Fran Trascritti bible, Devotional, gospel

Is That You, God??

And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” —1 Samuel 3:10 ESV

Samuel was young, inexperienced, undiscipled, even innocent in many ways. So when God spoke to him at night, well, it makes sense that he thought that it was Eli speaking to him instead of God. After all, what does the voice of God sound like anyway? And why would God speak to him?

Today, we have to look at a passage like this and wonder, does God speak today? And if He does, how does He speak? Even more, what should we do about it?

First, a quick answer is, yes He does. God spoke then and He still speaks today, primarily through the Bible. And yet though His voice is not audible as it was with the boy, Samuel, it is still loud and clear today, and it is through His Holy Spirit that the words in His Word interprets and applies on you His will for your life. In other words, God’s here, God speaks, but we need to be open to listen to His will.

So if you want to hear from God, run to His Word. Read intently and fully as you seek His wisdom, because His will is waiting to be shown and understood. After all, in Romans 12, Paul tells us that we are to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds” (verse 2) so that we can know His perfect will (3). To the willing listener, God provides guidance, direction, and encouragement, and His precepts are all you need as you develop and grow in Him. All His wisdom is there for you to taste and enjoy as you respond to His direction and will.

But listening is not just a passive exercise. God expects His servants to be open and attentive so that it leads to action. Take the example of Samuel: once he realized that it was God speaking, he got into a posture to take action. He listened and obeyed. He heard and took action. God would soon shape Him to be a powerful prophet, in many ways the last judge in Israel, the one who would eventually guide them to David, the man after God’s own heart. Listening and obedience go hand in hand.

So where are you at right now? Are you spending time each day in His Word? If not, you’re missing out, because this is primarily how God is going to speak. Second, if you are in His Word, are you obeying Him? Are you looking at your life and making sure that the sin that has entangled you is dealt with? Remember that Christ is faithful and just, powerful enough to forgive and cleanse those who come to Him in faith. He will forgive you when you turn your sin struggles over to Him.

Last, be encouraged, because God has provided you a direction to accomplish His will. Trust in that and find ways to grow in Him through good, godly servants to teach you and prepare you to serve Him fully. Take heart, because as you do join God at work, He will use you in a way that will bring Him glory. He is able!

May you be attentive to the Lord speaking into Your life, changing you as you seek to change the world!

Blessings,

Pastor Fran

Fran Trascritti Devotional, discipleship, intimacy

I Am With You

Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, delivered the Lord’s message to the people: “I am with you — this is the Lord’s declaration.” Haggai 1:13, CSB

The people were cut to the heart, ready to not only hear the Word of God, but to obey the Word of God. They were moldable, ready to be used by the Lord for a great and eternal purpose: to be a light to the world, a blessing to the nations.

It was at this point of conviction that God responded: “I am with you.” He was always with them in the past, but this declaration was very different. They took a step of faith and responded to God’s invitation to join Him at work. It was this step of obedience that brought a deeper intimacy with God, and so as they started a new, exciting, and yes, even dangerous journey, God reassured them: He would be with them. w

This presence was similar to when their ancient ancestors escaped the Egyptians and crossed the Red Sea. Similar to the battle of Jericho. Similar to the victories in the days of David. Similar to the night in Daniel’s lions den. God was with them then, and He was going to be with them now.

Today, if you are one of His, God is with you now. You may be fighting the spiritual battle of your life, but be reassured that He is with you. You might be overwhelmed with, well everything, but He is with you. Life is tough and difficult and a struggle sometimes, but He never leaves His own (Ps 55:22). Whatever you face and whatever God wants you to do, be encouraged: He is with you.

So dig a little bit deeper in your walk with Him. Listen to His Word, pray in the Spirit, be encouraged in Him. Have a posture to seek God’s will and join Him, no matter what you might face. Because He is for you. He is around you. He is with you.

Fran

Fran Trascritti Devotional

Keep on Pedaling…

Philippians 3:13b–14 (CSB), “…but one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”

It was a muggy, hot summer day in South Florida. I can feel the sweat dripping off of my forehead and my legs felt like rubber. I was pedaling on my 10-speed bike up the Old Cutler road bike trail, going from my neighborhood to my destination almost 25 miles away. My best friend was riding with me, and there we were traveling up the trail, side by side.

To get where we needed to go, we had to get off of the trail at some point and make our way around town. A few things amaze me about that: 1) we had no GPS and 2) we had no cell phones, and 3) we had no clue! All we had was the desire to get to our destination, the energy to keep pedaling, and the happiness of our journey. Yet somehow, we got there!

In the Christian Life, we have very few goals other than to live a life completely and fully dedicated to Christ, making disciples along the way and glorifying God through our words, actions, and deeds. We do these things out of love, a love we have for both God and people.

Why? Because of God’s example of love. He created the world and the people in it, and His heart is for His creation. And despite our fall, He sought to redeem it. He sent His Son, knowing what price He would pay on the cross, and yet did it. Out of love. He did it.

And God’s heart should be our heart. His desires, our desires. His goal, our goal. We love what He loves and we pursue what He pursues.

That said, pursue Him daily. Follow His calling. Seek an intimacy with Him that you’ve never had before: a close, personal, prayerful, focused journey with Him. Not dwelling on the past, but joyfully pedaling in the present and excited for tomorrow.

Fran