One Voice

Sometimes, it's hard to stand up for what is right BUT I choose to stand even if it's alone.  A voice can't be heard unless words are spoken, so it's important for our words to be anointed by the Holy Spirit.  As a minister, people expect for me to have "a word" from the Lord on a regular basis.  Nevertheless, it's important for the church to be a voice of truth with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.  In one account, the disciples were recognized for being with Jesus for the words they spoke.  Acts 4:13 when they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.  TO BE WITH JESUS!  It's a powerful statement but can the same be said of us?  The early church or disciples only followed what Jesus taught them.  These men walked with the same anointing as Jesus, the sick were being healed.  Although it was a miracle of God, those of authority question it.  As these bold men shared the Gospel, the officials question whose authority or right they had?  Yet doesn't the world today question everything to do with God?  Nevertheless, these disciples spoke the truth through the boldness of the Spirit.  A decision was to be made; they choose to be a voice despite the opposition or ridicule.  Not only were these men heard but their lives showed evidence of being with the King of Kings.  May it be said of us, these men or women were with Jesus!  

     John the Baptist was called to be a voice to prepare the way of the Lord.  Although John was chosen, he still had a choice to obey or disobey.  If the church is to be a voice, we have to share the Gospel.  If we speak, we speak the Word of God. "I Peter 4:11, "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen" 

     I am one voice but I will declare the truth of God's Word without compromise, with power of the Holy Spirit, and with my life.  I can't do everything but I am a voice.  Someone can't hear the Gospel unless it's preached, so be a voice.  If one voice stands for truth, it will impact this world.  If one voice touches one heart to follow God, it can change a family, a community, a church, or this nation.

     I am one voice who will speak to impact one, so it will not only start a reaction but a spark.  If a spark is all that needs to start a fire, I pray God places a spark within me so I will light this world.  If you think about it, the church was founded on the Day of Pentecost after a command from Christ to wait until they received the Spirit.  It wasn’t only a command but it was a gift from the Father to empower them to do what Jesus instructed.  Keep in mind, the early church didn’t have television, computers, or telephones.  It was only with their feet could the Gospel be proclaimed.  We have a world hurting in desperation for hope, healing, and deliverance.  As the church, we declare the message but we don’t allow God to move.  It’s in the presence of God where joy is found. 

     Maybe it’s just because I am just tired of church being about our agenda instead of God’s.  If we want the hurting to enter our doors, we have to have the oil, love, and servant’s heart to meet the physical.  Our nation has seen enough religion but they haven’t seen enough of God’s power.  The early church walked with the boldness of the Spirit because they were filled with the Spirit.  We can’t impact a spiritual world without the spirit.  A gun doesn’t have the ability to shoot unless it’s armed with ammunition, it’s powerless to function.  Our church (the body of Christ) is powerless without the Spirit, she will only be a monument instead of a movement.  The early church was a movement invading the darkness of sin, demolishing the powers of the oppressed, and grew daily.

     It’s time to be a voice, to prepare the way of the Lord.  Our nation needs revived but are we willing to sacrifice our time, our monies, and hearts to see it.  Regardless of whom you study in scripture: Elijah, Elisha, Paul, Peter, Deborah, Samson, Miriam and David.  Each person made an impact through being a voice with an anointing of God to conquer kingdoms, heal the sick, destroy kingdoms, walk on water, and transform their world.  (Hebrews 11) It’s time to be a voice not only with word but with the Spirit.