The Blessings of Listening

Last week I blogged about listening for God's voice. I admitted to my own inabilities to hear Him as often as I should because of so many distractions. But, on another note, I'd like to share with you some of the times when I did listen and how it paid off.

There were the times when I was hurt because of what someone said or did. And, hurt turned into frustration. So, I thought, I'll state my case in a nice lengthy email. I made sure that my words were only tainted a tad bit with my angst. I felt my words were kind and made my point. "Good job", I thought. Then, when I was ready to hit the "send" button, I stopped short. I heard a whisper in my heart, "Don't send it." Then I thought to myself, "I haven’t talked to God about this yet, have I?" I paused, sat back in my chair and prayed over the little email I was about to launch. That prayer nudged me to sleep on it. I did. Next morning, I realized that no matter how savory my words were, they could be misconstrued and it just wouldn't be worth the confrontation. I realized the same Holy Spirit Who nudged me to sleep on it, is the same Holy Spirit that lives in my friend.

We've all heard the saying, "Sleep on it. Give it fresh eyes in the morning." Good advice. I know that routine because that's what I do each day after I've typed my blog. Since I always make sure my blog goes live by 6 am every day, I sleep on it and with those fresh eyes I scan it and invariably, I'll see a grammatical error or a sentence that isn't needed or it's just way too long and so I edit something out that wasn't necessary. I like to think it's not just my eyes that scans it, but Holy Spirit scans it with me -- for me! Those little edits are heaven-sent. I just know it.

I've learned my lessons well because there were times when I sensed/heard God whisper and ignored it. The still small voice—the warning. I know that it's so much more than my conscience speaking. Well, in fact, I know that my conscience holds hands with the Holy Spirit, so I've come to welcome those warnings. Because, there were times when I didn't act on those warnings, and it is just not worth the misery it caused.

Today, I count on that voice that causes me to take a little longer before I send a text message, an email, or even speak my mind. I'm taking my time to consider the outcome if I said this or that. I'd like to say I've conquered the hastily-spoken words and said something that seemed so innocent, but in the ears of someone else, were taken the wrong way.

Here's what I know for sure. God doesn’t speak to hear His own voice. No, He lovingly will use whatever it takes to protect us from our own undoing. His voice is not only one of correction but a voice of protection. I've learned to discern His voice better AND I'm remembering to ask for it.

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3) Listen and obey. Simple as that. And when it comes to emails, text messages or real life interaction, I ask myself daily: "Will these words simply make a point or am I using my words to point to Christ?"

Be careful little mind what you think….because thoughts lead to actions and actions can sure get us into “quick sand” of regret! Please save us, Lord, from ourselves. Keep us tight with You – so tight – that we imitate You in our thoughts AND our actions!"

Can You Hear Me Now?

"Heaven to earth calling! Can you hear ME now?
"Good morning/afternoon... this is God. I will be handling all of your problems today. I won't need your help. So, have a great day, and P.S. I love you....I've got this!"

Whew -- what a relief that is! I don't have to worry or fret about ANYTHING that may come my way. No matter how challenging or difficult our present circumstance may be, we are assured of one thing: If we dial-in (call on) God during our crisis, He can, and will, bring us help. Not only will He help us, but He can make a multitude of blessings out of every situation. Let's be encouraged, because as we call out to our Creator, He will turn our mess into a message, our scars into stars, our tests into a testimony! I BELIEVE.....so why should I worry or fret?

Can You Hear Me Now?

God is calling....."Can you hear me now?", He says.
I have this really awesome connection with God. He walks with me and talks with me. And, He tells me all kinds of things I need to hear and know. No, a booming voice does not call down from on high, and there's no handwriting on the wall. His voice is subtle -- almost imperceptible -- and I don't hear it unless I'm really listening. Sometimes the voice comes as a feeling or a knowing deep inside. Other times I may read the answer in scripture or I may encounter a solution to a dilemma by something a friend or minister or pastor says. His voice comes to everyone who asks and listens for Him. Oftentimes, the noise, activity, and loud voices of others tend to drown out His voice. But, we'll always be able to tell which voice is His -- it's that One that comes with love, peace, joy and comfort. If the voices you're hearing aren't like that, they're not His voice. If we don't get the answer we want, at the time we want, God might be saying "Not now" or "No" or "I've got something better in mind for you." Bottom line, He promises to speak to us -- but we have to be listening. "Call to me and I will answer you and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3. Keep listening. The next time He says "Can you hear me now?" you'll hear Him, and you'll answer, "Yes, Lord, LOUD and CLEAR!"