Date: 12-03-14
Text: — Jeremiah 29:19 — For they have not listened to My words,” declares the Lord, “words that I sent to them again and again by My servants the prophets. And you exiles have not listened either,” declares the Lord. [NIV84]
The Big Idea: “‘Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not take pride in one man over against another.’” (NIV84)
It is sad, but I have discovered that hard of hearing leads to hardness of heart. And this is far more serious than any medical condition. I have found the those who hardly listen to the Lord actually have a very hard heart. I have also discover that the more I listen to the Lord the more I can hear Him, but conversely, the less I listen to the Lord the less I can hear Him….
Lifestyle worshipers, how do we listen to the Lord? Is it a still small voice or a loud audible shout? Does He still speak to us today? I think the answer is “yes” to all three questions. Primarily, He speaks to us through His Word. Nothing can contradict this. If we say, “The Lord told me,” or “I feel lead of the Lord to…,” then it better be consistent with the Written Word. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 4:6: “‘Do not go beyond what is written.” Then you will not take pride in one man over against another.’”
So the best place to start “hearing” from the Lord is hearing His written Words. Then we can better recognize His still small voice, or His loud audible ‘shouts’. Join me in being one who hears more because the more I hear the softer my heart becomes. Your thoughts?
Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
— Revelation 2:7 (NIV84)
— Mark 4:9 (NIV84)
— James 1:22 (NIV84)
Lord Jesus Christ, give me ears to hear so it will soften my heart to obey Your promptings. In Your Name, Amen.
Pastor Mike