Who's Calling?

Have you ever called someone on the phone and you think you know who you’re talking to but as the conversation goes on you realize it’s not the person you thought. You’re amazed at how much their voices sound the same and you could have sworn you were talking to the right person.
I have answered my cell phone and a friend asks to speak to my mom and I say “this is the mom” and they laugh and say “you sound just like your daughter.” It reminds me of how many times I call out to God and after He answers I wonder, is that you answering me Lord or someone who sounds like you?
I have good news for you; I’m going to tell you some things about how blessed you are that I know God told me.
3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One dearest to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
6"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." (Matthew-Message Bible)
Then there’s the times the person your speaking to is trying to trick you. I called my son to talk to my grandsons and Lucus the younger one answered but I couldn’t tell if it was him or his brother. I would say “is this you Lucus?” and he would say “no it’s Anthony” this went on for a few minutes till I knew for sure it was Lucas and I said “I know it’s you Lucas” and he said “no it’s Nathanael.” Well I knew for sure it wasn’t Nathanael because Nathanael is my 17 year old son and a 4 year old definitely did not sound like a teenager.
We have to be careful who we let speak into our lives as well. Is what they say coming from God or someone impersonating Him?
"Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don't be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.” (Matthew-Message Bible)
Basically God is telling us here to make sure the people we seek counsel from are men and women of integrity. How do they behave when no one is looking?
This morning I just wanted to hear from God and I realized the best way is to open the Bible and read it for myself. I like the read letter Bibles where it shows when Jesus is talking. When I’m reading those words I never have to ask “whose calling?” I have Heavenly caller ID and I will always take that call.

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