I woke up thinking about why God muted some persons after He provided them a miraculous word.
Nowadays, we can often find ourselves “on mute or being muted” especially during Zoom Calls or virtual meetings so we can let the presenter be heard without distractions or background noises.
In contemplating the concept of silence, a profound sense of purpose engulfs my being. It is an undeniable truth that an existence devoid of distractions provides us with an opportunity to truly hear the voice of God and absorb His timeless wisdom. How can we navigate the complex path of life if we constantly find ourselves ensnared in a cacophony of noise? Silence is a precious gift, bestowing upon us the clarity and discernment necessary to navigate the trials and tribulations that confront us. The power of silence is unparalleled; it enables us to perceive beyond the surface and to acquire vital insights on how to navigate every circumstance. Embrace the silence, for within its hallowed presence lies the key to profound understanding and revelation.
I thought about Sarah and Abraham, and Elizabeth and Zachariah. Both were informed in their later years of being barren that they were going to be blessed with a miracle baby. That in all of the years of labor and love unto the Lord, there would be a seed to come from their loins and a legacy to come forth from their bloodline. It was truly a miracle word. Such a message that caused muteness to follow in one of these partners.
I thought wow.
Why?
But then it is God’s ways not my ways that prevails in every season of our lives. And God does wonderous things to cause His word to become visibly manifested even breaking through a mere human’s concept or preconceived idea of what could happen. God will do what He says He will do and perform His word – period! Sometimes, humans need to be silent to revere God and respect His ability to be creator and deliverer of truth.
Then God took me on another journey of His prophet being muted for 12 years. Now, here is the story about Ezekiel. For 12 years he was muted to be made by God.
Ezekiel 3:22-27 The Message Version
22 God grabbed me by the shoulder and said, “Get up. Go out on the plain. I want to talk with you.”
23 So I got up and went out on the plain. I couldn’t believe my eyes: the Glory of God! Right there! It was like the Glory I had seen at the Kebar River. I fell to the ground, prostrate.
24-26 Then the Spirit entered me and put me on my feet. He said, “Go home and shut the door behind you.” And then something odd: “Son of man: They’ll tie you hand and foot with ropes so you can’t leave the house. I’ll make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth so you won’t be able to talk and tell the people what they’re doing wrong, even though they are a bunch of rebels.
27 “But then when the time is ripe, I’ll free your tongue and you’ll say, ‘This is what God, the Master, says: . . .’ From then on it’s up to them. They can listen or not listen, whichever they like. They are a bunch of rebels!”
What does that even mean? To be muted and made by God? When I read Ezekiel’s journey it was interesting to note that God only allowed Ezekiel to speak when it was a word from Him, “Thus saith the Lord.” During those years of schooling (in my mind I think of Ezekiel being made through this time of schooling with the Lord for 12 years similar to how most people go to school for 12 years.) God personally home-schooled Ezekiel during those silent years of being muted to be made by God. To become knowns as God’s watchman and spokesperson. Ezekiel would only share the direct oracles of God and thus when folks hear him open his mouth, it was the specific, intimate, and truthful word of the Lord.
I have often prayed to create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me so that my mouth can show forth God’s praise. This is a wonderful journey, and I can imagine an amazing time where Ezekiel was being seasoned and instructed day & night by God’s very handiwork.
I thought about how in our own lives typically persons go to school for 12 years – whether home schooled or through a formal institution. I thought about my own life doing pre-school then going through elementary, junior, and high school. This was a 12-year journey until I graduated.
When I started looking up what is taught in each level of the years a person is in school, I happened upon a curriculum that shared in the first year we are exposing children to “Wonder and Play.” How cool is that! We all start out curious. We all start out our formative years getting into all kinds of stuff. Finding our path through an education filled with stories, games, playful activities, and amazement at all of the spectacular nature around us.
God has recently been speaking to me about What Next?
What is the next leg of my journey as I grow naturally in age and more importantly in spiritual wisdom.
My prayer is to become intricately intwined in a relationship with the Lord that I truly know what it is to be made in His image. I desire to be a reflection of my creator.
When we think about people who have grown up around each other, we often notice they have similar mannerisms and traits. You can tell a person through their family – they talk alike, and look alike, and often have same traits – like how they laugh alike, tone of voices, habits, etc.
I pray that I have a relationship with the Lord where He knows me as his Friend (He called Abraham his Friend)
James 2:23 King James Version
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
I think about my own relationship with my son. We have grown up together and have a closeness unique to us. Sometimes we can look at each other and just know what the other person is thinking. And we have a sense of humor that is understood amongst us.
I believe that God ardently desires to elevate our connection with Him to surpass even the profound intimacy we experience in human relationships. Whether it be the bond between spouses, the love between parents and children, or the inseparable connection of best friends, God longs for an extraordinary and awe-inspiring relationship with us, His beloved children.
From the very beginning, humans were designed to share a profound fellowship, genuine intimacy, and a wondrous relationship with our Heavenly Father. And now, as I contemplate this, I am convinced that in order to embark upon this next level, one that transcends shallow and casual acquaintanceship, we must undergo a transformative process, where we willingly surrender our own voice to be molded by the divine hand. It is through this act of surrender that we are able to be truly shaped and crafted into vessels capable of experiencing a lifelong, unwavering, and passionately committed love relationship with our Creator.
Even in my time as a customer service professional, I am sharing with my team the importance of deploying active listening during a customer call interaction. This active listening is a staple for ensuring an exceptional customer service experience.
God requires us to be active listeners and participants in our daily (constant) interactions. Sometimes that means to approach our conversations without assumptions and preconceived idea of what the other person is going to say or is saying.
We have to be muted to our own agendas and muted to our own talking in order to pay the proper respect to the other person in the conversation they deserve to really “hear them.”
Do I listen? Do I hear?
God’s word says we know His voice.
John 10:3-4 New Living Translation
3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.
Do I really know God’s voice, have I spent time in our relationship and interactions where I have been an “active listener” and I have been “muted to be made?”
When I am “muted to be made” it will bring me into a realm of the “known and knowing.” I can actively listen and hear what is being transpired and then become aware and “in the know.” I won’t be caught off guard and I will be equipped with what is needed to be done and said in the specific season(s) I am going through.
Going back to our previous scripture, it reminds us that we are God’s sheep, and His sheep know Him and Hear Him and then Follow Him.
The question of the day is do I know God, do I hear God, and am I following God?
To me it boils down to when I reflect upon what is next in this leg of my journey – after I have been provided a miracle word from God or am I in a season of preparation (schooling) where I am silenced to listen and receive vital instructions – have I yielded to be “muted to be made?”
In life, there are moments when our voices may feel suppressed, leaving us with the need to contemplate. While I normally advocate for the freedom of expression, there are instances where introspection and silence can lead us to a deeper understanding of both ourselves and the divine presence in our lives.
To embark upon the next stage with the mindset that self-restraint might be necessary may appear peculiar. However, occasionally, such approach becomes indispensable when one aspires to witness true excellence. The scenario evoked is that of attending a remarkable presentation, where a multitude of spectators gather. To genuinely appreciate the speaker’s message, it becomes imperative to filter out the cacophony that surrounds, as it can lead to distractions, interruptions, and hindered reception of the intended communication.
One thing that is critical in getting through life and all of the roadblocks that we face is actually hearing God speak to us – no one else but God. Now, it may be hard to distinguish if it is God or something / someone else trying to influence us to act in a certain way. A good rule of thumb that I have followed is first is what I hear aligned with the truths I have read from the Bible. Additionally, does this really make sense – will I harm myself or someone else by following this thought or voice?
There is a beckoning in the earth where everyone is trying to be pulled one way or the other. Lines are being drawn and sides taken. Influence and impact is the “thing” in this season/era/age/generation. Who has the most likes and thumbs ups? Who is an influencer that garners millions of views and followers.
Yes, a question of importance that has to be asked is who and what are you/I following and letting influence our daily lives?
Maybe it’s time to silence the noise and block the barrage of messages that are trying to consume our every decision. Maybe it’s time to ask God to put on the mute button of our life -first, so that we can eliminate the background noise and second so we can speak once the message has been presented in its fullness.
Take a moment to reflect on the profound wisdom found in the Scriptures. The Scriptures encourage us to devote ourselves to the constant contemplation of God’s truth, allowing it to permeate our thoughts day and night. Embracing this practice enables us to attune our hearts to the voice of the divine.
We are muted to be made so we can hear God’s voice!
Revelation 2:7 King James Version
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
It is crucial that we rediscover our fervent devotion to our faith, reestablishing an intimate connection with God. His longing is for each and every one of us to synchronize our actions, beliefs, and experiences with His divine plan. The passing of time only emphasizes the importance of wholeheartedly dedicating ourselves to fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives.
Revelations speaks of the necessity to love God with all our hearts and give Him our unadulterated attention.
Revelation 2:2-7 The Message Version
2-3 “I see what you’ve done, your hard, hard work, your refusal to quit. I know you can’t stomach evil, that you weed out apostolic pretenders. I know your persistence, your courage in my cause, that you never wear out.
4-5 “But you walked away from your first love—why? What’s going on with you, anyway? Do you have any idea how far you’ve fallen? A Lucifer fall!
“Turn back! Recover your dear early love. No time to waste, for I’m well on my way to removing your light from the golden circle.
6 “You do have this to your credit: You hate the Nicolaitan business. I hate it, too.
7 “Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches. I’m about to call each conqueror to dinner. I’m spreading a banquet of Tree-of-Life fruit, a supper plucked from God’s orchard.”
Are we mindlessly surrendering our lives to the pursuit of trivialities, oblivious to the true essence of our existence?
As I continue to press forward on my new journey and a new perspective for 2023: Mental Health & Wellness Matters, I know I have to not get weary while in pursuit of well-doing so that I will reap if I faint not. By refocusing on health and wellness, mental enhancement, and spiritual fortitude – I want to reach something different in my life where I can see freedom exuding from every pour of my existence. Freedom to flourish is my aim.
I think about how the first step of my personal freedom was an acceptance that with Christ as my redeemer I can do all things and be all things and overcome all things as He did. He who the Son sets free is free indeed!
John 8:34-38 The Message Version
34-38 Jesus said, “I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave can’t come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. I know you are Abraham’s descendants. But I also know that you are trying to kill me because my message hasn’t yet penetrated your thick skulls. I’m talking about things I have seen while keeping company with the Father, and you just go on doing what you have heard from your father.”
If you don’t know about Christ or why I subscribe to faith in Christ as my Lord and Savior then I will extend the offer for you to get to know Him for yourself. It is your choice. You will answer one way or the other for the choice you make here on earth – as we all will. So, the following information provides just a few suggestions, scriptures, and a prayer to help you move into a closer realm of understanding of what Christ is all about and can be about for you.
What isC.P.R. + N.O.W.mean to me and anyone who reviews this message?I think humanity is at a code blue status and is about to flatline into a death crisis if we do not pivot so, we need to have a recussitation stat or we will cease to exists!
Isn’t it time for you, me, all of us to live our best lives! Let’s shift it into gear for next-level living where we are actually obtaining the “hoped for good” in our lives. Time for us to achieve the bucket list of goals we once thought were so far off and removed from our grasps. We can and will do this one step at a time, one dream realized at a time, one conversation at a time can spark the fire needed to fuel our promise fulfillment! Amen INDEED!
Let the conversations ensue and the shifting manifest into a tangible reality for our next-level transformation into what we were born to do – live life and that life MORE Abundant here on earth as it is in heaven.
The Thankful Revolution rejoices with you and looks forward to continuing to encourage, edify, educate, and inspire as we traverse along our life’s pathway and choices. Enjoy the journey! Shalom to all!
Let’s start living our best life N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is OUR Witness!TRUST God to help you navigate through your life’s journey into a vitalized and healthy destination!
Continue to stay tuned for more on the meaning of LIFE as we explore Biblical Truths one word at a time, one scripture at a time, one moment in time, …let’s eat that daily bread! Selah, Shalom, Amen Indeed Miriam a.k.a. Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8 (TIME for a next-level New-Beginning)! We would be honored if you do Subscribe, Bookmark, Save, Share, Comment, Like, and Enjoy how N.O.W. = New-Beginnings is our Witness can be yours today through one daily Myrrhism Word/Message at a time.
Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way.”
P.S. Remember, to help us navigate through this life and enjoy a new life that one being eternal with God our Father; we have to make a decision N.O.W. = New Beginnings is our Witness. Below provides a prayer that you can ask the Lord to become your Redeemer, Healer, Savior, your everything to help you on your personal life’s journey – even though it may be bitter sometimes with God He always sweetens your steps. Love you always! Miriam aka Essence of Myrrh Proverbs 3:5-8.
HERE I AM LORD, HELP ME TO CHANGE INTO THE PERSON YOU BIRTHED ME INTO EXISTENCE TO BECOME. ALLOW MY PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE (OUTLOOK AND THOUGHTS) BECOME NEW. LET ME KNOW IN MY HEART THAT YOU ARE GOD AND IF I TRULY TRUST YOU THEN I CAN BE LIBERATED – BASICALLY SET FREE TO LIVE A LIFE HERE ON EARTH LIKE YOU DESIRE ME TO EXIST FOR AN ETERNITY WITH YOU IN HEAVEN. HELP ME TO VIEW YOU CLEARLY WITH A STEADFAST FOCUS! I ASK THAT ANY OBSTACLE THAT HAS HINDERED ME BEFORE OR IN MY FUTURE BE REMOVED SO THAT I CAN OBTAIN THE WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE YOU HAVE FOR ME TO LIVE IN PEACE, LOVE, STRENGTH, POWER, AND FEARLESSLY. THANK YOU FOR EQUIPPING ME WITH ALL THAT I NEED (HOLY SPIRIT AND JESUS AS MY SAVIOR) TO SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE THIS LIFE’S JOURNEY. I AM GRATEFUL, HUMBLED, AND WILLING TO BE YOUR FAITHFUL SERVANT. I AM HERE AND ASK FOR YOUR HELP EVERY SINGLE DAY. THANK YOU FOR HEARING ME AND PROVIDING ALL THAT I HAVE NEED FOR ACCORDING TO YOUR RICHES IN HEAVEN. AMEN (SO BE IT)!
John 10:10 The Message Version
6-10 Jesus told this simple story, but they had no idea what he was talking about. So he tried again. “I’ll be explicit, then. I am the Gate for the sheep. All those others are up to no good—sheep rustlers, every one of them. But the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the Gate. Anyone who goes through me will be cared for—will freely go in and out, and find pasture. A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.
Miriam S. Stevens aka "The Brand Paramedic", is an online social multimedia network strategist. She works with entrepreneurs, special interest groups, and non-profits to develop a social media campaign, marketing strategy, and customer engagement blueprint. She offers this three-prong approach to successfully connect business brands with their clientele. As the creator of MsStevensPR.Com, Miriam encourages productive, one-to-one focus meetings to pinpoint a company’s vision, research their targeted audience, and develop the right implementation plan.
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