"Is God Listening?"
With recent world events being as they are I’ve heard numerous people ask “Is God listening?”
As valid as this question seems, I think another question is more valid to ask. “Are WE listening to God?”
WE are always on God’s list. He is not only “the man with the ultimate plan;” His arms are never too short to reach us, and His power never to ineffective or weak to help. Not just to help, but, to totally deliver us from any and all situations.
Through the adversity of war, economic hardship and the calamity and nonsensical violence and hatred (sin) of this world; God remains the Bible says our “stay and prop” that is the rock on which we cling to and the pole (support) that keeps us upright.
We are on His list. Is He on ours? Let’s not just make time for God when “tragedy and misfortune visit us.” Let’s take time to visit with Him daily.
We will tell Him what is on our minds. And He will show us what is on His. For sure what is on His mind is loving us. Challenging us to change, all the while loving us to Him.
Is God listening? Yes! Are we?
SHL
© A.M.2006
posted by SHL @ 8/11/2006 01:00:00 PM
8 Comments:
Hey, Everyone!
Just "blogging in."
I was thinking today about a Bible story in Acts 3. Peter and John were working their way to the temple at "the hour of prayer" (3 O'clock)
A man crippled from birth was there at the gate begging for alms.
It says that the disciples gazed "intently" at the crippled man.
Obviously, the man was busying himself with the job of
collecting donations; His main occupation and source of income.
Jesus gazes "intently" at us. He wants our attention. He doesn't need it. He asks for it. He wants us to know, He "has got something for us." Eternal life.
The disciples wanted to get the crippled man's attention. I am glad the crippled man paid attention to the disciples. What they were able to give the man spends better than money. It lasts a lot longer! And it changed his life, forever.
Furthermore, the "Spirit" the Holy Spirit) that resided with the disciples, that resided with Jesus, remains today. To touch and to heal. And to save.
Jesus is anxiously awaiting to change your life--forever. Why not give Him a chance?
His Spirit remains and His message the same. "Come all who are weary and heavy laden...I will give you rest."
SHL
Hello, All.
I hope everyone is well.
I helped my neighbor move yesterday and today. She doesn't test my faith, because that's my spirit. But, boy she can try my patience. That's my flesh.
I have sympathy for people who fall on hard times. (not of their own doing) But, when it is plainly their fault, in that they constantly make poor choices that lead them to an extreme situation; then it tries my patience.
Many times, when this happens it's under the guise that God is "not looking out for them." or "when is He going to help me?" Perhaps self restraint could have aided you in avoiding this predicament.
While this was happening I thought of Romans 10:2-3, Amp. "I bear witness that they have a [certain] zeal and enthusiasm for God, but it is not enlightened and according to [correct and vital] knowlege. For being ignorant of the righteousness that God ascribes [which makes one acceptable to Him in word, thought and deed] and seeking to establish a righteousness (a means of salvation) of their own, they did not obey or submit themselves to God's righteousness."
God is trying to establish Himself in us. Make a home. Move in. It's hard for Him to move right on in if our life is not a welcome place for Him to be.
Enthusiasm is great for ballgames and high fives. God doesn't mind it either. But, I think He would rather have our obedience and love and relationship.
God will take the high fives and the shouts as long as it comes with a commitment to Him and not just a way to get something we want or need from Him.
God's not a vending machine. But He is a vehicle of change. If you welcome Him in to your life, He will come in and change you. Love you. Save you.
Here's a shout out to My King! I love you, God. Not for what You do for me--but just because of who You are!
SHL :)
Closer To Heaven??
I was discussing the horrific plane crash in Kentucky today with a church member. All aboard but one survived.
Their response: "Well, at least when you're in a plane and it crashes your closer to heaven."
Ah...ok. Is flying in a plane that crashes get a closer to heaven??
Faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior is the only guarantee we will ever get "close to heaven."
We not only "get close" to heaven when we are saved; (accept Him as Savior), we are guaranteed that our life after will be in eternity with God.
That's the only guarantee I trust. A kitchen drawer at my house is filled with warranties and guarantees. There is only waiver or condition on them: they are "limited warranties."
God's guarantee comes with no stings and no limitations.It provides full coverage...for ever.
I understand that sometimes people say things that will make them and others feel better when they encounter a bad situation. Like what my church member said.
In my opinion facing eternity without God, and not knowing where you are going when you die, is a bad situation.
Let me say something to you that I hope will make you feel better. I don't know who you are, but, God does.
I am praying for you, and I hope you will secure yourself a place with God in your eternal life to come.
Your life with God starts the moment you become a Christian. And ends...never.
Put your trust in the only God who can guarantee your life for this life...and beyond.
Cry out to Him with your heart, give Him your life and ask Him to save you now.
He will hear you, He will save you...guaranteed.
SHL
“Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance…” James 1:2, Amp.
In the midst of hardship it’s hard for us to see beyond where we are at to where we could be in just... seconds.
During this time many people think back to the tragedies of 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina. Not that they shouldn’t. We should be praying for the families of those who perished and for those who are still suffering from the physical and emotional hurts of these tragedies.
I hope and pray that these people are on our minds throughout the year. We need to lift them up. They are on God’s list.
God is giving them His full attention. Many doubt that God even had a “list” and wondered “where He exactly was when all of this [these things] were going on.”
Be assured that God was in the midst of it all, as He always is. His “list of concern” also had the names of those that perished.
I am not God. Gladly so! If I was I would have trouble holding my temper when I see injustice and wrong. (I am glad He is who He is!) It’s hard for us to understand that terrible things happen. And yes, innocent people die. And “how could this be part of God’s plan?”
God is not asking us to think and act like Him. That’s His job. He is just “asking” us to believe, in Him and His plan. And even when we don’t understand why things seem so horribly wrong and so “out of sync,” He just wants us to believe that He is in control. That He cares for us. And that we should “trust” Him.
How can having faith require us to not to ask "why?” In our humanness “why” is the word that seems to ease our extreme “sadness” and “uncomfortable-ness” at what life seems to bring.
Asking God “why” makes us feel better. Putting our trust in Him will not only make us feel better, it lets Him “ease our burdens and lighten our load.”
©A. Miller 2006
I love you Father. Even when I don't understand. When all "hell" seems to be coming in around me, I choose to trust you. I choose to believe that you are in control. And I know that I am "on your mind and on your list." In Jesus' Name, Amen.
SHL
SHL
SHL
Hey---SHL
I really love your stuff. I just like to read it all. It's really cool. I just love to check it out.
Wish you could write more...
Brandon K.
Dear SHL:
Yes. God is listening. He is not only listening but the MIRACLE is He's answering our prayers. I have a special prayer request. I was a foster child and I did some research in the foster care system. In the search, I discovered that some infants and children with AIDs in the foster care systerm are being tested with HIV drugs. In some instances, the drugs are too strong and there are horrific side effects, and some of the children even die. I believe God has listened and heard their cry. Please join me in prayer that God will help these infants and children. If you would like, you may view my website at www.blessingwithwords.com. God Bless you. Beverly
Hey, Beverly
Thanks for blogging. And thank you for bringing our attention to the foster care system and the little known world of AIDS testing.
We will be praying for you. Bless you.
SHL
Hello, Everyone!
It's a great day in the Lord!
I am glad that my posting prompted so many emails! Feel free to comment on the blog!
"Brandon K"-you rock! Thank you for the encouragement. I told you that I would print your comments in our eNewsletter and I will. I haven't forgotten...it's been a litle busy...everywhere.
When we forget something does that "indicate" it means little to us? That our priority concerning whatever situation or thing we forgot is diminished?
No. Life has a way of always coming at us. The "now" is always in front of us.
When we are enjoying our "now" let's take time to remember the one who who made those "nows" possible.
And the one who secures our future...for all eternity...our King, Jesus.
Have a blessed weekend.
SHL :)
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