Listen With The Heart

   Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and suddenly realized they never heard a word you said? It can be frustrating and even hurtful if it's someone close to you. Sometimes people are caught up in their own problems or circumstances. Stress and burdens can be a barrier to listening to others.
   As Christians we can take our burdens or requests to the Lord. Psalm 55: v. 17 says, "...I will pray and cry aloud, And He shall hear my voice." Do we stop long enough to carefully listen to Him as He answers back? Proverbs 1: v. 33 "But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil."
   Listening with the heart is key to understanding where they are in their situation. Hearing not just words but their joy, pain or if they just need someone to vent to is important. Don't be quick to judge or give advice unless it's necessary. Be ready though if advice is given that sometimes it is not wanted. You may find those who want you to listen may not be willing to listen themselves. Your advice may be unwanted or rejected. As a parent, spouse, teacher, or friend, your years of experience may not resonate with them at this time which may stir feelings of rejection or even anger. Remember, only God can soften the heart and make it ready to receive what's offered.
   Last but so important is trust. When we are called to listen we are also called to protect what has been given to us in confidence. As we have trusted in Christ may we show others that we can also be trusted.

James 1: v. 19 KJV
"Wherefore, my brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
1st Timothy 6: v. 20 NKJV
"...Guard what was committed to your trust,..."
   

Opportunities Are Blessings

   Opportunities. The definition defines it as a "set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something." Sometimes it means an open door such as Paul described in 1st Corinthians 16:9..."For a great and effective door has opened to me..." It was an opened door to preach the gospel of Christ.
   I have been praying a lot about seeing the opportunities that God puts in front of me. I don't want to miss any of them and because of those prayers I have seen so many doors opened to be a witness for Christ in some way. I have learned by now though that if I ask, He will answer and I have to be willing to step into the moment.
   Years ago I was coming out the bathroom at the State Fair when I noticed the attendant (at that time they had one in each) sitting and reading her Bible. I stopped and inquired which passages she was studying. She said the Book of Job but she was very confused about why Job was going through so much and didn't understand the purpose behind it.
   Opportunity! I spent at least twenty minutes going over those scriptures with her. It wasn't that I was such a Bible scholar but that God had recently given me more understanding of that same chapter some months earlier. God used a blessing to me to pass on to someone else. She was delighted.
   Sometimes we are on the receiving end of those opportunities. Once I had been clowning at a birthday party at Children's Hospital. I'd stopped by Golden Skillet on the way home to get something for supper. I knew I'd be too tired to cook plus I had all this clown makeup to scrub off. Of course a clown always stirs up a conversation so as I waited for my order I answered inquisitive questions. It has always amazed me how adults get just as tickled at seeing a clown as much as children do, sometimes more.
   My number was called and as I stepped up to pay for it, the cashier said, "Your order has already been paid for." Someone ahead of me had taken the opportunity to bless me. I had no idea who might have done this. They didn't require recognition or praise but had quietly left the scene.
   Conversations also are opportunities that can be used to witness. When you genuinely show interest in someone's story you find out so much about them in just a few short minutes. I've often discovered that they will open up if your words are filled with grace and love. They have often opened up about family situations, having cancer or struggles they face. I will politely ask for their names and if they would like for me to pray for them. You never know how you may change someone's day or outlook.
   How many open doors or opportunities have we stepped into to be a blessing to others? How many have we missed? I know that if we ask the Lord to show us these opportunities He will also give us the courage and strength to carry them through. Let us also remember these blessings don't require paybacks for they are freely given and should also be freely received.

Matthew 10: v.8 NKJV
"...Freely you have received, freely give."
Galatians 6:10 NKJV
"Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all,..."

Who's In Charge?

   Over the last year I had become so concerned about churches and their leaders/pastors becoming so lax concerning the truth of God's word. The fact that there are many that have strayed from what God's word actually says to make it fit their own lifestyle is troubling. Others preach feel good stories and spread the love of Jesus without repentance.

   I've struggled lately and asked God to show me how to witness for Him and be able to stand on His word concerning the issues we face today. He indeed did answer.

   He showed me first that I had a "push when it comes to shove" attitude. I was running ahead and leading the charge with my own sword - (a stubborn "I'm right" weapon) to make my point.

   Realizing that God's word stands on its own merit, not me forcing it, but presenting it in a way that draws those hearing it to Him, I took a step back. It dawned on me that as He opens the doors and opportunities to share His word of truth I need to do so with grace and love.

   Yes, we need to believe and stand on all of God's word even when others say otherwise. We also need to let Him lead us and not let our own self-righteousness get in the way. After all it was His grace and love that brought us to the cross, saved us, changed us and continues to do so daily.

   May we present the Gospel of Christ with truth, love and grace knowing that God opens the heart for change. May we allow His Spirit to bring others to repentance as He also did with us. 

2nd Timothy 2: v. 24-25 NKJV

24. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 

25. in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance.

1st Corinthians v. 4-5 NKJV

4. Love suffers long and is kind...

5. does not behave rudely, does not seek its own....

Ready for the Game

   This week Fairmount Christian Church is having Vacation Bible School and even the adults have their own time of learning. The topic is how God prepared David to face Goliath taken from 1st Samuel, chapter 17.
   Our lesson uses sports to illustrate how practice, practice and more practice is used to build strength, stamina and endurance to ingrain within the athletes the tools they need to win the game.
   Much like preparing for winning a championship or Olympic game, God wants us to be prepared to "win the crown of life," James 1: v.12. Unlike the athlete though our playing field is in the spiritual realm. It cannot be fought and won accept through the study and practice in God's word.
   David didn't realize that God was preparing him ahead of time to face Goliath. As David watched, walked and sometimes ran to protect the sheep each day, God was building David's physical strength. The more David used his slingshot against the lions and bears, the more accurate his aim became.   David also had faith in God that became deeper as he studied and prayed daily.
   God also uses our life circumstances to prepare us for the work and the battles we face or will be facing. He will often use our trials and the hardships we go through to prepare us for something ahead. I have often wondered why God allowed something in my life, then to only look back and think, "Wow! I now see why."
   God has a purpose and a plan for each one of us. We have to be willing to put into practice His word daily to "...press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3: v. 4 KJV

Romans 5: vs. 3-4 KJV
3. "And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience,
4. "And patience, experience, and experience, hope."

Turn Your Back To The Past

   Regrets; we all have them. How often have we looked back and wished some of the decisions we made away? "If only" is the phrase we often hear within. "If only" I'd made a better financial decision I wouldn't be in debt. "If only" I'd been a better husband I wouldn't be divorced. "If only" I had listened to my parents, hadn't used drugs, hadn't stolen, been a better parent, done a better job, been kinder; if only, if only, if only.
   Sometime back I discovered this was exactly what I was doing, living and wasting my time on regrets. It also took away my energy, my incentive and my confidence.
   I thought about the thief on the cross crying out to Jesus, (Luke 23: vs. 42-43). Because he realized Jesus held the "Now" of his life at that moment, he was saved and glorified. He would have missed the most important decision of his life had he focused on regrets. He had plenty and no time to make anymore. Instead he followed the light forward.
   Glory in the moments that God gives you now and be thankful for the opportunities and time to live out those blessings. You cannot change the past by looking back.
   Realize as I did that: *God held the "Now" of my life and my future to be, so I'll move forward,*toward the light that I see.

Psalm 118: vs. 24-25 NKJV
24 "This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it." 25."Save now, I pray, O Lord."
Jeremiah 29: v. 11 NKJV
"For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

*_ Verses taken from "God's Pathway", 2008 - Marie Levy

Moments of Restoration

   Sometimes in the quiet early mornings as I study the word I become very aware of God's presence in my life. It's a peaceful time surrounded by His love and light. It's a place of safety and comfort.
   It was during one of these times I recalled the story of John, Peter and James on the mountain with Jesus as they beheld His transfiguration. They must have been in awe as they saw the light and the power as He talked with Moses and Elijah. This had to be not only a place of revelation but also of peace, serenity and safety that shut out the world around them if only for a few moments.
   I can understand why the disciples wanted to stay and build tabernacles. It was a safe haven away from the trials and sufferings of the world.
   It's in my own moments in these early morning encounters that I too want to stay. It's a place of safety and I'm content to bask in His presence. I don't want to face the reality and the challenges of the day ahead, so my spirit longs to stay.
   But as God spoke to the disciples that day, He also speaks to me. He helps me realize it's the daily trials that allow me to return to these moments surrounded by His love and peace. It's a time of restoration and preparation for what lies ahead. He reminds me of the victories from the day before that has brought me through to this moment.
   I'll choose to trust Him for what lies ahead knowing He has given me what I need for any circumstance I may face. I'll anticipate and look for that special time where His Spirit surrounds me and I get a glimpse of eternity.
   For I know that one day I'll be able to stay where I am, not only surrounded by His love, peace and presence but realize the tabernacle was already built.

Matthew 17: v.4,-5 KJV
v.4 Then answered Peter, and said to Jesus, 'Lord, it is good for us to be here;....let us make here three tabernacles;....'
v. 5 ....behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Psalm 61: v. 3-4 NKJV
v.3 For You have been a shelter for me,
      A strong tower from the enemy.
v. 4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
       I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.

The Perfect Answer

      It was a quiet morning as I walked Lily, my dog in our yard. This particular morning gave me pause to give God thanks for all the blessings surrounding me. My thoughts shifted to all the clover that covered my yard and I found myself bending down to inspect it closely.
   "Wouldn't  it be awesome to find a 4 leaf clover, not for luck but just to be able to see God's glory in all He has created?" God has never ceased to amaze me. There staring me in the face was a 4 leaf clover. I reached down and plucked it up. It wasn't perfect as one leaf had a piece missing, most likely from a rabbit nibbling in the yard.
   I suddenly found myself searching for a perfectly formed 4 leaf clover. I looked and looked to no avail. I brought the imperfect clover in and placed it between waxed paper. I was a little disheartened at first, but the more I looked at it I slowly realized I almost missed what God wanted me to see.
    It was His response to my request to reveal His glory in all things He has created. Didn't I realize the chances of finding that 4 leaf clover after I asked for it was little to none? Let us open our hearts to receive what He wants to show us. May we also see that as life nibbles away at us, things may not always be perfect. Don't obscure what God is showing you with your own search or vision of what perfection should be and miss His perfect answer and His glory surrounding you.

Revelations 4: v.11 KJV
"Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power, for thou hast created all things..."