Friday, November 5, 2021
Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it. Proverbs 8:32-33
He Listens
Do we hear the voice of God in a world that is filled with noise and clatter? Are we listening for the message God wants us to hear? If we are to have the heart of Jesus, our hearts must be those that listen and then act upon the truth spoken ... for His heart is one of listening and acting.
When Jesus encountered the Father in those quiet times He entered with the purpose of listening to the Father. How do you spend your time with the Father ... doing all the talking with God not getting a word in edge wise ... or do you spend it listening?
Dan Rather, CBS anchor, once asked Mother Teresa what she said during her prayers. She answered, "I listen." So Rather turned the question and asked, "Well then what does God say?" To that Mother Teresa smiled with confidence and answered, "He listens."
Can we ever get away from the scene in which Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus? The better question might be, "Do we want to leave that scene?" Do we not want to take the time to listen to Jesus? Isn't that where we belong?
And Jesus answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:41-42
It is amazing how often God's Word doesn't enter into the conversation when people start talking about "God speaking" to them. I guess it gives it more of a spiritual punch to think God spoke directly to them without having to use His Word. But I believe God speaks through His living Word - and anything we think He is saying must align itself with the Word. Listen for the voice of God when you read His Word. I promise you will hear it when you are listening for it. Spending time with God and listening to Him is for one purpose - that you and I might do what He is telling us.
The two words information and communication are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through. We often speak to others like we know a lot about God's Word (information), but is God's Word communicating ... getting through to our hearts? Are we listening with a heart that is ready to act?
Jesus when spending time with the Father had a heart that listened and learned the ways of the Father. There are only two ways you can study the Bible:
· Studying it with your mind made up.
· Studying it to let it make up your mind.
If we would read God's Word for the purpose of hearing His voice ... wouldn't we read it in greater fashion? Listen carefully for God’s voice when reading His word and in everything you do.
"Your time with God should last long enough for you to say what you want and for God to say what he wants." - Max Lucado
