There are many reasons why I like satellite navigation devices, especially the one I use in the car. When travelling long journeys, I always log in my destination and usually follow the verbal instructions while keeping an eye on the screen which provides me with lots of additional useful information such as speed camera locations, possible delays due to road traffic accidents, road works and general traffic congestion. When approaching complicated road junctions, it also provides me with an actual photograph of the approach to the junction indicating signage and lane lay-out. This I find particularly useful as I have often found myself in the wrong lane for the direction, I wish to take which, at peak traffic times, especially during the ‘rush hour’, can lead to ‘interesting’ if not quite dangerous manoeuvres. However, I always have at the back of my mind the general direction and outline of the route to my intended destination, not to mention an up-to-date road map.
Occasionally I will intentionally take a left turn when the ‘voice’ is telling me to turn right. On one occasion when travelling with my wife to visit some friends for the weekend that is exactly what I did simply because I ‘knew’ better. Unfortunately, this led to me having to make a number of other decisions which resulted in me finding myself completely lost. The sat., nav., constantly tried to re-route me but stubbornly I continued to ignore it asking my wife to consult the map which she did, but the directions she was giving me I thought were incorrect leading to our relationship becoming increasingly strained. After numerous pull-overs at lay-by’s to consult the map myself I decided to give in and follow instruction. We did eventually arrive at our destination, about an hour late and more miles travelled than we need to have done. What is very evident is that I do have a stubborn streak and it is that tendency which runs counter to the way I believe the God of the Christian Scriptures wishes that I should lead my life. In short it is disobedience or in theological jargon, Sin.
You may have noticed that throughout my life I indicate that I have heard a ‘voice’ speaking directly into my spirit. In fact, on one occasion, I mention two ‘voices’ suggesting opposite courses of action. Maybe you thought that I would be well advised to consult a psychiatrist, but over the years I have learned that each and every one of us are, in varying degrees, involved in what I call, a spiritual battle of cosmic proportions between good and evil, between God and Satan. The Christian Scriptures refer to Satan as ‘the father of lies’, and in my experience that is exactly who he is. On the other hand, the God in whom I believe is the embodiment of Truth. He is also Omnipresent. Omniscient and Omnipotent, meaning, He is present everywhere, all knowing and all powerful. He is the creator and upholder of the entire universe, an incredible thought, and quite contrary to the faith in evolution of eminent academics such as Richard Dawkins! That is my ‘world view’ which I hope permeates this story of mine and informs the way I wish to live my life. However, you will also notice that I freely acknowledge many failures to live up to that lofty ambition. That is why I believe I need someone, to not only plead my case before a Holy and Just God, but also someone who is both faithful, just and able to forgive my many transgressions (Sins) and so ‘cleanse’ me as if they had never happened. That then is why I acknowledge Jesus as Lord, a status He earned through His death on a cross and resurrection some two thousand years ago.
I love whistling, much to the annoyance of my wife but appreciated by my neighbours! I love opera, and will frequently be found whistling classical arias, also Christian hymns and choruses. However, sometimes I get the feeling that God is trying to speak to me through the Holy Spirit while I am going about my normal daily activities then, suddenly, I will try to whistle and drown out His voice. At times like this I have to make a very conscious effort to stop and listen. I fine this interesting and conclude that even legitimate activities can sometimes be a hindrance to my walk with the Lord. My wife often accuses me of ‘selective’ hearing, and I wonder if that too can so easily apply to my ‘listening’ to the Lord.