On March 12, 1933, newly-inauguarated president FDR gave his first national radio address, called a “fireside chat”.  He spoke directly from the White House to the American people, presenting an image of himself sitting by a fireplace in a living room.  He sought to speak to the American people about his hopes and dreams for the nation.  He took great care to make sure his address was both accessible and understandable to ordinary Americans regardless of their level of education.  He used simple vocabulary and folksy analogies to explain even the most complex issues.

”Words from Above” in the Bible tell us that there are some unique ways that the Almighty God of the universe communicates with the people that He created.  Genesis 3 tells us that the first conversation that God had with Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, occurred as God walked through the Garden of Eden in the “cool of the day”.  The well-known hymn called “In the Garden” speaks about the voice of God falling on their ears as He walked with them and talked with them, and told them they were His own.

In the course of time, God frequently spoke to different individuals about many different subjects, especially about special assignments and missions He wanted them to accomplish.  He spoke to Abraham about going to a new land, which He would one day give to his descendants for a land of their own.  He spoke to Moses about leading about one million people out of  Egypt to go to the land God promised Abraham.  He spoke to messengers called prophets about giving special messages to His people about their behavior and about their future.

God also communicated with people in a personal type of way called prayer.  We are able to speak to Him in our own words, using words and ideas from our own personal vocabulary to express what is in our hearts, such as our cares, concerns, needs, and questions.  The apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the believers in Rome that even when we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit of God intervenes for us to express what is in our heart to the Lord.  There is nothing too complex or too difficult for the Holy Spirit to understand, and therefore He is able to communicate our thoughts to the Lord.  Likewise, He is able to help us understand what God seeks to tell us in His Word, including His commandments, His instructions, His guidance, His comfort, and much more.  We can communicate with God by our fireplace or anywhere else through the special avenue of prayer.

Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  For information, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.