That's a Cool Verse

Have you ever been reading the Bible and suddenly have a verse jump out at you? (I hope so because it is one of the ways I know God's Spirit is present with me.) My natural response is to shrug and say, "Oh, that's cool." and press on with my agenda to read three chapters. It has taken me too long, but I eventually learned that this is God calling me to stop reading and meditate on that verse -- regardless of where I am in my reading for the day.

Last week, I had one of those moments reading Numbers, arguably one of the driest books in the Bible (which proves God intentionally included everything in His word). Reading that verse today -- even knowing what God was pointing out to me then -- just doesn't strike me the same way.

Every time this happens to me, I am reminded about why God desires and deserves instant, first-time obedience -- it is for our good. The moment that He speaks, is the moment we are best prepared to hear. If we say, "Not right now, Lord. I just need to finish the book of Philippians in time for Sunday School" He may not instruct us again. Instead, when the Holy Spirit speaks, we need to lay down our plans, pick up a pen and say, "Speak Lord, for Your servant hears."