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Listen

Relentless Woman, Stop Chasing Feelings And Listen To God

by Christel Berns May 25, 2021

Sometimes we associate what God is speaking with how we feel. It may be true for some, but most of the time, it isn’t. It’s dangerous to only go off of how we feel. That’s why we need to always consult God first through His Word. This way we won’t have to chase feelings but listen to God.

Feelings Can Be Deceiving

It’s easier to trust our feelings because whenever it kicks in, it sends an intense signal to our soul, dictating to us that how we feel is the truth. But in reality, our feelings and emotions change a lot over time. One moment you’re happy, then another moment you are sad. Just because you feel down today doesn’t mean you will never be okay tomorrow. It’s just how you feel at the moment, and it could change over time. That is why we could never associate truth with how we feel because feelings are deceiving.

So, what should we do when our emotions overwhelm us?

Read God’s Word. Reading the Bible is the safest place, because the truth in God’s Word remains the same in this holy book. We should submit our thoughts, feelings, and emotions according to what the Word of God says.

For instance, if you feel overwhelmed by the things of this world and then you decide to seek God through His Word, and you’ve read to seek Him first above all things. Suddenly, how you feel will be subjected to His Word instead of chasing things just because of how you feel. Again, how you feel is not always the truth; God’s Word is.

The example mentioned earlier is just one example. But it’s how we should practice listening to God and not trust our feelings.

So, dear relentless woman, it’s time to let go. It’s time to stop chasing feelings and start listening to God.

“This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do. Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:8-9

May 25, 2021 0 comment

Articles

To Speak or Not to Speak, Knowing When To Be Silent

by Brian Taylor October 21, 2020

written by Brian Taylor

It’s only been a few weeks since many celebrated Rosh Hashanah 2020. And we are in the Hebrew New Year 5781. In a previous post, I mentioned that this new year continues in the season of Pey. This holds an emphasis on the mouth. More specifically, it highlights our call in this season as a prophetic generation that will go boldly speak, declare, and intercede. Something else that I mentioned was that this year in particular was going to be a year where God would have preeminence and would lead and direct us in exactly what we would and should be saying.

When To Speak And When To Be Silent

As I have been dwelling on this, God began to bring to my attention this thought that this is also going to be a challenging year. For many people, the challenge will be in knowing when and when not to speak. There are times, because we are human, that we have a tendency to say whatever pops into our heads. There are others that have the opposite problem because we get a thought, an impression, or an unction but we question whether it is the right time or place to say it.

I believe that this year, there will be a great opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work in and through us to mature us so that we know when and when not to speak. Part of God leading us is a process of being submitted and accepting that we must follow His lead.

Jesus As An Example

I am reminded that Jesus had many opportunities where he could have spoken a retort or give a response to something that had been said, and instead, he remained silent. One such moment happens to be right when Jesus was brought before Pilate to be questioned (See Matthew 27:11-14). It is here that we see Jesus being accused by the chief priest and elders. When Pilate speaks, he asks Jesus if he is going to rebut their accusations, yet Jesus says nothing.

During a time when tensions are high because of the heated racial and political climate, we can feel prompted or provoked. Knowing when to speak and when not to speak takes a measure of maturity. There are times when speaking comes easily. Sometimes it’s not so easy. Finding God’s wisdom is as easy as turning to His word. Proverbs 26:4 (ESV) says, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.”

Let The Spirit Lead You

Now, more than ever is a time where we need to remember the words in James 1:19. We need to be “quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.” (James 1:19) Recalling God’s word gives us a place to begin so that the Holy Spirit can lead us to know when and when not to speak.

In Jesus’ case, the priests wanted to assail him with charges of blasphemy and more. When Jesus did not answer or give a defense it amazed Pilate. How we speak or don’t speak makes a great impression on the world around us. We owe it to ourselves and the world that we hope to impact with the love of God to speak as led by the Spirit. Let this be a year where God, through the Holy Spirit leads you in when to speak and when not to speak.

October 21, 2020 0 comment

Faith

Can You Hear Me Now?

by Daphne Delay December 21, 2019

written by Daphne Delay

You’ve heard it. You can quote it. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Jesus said it several times to the multitudes as He ministered to them the truths of God’s Kingdom.

And now, here we are, over 2,000 years later, and the question remains: Can you hear me now? (That’s my modern version of what Jesus was expressing.) Hear what? What was so important that Jesus would put such great emphasis on it?

First, let’s just acknowledge that Jesus was also saying that not everyone will hear (meaning, understand) the truths He was proclaiming. So it’s very important that you and I not fall in that category. We need to purposefully turn up our spiritual hearing aids so we don’t miss an opportunity to learn the secrets of the Kingdom.

What Did You Come to See?

The first time Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” was concerning John the Baptist. But before He made this statement, He asked the people, “What did you go out to see?” (Matthew 11:8-15). In other words, are you just a casual on-looker? Or a serious investigator?

John Wesley once said, “Get on fire and people from miles around will come and watch you burn!”

It’s human nature to just sit and watch a fire. But Jesus challenged that nature with the multitude. They had been raised to watch for the Messiah and John was the “Elijah” they’d been expecting to arrive, but sadly, most of them missed it.

Do You Want to Produce?

Of all the parables of Jesus, this has to be the most recognized: The Parable of the Sower. And it’s all the most recorded. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all heard those famous words again: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Jesus even said of all the parables, if you don’t get this one, how else will you understand any of them?

God’s Word is like seed. Your heart is like ground. It’s that simple. But seed that is planted in wrong or ill-prepared soil won’t grow anything (and therefore won’t produce anything either). No wonder Jesus asked if anybody was listening!

Are You Pretending?

I was recently told by a friend in ministry that “tares” (or “weeds” as we would call them in West Texas) are actually called “cheats” by farmers. The reason is because they can look very similar to the wheat.

The wheats and the cheats is the most accurate picture of the world I’ve ever heard. Some cheats are easy to spot –but not all. And here’s how you can know the difference: When the wheat has a full head of grain, it bows under the weight of it. But tares (weeds or cheats) continue to stand tall, almost oblivious to their pride and self-exoneration.

No wonder Jesus said it would be easy to spot the “cheats” on the last day. But humility reveals the true children of God. “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

Are You Adding Flavor?

I don’t know if I’ve ever tasted salt-less salt. It’s an oddity in my mind actually. I suppose it would be like putting sand on my tongue. And the mere thought of that makes me wrinkle my nose. So again, no wonder Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”

If our lives are like salt that seasons and adds life and flavor to this decaying world, then it’s pretty important we don’t blend so much with our surroundings that we’re unrecognizable.

Have you heard someone sarcastically say, “Hellooooo??” It’s another way of saying, “Duh. Are you listening?” I think if Jesus lived today this might be how He would’ve challenged us. “Helloooo?? Anybody listening?”

You are the salt. You are the soil. You are the real. And you are the messengers.

Jesus didn’t yell it and we shouldn’t have to either. But we better be listening.

—

December 21, 2019 0 comment

Articles Faith Lifestyle

God’s apps for your life

by Dr Michael Layne February 16, 2018

written by Dr Michael Layne

I don’t really feel all that old but I do remember when technology moved us away from a dial phone to a push button phone. And then a little over ten years ago I actually purchased my first cell phone. This was cool. I could now get rid of the “beeper” and have instant contact with whomever.

The first time I heard of a “cell phone” was in the mid-1980’s while living in Dallas, Texas. One of the local building contractors was telling some us about this new way to communicate and we didn’t need to look for change for a payphone. WOW! What could this be? You may remember the earlier cell phones. A bulky bag that was a bit on the heavy side.

Who knew that we would have the “flip phone” because of a TV show called Star Trek? Well, they say a cell phone gets better with every app (that’s application for those of us who struggle with abbreviations).

What if there was a suite of Apps for an upgraded YOU? It is available. Applications like Love, Joy, Peace, and Self-control. It is God’s will for all of us to become better people. How do we do this? A simple faith in God. One does not need a theological degree to figure it out but one does need a willingness to surrender to God’s love.

“For God so loved the WORLD (that’s us) that he gave his ONLY begotten son (Jesus Christ) that whosoever (us) believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life.” From the Bible, St. John 3:16 Of all the Apps God has available to us, this is the most precious of all….LOVE. God really does love you. Some have had bad experiences with church. I am sorry for that experience, but as long as we have people there will be those negatives to cope with.

If you have been injured by someone in the church I urge you to find someone to talk to about your relationship with God and if you have had some life issues that have driven you away from the church or, if you have never been to church but feel a relationship with God is important, call someone who will have a listening ear. When you are talking with someone about your issue please allow the listener an opportunity to talk and share any information including the opportunity to refer you to someone who may be better suited to help you.

Now, to those of you who have a relationship with the Lord here’s some pointers to help those who will ask questions:

LISTEN: A wonderful gift to exhibit is to listen to what one has to say. If a person has been spiritually abused they are tender and really need to know the person they are talking to can be trusted and will listen without being judgemental. It’s important to not “preach” but listen and pray with the person. This exemplifies LOVE.
CONFIDENTIALITY: If you can’t hold confidence, refer them on to someone who can. The last thing anyone needs is for their confidence to be betrayed. This rule isn’t only for the clergy but also applies to any layperson who is hearing the problems of a hurting individual. Every one of us needs a “father confessor” whether we are Protestant or Catholic. We need a listening ear that will hear our problems and as the scripture says, James 5:16 – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
HONESTY: If you don’t have answers, say so. Be upfront and honest. Over the years of my ministry, I have referred people to others for further help. There is no room for proving how good we are as a counselor if indeed we aren’t. That can be dangerous for all involved.
REFER: You may have interaction with someone who is difficult. Do your best to help, with the realization there are those who have so much anger they will not listen to what anyone has to say. IF you are able to get through to the person that they need to contact someone else, do so. Keep a list of names and phone numbers handy for a ready reference of the clergy, professional counselors, abuse and victim hotlines, suicide hotline and any other resource you feel would be helpful.

Exemplify our Lord’s love and concern for others. This App called LOVE is so needed, so necessary and it will stretch us as we encounter those who are struggling, whether they are family members, neighbor, friend or a total stranger. Download God’s APP for a better you.

Oh, God’s word, the Bible, is the best software for your life.

Dr Michael Layne

This article was written by Dr Michael Layne who serves as an Archbishop in the Lutheran Orthodox Church and is pastor of FaithPoints Lutheran Church in Greensburg, IN.

February 16, 2018 0 comment

Faith Lifestyle

God is Speaking to You: Are You Listening to Him?

by Jermaine Francis February 19, 2017

written by Jermaine Francis

Are You Listening?

Every believer has the ability and the right to hear God

Hearing God can sometimes seem mystical and spooky. Should I be looking for a burning bush to know He is speaking to me? Does God only speak to the spiritual elite? Or those who have accomplished great spiritual acts. No, none of this is true. God speaks to every believer. Which includes you. Yes, you awesome amazing person reading this blog right now. Don’t look around I am talking to you. Every believer has the ability and the right to hear God. The bible says my sheep hear my voice.

God is Speaking Already

Hearing God is easy and hard all at the same time. What do I mean by that? I mean it’s simple, but we make it hard. The easy thing is God is already speaking. The hard thing is for us to let go of control and believe that He speaking to us. It’s not the easiest thing for us humans to do sometimes.

How I Learned His Voice

This is a great exercise to build your confidence that God is speaking to you.

When I was first seeking to hear the Lord. I would go for long walks and pray pouring out all my thoughts feeling and complaints to the Lord. Then I would wait on God to respond to all that I poured out. He always would. This is what I did. I would take a journal and begin to write what I felt the Lord saying to me about the things I just brought to Him. I would start to write at the top of the page “The Lord says….” Then begin to write what I felt from the Lord. This is a great exercise to build your confidence that God is speaking to you. I would always be amazed at the respond the Lord would give back. It always brought so much peace and settling to my soul.
Start by journaling what you feel the Lord is speaking to you. Don’t over think it, just write what you are feeling from the Lord. When you get to the end, then go back and read it. Through this, you will see that God is already speaking inside of you this just give a vehicle to let it flow out.

Learn His Voice Before Crisis Comes

crisis is not the best time to learn how to hear

I see many people get frustrated when they cry out to God in a crisis and seem to not get an answer. I have found many times, God is answering, they just don’t know it. A crisis is not the best time to learn how to hear and know the voice of the Lord. When we are in a place of crisis our emotions and thoughts are all over the place. A crisis is not the best environment to learn. It’s best to learn before the crisis. When we are in crisis we will then know how to quickly respond to and navigate through the crisis by His voice.

Words of Wisdom: Don’t Wait

God is waiting for us to approach Him

Continually ask the Lord what He wants to speak to you. Then be open to receive and listen. The Bible says, if you seek Him, you will find Him. Sometimes were waiting on God to approach us and God is waiting for us to approach Him. Smith Wigglesworth said, “If the Spirit’s not moving, I’ll move him!” We must seek to hear God and know His voice. If we do we will learn it.

February 19, 2017 1 comment