrogance, ostentation, boasting). Therefore, it’s critical we be alert to this voracious competition for our soul’s attention.

As Christians, let us not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) through reading Scripture. Let us, also, pray for unwavering strength to flee from the ungodly chatter surrounding us in order to embrace and obey the familiar whispers of our Savior.

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for the truth of your word and training me to respond to and follow your voice, alone. In this world where so many voices are saying so many things, I stand confident because I know when it is you calling me. I praise your holy name. Amen.

Throughout This Day: Seek to walk in the presence of God, attuned to his gentle whispers.