Who to Listen To

Who to Listen To

1 John 2: ²⁶ I am writing this to you about those who are trying to deceive you. ²⁷ But as for you, Christ has poured out his Spirit on you. As long as his Spirit remains in you, you do not need anyone to teach you. For his Spirit teaches you about everything, and what he teaches is true, not false. Obey the Spirit's teaching, then, and remain in union with Christ.

 

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A thug snatched my glasses off and pushed me. Felling angry, my face immediately went to a frown. Things were going fast. People on the side wanted to see a fight so they shouted “What are you going to do about it?” to me. Some were laughing, others looked on with anger. We bumped shoulders and dared one another to strike the first blow. The crowd gathered around us. A teacher broke up the crowd and separated us.

 

• I was angry and was listening to the voice of rage inside me.
• I got more angry by listening to people who could care less about me, but wanted me to fight.
• I was insecure and felt there was no other way out but to fight, because that is what the crowd expected.

 

John explains another reason for writing this letter. He may have been made aware of deceptive people who slipped into the group of believers of JESUS. These false teachers spoke against CHRIST and stirred up trouble with every word spoken. He provides security by pointing the believers to who they should listen to.

 

My Observations:

• There is a voice in my head that sometimes aligns with GOD and sometimes it does not.
• When I listen to the voice in my head that does not align with GOD’s word, I get myself in trouble.
• People can deceive me because of his or her desire to get their own way, BUT the HOLY SPIRIT only speaks truth, so HE is who I should listen to.

 

Humans want to be GOD, and I am human. I mean, I want to be in control with my life and have things go “my” way. When something uncomfortable comes up, I want to be in control of making the discomfort go away, even if it means fighting, arguing or expressing rage! BUT GOD has another way.

 

JESUS sent the COMFORTER to live inside me. The HOLY SPIRIT is there to constantly be in touch with me, guiding me with what to say or do. This means I need to stay in touch with HIM and discern when the voice in my head is following what HE is saying. This requires reading GOD’s word and asking myself “Am I doing what it says?”  I am glad GOD is willing to guide me.

 

Challenge

• Does the writer imply that you can be out of union with CHRIST?
• Have you ever said or done some things that are contrary to what is in the Bible?
• Will you believe that the Bible is GOD’s inerrant Word that you can place all of your decisions through so you can be guided by the HOLY SPIRIT and remain in union with CHRIST today?

Purpose Speeds

Purpose Speeds

James 1: ¹⁹ Remember this, my dear friends! Everyone must be quick to listen, but slow to speak and slow to become angry. ²⁰ Human anger does not achieve God's righteous purpose. ²¹ So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you.

 

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Hearing some words I did not like, I immediately came back with a retort. This set off an argument that made me angry. I then brought up unrelated problems as examples.  

 

• I was not able to hear what was said because I was thinking of what “I” was going to say.
• I was angry so my statements were not fully rational.
• I was impatient and could not wait on GOD to speak to me in this situation.

 

James begins addressing an issue that remains today, namely impatience. He guides everyone to do something different. He uses speeds to illustrate a better way to communicate so GOD’s purpose can be achieved.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is slow to anger with me and wants me to do the same.
• Listening to other people takes practice to get beyond hurtful words.
• Cursing people out ruins GOD’s purpose and so do snide remarks.

 

Words are powerful. I mean, they can grow or crush people. Unfortunately, I have sometimes chosen to crush people, thinking he or she will understand the “error of their ways” and change. So far, this has NEVER worked. GOD has a different approach.

 

HE wants me to listen first, understand that poisonous darts come from children and grab hold of my tongue to use GOD’s words versus my own. Trying to hurt someone on purpose is foolish and childish. I did not realize how irrational I had been until I reviewed my words and compared them to what JESUS said and did to the masses. I am glad HE shows me love and compassion.

 

Challenge

• How and why does the writer use speeds?
• Have you ever gotten angry with someone just because he or she walked into the room?
• Do you get angry quickly with more than one person?
• Will you seek GOD’s peace and patience so you can be slow to speak and slow to get angry today and so you can be used for GOD’s purpose?

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?

Listening to the Cry for Help

Job 35: ⁹ “People cry out under a load of oppression;
    they plead for relief from the arm of the powerful.

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Bonus this particular year was a little light. I had made plans for that money and it just didn’t materialize. Then I got a request from someone asking to borrow money. “Can’t they just get a job?” was my thought. I pouted and reluctantly handed over the funds. Within days, another person asked for money! “What am I… a bank?”

• Sometimes I blame the oppressed for being oppressed.
• Sometimes I look at the oppressed as the problem.
• Sometimes I think the oppressed could do more for themselves so I would not have to be bothered.

People cry out in different ways and I do understand that I have to be cautious about the schemer. But it seems like there were times where I put my plans over people. What does GOD want from me?

• GOD wants me to seek the lost rather than waiting for them to come to me.
• GOD wants me to be generous to those who HE delivers into my life.
• GOD wants me to add flexibility to my plans so that I can move in the direction HE leads me.

When people cry out for help, I still must use discernment, but have a heart that is willing to make sacrifices rather than stockpile riches. Money is not meant for total comfort, that breeds greed, fear and protection of wealth. Money meets needs and as my cup runs over so should those who are oppressed. I should always expect GOD to deliver people to me who are in need because HE said, “The poor you will always have.”

• Are you listening to the cry of people?
• Are your ears deafened by your own fears and debts?
• Are you busy looking at what others are doing and not being generous?
• Why are you waiting on giving?

Can I Hear God?

2 Chronicles 33: ¹⁰ The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention.

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“Why did I just lie?” was the final straw. At this point I was lying for no reason at all. There was nothing to gain so in all respects I was lying to myself. It wasn’t the lie that brought me around, but the question. Where did that question come from?

• There are times when I hear GOD and I choose to ignore HIM.
• There are moments when GOD is telling me to do something and I sit back and close my ears.
• There are periods where I am throwing a tantrum and I refuse to do what GOD is saying.

GOD speaks to me each and every day.  HE placed HIS laws in my heart as HE did every human HE made. HE says “Forgive that person” or “Don’t do that this time” or “Be Strong, do not be discouraged” to me and in my own bumbling way I ignore what HE says.

• GOD wants me to listen to HIM on a daily basis.
• GOD wants me to read HIS word so HE can speak to me.
• GOD wants me to follow HIS ways so HE will make me fruitful.

GOD speaks to me through HIS creation when I can see growth, sun and rain. It’s up to me to appreciate it.  GOD speaks to me through people in calm and trying situations. It’s up to me to praise HIM about it. GOD speaks to me through HIS Bible. It’s up to me to absorb what HE is saying. GOD speaks to me through the HOLY SPIRIT who brings me comfort. It’s up to me to receive peace.

GOD speaks to me daily. HE wants me to speak back to HIM.

• Are you confused or fearful?
• Have you ever asked “How can I hear GOD?”
• Can you stop and look around and see what GOD is saying to you right now?
• Will you let GOD permeate your heart?

Where can I find a quiet place?

Numbers 7: ⁸⁹ Moses entered the Tent of Meeting. He wanted to speak with the Lord. There Moses heard the Lord talking to him. The Lord’s voice was speaking to him from between the two cherubim. The cherubim were over the place where sin is paid for. It was the cover on the ark where the tablets of the covenant were kept. The Lord spoke with Moses there.

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Seven o’clock in the morning was my flight so I had to make sure I had the rental car returned in enough time which meant I had to check out of the hotel early enough to leave in time! On the way to the airport, I mulled the day over in my mind. I thought about the agenda, who I was speaking to and what emphasis I was going to make.

Crowd of people crammed into the shuttle, then on the plane. From that point on it seemed like I was around someone all day! At least 1275 questions were asked of me that day. I went to bed exhausted.

• Some days I get too busy to stop and listen to GOD.
• Some days I don’t have time to talk to the LORD.
• Some days I have too much to do and my time with GOD just gets away from me.

When I prioritize GOD as the lowest on my list then everything else gets put in front of HIM.  I mean I have to work right? Yes, but GOD wants me to speak to HIM first and listen to what HE has to say. It’s not enough to throw an obligatory prayer at HIM to appease my “talk” quota with HIM.

• GOD wants me to find a quiet place to speak to HIM.
• GOD wants me to settle down so I can hear what HE has to say to me.
• GOD wants me to actually seek HIM every day to figure out what HE wants me to do.

Moses couldn’t wait to hear from the LORD. I have finally reached a point in my life where I need to speak to HIM to reduce the confusion and anxieties the day has to offer.

• Do you have a quiet place where you can actually speak to the LORD?
• Can you hear what HE is saying to you or do you feel HE is speaking to everyone else but you?
• Won’t you stop trying to steer GOD and let HIM work HIS plan out for you?
• Can you take time today to praise HIM for the good and bad because it’s HIS plan?

My hearing goes away during trouble

1 Thessalonians 1: ⁶ You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.

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Crouched behind the couch I could hear my name being called. I was already on punishment and I had breached my sentence by going outside when I wasn’t supposed to. I snuck back into the house and hid behind the couch.

Hours later I could hear many people on the block calling my name. Now the mess was getting bigger. I thought to myself “I’m really in trouble now! I better stay in my hiding place.” When it got late I emerged from my hiding place and tried to go to my room without anyone seeing me. Maybe they will think I magically appeared. I actually was wrong about being in more hot water.

• When I’m in trouble I cannot hear well.
• When I panic I cannot hear well.
• When I am in despair I cannot hear well.

No matter how much a person talks, screams or yells I cannot hear them when I feel I’m suffering. I wallow in my situation and cannot move forward. It’s like being crouched behind a couch, hiding from the world. BUT GOD wants me to hear HIM in the middle of my trouble.

• In the middle of my trouble GOD wants me to be still and listen to HIS direction.
• In the middle of my trouble GOD wants me to have peace that only comes from HIM.
• In the middle of my trouble GOD wants me to remain calm so I can see HIS love, grace and mercy even during the trial.

It’s hard to see and hear GOD when I’m suffering, but GOD takes me through the trial to strengthen me, not beat me up like a bully. GOD’s love is incredible and that’s what I need to focus on during my difficult time.

• Are you going through a difficult time?
• Are you wondering when will GOD save you?
• Can you praise HIM in the middle of your suffering?
• Won’t you be an example to others by praising GOD even before HE delivers you?

How can I hear GOD?

Acts 13: ² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

 

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“Man, the women are going to be premium!” a coworker said to me. I had never been to a strip club before so I said “sure, why not?” It had been years since I went to church and I was fresh out of college. Then I heard “that” voice say to me “Don’t go in there.”

 

Of course I quickly ignored the voice because I didn’t want to look like a punk and I wanted to see what I was going to see. After seeing the sad scene of married men ogling over women who really seemed miserable I heard “that” voice again. “Leave and don’t come back.” Okay, this time I better listen.

• GOD speaks to me all the time I just refuse to listen.
• GOD speaks to me all the time I simply ignore HIM to get my way.
• GOD speaks to me all the time I just don’t want to hear what HE has to say.

When the HOLY SPIRIT was placed inside me because I believed JESUS took my punishment in my stead, I now had a leader who speaks softly but firmly. The HOLY SPIRIT tells me exactly what to do and what not to do. All I need to do is listen.

• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I show grace when it’s clearly the other person’s fault.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I pray for the person who doesn’t deserve prayer.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I step away from the sin I am about to commit.
• When I listen to the HOLY SPIRIT I serve people out of love not obligation.

Fasting doesn’t make me any holier than anyone else only hungrier, but when I fast, my hunger reminds me to listen to the HOLY SPIRIT. Prayer doesn’t change GOD’s mind, but when I pray I can hear the HOLY SPIRIT calming me down and taking charge of the situation. Praising GOD doesn’t take my problems away, but when I praise HIM, the HOLY SPIRIT clears my thoughts to face each problem head on!

 

The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me that GOD is so much more powerful than any person, any situation or any sin I have committed. HE is my guide to whom I need to seek and listen to.

• Can you hear GOD?
• What is HE saying to you?
• Have you tuned HIM out to get your way?
• Do you believe HE can use your broken body for some marvelous works?
• What are you doing to “seek” GOD today?

Am I Listening?

John 18: ³⁶ Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

 ³⁷ “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.

   Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

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Winning is the prime objective in business. If you are not a winner, you are a loser! I took that to heart and “won” quite often. After numerous promotions I was summoned to take on another challenge. Get rid of a large number of employees so the company could remain profitable.

I heard the voice of compassion say “don’t do this.” Was I getting soft? Where did that come from and why now?

• GOD speaks to me every day I just don’t listen to HIM.
• GOD speaks to me and tells me to serve HIM I just want my way.
• GOD speaks to me with love and compassion expecting me to follow HIS example I ignore it and crush my opponents.

People have said to me “I can’t hear GOD” and I tell them I hear HIM every day and ignore HIM often. Because I don’t fully trust HIM or I want my way, I ignore HIS cry to be compassionate or kind, or pure, or loving. But when I do listen to HIM marvelous thing happen!

• When I listen to GOD I reach people for HIM.
• When I listen to GOD I always benefit.
• When I listen to GOD I change my ways instead of getting my way!

Miracles happen in front of my face and situations disappear before my eyes when I listen to GOD long enough. It takes my seeking heart to want to hear HIM.

• Are you seeking GOD or your own way?
• Have you intentionally tried to follow HIS ways?
• Will you try to learn about GOD for the purpose of having a better relationship with HIM?
• Do you know the truth?

I am “sure” everything will be alright!

John 10: ²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.”

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Sleep hid from me as the excitement of my first camping trip went through my mind. What was going to happen? It was the unknown. Sleep escaped me the day before my first day of school, my first day of college, my first day on the job or moving to a new city.

Why was my mind racing? Was I sure this was the right thing to do? What if something bad happens to me?

• When new things happen it makes me unsure.
• When bad things happen it makes me more cautious in the future.
• When I sin it only makes matters worse and shakes my faith in GOD.

I wish I had the faith of Abraham who seemed to do things for GOD without question. It seems like I have this habit of trying to predict the future based on past experiences. The tougher my experiences, the more nervous I get and the more I question GOD’s intentions with me.

• GOD knew my faith would be weak so HE grabbed onto my life.
• GOD knew I would serve sometimes and sin sometimes, yet HE holds my life in HIS hands.
• GOD knew fear, worry and doubt would be my comfort zone, that’s why HE put a grip on my life that no one can touch.

GOD is all seeing, all knowing all and all powerful. No one can force HIM to release HIS grip on me. HE made me exactly how HE wanted me to be made. Anyone who has a problem with me has a problem with GOD. That goes for me as well, if I have a problem with someone I have a problem with GOD.

I can be sure, that I am sure, that I am positive, that I am sure that no height, nor depth, nor obstacle can keep me away from the love of GOD. I can’t even get in my own way, that’s how much GOD loves me!

• Do you believe GOD is all powerful?
• Why do you doubt HIS strength to hold onto your life once you believed in HIM?
• Are you making an effort to hear HIS voice?
• Are you “sure” you know HIM and more importantly, HE knows you?

GOD is that you?

John 8: ⁴⁷ Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”

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My life has been riddled with events that most would just brush off as “coincidences.”  A “coincidence” is the explanation of an event that happened by “chance” in a surprising or remarkable way. What I call a “miracle” some would say “the situation was supposed to happen that way.” What is the explanation for the events that happen in my life?

• There are no coincidences in my life, but many times I believe GOD is not involved.
• There are no coincidences in my life, but I try my best to set myself up to make coincidences happen.
• There are no coincidences in my life, but I brush off the smallest thing as a random event rather than GOD speaking to me.

I can go into a laundry list of tiny events and circumstances that makes me very aware that GOD is speaking daily. Delays in traffic, words from a stranger, seeing a person that looks very familiar all have some purpose that seems random. BUT GOD uses each event to steer me to HIS purpose.

• Once I opened my eyes, I could see GOD working in all events.
• Once I opened my ears, I could hear GOD telling me to serve others in spite of my sins.
• Once I opened my heart, I could feel GOD’s love every day and HIS motivation consumes me.

I’m no better than the next person.  I have no special powers, rather GOD has all the power. But I can listen to GOD speak every day and HE says, “Serve even though the service won’t be seen.” He says, “Give even though no one will say thanks.” He says “Forgive and I will forgive you.” Yes, GOD speaks and it’s up to me to hear what HE has to say.

• Is GOD speaking to you?
• Does it disturb you that GOD hasn’t spoken to you if you haven’t heard HIM?
• Are you too busy listening to yourself?
• Are you trying so hard to get your way that you can’t hear GOD?
• Won’t you try asking GOD “what do YOU want me to do?”

Is GOD speaking to you right now?

John 7:  ⁴⁵ Finally the temple guards went back to the chief priests and the Pharisees, who asked them, “Why didn’t you bring him in?”

 ⁴⁶ “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied.

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My boss barked out a question. “Do you know this interview candidate from your old company?” It was a person who had played political games with me and now it was my chance to get even.  Then “that” voice popped in my head. “Be forgiving” was the message.  “Aw man… I want revenge!” was my immediate reaction.

“Yes, you’re not seriously going to consider this person, are you?” was my answer with a feeling of triumph. I had gotten my way, but was it what I needed?

• GOD speaks to me every day; I just don’t like the message.
• GOD guides me in the right direction all the time, I simply choose another path.
• GOD waits patiently on me to follow HIS way; I eagerly choose my sinful way.

People have told me they never hear GOD speak, well I hear HIM all the time. When “those” people make me angry, HE says be graceful and forgiving, yet I choose to be heard and win an argument while losing the war.

“No one ever spoke the way this man does” was the guards’ reply to those who wanted to trap JESUS. I can only imagine what HE was talking about that changed their mind from evil to good.

• HE tells me to look at my sin instead of investigating someone else’s.
• HE tells me to tell those who sin against me they are forgiven.
• HE tells me to look at the big picture of the other person’s salvation rather than winning this argument.

You know how I know GOD is speaking to me? Usually HE tells me to do something that I don’t want to do, but I can see how it would benefit HIS kingdom, not mine. HE never gives me some crazed message rather HE simple says, “Forgive” or “give” or “serve” or “return their hatred with love.” HE speaks in a quiet voice, it takes me to listen.

• What is GOD saying to you?
• Are you too busy trying to get your way to hear HIM?
• Won’t you consult with HIM before you act?
• Will you ask GOD “what do YOU want me to do in this situation?”

Do I really "hear" what HE is saying?

Luke 8:11"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.

13Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.

14The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

15But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

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I had a great discussion with a dear friend this week. He asked, "How do you know when you hear GOD versus hearing your own voice?" This is a very wise and deep question and I can't fully explain the answer, but I will take a stab at it from my life experiences.

We have a very short time on this planet. I do not believe life is an entrance exam for heaven like some believe. I believe GOD created humans to exist forever. I also believe HE created earth to exist forever. So why does Hell exist and why will GOD destroy earth?

I do not understand how or why GOD created "free will" but HE did. When HE did this, HE created scenarios that even Satan could choose right from wrong. GOD did not want robots who are forced to serve HIM. That's not love.

In this "free will" state, GOD allowed Satan to tempt HIS humans causing them to fall. Now humans question GOD's position. They go on quests to disprove HIS very existence. The longer humans exist, the further they move away from believing in what GOD stands for.

Then GOD came to earth as a human, lived a sinless life and died for all of HIS humans so they will not have to be eternally separated from HIM. HE knew earth and humans were cursed and our choice would not include HIM.

Now humans struggle to hear GOD. We constantly focus on the cursed earth thinking we can make a heavenly existence in a place that will be thrown away.

• I can't hear GOD when I don't listen to HIS HOLY SPIRIT inside of me.
• I can't hear GOD when I worry.I can't hear GOD when I think HE doesn't love me.
• I can't hear GOD when I am depressed.
• I can't hear GOD when I compare myself to others.
• I can't hear GOD when I sin.

BUT GOD says if you "do hear ME", then you will persevere while I correct things. HE has to clean up a huge mess Satan created with his selfish choice to try to be GOD.

It's almost like Satan slashed the tires on the bus and everyone had to get off the bus while the tires are being repaired. Then he pulled up his bus to go on another direction. He promises wealth and freedom and endless pleasure as his destination but lacks the power to "create those things". He can only use the things GOD already created.

Meanwhile GOD decides instead of a bus HE will get a limousine for each person. GOD's destination is far greater than mere wealth and freedom from HIS rules. HE promises that by listening to HIM and remaining in HIM eternity will be a place of endless excitement and love.

• Hearing GOD means I can persevere through tough times.
• Hearing GOD means showing love instead of getting my way.
• Hearing GOD means doing any and everything to get the great news about HIS SON to everyone.
• Hearing GOD means not being fooled into thinking earthly wealth is something to be obtained.

I truly hope GOD has changed my heart enough to make it open to HIS messages. My desire is to produce the maximum amount of "fruit" while waiting on HIS return from building a new eternity.

• Are you too concerned with the things of this world to hear what HE is saying to you?
• Can you change the way you view GOD?
• Can you focus on more than bills and riches?
• Are you concerned with bearing fruit today?

GOD heals HIS way and HIS time!

Luke 5: 1One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret,[a]with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."

5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

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I often question GOD's method of healing my life. I never understood why HE had me go through things, but each time I did, I emerged stronger and more faithful.

When I am in pain, I want out. When I am anxious for something, I want that thing right now. When I get an idea for something, I want it to be successful immediately.

GOD has never worked the way I wanted HIM to because I am not a patient person. I want HIS promises without the painful work or waiting.

JESUS saw some guys who had a great business idea. They would fish and make money. They probably got pretty good at it and knew there would be some good days and some bad days. Well, this was one of those bad days. They caught nothing and their business idea didn't look so prosperous.

JESUS climbed in their boat and preached. I wonder how long HE preached. Was it five minutes or an hour? Whatever the case JESUS captivated the audience. The disciples didn't know this was part of the healing process. They had to listen to HIM.

Then JESUS has them do something strange. Go back out and fish again. "Wait a minute, we are experienced fishermen and there is nothing out there today!", they probably thought. They obeyed which was another part of the healing process.

They rowed to an area where they probably never catch fish and lowered their nets. This was the last part of the healing process. They caught so many fish that two boats almost sank. Their business venture had paid off!

JESUS says those great words "Don't be afraid." HE said this because people always misunderstand HIS healing methods and timing. GOD has not changed since this incident. HE uses the same strange methodology on all of us. HE asks, "Do you want to be successful?", then do these things:

• Listen to GOD for a while. GOD wants a relationship where HE does more of the talking.
• Obey GOD for a while. GOD wants an obedient heart that is focused on HIM.
• Trust GOD for a while. HE will have you do something strange that no one can explain. In fact, people may laugh at what you are doing.
• Praise GOD for a while. When, not if, HE rescues you, use your testimony to point people to HIM.

I read the Bible and I see that GOD's methods are definitely not mine. Whenever I come up with a solution to a problem I have to question it because GOD sure does things WAY different than I would. HE cures ailments in me that I cannot see.

• When I am sick with pride, HE highlights my flaws.
• When I am sick with depression, HE brings sadder people in my life.
• When I am sick with fear, HE brings something more frightening in my life.

Each time I am sick GOD sees my ailment in a different way and HE has me "go out into the deep and cast my net." I have never seen a time when HE hasn't answered my needs abundantly.

• Are you willing to trust GOD today?
• Are you trying to solve things on your own?
• Does HE have you doing something strange?
• Can you trust that the strange thing HE has you doing will work for HIS glory?
• Can you be obedient a little longer?

Are you willing to listen to GOD's answer?

Mark 1:40A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean." 41Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" 42Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.

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I don't always treat GOD like HE is the supreme being. I sometimes treat HIM like a three year old treats his parents when he wants his way but can't have it. I throw my tantrum, roll around the floor and threaten to do things until HE gives me my way.

Ugly isn't it?

• Many times I have set expectations of GOD that HE should do things exactly as I have them planned out.
• Many times HE had something different in mind.
• Many times I wasn't willing to accept HIS alternative because I thought I knew what was best for me.

In this passage of scripture I see a man with an issue. He is sick and is tired of being sick. I don't know how long he has been in this situation, but he wants comfort. He knew there was nothing inside of himself that could cure him.

He went after the only solution. He asked GOD to intervene in the situation by using a rather unique approach. Instead of throwing a tantrum and getting indignant, HE humbled himself and begged with a humble heart, knowing that the answer could be "No!"

Realize the thinking. The Pharisees were making money from telling people about GOD. They saved the best for themselves and turned away people who desperately needed help. This man had no idea who he was talking to. He just knew this guy healed people.

He humbled himself and was willing to hear "no" but he had to try anyway. His back was against the wall. He may have tried everything, but nothing worked. I can empathize with this man.

I know when I come to GOD the way I'm supposed to, HE takes compassion on me. When I am willing to ask HIM for the thing I want and desire and I am willing to let HIM steer the situation, I get what I want every time.

• I may ask for one job and HE gives me another. I can praise HIM for giving.
• I may ask for money and HE allows more to be taken away. I can praise HIM for making me an example.
• I may ask out of my situation and HE leaves me in a little longer. I can praise HIM for sustaining me.

GOD is quite able to change anything HE wants to. HE can return today and could wipe out all humans, yet HE chooses not to. I believe HE is patiently waiting on the last person who will accept HIS SON. HE is patient with HIS humans and has compassion on those who seek HIM.

So I have tried to come to GOD the way HE wants me to come to HIM. I humbled myself and asked HIM, "LORD if you are willing..." With my statement I realize the answer could be "no", but I also realize that with HIS answer comes compassion.

HE has this overwhelming desire to do the best things for me here on earth and later in heaven. I personally have experienced HIS blessings many times when I am willing to listen.

• How do you approach GOD?
• Can HE say "no" to you without you throwing a tantrum?
• Are you willing to come to HIM in a humble fashion?
• Do you believe HE is the "only" one who can cure you or your situation?
• Why hasn't HE done it?