Friday, March 24, 2023
The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Psalms 19:7-10 NASB
Hearing From God by Van Houser
God has made it extremely easy for us to know Him through His ever-available Word. There is no need to wait for an appointment for His counsel for He never sleeps nor slumbers. Alongside that, His Word is readily available and amazingly effective at guiding our steps if we take time to listen.
Back when the telegraph was the fastest method of long-distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse Code operator. Answering an ad in the newspaper, he went to the office that was listed. When he arrived, he entered a large, busy office filled with noise and clatter, including the sound of the telegraph in the background.
A sign on the receptionist's counter instructed job applicants to fill out a form and wait until they were summoned to enter the inner office. The young man filled out his form and sat down with the seven other applicants in the waiting area.
After a few minutes, the young man stood up, crossed the room to the door of the inner office, and walked right in. Naturally the other applicants perked up, wondering what was going on. They muttered among themselves that they hadn't heard any summons yet. The assumed that the young man who went into the office made a mistake and would be disqualified.
Within a few minutes, however, the employer escorted the young man out of the office and said to the other applicants, "Gentlemen, thank you for coming, but the job has just been filled."
The other applicants began grumbling to each other, and one spoke up saying, "Wait a minute, I don't understand. He was the last to come in, and we never got a chance to be interviewed. Yet he got the job. That's not fair!"
The employer said, "I'm sorry, but the last several minutes while you've been sitting here, the telegraph has been ticking out the following message in Morse Code: 'If you understand this message, then come right in. The job is yours.' None of you heard it or understood it. This young man did. The job is his.'"
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? Throughout the scriptures God has always put a premium upon hearing and doing (listening & acting). The writer of Proverbs pointed his son to the source of success in life.
"And now, my sons, listen to me; those who keep my ways are happy. Listen to instruction and be wise; don't ignore it. Anyone who listens to me is happy, watching at my doors every day, waiting by the posts of my doorway. For the one who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, but the one who misses me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” Proverbs 8:32-36 HCSB
As a child, I remember being encouraged to “be a wise man” and build my house on the rock of the Word of God.
"Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:” Matthew 7:24
God’s Word is, however, of little use to the one who never intends or chooses not to follow its counsel. It is a fool who fills his mind with wisdom and fails to follow its advice. Those are the ones who fail to listen with the heart of readiness that can alter their steps and lead them to a wonderfully powerful life. James said it this way:
But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 HCSB
Who’s Your One Prayer Guide Day 20
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord’s glory, as the water covers the sea. HABAKKUK 2:14, CSB
God, You have promised there will be a day when Your glory is seen and known throughout the earth. Right now, ____________ does not have knowledge of Your glory. He/she is lost. I know Your glory already fills the earth. It’s seen in amazing sunrises, powerful thunderstorms and the laughter of children. Everywhere I look, I see things that cause me to praise You! _____________ is blind to Your glory. He/she sees beauty and does not attribute it to You. He/she experiences joy and fails to understand You created it. Change his/her heart so he/she can know the Source of all that is great in this life.
