I consider it a privilege to know each of you. I know some better than others, but on the whole I know you are all good people. You help your friends, and you often help people you don’t even know. In a sense we are all like brothers and sisters. Perhaps not as close as your fellow club brothers, but even so we share a special connection of respect, trust and yes even love.

I have heard several of you call me pastor, and so I am, though not ordained. Some of you have been brought up to think of a pastor or priest as someone very special. Someone who has dedicated their life to God, someone who is extra holy.

Now I don’t want to mess with your head too much, but you do need to know that there is very little difference between me and you. Like you I make lots of decisions each day. Some good, and some not so good. On my own I often make pretty good decision, usually, but my odds of success are really no different than yours.

There is one thing though that I do that improves my chances of success dramatically. You might wonder what that is, and I will tell you, thought it is so simple you may not believe me. You see, the one thing I do that makes a difference is, I listen for that voice in my head that tells me to do something for someone or say something to them that will encourage them. It’s not hard really, and many of you already know what I am talking about. You just have to start sorting out the noise in your head. is it other peoples voices, your own voice, God’s voice or that other guy.

Some of you probably think I’m crazy by now, and there are certainly lots of people in mental hospitals that hear voices in their heads, but I challenge you to consider the possibility that every thought you have may not be your own. I should also mention that sorting out those thoughts won’t always be easy. The one standard I use to help me decide who is speaking to me, is the Bible. If the thought is consistent with God’s word, then it must be from God. If it isn’t, then it’s either my thought, or that other guy we don’t talk about.

We tend to think our thoughts are our own, and if I think it, it must be true. But if you take a moment to evaluate your thoughts, you might find I am right.

It is a great adventure to recognize the voice of God in your head, and to respond to it in the affirmative and then see how God can work through you. I can’t say I do this every day, but when I do, the result is almost always amazing.

You see, I am really nothing special, but when I listen to the voice of God and respond. Very special things happen, and I am blessed beyond words.

Matt 17:5 (NIV) While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

I’m listening, how about you?