Eyes Lifted

Eyes Lifted

Genesis 31: ¹⁰ “And it happened, at the time when the flocks conceived, that I lifted my eyes and saw in a dream, and behold, the rams which leaped upon the flocks were streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted. ¹¹ Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ ¹² And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and see, all the rams which leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted; for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. ¹³ I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family.’ ”

 

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Jacob explained a vision he had from GOD. Right around the time the flocks would normally conceive, GOD provided Jacob with a vision of streaked, speckled and spotted rams leaping on the flocks. He then heard JESUS speak.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the Angel of the LORD who spoke to Jacob.
• JESUS showed Jacob how HE would change the flocks to take them from Laban.
• JESUS reminded Jacob of his promise he made at Bethel where he saw the ladder of angels.

 

Jacob could finally see, but in a different way. He could see how GOD was working out the situation that seemed like a mess. He had been a deceiver and worked for a deceiver. This situation seemed hopeless. BUT GOD showed Jacob HE is GOD.

 

HE may have allowed the situation to change Jacob from being a deceiver to following HIM. I can only imagine what was going through Jacob’s mind when he was told by GOD that HE saw Laban’s deceit. Jacob may have thought to himself “Is this how I am acting?”

 

GOD was not about to destroy the area like HE did with Sodom. This directive from GOD was to move Jacob and his family back to the area of Isaac and Rebekah. GOD was now Jacob’s GOD. He could go back home to face Esau and also face his past deceitfulness.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about HIS reminder to Jacob about the vow made at Bethel?
• Are you focused on your current situation?
• Have you lifted your eyes to GOD to stop looking at the current situation and believe in HIS power today?

Able to Hear

Able to Hear

1 John 2: ²⁰ But you have had the Holy Spirit poured out on you by Christ, and so all of you know the truth. ²¹ I write you, then, not because you do not know the truth; instead, it is because you do know it, and you also know that no lie ever comes from the truth.

 

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“You are going to have fun” were the words I got excited over. Fun, at this point was amusement parks and games. But the fun described by this group was getting drunk, having sex and missing many classes.

 

• Something inside me said “You shouldn’t go down this path” but I would not listen.
• Something inside me said “There is another way” but I wanted to go the way “everyone else” went.
• Something inside me said “What is being told to you is a lie” but I didn’t believe the warning.

 

John turns from speaking about those who follow the “Enemy of CHRIST” to those who truly follow HIM. He gives his reason for writing to this group, implying that it is because they could “hear the real truth.”  He may have also addressed uncertainty because the believers were being persecuted.

 

My Observations:

• Today’s relative truth will get me in trouble, BUT GOD’s truth has always been a foundation I can count on.
• Today’s strong belief in something outside of JESUS will make me fall, BUT JESUS is the Truth I can believe in without fail.
• Today’s focus on self can cause me to not even want to listen to GOD, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT opens the ears to my heart so I can hear.

 

Ability to hear GOD begins with wanting to hear HIM and knowing I need HIM. I mean, when I do not want to change or want to get my own way, I quickly listen to people who say what “I” want to hear. When I find myself in trouble, I may stay there or seek “true” help from GOD.

 

Humans think they have the answer, BUT JESUS provided the truth, because HE is the answer. HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to those who believe in HIM and they can hear from GOD and adjust their lives. I am glad GOD is so generous and is willing to continue to pour out HIS SPIRIT on you and me.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer address uncertainty?
• Have you ever done something wrong that you knew you should not be doing?
• If you have sought after relative truth, will you seek the real truth by asking JESUS to come into your life and to pour out the HOLY SPIRIT on you today?

Approved

Approved

2 Peter 1: ¹⁶ We have not depended on made-up stories in making known to you the mighty coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. With our own eyes we saw his greatness. ¹⁷ We were there when he was given honor and glory by God the Father, when the voice came to him from the Supreme Glory, saying, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased!” ¹⁸ We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain.

 

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“How will I know the person I am meeting?” I asked. The response was a description of the person followed by “he will be looking for you.” When I arrived, I could see a few people who could possibly fit the description, but he saw me looking and waved, as if to say “It’s me!”

 

• I needed to know the right person I was meeting.
• I needed a clear description of the one I was looking for.
• I needed someone to tell me “this is the one you are looking for.”

 

Peter, in his first letter, praises the people who sought after JESUS without ever seeing HIM. But in this letter he describes JESUS as the ONE everyone is looking for. He goes into detail about seeing JESUS and hearing GOD’s approval. He may have said this because he knew about false prophets who claimed to be the Messiah.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS is the only being who GOD approved in front of many witnesses.
• GOD revealed JESUS to many people so there would not be any confusion as to who to follow.
• Witnesses were at the scene to help other people know who to follow.

 

Knowing who to follow is hard these days. I mean, anyone with a camera and a mouth can develop a relative truth to gain followers. This action requires no verification and feels good to the individual when the “like” or “subscribe” button is pressed. BUT GOD did something different with JESUS.

 

HE approved JESUS in front of many witnesses, letting everyone know who to follow. HE approved what JESUS did so false prophets would be revealed and the truth be shown. I am glad JESUS was revealed and I give HIM all the glory!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer go to great lengths to explain being a witness to JESUS?
• Have you ever been an eyewitness to something that needed clarification?
• Will you increase your faith in JESUS by believing HE is the ONE you need to follow without any doubt today?

Hearing Test

 

Hearing Test

Hebrews 3: ¹⁵ This is what the scripture says:

“If you hear God's voice today,
    do not be stubborn, as your ancestors were
    when they rebelled against God.”

 

¹⁶ Who were the people who heard God's voice and rebelled against him? All those who were led out of Egypt by Moses. ¹⁷ With whom was God angry for forty years? With the people who sinned, who fell down dead in the desert. ¹⁸ When God made his solemn promise, “They will never enter the land where I would have given them rest”—of whom was he speaking? Of those who rebelled. ¹⁹ We see, then, that they were not able to enter the land, because they did not believe.

 

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Wanting to be mad, I thought of all the “bad” things that had happened. Then I heard something within me say “Let it go. Your hatred is hurting you more than you know.” I had a choice. Let go of the hurt I replayed in my mind or move forward, carrying GOD’s love.

 

• I could not hear GOD when I was fuming.
• I could not hear other people when I was upset.
• I could not hear words of reason when I had anger, rage, slander and hurt in my heart.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, warns everyone to listen to GOD “today.” He mentions ancestors who heard GOD, but refused to obey as a warning to everyone. Their rebellion caused death and GOD promised they would never reach the promised land.

 

My Observations

• My stubborn heart is no match for GOD.
• Any time I rebel against GOD, I lose.
• Since GOD is pure love, my rebellion is against pure love.

 

Not listening to GOD is a huge mistake, I mean, when I hear HIM tell me “forgive that person” and I don’t, I am rebelling. HE wants me to voluntarily choose love as my path to all my relationships. The more I choose hatred, hurt, and slander, the harder my heart gets. After a while, I get friends who agree with my hatred and slander and we feel better spreading poison versus love. BUT GOD has a remedy

 

HE wants me to see that my heart is on its way to becoming hard and stubborn as those HE did not deliver into the promised land. HE can open my eyes to HIS promises, but I have to be willing to let go of things HE does not want me to have. I am glad GOD wants to be my guide, therefore, I choose to hear HIM.

 

Challenge

• What warning does the writer give?
• Have you ever knowingly done something wrong and now you have justified your wrong for so long, that it seems like there is no way back to right?
• Will you let go of things that are obviously wrong and allow GOD to rescue you and guide you with the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Being Sharp

 

Being Sharp

Romans 11: ⁷ What then? The people of Israel did not find what they were looking for. It was only the small group that God chose who found it; the rest grew deaf to God's call. ⁸ As the scripture says, “God made their minds and hearts dull; to this very day they cannot see or hear.” ⁹ And David says,

 

“May they be caught and trapped at their feasts;
    may they fall, may they be punished!
¹⁰ May their eyes be blinded so that they cannot see;
    and make them bend under their troubles at all times.”

 

 

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“OoWee! You look sharp!” someone told me as I donned my new suit. I felt pretty important walking around in a new suit. I heard the word “sharp” before but was never called it. Later in life, I met people who were moving up in the company. “That woman is sharp” they told me. I watched what she did and tried to emulate what I saw. I soon met other “sharp” people.

 

• I met many people who were classified as “sharp.”
• I met many people whose minds were classified as “sharp.”
• I met many people who led large crowds, who I thought were “sharp.”

 

The prophets and Paul talked about people who overlooked GOD. HIS chosen people denied JESUS being the Messiah so GOD made their minds and hearts dull. They can no longer see and hear GOD, so they follow who they label as “sharp.”

 

• GOD wants my heart so HE can keep it sharp.
• GOD wants my mind so HE can use it for HIS purpose.
• GOD wants my search to be over so HE provided JESUS.

 

Finding JESUS as the Savior keeps my mind and heart sharp. The news speaks of name after name. calling each person sharp or dull. BUT GOD is the only one who has the authority to do so.

 

HE blinds those who do not rely on HIS SON and sharpens the few who call on HIM for their troubles. I am glad JESUS entered into my life and ask that HE keeps my heart sharp for those HE wants me to bring to HIM.

 

• Are you trying to look good in front of people to gain their respect?
• Are you trying to mimic people who you think are “sharp?”
• Will you allow GOD to keep your heart and mind sharp by allowing JESUS to come into your life and  believe HE is the Savior of the world today?

First Response

First Response

Acts 10: ³⁰ So Cornelius said,  “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, ³¹ and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. ³² Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ ³³ So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”

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“Gullible” was the label placed on me with laughter. Questions were hurled at me with answers I did not know. I would to proud to say “I don’t know” so I went along with what people said. When I heard the laughter, I decided no one would fool me again. I became suspicious of motive, listening intently for lies.

• When I was hurt by liars, I became suspicious.
• When I was embarrassed by pranksters I became jaded to simply listening to anyone.
• When I was told one thing and watched people do another, I became slow to respond until I found out the “truth.”

Cornelius quieted down, fasted and prayed to GOD. He heard from GOD that his prayers and alms were remembered. His first response was to obey what GOD told him without doubt. Peter did the same. He went to a group of people who did not look nor act like him. Peter was obedient to the point of bridging the gap between races.

• GOD wants my first response to be that of love.
• GOD wants my first response to also include seeking people for HIS kingdom.
• GOD wants my first response to also include faith, compassion, mercy and grace.

It is not easy to have my first response to be focused on GOD. I mean when “that” person says the right thing, my first response is to react, probably in a negative way. BUT GOD gives me a “second” chance. HE wants me to pause for a “second”, think about my response and use my “second” response as my first.

Obedience to GOD grows my faith. I am grateful GOD gives me a second chance.

• What is your first response when things go wrong or when someone wrongs you?
• Do you react to people quickly and respond negatively?
• Will you change your first response to include GOD so HE can use you for HIS amazing plans today?

Divine Appointment

Divine Appointment

Acts 10: ²¹ Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius, and said, “Yes, I am he whom you seek. For what reason have you come?”

²² And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” ²³ Then he invited them in and lodged them.

On the next day Peter went away with them, and some brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

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Sitting on an airplane for the second time in my life, I looked out the window with amazement. “Do you know about JESUS?” was the strange question from the woman next to me. I was a kid traveling alone so I kept my conversation to a minimum. I don’t even know how I replied.

• There have been many times when I have met people who spoke to me about GOD.
• There have been many times when I needed to hear about GOD and someone was there at the right time and place.
• There have been many times when I was simply marveling at the beauty of creation and GOD sent someone to talk to me about HIM.

After Peter tried to understand the divine vision, some men approached him and asked that he come with them. These armed guards could normally cause alarm, BUT GOD told Peter to go without hesitance. He obeyed. Cornelius, who summoned Peter, also had a divine vision.

• GOD enjoys sending me to give HIS message.
• GOD enjoys sending me to encourage someone.
• GOD enjoys sending me to serve someone so they will believe in the ONE who sent me, namely JESUS.

“Be ready to speak about ME” is something GOD wants me to be prepared with. I mean HE wants me to see more opportunities to speak about HIM than the “right” ones. Waiting on the “right” opportunity seems to come less and less frequently. Soon I will find myself never mentioning JESUS name at all.

GOD wants me to have more divine appointments where the right person hears about JESUS at the right time in the right way. This means I need to be ready to speak about HIM at a moment’s notice. I accept GOD’s appointments top speak on HIS behalf.

• Are you hesitant about speaking about JESUS?
• When is the last time you have said “JESUS can save you” to someone versus implied words like prayer, faith and even the generic use of GOD?
• Will you get confident and speak the name of JESUS so GOD will send you to more and more people today?

Pondered Answers

Pondered Answers

Acts 10: ¹⁷ Now while Peter wondered within himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate. ¹⁸ And they called and asked whether Simon, whose surname was Peter, was lodging there.

¹⁹ While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. ²⁰ Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.”

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“LORD, am I serving YOU well?” were words I asked after a sermon. Months prior, a preacher had preached on serving GOD so HE can say “Well done MY good and faithful servant.” Not too long after my pondering, a preacher asked another question. “Will you come with me on a trip to a country in Africa to tell people about CHRIST?” “Hold on now, that answer came too quickly.”

• There have been times when I pondered what GOD wants from me and HE gave me an answer I was not ready for.
• There have been times when I asked GOD “What is the purpose?” but when HE shows me the purpose, I question if I am really hearing from HIM.
• There have been times when I wondered if GOD hears me but when HE asks me to do something out of the ordinary, I make excuses or doubt what HE said.

Peter pondered the vision GOD gave him. He could not grasp its meaning. Why would GOD make Peter go against the rules by making him eat unclean, common animals and bugs?

GOD answered Peter, “I made them clean and what I make clean, do not call common.” As Peter thought about the vision, people who he considered “unclean” asked for him. GOD said “Go with them and do not doubt.”

• GOD speaks to me daily.
• GOD wants me to speak about JESUS daily.
• GOD wants me to act on what HE tells me without doubting.

Getting back to the question posed to me about serving in a country in Africa. I nervously said “Okay, I’ll go.” I did not know what to expect. GOD blessed me with the opportunity to speak to many people about JESUS and they believed, even though I was not a preacher.

I simply told the people JESUS saved me. I no longer had to drink and chase sex and parties, leaving my life empty. They believed. This opened my eyes to GOD’s purpose. I am grateful GOD wants to use a sinner like me.

• Is GOD calling you to do something?
• Are you making excuses for what GOD is calling you to do, yet asking “What is GOD’s purpose for you?
• Will you accept GOD’s purpose and seek the lost HE sends you to today?

Hearing Test

Hearing Test

Acts 3: ²² For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. ²³ And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ ²⁴ Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. ²⁵ You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ ²⁶ To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”

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Hearing aids were huge contraptions I was scared of getting when I heard we had to take a hearing test. What if I can’t hear? I said to myself. Nervously I slipped on the headphones and heard sounds, raising my hand at the faintest noise. I passed. But when I got in trouble and someone called my name, I ignored it. “Do you hear me calling you?” They said.

• There were times when I did not want to hear what others were saying.
• There were times when I tuned people out who were “on my nerves.”
• There were times when I listened to the information but was thinking about something else.

Peter spoke about Moses, Samuel and Abraham regarding prophecies they said about JESUS. “HIM you shall hear in all things, whatever HE says to you” was a statement to those who listened to JESUS. But those who did not listen would be destroyed.

• GOD tells me of HIS promise to save me from destruction.
• GOD tells me of HIS promise to protect me from eternal death.
• GOD tells me of HIS promise to hold onto me so the evil one cannot get me out of HIS hand.

Not listening to the fact that JESUS became a human, died for the sins of mankind, and was raised from the dead, is what sends a person to an eternal separation from GOD in a place of eternal increasing torment. GOD made it easy to believe, yet there will be some who chose not to.

GOD gave everyone free will to choose HIM. This is the only scenario where love can exist. I can choose to be with my loving GOD, who cares for me in every way, or not to. I choose JESUS as my Savior and I am grateful for HIS protection.

• Are you wrestling with how JESUS is GOD and became a human who died and was raised?
• Do you think there is no need to be saved from anything?
• Will you consider “love” as the reason GOD did all of this specifically for you?
• When human love has and will fail you, will you accept GOD’s everlasting love though CHRIST our Savior today?

Devout Contrast

Devout Contrast

Acts 2: ⁵ And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. ⁶ And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. ⁷ Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? ⁸ And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? ⁹ Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰ Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, ¹¹ Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” ¹² So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”

¹³ Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”

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Not as vested, I blew off another class. I mean the prior classes were boring and gave no vital information, or so I thought. When I decided to go to class, there was a pop quiz on what was discussed in the class I missed. I failed miserably.

• There have been times when I was not dedicated to what I was doing.
• There have been times when I decided not to listen to what was being said.
• There have been times when I have been present physically, but my mind was somewhere else.

People devoted to GOD from every nation, gathered in Jerusalem. Perhaps the news of JESUS healing the sick and performing other miracles brought them there. GOD spoke to those who were devoted to HIM and to those who were not. Only the devoted could hear the marvelous works of GOD. Others made fun of what they could not understand.

• GOD wants my devotion so I can hear HIM.
• GOD is excited to speak to me as long as I am willing to listen.
• GOD speaks to me with purpose in mind.

When GOD speaks, it is special. HE wants every nation to be saved and has plenty to say about this. Unfortunately when I am not devoted, I cannot hear what HE has to say. My worries and my concerns block out HIS message of purpose. BUT GOD still speaks every day. HE never gives up. I am glad HE cares for me and comes after me daily.

• Are you hearing GOD but are not listening?
• Do you mock those who hear from GOD?
• Will you stop trying to make GOD speak the way “you” want to hear HIM and devote yourself to HIM so you can hear what HE has to say?

Hearing the Truth

Hearing the Truth

John 18: ¹⁹ The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and His doctrine.

²⁰ Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and in secret I have said nothing. ²¹ Why do you ask Me? Ask those who have heard Me what I said to them. Indeed they know what I said.”

²² And when He had said these things, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?”

²³ Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil; but if well, why do you strike Me?”

²⁴ Then Annas sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

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“Your car is dying” were the words I could not accept. “Maybe I have more life than expected” I thought to myself. I did not have money to buy a car, nor fix the one I had. I drove on my occasional trip that would take about two hours, but this time it took eight. The car kept breaking down on the side of the road. I had to accept the truth.

• Sometimes I don’t want to hear no more bad news.
• Sometimes I don’t want to face life’s challenges.
• Sometimes I don’t want to accept the obvious answer to a huge problem.

Annas, a high priest, asked JESUS about what HE taught. He was trying to get JESUS to confess to heresy. The tense situation was magnified when one of the soldiers struck JESUS. This soldier did not want to hear the truth that JESUS spoke, nor did the church leader.

Accepting JESUS means accepting HE is the truth. Being GOD, HE knew the decree of the FATHER,  that if anyone sins, they deserve eternal separation from HIM. JESUS volunteered to be the sacrifice that would redeem those who sinned and believe HE did this for them.

Unfortunately, JESUS has become a figurehead to a club of people who do nice things in the name of the brand of church they attend. Yes, JESUS is mentioned, sometimes in the right context. BUT GOD can see through humans down to the heart. HE wants me to speak HIS truth of redemption through HIS SON and that is it. I accept the truth of GOD.

• Are you wrestling with finding the “truth?”
• Do you think sinful humans have found the truth for which you would base your life on?
• Will you allow GOD to turn your heart to HIM so HE can speak the truth through you today?

Silence Problem

Silence Problem

John 10: 22 Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

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“Please, please, please start” I begged the car. It was not the time for this to happen. When I turned the key, I heard nothing. I was supposed to hear the usual engine noise, but this time, nothing. The silence was heartbreaking.

• Silence, when I’m expecting noise. is usually a bad thing.
• Silence, when I’m expecting to hear from someone. can make me nervous.
• Silence, when I’m expecting the comfort of good news, can make me worry.

The congregation and the church leaders surrounded JESUS, expecting HIM to say something worthy of “their” discipline. JESUS implies they could have heard who HE is, simply by looking at HIS works. HE healed a blind man and they tried to kill HIM. They refused to hear that JESUS is GOD, and that was the problem.

• GOD wants me to hear HIM daily.
• GOD wants me to seek HIS kingdom daily.
• GOD wants me to listen to HIS small, still voice daily.

When I do not hear GOD, there is a problem. I mean, I may mention GOD or even attend church, but there are times when I am lot listening to HIM. GOD wants me to listen to HIM and do what HE says to do. Usually it means loving those who are difficult to love or serving those who will never say thank-you.

GOD speaks to me through the HOYL SPIRIT, enlightening me with HIS word. I find it hard to complain about what someone is doing or not doing when I listen to GOD.HE led me back to HIM and HE can do the same for “that” person. GOD speaks words of love. I am grateful.

• Can you hear GOD?
• What is HE saying to you?
• Will you listen to HIM and go seek HIS kingdom, not for your gain, but for HIM?

Compelled

John 4: ⁴ Now he had to go through Samaria. ⁵ So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph.6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

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“Get up and volunteer” was the sensation I felt as the preacher asked if anyone would join him on a missions trip to a country on another continent. I had barely seen this continent let alone travel somewhere else. I had to go. Something was pressing me to focus on this trip.

• Something inside of me prompted a desire.
• Something inside of me overcame my fears and gave me peace.
• Something inside of me bubbled up joy, excitement and peace all at the same time.

JESUS “had to go” to Samaria, even though it was way out of HIS way. It was a place HE had to see. He returned to a place where HE wrestled Jacob and blessed him in the process. JESUS showed HIS humanity, however, by being tired from the walk.

• GOD sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to guide me daily.
• GOD sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to prompt me to do HIS will.
• GOD sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to have me participate in HIS glorious plan.

I can hear from the HOLY SPIRIT every day if I would just listen. HE guides me to speak about JESUS to the right person at the right time. HE does not prompt me to harm others, rather draw them to the kingdom with love in mind.

• What leads you to do something?
• Are you listening to your own desires or is GOD leading you?
• Will you allow the HOLY SPIRIT to lead you to someone in need today?

Hearing Aid

Luke 9: ⁴³ And they were all amazed at the majesty of God.

But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, ⁴⁴ “Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” ⁴⁵ But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.

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“Blah, blah, blah, “Savings”, blah, blah, blah, “Don’t get in debt”, blah, blah, blah something about credit cards were the words I did not really listen to. I went out and bought a bunch of clothes anyway. I mean I had to look good, right?

• There were times when I did not listen.
• There were times when the warnings were in front of me but I could not hear.
• There were times when I was told exactly what to expect but could not listen.

For a second time, JESUS makes it very plain that HE would be betrayed and murdered. HE said this right after healing a boy and raising a girl from the dead. “How could anyone touch a person who did such miracles?”, were probably the words rolling through their minds. HIS words did not sink in.

• JESUS wants me to hear these words “I love you and I AM protecting you.”
• JESUS wants me to hear “I have a plan for you that you may not understand, but it is great, if you follow MY commands.”
• JESUS wants me to know “I love those who love ME by loving others.”

Sometimes the simplest messages are the hardest to hear. JESUS simply wants me to tell people “HE loves them” but this simple message is block by sin, worry and confusion. Sometimes when I cannot hear these words, it’s because I have either done something wrong or I’m too worried to listen.

GOD wants me to have peace in the middle of the storm. HE guides me to faith when the impossible seems to be in front of me. HE leads me besides still waters and restores my soul.

• Are you too worried about life that you cannot hear the words of GOD?
• Do you think your situation is too great this time?
• Are you absolutely too tired because things do not seem to be going your way?
• Will you listen to GOD today and know HE loves you with all HIS heart?

Being Guided

Luke 2: ²⁵ And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷ So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, ²⁸ he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

²⁹ “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;

³⁰ For my eyes have seen Your salvation

³¹ Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,

³² A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”

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“Turn right here” were the words I sensed. It was not an audible voice rather something I simply understood. I obeyed and kept driving. I had no idea where I was, let alone where I was going, all I knew was I needed an apartment in this city I was moving to.

My aching neck made me seek relief so I pulled into a gas station. As I left, I went down the wrong street. “Turn into this driveway” were the words I sensed. I obeyed and wound up on the grounds of a wonderful apartment complex. I did not know my job was only 5 minutes from this very affordable, quiet spacious place.

• The HOLY SPIRIT has led me many times.
• The HOLY SPIRIT has guided me to safe places.
• The HOLY SPIRIT has enabled the right situations to happen in order to guide me to the place I should be.

Simeon was a man led by the HOLY SPIRIT. I would suspect he did not get this way overnight, rather it took years of listening and obedience to be able to discern between selfish thoughts versus the voice of the HOLY SPIRIT.  HE was led to see GOD in the flesh and to declare the blessing on mankind.

• GOD says to me “Seek first the kingdom of GOD.”
• GOD says to me “Open the door of your heart to ME and I will come in and sup with you.”
• GOD says to me “In your weakness I AM made strong.”

Through ambiguity, fear and pain, GOD is still there guiding me to the places HE wants me to be. HE is not bribed by human money, nor is HE trying to build another earthbound kingdom of slaves to capital. GOD wants to lead me to freedom where eyes are opened to HIM and HIM alone.

• Where are you being led?
• Are you ignoring GOD’s voice and listening to yourself?
• Can you stop for a moment and ask GOD “Where do YOU want me to be” today?

Known Belief

Luke 1: ¹⁸ And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

¹⁹ And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. ²⁰ But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

²¹ And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. ²² But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

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“That couldn’t possibly be the answer” is what I said to myself because the solution was too easy. I mean all the other problems on the test seemed excruciatingly hard. Why was this one so easy? I decided to go with my second guess answer and chose to make my answer more complicated than it needed to be. I got that problem wrong, it was as easy as my first thought.

• Sometimes I second guess.
• Sometimes I rethink something that has already been thought out.
• Sometimes my fears make me relook at something that is already planned and in the middle of execution.

Zacharias was a priest and probably knew the history of Abraham and Sarah having a baby in their advanced age, yet he questioned if GOD was able to do the same for him and his wife. Even though he knew an angel was standing in front of him, he still did not believe. I do the same. Sometimes I know what GOD can do and I second guess HIS methods.

• GOD wants me to practice having faith in HIM so it will grow.
• GOD wants me to take baby steps with my faith until I can handle larger amounts of faith.
• GOD wants me to steadily grow in HIM so I can immediately believe what HE says to me without pouting about HIS timing.

GOD fulfills HIS words “in their own timing.” HIS plan is intricate and involves other people. Sometimes other people are not yet ready so the plan HE has for me gets extended. Zacharias motioned to the people to calm down rather than clutching his throat in pain.

He knew this slight gaff in belief caused him to become mute temporarily. This “timeout” more than likely strengthened his belief in what he already knew. He accepted GOD’s power and acted accordingly. GOD wants me to believe without question. This takes practice.

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Do you think HIS timing for HIS promised blessings are wrong?
• Are you angry at GOD because HE chastens HIS chosen ones including you?
• Will you believe in HIS ways immediately more and more each day?

Hearing is Believing

Mark 9: ⁷ And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” ⁸ Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves.

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Stunned, I just sat there. I heard the store guard say “Listen to me” and I came out of my dazed stupor. I guess the shock of being chased by yet another gang got to me this time. I could now hear.

• Sometimes I am so shocked that I cannot hear.
• Sometimes I am so wrapped up in my world that I cannot hear.
• Sometimes things are so overwhelming that I cannot hear.

Stunned is what the disciples felt when they saw Elijah and Moses and knew who they were. Their minds could not grasp what was going on. Suddenly a voice out of the cloud spoke to them. “This is MY beloved SON. Hear HIM!” They could now focus.

• GOD says to me “Believe in MY one and only SON.”
• GOD says to me “Listen to the ONE who can save you and the rest of the world.”
• GOD says to me “HE is the only way, the only truth and the only life.”

Hearing is truly believing. When I can hear with my “heart” then I can believe. Unfortunately my heart attacks truth when it is filled with anger, hatred, lust, envy or doubt. BUT GOD is faithful and just to clean my heart and clear my thoughts long enough to hear HIM. HIS SON is who I should listen to.

• Are you stuck?
• Are the ears to your heart closed and you cannot hear GOD?
• Can you stop fighting GOD and release what you are holding onto?

Looking and Listening

Matthew 13: ¹⁶ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. ¹⁷ For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

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Seeing and hearing GOD are two things that eluded me for the longest. I just wanted to hear the movie like voice, booming through the clouds. I also desired to see the hand people always paint, reaching down to pick me up. Wouldn’t seeing and hearing make me believe more?

• My faith in GOD has sometimes been small.
• My faith in GOD has sometimes been mixed in with fear and doubt.
• My faith in GOD has sometimes had a dangerous mix of “prove YOURSELF.”

“If YOU are GOD, then why don’t YOU…” has been a thought that has popped into my mind This thought is one that I have learned is the most dangerous one to entertain. It questions HIS being, authority and love. It also introduces my doubt which leads me to need for HIM to boom HIS voice and reach down in ways my small faith can understand.

• GOD shows me HIS hand when HE feeds me daily.
• GOD talks to me through HIS word and HIS SPIRIT.
• GOD gives me purpose of spreading HIS word to those who can hear it.

Every day GOD shows me something and says a lot to me. HE takes my fears, doubts and worries and transforms them into faith, love and peace. HE walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. Now I expect to be attacked and I also expect that GOD will protect.

• Are you looking tor GOD?
• Do you want a sign from HIM?
• Can you seek HIS face in a different way by seeking to do HIS will?
• Will you listen for HIM by reading HIS word today?

Hearing a Story

Matthew 13: ¹⁰ The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”

¹¹ He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. ¹² Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. ¹³ This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;
    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

¹⁴ In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
¹⁵ For this people’s heart has become calloused;
    they hardly hear with their ears,
    and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
    hear with their ears,
    understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’

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“But what will I do about my family” were the words the employee said to me as I prepared to let them go. Someone told me I had to be tough to handle this type of work.

• I have been in positions where a heart of stone was necessary.
• I have been in roles where a cold heart was applauded.
• I have been in organizations where callouses on the heart were welcome.

“Business is business” was the mantra, yet many were getting hurt by calloused hearts. What was I to do?

• GOD said to me “Open your heart and let ME in.”
• GOD said to me “I will turn your stony heart into one that can hear MY words.”
• GOD said to me “When you can hear MY words, I will provide you with abundance.”

Blind, deaf and mute was my path when my heart was calloused. I could not see GOD, hear HIS direction or speak on HIS behalf, yet I was “successful” in human terms. GOD wants me to have “treasure in heaven” which does not rust or moths cannot eat. HE desires me to have a heart for HIM.

• Do you love you more than GOD?
• Do you find your heart getting colder and colder towards others?
• Can you ask GOD to ignite your heart for others so HE can provide you with abundance?