Listening

You're probably familiar with the saying that God gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason- to listen before we speak- how true, how true. Sometimes as I look at this world, I wonder if listening skills are diminishing. First we have so much auditory bombardment- radios, TVs, telephones, cell phones that can play whatever ring tone you want. Secondly, the world of computers can compete for our time that we spend in relationship with people and therefore again we don't have to practice and perhaps refine our listening abilities. Thirdly, I think, and I know this is true for myself, I can be thinking of what I need to do or my mind wanders as I make a poor attempt to listen. This week I've been sensitive to the word "listen". I'm excited as I am a part of a women's Bible Study that is going to be talking about grace. One of the activities comprised of two women one taking a turn being the speaker and the other one being the listener. Then we had to record what our experience was like as the speaker and as the listener- one of the questions was- what in the listener's manner helped or hindered your ability to pay attention to your life experiences and God's presence in it? Another pair of women mentioned how their short responses to one another fostered more communication- to allow the speaker to remain talking and to try not to interject too much.

As I woke up this morning Psalm 50 popped into my head. Here is what verse 7 says: "Hear, O My people, and I will speak." I believe that God speaks to us today. I'm excited to hear His voice- Lord what do You want today- what are Your thoughts, what is Your will. That God wants to speak to US- and to hear kingdom words- of how we might be a blessing to others, in ways that gives God the glory. I love that God knows specifics that can only be attributed to Him alone. But I get pumped b/c that is what we talked about in church today- listening to what the spirit has to say- having Him reveal to us what is in His plan. As I read Oswald Chambers- Utmost for His Highest today- talked about the Holy Spirit talking to us. I love that the Holy Spirit lives inside of us- that He does talk, He counsels us and that He wants us to pray continually- to give thanks continually. So God, what are you up to today? Help me to listen to you- that I may respond and b/c of my response, my obedience of agreeing that Lord Your way is the right way- He's going to talk to me more and I can talk to Him. I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live."

Young entrepreneurship

Today I was at the Farmer's Market and I had to smile as this little boy named Seth was selling acorns for 1 cent. Memories flooded back from Charlie Brown as I thought of lemonade stands and advice from Lucy. It warmed my heart as so many adults came and bought some acorns or gave him donations.

Answered prayer continued...

Last night after I wrote my blog, I was reading this book entitled "Let Prayer Change Your Life" and I'm going to write the last part of the chapter. So appropriate after what I wrote last night...

"I learned that prayer is not a monologue to a deaf God, but a conversation with a God who hears prayer. Prayer is not helping God with an answer; it is asking God to help. It is not telling God what to do; it is telling Him my needs. It isn't so much for the disciplined as for the undisciplined! Prayer is not necessarily meant to be an easy joy ride, but it definitely is a spiritual discipline that produces joy! Prayer is not just coming to Jesus; it is letting Jesus come into me! Prayer is not only for the educated, seminatry scholar; it is for anyone who will practice, perservere, and plan to pray! Prayer is not a substitute for time in the Word; it will lead to the Word. Prayer is not for the impatient, but for the one who waits! Prayer is not a place to boast, but a place to confess. Prayer is not my motivating God, but God's motivating me. Prayer is not a waste of time; it is an appointment with the King of kings! My perspective of prayer and God changed!"

So true....

Answered Prayer

Prayer- what is it exactly? Why do I pray sometimes without expectation? Why don't I get ecstatic over answered prayer? When I see answered prayer, why doesn't that propel me to pray more?

However- today was answered prayer- no doubt about it. Truly this wasn't something contrived by man, only the LORD in His might could do this & I praise Him for it! I want to pray- I want to pray earnestly, and believing that God can and will do so much more than we can imagine.

Are you discouraged? Don't be- God does answer prayer, especially when we seek Him- even in the little things.