Don’t Miss The Voice

Some friends of mine got me hooked on a TV program called, “The Voice.” It’s basically a show to find and showcase extraordinary new vocalists. They’re now at the point in the season where contestants, 2 at a time, battle each other in singing competitions. One night  the announcer said,” Tonight is the competition between the single dad and the pastor’s son.” I told my son Justin, “Wow they forgot to mention their actual names.” The next week’s commercials would basically advertise, “The Sandwich Maker against the Former Drug Addict with HIV.”

Whether consciously or subconsciously we also have labels for people based on what we know (Or don’t know) of them.. “That’s the woman who left her husband,” “That’s the “Computer Guy,” or, here’s the worst, “That’s the guy they were talking about.”

Well my friend. Only one voice matters. Sorry NBC, but when it all comes down, this “Voice,” is more about contact than contracts, hearts than hits, hope than hype. An eternal name versus a minute of fame. He’s no hit-maker or label-maker, He’s The Maker. And this voice calls out, ‘You’re not just a lonely old man who may die soon, a middle-aged woman stuck in a job and desperately wanting to get out, a young person feeling aimless and confused. You may be insecure, inadequate, mistaken or doubting. Death, panic, depression, and disillusionment may be near you. But you are not just that. You are accepted.’ Never confuse your perception of yourself with the mystery that you really are accepted.”

I believe when it all comes down, on that day, in Christ, there will be a name on you…and me. It will simply read, “Beloved.” And behind us, the next person steps up, “Beloved.” The next, ”Beloved.” All by the gracious love of God in Christ. Hebrews 10:22 says, Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean and our conscience cleansed with pure water.” Jesus said, “All those who the Father gives me will come to me and he who comes to me I will in no way throw out.” John 6:37 As we approach Easter, meditate on some of these other labels on you. Insert your name here. I ______ am, forgiven…freed… accepted… justified… redeemed… loved… blessed… favored… new…delivered… chosen, and…His.

So listen, don’t wait till next week. Tune into “The Voice,”…His voice, right now.

Someone mentioned that I spend alot of time writing about the fingerprints, and listening to the whisperings of God. The world’s covered with fingerprints, so…I often hear His voice in laughter. My daughter sent me these thoughts, and, well, “Let there be laughter.”

~ Why do croutons come in airtight packages? Aren’t they just stale bread to begin with?

~ If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled?

~ If a cow laughed, would milk come out of her nose?

~ Whatever happened to Preparations A through G?

~ If it’s true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?

~ Do Lipton Tea employees take ‘coffee breaks?’

~ What hair color do they put on the driver’s licenses of bald men?

~ Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the Post Office? What are we supposed to do, write to them? Why don’t they just put their pictures on the postage stamps so the mailmen can look for them while they deliver the mail?

~ Is it true that you never really learn to swear until you learn to drive?

Ok, that’s it. We’ll be here all week folks, and don’t forget to tip your waiter.