He Speaks to the Ordinary

By Kathy Davis

Isnt it amazing that the God of the universe would speak to ordinary people like you and me? And its true! God wants to speak into our lives through His Holy Spirit and His Word, and we glorify and honor God each time we visit with Him in prayer or seek His wisdom in the Bible.

He Speaks to the Ordinary is an inspiring collection of concise, uplifting reminders of the way we can both listen for the still, small voice of God in our daily lives, or call on Him for loving, compassionate guidance in our times of need. It is a book of hope, comfort, peace, and joy, and author Kathy Davis shares some of the transformational truths she has learned through spending quality time with God. With these heartfelt words of wisdom, we should be encouraged to cultivate an intimate personal relationship with God as we develop Christlike qualities.

In a world with so many distractions, we should be encouraged and overjoyed that the greatest being in the universe, God, is always there for us to listen to our prayers and speak His love, direction, and hope into our lives. When God calls, He expects us to listen. And with our calling from God, we can receive the peace and the salvation that only He can provide.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 24, 2018
• ISBN: 9781973627807

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Copyright © 2018 Kathy Davis.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

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ISBN: 978-1-9736-2781-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-2780-7 (e)

WestBow Press rev. date: 06/19/2018

Dedication

To my daughter Claire, son-in-law Chase and granddaughters M.J., Isla, and Georgia. I love you more than words can express.

To my son, Clint, who is in heaven with the Lord now. Thanks for your vote of confidence. Mother, you are anything but ordinary.

Acknowledgements

To God, Who with amazing grace and mercy, waited patiently for me to get to the end of myself and turn to Him.

To my daughter Claire, son-in-law Chase and granddaughters M.J., Isla, and Georgia. You are my reason to get up every day, read God’s Word and pray. I want to spend eternity with you and experience heaven on earth with you now.

To my son, Clint. Wish you were here to read my book. Can’t wait to be with you in heaven.

To my husband, Ashley, who gives me unconditional love, complete support and encouragement no matter what I endeavor to do. I appreciate you more than you know.

My Mother, who wisely made it her mission to have her children in church every Sunday and Wednesday. She is the reason I know God.

To Will, Jenny, Brian, Jacob, John, Sarah and Nicole. You are loved and appreciated.

Table of Contents

He Speaks

Holy New Year

It’s All Good!

Seek Wisdom From God And His Word

Holy New Year

Are You Being Deceived?

Christ-like Qualities

Pure or Corrupted

Deliverance

Keep On Keeping On

Are We Being Deceived?

Simply Please the Lord

The Power of His Words

Are You Prepared?

Crown Him or Crucify Him?

Pure or Corrupt?

Where is Your Focus?

Do You Know God?

Our Words

No Fear

We are Offered Grace!

Speak of Him

Endure Patiently

Practice What You Preach

God’s Word

Discipline

Wicked or Righteous?

People Pleaser?

Let God be God

Want to Be Blessed?

The Blame Game

Knowledge—A Rare Jewel

Seek God First

Honest Disciples

True Freedom

Opportunity To Know God

Obey

Spiritual Forces of Wickedness

Pass It On

Other Gods?

Whom Will You Serve?

God’s Purposes are Good

All Things Work Together for Good

No Man is an Island

Don’t Stop!

What Would Jesus Do?

Is God Enough?

True Success

Lack of Knowledge

He Has a Plan

The Blame Game

Guard Your Heart

Time With God

We Must Forgive

Time Alone With Your Father

Is Heaven Real?

What’s In Your Heart?

Worship The Creator or What He Created?

Where Is Your Trust?

Valiant Warrior

True Love

He Has Showed You!

Be Thankful

Very Simply, Love

No Other Gods

He Gives Strength

Who Are You Reflecting?

Watch and Pray

To Know Christ

Detest or Delight?

A Living Hope

Wise or Foolish

All About Me

Things Above, Things Below

Consider the Cost

Be Ye Holy

Righteous or Wicked

It’s All His

I Can, Not I Can’t!

Fear or Trust?

Whose Heir are You?

Greed

Fear or Fool?

Living or Stagnant?

We Have Help Against Evil

God Knows My Heart

Real Life

Apple of His Eye

Come Apart

The Golden Rule

Suffering

Poverty or Wealth

Choose Life

Do You Despise God’s Word?

A Real Friend

A Hunger and Thirst for God

Work for Him

He is Coming!

Give Credit Where Credit is Due

Work, not Destroy!

Who Are You Listening To?

Are You Disgusting to Jesus?

The Winning Team

God Serving Me?

The Dew of Heaven

The Battle is the Lord’s

Spiritual Laziness

Blameless or Crooked?

Fear God or Fear Man

Thank the Creator

Wise or Foolish?

Your Father

Seek Wisdom and Understanding

Make Time for Wisdom and Understanding

Perseverance

Members of God’s Household

Excluded or Reconciled?

Riches, Honor, Wealth, Prosperity, or Death

Our Thoughts Are Our Responsibility!

Wash One Another’s Feet

Diligent or Slack?

Wise or Foolish?

Stop Being Selfish

Your Hiding Place

Perfect Love Now and Life Eternal

God is Our Joy and Happiness

Rest and Restoration

Love Your Children Enough to be Righteous

Don’t Be Selfish

Light or Darkness?

Just Do it!

What Will You Do With Your Thoughts?

What To Do With Conflict?

God Knows

Food for the Body, Food for the Soul

Persevere

What God Thinks Is The Most Important

Self-Denial?

Love Like Jesus Loved

Grieving the Holy Spirit

Grief

Begin Each Day with Your Father

Reverence Him

The Will of the Lord

Honor God With Your Tithe

What’s Your Gift?

More Blessed to Give

Do You Know Him?

Death

Pray for your Pastor

The Spirit Helps Us

God Loves You

Obedience

Punished or Free?

Wise or Foolish?

Deceit

Accept His Gift

Don’t Boast About Tomorrow

Angels

A Future and a Hope

Idolatry

Build Up Your Faith

Rest

Who or What Are You Trusting?

Forgiveness

The Winning Team

Give Up Your Life

Prudent or Naïve?

Foolish or Wise?

Righteous or Evil

Praise Him

Delight and Desires

Choose Whom You Will Serve

Read and Heed

Release from Sin

Righteous or Wicked?

Light or Darkness?

Live Life To Its Fullest

Be Righteous

Riches or Righteousness

Hunger And Thirst For God!

Fight, Finish, Keep

Enjoy!

Accept Discipline

Make Every Effort

Saving Faith

The Perfect Sacrifice

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Complete The Work

Generous or Oppressive?

Who is the Greatest?

7Believe and Don’t Doubt

Are You Prepared?

Accept His Salvation

You Are Loved

A Higher Lifestyle

Is His Grace Evident In Your Life?

A Critical Spirit

Wait On The Lord

Committed or Surrendered?

The Lord is With Us

Bear One Another’s Burdens

Peace

Read The Manual!

Heart of Wisdom

Truth Unveiled

Too Dumb to Doubt

Falling Away

Don’t Fall

Success

Our Thoughts

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

God Works for Good

We Need Jesus

Forgive and Forgiven

Tears or No Tears?

Joseph was Obedient

Do You Have A Decided Heart?

Really Celebrate Christmas

A Decided or Divided Heart?

Light or Darkness

Do You Believe?

Disciple or Deserter

Do You Love God?

What Will We Do With The Message?

Abundant Life

Keep the Faith

Don’t Fuss or Criticize

Friend or Foe?

Faith Not Works

Seek Him First

The Gift of Choice

Feed Your Soul

Alone With Jesus

Obey The King

Are You Worldly Or Godly?

Chosen by God

You Are Chosen

We Are Responsible For Others

Are You Prepared?

Remember His Benefits

Liar, Liar

Who Are You Calling On?

Be Still And Know That He Is God

The Spirit Helps Us Pray

Serve Others Like Jesus Did

Time and Money

Consider the Benefits

Don’t Ignore Him

Live and Believe, Never Die

Increasing Spiritually

How’s Your Faith?

Pick A Lane

Are You Serving?

What Voices are You Listening to?

Ourselves or Jesus?

He Must Be Greater!

Prayer

Zealous Pursuit

Do You Believe?

What Do Our Works Testify About Us?

Speechless

Promoted or Exposed?

Live As Jesus Lived

We Are Never Alone

Peace

Are You A Friend of Jesus?

Making a Difference

Are We Glorifying God With Our Lives?

What The World Needs

Jesus’ Example

A Mother’s Heart

Jesus Prayed

Lord, Lord, Really?

How’s Your Soil?

His Blessings

The Greatness of God

Don’t be Destroyed

First Thing’s First

Good Gifts

Favored and Happy

What’s Your Dark Part?

Foolish or Rich?

Are You Ready?

On The Alert

Irreverence

Carry Your Cross

True Wealth

Be Thankful

Give or Lose

20/80 Rule

He Is Our Peace

His Words

God is Good

Not My Will, But Yours

Pray

Crucify or Exalt?

Supernatural Enlightenment

Obedience

Kingdom Greatness

He Will Take Care Of Our Needs

A Life Of Excellence

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Where’s Your Treasure?

Perfect Gifts

Be One Of The Few

Loyalty

Be Strong and Courageous

Wise or Foolish

Are You Offended or Blessed?

How’s Your Heart?

Need A Miracle?

We Will Serve The Lord

Do Not Be Afraid

A Person of Understanding Or A Fool?

Rest In Peace

Victory in Jesus

What Are You Feeding On?

Broad Or Narrow Road?

God Knows

Light or Darkness?

Become Childlike

Actions Have Consequences

He Will Exalt You

God’s Word Needs No Addition

We Can Be Rich!

Turn To The Lord

Crucified?

How’s Your Heart?

The Final End

Are You Sanctified?

Condemned or Forgiven?

Wisdom

Light or Darkness?

Our Actions Reveal What We Believe

To Live Is Me, To Die Is Loss

Your Leadership?

Choose Your Family?

Whose Slave Are You?

Sweet Aroma

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

Pray

Tithe

Godly Training

Love, Mercy, Peace. Are They Yours?

Who Is Your Shepherd?

Take Courage

Priorities

Suffering For His Sake

Obedience And Disobedience

Truth Or Consequences

Perseverance

Destroyed Or Preserved?

What Is Your Idol?

We Will Give An Account For Our Life

Does Our Stuff Own Us?

Benefit Package

What Would Jesus Do?

What Will We Do With Jesus?

Wheat Or Chaff?

Satan’s Lies

His Will Or My Will

Are You Pure In The Sight of God?

Don’t Worry, Be Happy!

Pearls, Swine and Dogs

The Narrow Gate

Rock Or Sand

Wisdom Produces Results

Are Your Poor In Spirit?

Righteous Or Wicked?

The Righteous Will Shine

Need Healing?

Who Do You Say Jesus Is?

Justice

Forgiveness

Going Along To Get Along

Are Your One Of The Few?

Are Your Using Your Talent?

Watch And Pray

Jesus Blood

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Convenient Christianity

Is Your Heart Hardened?

Listen To Him

Your Legacy

Everything That Glitters Is Not Gold

No Pain No Gain

Priorities

Are You Thankful?

Jesus Wept Over Sin

Too Late

Just As He Told Them

Our Allegiance

Pleasant And Not So Pleasant

Life Or Death

Today Not Tomorrow

Love God Love Others

Whose Child Are You?

Abundant Life

Roving Fixations

Are You A Slacker?

Bucket List

He Speaks

It’s not a big deal

No earth-shaking sound

Just me and Him

And the chatter of the birds in the background

His Word speaks clearly

The way to go

From the Master Teacher

you can learn and grow

No hurry, He’s plenty of time for you

And that list that you have to do

The Creator of time will make sure

The important tasks you will get to

That the Creator of the universe

Would spend time with me

What a blessed woman I must be!

For this end I was created

To bring honor and glory to Him

Don’t miss your calling

Because of neglect

Time alone is what your Father expects

Peace, love, and hope are yours in return

Something money can’t buy and you cannot earn

It’s not a big deal

No earth-shaking sound

It’s just me and Him

And the chatter of the birds in the background

~

Holy New Year

As we begin the New Year,

Let us not live in fear.

Let’s feed our faith,

So much is at stake.

God’s Word tells us all we need to know,

It will tell you the way to go.

Problems come and problems go,

His Word tells us so.

But we have the One who can solve them all,

All we have to do is call.

He’s never too busy – He understands –

Remember, He lived life with all its demands.

One day at a time – love Me and love others –

All else I have already covered.

Greater is He that is in me than

He that is in the world,

No matter what Satan may hurl.

I’ll not move, I’m safe in His arms.

Nope, no need for alarm

Because he lives I can face tomorrow,

No need to beg, steal, or borrow.

Amazing grace will lead the way –

And on His paths, I will stay.

It’s All Good!

We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 (KJSB)

We may not enjoy everything that we have to go through in this fallen world but rest assured, God can make good come from it if we love Him. And yes, it does say all things. That wayward child that is away from God? All things. That awful health issue? All things. Even this financial disaster? All things. No matter what comes our way, God can work it for good, if we truly love Him. As the New Year begins we don’t know what challenges await us. He only asks that we love Him and love others. You say, Well, what does loving God look like? For starters you can’t love someone you don’t even know, so start spending time with Him in His Word and in prayer. Make a list of all your challenges and humbly give each one to God who promises to work all things together for good.

G. McDonald writes, We walk without fear, full of hope and courage and strength to do His will waiting for the endless good which He is always giving as fast as he can get us able to take it in.

"Life itself is a privilege but to live life to its fullest – well, that is a choice."

~ Anne Frank ~

Seek Wisdom From God And His Word

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverb 2:6 (KJSB)

There are many brilliant people in the world, but true wisdom comes from the Lord. It’s the beginning of a new year and I dare say the masses are buying and reading self-help books, how to become successful and wealthy, but here in the free world we have the perfect read, the Bible! Anything you want to know about life but are afraid to ask – it’s in God’s Word. It’s our instruction manual for life! Who does God give this wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to? Glad you asked! He stores up sound wisdom for the upright ~ Proverbs 2:7 (KJSB)

John MacArthur says the upright are Those who are true believers, who seek to know, love and obey God and to live righteously. These covenant keepers alone can know wisdom and experience God’s protection.

"The person who ignores wise counsel is like the blade of grass untouched by the rain – soon to wither – and die."

~ Andy Andrews ~

Holy New Year

For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.

Deuteronomy 7:6

John MacArthur comments, God had set apart Israel for His own special use and they were His treasured possession. As born-again Christians, we too are set apart for special use and we are God’s treasured possession. As I contemplated the first day of the year 2016, the usual words came to mind, Happy New Year! The next thought was – Holy New Year. Wouldn’t it be great if we all sought to be holy this year instead of seeking to be happy? Psalm 4:3 (NASB) says, But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man (woman) for Himself. The Lord hears when I call to Him.

Let’s not waste another year seeking happiness. Holy New Year!

A year from now what will I wish I had done today?

Are You Being Deceived?

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Colossians 2:8 (NIV)

Janet Pope writes, Make no mistake: This culture intends to squeeze us into its mold and will bully us until we fit in…Christians have been given a blueprint, a standard to live by, that collides with the philosophies of our culture. Christians are backing away from their biblical convictions and surrendering to the latest ideologies. The responsibility is ours to be in God’s Word and to live according to its standard. We must not allow the world to dominate our lives. God help us to live godly lives and teach our children and grandchildren to live godly lives.

Lord, help us to remember if the world influences us more than God influences us, we are being deceived.

Christ-like Qualities

Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

Titus 1:8 (NIV)

This verse is speaking of elders or overseers; what we might call deacons today. But do you think God might expect those same qualities to be found in our lives? Most would say they are hospitable and love what is good, but the latter qualities can get kind of hard. No one is perfect or will ever be, but shouldn’t we strive to be self-controlled. The old saying is true—If you don’t control yourself, someone else will. Upright, holy, and disciplined—well, you get the picture—we have work to do! Only through God’s help can we hope to have those qualities. With God all things are possible!

If someone were describing you, what qualities would they say you possessed?

Pure or Corrupted

To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

Titus 1:15 (NIV)

What a contrast! Pure—corrupted. Why would anyone choose to be corrupted? Do they choose that willingly? Surely not! This verse says that the person who does not believe is corrupted. My prayer is that we will choose to believe in Jesus and believe that He died for us on the cross so that we will be pure and not corrupted. Contrary to what many believe, we have a choice—to be pure or corrupted. Remember, what you feed grows. We need to feed our faith.

No man suddenly becomes base. –F.B. Meyer

Deliverance

The seed of the righteous shall be delivered.

Proverbs 11:21 (KJSB)

The Bible is rich with promises and this is one of my favorites. When you know the truth of our need for a savior and when you are the recipient of salvation, your greatest desire is that your children will be saved also. I pray to be righteous so that God will honor His promise to deliver my children and grandchildren. Heaven is real and so is Hell. Our lives can make a difference in where our loved ones spend eternity!

Never forget our children are an unreached people.

Keep On Keeping On

And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off?

Luke 18:7 (NIV)

Don’t give up praying to God. He hears and He will answer. Seriously, who else can we turn to? What are our alternatives? Is there anyone else who loves us and is able to meet our every need? Let’s be honest with ourselves. We hate to be lied to, but don’t we lie all the time to ourselves? Turn to the One who died for us and offers us Himself— He is able! Keep praying, keep asking, and keep believing!

Dealing with yourself takes courage—a boldness that eludes some folks all the way to the grave. –Priscilla Shirer

Are We Being Deceived?

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14:12 (KJSB)

We go about our daily lives doing what we want, when we want and how we want. We try to do what is right and certainly not mistreat anyone—this seemeth right. But if we don’t know God and believe in His son; if He is not Lord of our lives, then even with all this striving to do what is right, our end will be eternal death,