After Jesus told the Parable of the Sower, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear"(Luke 8:8). So, how do we get ears that hear? The answer is clear in the very next verse: "His disciples asked him what this parable meant" (Luke 8:9). If we want to possess ears that hear we can follow the disciples examply by praying and asking Jesus to explain what we read and study in his word. Just like Jesus did for the disciples, he will take the time to explain it to us if we take the time to sit still and wait for him to do so. But don't we have to be disciples for that to happen?
". . . But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop (Luke 8:15). Disciples have noble and good hearts that listen to God. There is only one way to become a disciple and that is to be saved. "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him (Jesus) from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved" (Romans 10:9-10). "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
The Listening Heart is noble and good only because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. There is no other reason. Hearts are regenerated by the power of the resurrection and immediately granted the ability to hear.
Thank you, Jesus, for giving me a noble and good heart that can hear your precious word. You did not repair my old heart, you gave me a whole new one. Praise the Lord! Help me to persevere every day so I can produce a crop worthy of your holy name. I don't ever want to take advantage of my ability to hear. Speak to me loud and clear and remind me to ask you what your word means. I love you, Lord, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. Isaiah 55:3 NLT
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Great and Precious Promises
Psalm 126 holds a wonderful prayer request and some of those great and precious promises Peter wrote about in 2 Peter 1:4. The request goes like this: We ask God to restore our fortunes or bring back our captives. Since we are not in captivity like the Israelites were, we can customize this request for us today and ask God to restore what Satan has stolen from us. Satan loves to steal our time, especially our time alone with Jesus. He sets up roadblocks of all kinds to stop us from spending time with Jesus. He knows time alone with Jesus is the child of God's greatest treasure.
The second part of this request says to restore our fortunes like streams in the Negev. The Negev is a dry and barren land. For streams to flow there takes the miracle work of God. I feel an urging here to pray expectantly waiting for God to supply his life-giving water into my daily life.
And then comes the promises . . .
The second part of this request says to restore our fortunes like streams in the Negev. The Negev is a dry and barren land. For streams to flow there takes the miracle work of God. I feel an urging here to pray expectantly waiting for God to supply his life-giving water into my daily life.
And then comes the promises . . .
Those who sow in tears
will reap with songs of joy.
He who goes out weeping,
carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
carrying sheaves with him.
There is so much to weep over in this fallen world. These promises inspire even more requests of my Father in heaven.
Dear Lord,
As I read and study your word, you have filled me up with your seed. I carry it with me wherever I go. Give me your songs of joy so when I share I will return carrying sheaves with me. Thank you, Jesus. I love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Starting Over, Yet Again
I'm so thankful we have a God of second, third, and fourth and even more chances! He never gives up on us. I keep trying to make a commitment to write in this blog more regularly and then life happens, which lately, for me, has been a whirlwind of change. My husband, Greg, got laid off after 17 and 1/2 years of service to Coca-Cola. He has been off work now for two months. I have been devoting as much time to my husband as I could. Although he feels like I'm never home, I was just doing my regular stuff to take care of business. Then my surgery finally happened on June 29th. I found it hard to concentrate while waiting for that to be over with. And then there is my parents who need more medical care as time goes on, which means more office visits and procedures--sitting in hospital and doctor's waiting rooms, waiting, waiting, and more waiting. I have been frustrated, confused and worried to say the least.
But July is a new month with a new beginning. I have come through the surgery with no problems and hardly any pain. My mind is clearing from the anesthesia and I'm feeling stronger every day. And the day before my surgery we received even more good news. A friend mentioned Greg's name in a passing conversation at the gym to someone who needed someone who does what Greg does--Merchandise Marketing Manager. (Isn't this just how God accomplishes things--by per chance meetings?) Greg interviewed for the job and got it. His new position at Coco-Cola is permanent (not contract), yet temporary and extends his lay-off for six more months. A hint that the job would be longer than six months was implied, but no promises were made. Only time will tell. We have prayed for God to direct our path and he has done so over and over.
While studying Revelation for the summer one of the phrases from the Church in Pergamum keeps rolling around in my mind. As I face all the confusion and an unknown future, the Spirit is speaking the same thing to me that he spoke the churches, "I know where you live . . . yet you are clinging to and holding fast to my name and you did not deny my faith" (Revelation 2:13AMP). Even though I feel like I haven't gotten a thing accomplished, I am clinging to his name with all I have. God knows where I live and what I am trying to do. He will supply my every need according to his glorious riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19) and being confident of this, that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). This is the truth, no matter what I feel like.
Thank you, Jesus, for being a God of countless chances. Please continue to guide my service to you and provide for my family like you always have and always will. I love you, Lord, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, forever.
But July is a new month with a new beginning. I have come through the surgery with no problems and hardly any pain. My mind is clearing from the anesthesia and I'm feeling stronger every day. And the day before my surgery we received even more good news. A friend mentioned Greg's name in a passing conversation at the gym to someone who needed someone who does what Greg does--Merchandise Marketing Manager. (Isn't this just how God accomplishes things--by per chance meetings?) Greg interviewed for the job and got it. His new position at Coco-Cola is permanent (not contract), yet temporary and extends his lay-off for six more months. A hint that the job would be longer than six months was implied, but no promises were made. Only time will tell. We have prayed for God to direct our path and he has done so over and over.
While studying Revelation for the summer one of the phrases from the Church in Pergamum keeps rolling around in my mind. As I face all the confusion and an unknown future, the Spirit is speaking the same thing to me that he spoke the churches, "I know where you live . . . yet you are clinging to and holding fast to my name and you did not deny my faith" (Revelation 2:13AMP). Even though I feel like I haven't gotten a thing accomplished, I am clinging to his name with all I have. God knows where I live and what I am trying to do. He will supply my every need according to his glorious riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19) and being confident of this, that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). This is the truth, no matter what I feel like.
Thank you, Jesus, for being a God of countless chances. Please continue to guide my service to you and provide for my family like you always have and always will. I love you, Lord, with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength, forever.
Friday, June 1, 2007
The Wonderful thing about Jesus is. . .
This week I started a Summer Bible Study on the book of Revelation. Even though we have only eight weeks to study 22 chapters, I thought it best to study Chapter One all by itself. Now that I have gotten into it, I'm so glad I did. Chapter One is full of good stuff, most verses overflow with the attributes of God.
When John starts to describe Jesus in verse 12 (of chapter one), I was reminded, yet again, how knowing who he is fills us with an inexpressable and glorious joy (1 Peter 1:8). Here are a just a few of the ways God fired me up while spending time in his word.
The first thing John mentions is the seven golden lampstands. Seven represents completion and perfection. Our Jesus is perfect in every way.
Among the lampstands, someone "like a son of man" was dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet with a golden sash around his chest. Jesus walks among us as royalty. Our Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow. Our Jesus is pure.
His eyes were like blazing fire. He sees everything. Our Jesus is omniscient.
He feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace. Bronze represents judgment. Our Jesus is the Just Judge.
His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. His voice can be heard by all who will come to him (Isaiah 55:3). Our Jesus is a communicator.
In his right hand he held seven stars. This one has two: We are in his grip. Jesus engraves us on the palms of his hands (Isaiah 49:15-16) and in his right hand, majestic power (Exodus 15:6). Our Jesus is not forgetful. Our Jesus is powerful.
And out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. Our Jesus sifts and analyzes the very thoughts and purposes of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). Our Jesus is discerning.
His face shown like the sun shining in all its brilliance. Those who look to Jesus shine, their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalm 34:5). Our Jesus is the S-O-N who saves his people from their sins.
Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come. . .and To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. . . to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:4-6.
Have a blessed day full of Jesus, Susan
When John starts to describe Jesus in verse 12 (of chapter one), I was reminded, yet again, how knowing who he is fills us with an inexpressable and glorious joy (1 Peter 1:8). Here are a just a few of the ways God fired me up while spending time in his word.
The first thing John mentions is the seven golden lampstands. Seven represents completion and perfection. Our Jesus is perfect in every way.
Among the lampstands, someone "like a son of man" was dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet with a golden sash around his chest. Jesus walks among us as royalty. Our Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords.
His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow. Our Jesus is pure.
His eyes were like blazing fire. He sees everything. Our Jesus is omniscient.
He feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace. Bronze represents judgment. Our Jesus is the Just Judge.
His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. His voice can be heard by all who will come to him (Isaiah 55:3). Our Jesus is a communicator.
In his right hand he held seven stars. This one has two: We are in his grip. Jesus engraves us on the palms of his hands (Isaiah 49:15-16) and in his right hand, majestic power (Exodus 15:6). Our Jesus is not forgetful. Our Jesus is powerful.
And out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. Our Jesus sifts and analyzes the very thoughts and purposes of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). Our Jesus is discerning.
His face shown like the sun shining in all its brilliance. Those who look to Jesus shine, their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalm 34:5). Our Jesus is the S-O-N who saves his people from their sins.
Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come. . .and To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. . . to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Revelation 1:4-6.
Have a blessed day full of Jesus, Susan
Monday, May 28, 2007
The Shortest Psalm
During my quiet time this morning, I read the shortest Psalm, number 117. It goes like this:
Praise the LORD, all you nations;
extol him, all you peoples.
For great is his love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.
Praise the LORD.
Taking a moment to think about his love and faithfulness turned into a whirlwind of thoughts. My list of things to praise and thank him for kept going on and on. When I do this, I usually come back around to the same thought, which is also from a Psalm. I place my name in Psalm 8:4 as I pray it. "What is Susan, that you are mindful of her, the daughter of man that you care for her?" His grace never ceases to amaze me.
Dear Lord, You are worthy to be praised. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! You are my God and I am but one of your peoples. Thank you for your faithfulness and your enduring love. When I mess up, you love me despite my selfish, stubborn ways and bring me back to praise you once again. In the high and lofty name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Getting Focused
Just returning from the Blue Ridge Mountains Writer's Conference, I am fired up! But while there, realized I needed to become more focused to accomplish my goals. A good place to start would be to become more faithful to this blog, which is what I plan to do.
I have also been inspired to write a mission statement with objectives for Listening Hearts Ministry that I want to share with you:
MISSION STATEMENT:
TO ENCOURAGE CHRISTIANS TO GET ALONE WITH JESUS AND HELP THEM MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR TIME WHILE THERE.
OBJECTIVES:
I have also been inspired to write a mission statement with objectives for Listening Hearts Ministry that I want to share with you:
MISSION STATEMENT:
TO ENCOURAGE CHRISTIANS TO GET ALONE WITH JESUS AND HELP THEM MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR TIME WHILE THERE.
OBJECTIVES:
- CONNECT CHRISTIANS TO THE LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE OF GETTING ALONE WITH JESUS.
- MENTOR NEW AND EMERGING CHRISTIANS WHO HAVE A DESIRE TO HEAR GOD’S MAGNIFICENT VOICE.
- HELP CHRISTIANS OBEY THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT: TO LOVE THE LORD OUR GOD WITH ALL THEIR HEARTS, WHICH INCLUDES SCRIPTURE MEMORY, WITH ALL THEIR SOULS, WHICH INCLUDES JOURNALING AND PRAISE, WITH ALL THEIR MINDS, WHICH INCLUDES BIBLE STUDY, AND WITH ALL THEIR STRENGTH, WHICH INCLUDES SERVICE TO THE LORD.
- CREATE BIBLE STUDIES, BOOKS, SEMINARS, AND CONFERENCES THAT PROMOTE SIMPLE CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINES IN AN EFFECTIVE WAY.
- INTEGRATE THE LISTENING HEART WAY OF LIFE INTO THE LIVES OF ALL CHRISTIANS.
Always Listen, Susan
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
The Listening Heart Desires to Be Searched Out
"The lamp of the LORD searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being" (Proverb 20:27).
God uses this verse to challenge us to be ready for the lamp of the Lord to begin its search. Actually, God's lamp shines all the time. Our part of the search entails looking with him into our hearts to see what is holding us back from a vibrant, on fire relationship with God.
God tried repeatedly to get me to cooperate with him in this process, but I refused to dig up the anger, hurt, and frustration over my brother's murder. During the grieving process, my anger at God over the whole ordeal was buried deep in the caverns of my heart. My relationship with God suffered and my hearing of his voice muffled. I ignored him completely for almost ten years, but things changed at the birth of my son twenty years ago. I returned to God and our fellowship was restored.
My spiritual life began to grow and flourish, but not to the fullest degree God promises. A problem remained. I still hadn't dealt with my anger. God would not allow my issues to block the abundant life he went to the cross for me to have. He was like a miner digging for gold, lighted helmet and all. He never gave up. Finally, his lamp shown so bright into the eyes of my heart, I had to look inward. Through lots of prayer, and different books and conferences he led me to, my eyes were opened to my anger at God.
Finally out, the anger melted in his hands and. He spoke to me through his word saying, "Take heart daughter, your faith has healed you" (Matthew 9:22). Since then, I have been tempted to bury anger again, but now I catch it quick before it sinks into the depths. I don't want anything to hinder his plans for me ever again. Up to that point, I didn't understand that life to the fullest means hearing his voice and listening brings more than one could ever imagine. But now I do.
Dear Lord, Keep your light shining, search me and know my anxious thoughts. Thank you for your healing and forgiveness. Lead me in the way you planned for me before the beginning of time. There is nothing in this world like hearing your magnificent voice. I love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.
God uses this verse to challenge us to be ready for the lamp of the Lord to begin its search. Actually, God's lamp shines all the time. Our part of the search entails looking with him into our hearts to see what is holding us back from a vibrant, on fire relationship with God.
God tried repeatedly to get me to cooperate with him in this process, but I refused to dig up the anger, hurt, and frustration over my brother's murder. During the grieving process, my anger at God over the whole ordeal was buried deep in the caverns of my heart. My relationship with God suffered and my hearing of his voice muffled. I ignored him completely for almost ten years, but things changed at the birth of my son twenty years ago. I returned to God and our fellowship was restored.
My spiritual life began to grow and flourish, but not to the fullest degree God promises. A problem remained. I still hadn't dealt with my anger. God would not allow my issues to block the abundant life he went to the cross for me to have. He was like a miner digging for gold, lighted helmet and all. He never gave up. Finally, his lamp shown so bright into the eyes of my heart, I had to look inward. Through lots of prayer, and different books and conferences he led me to, my eyes were opened to my anger at God.
Finally out, the anger melted in his hands and. He spoke to me through his word saying, "Take heart daughter, your faith has healed you" (Matthew 9:22). Since then, I have been tempted to bury anger again, but now I catch it quick before it sinks into the depths. I don't want anything to hinder his plans for me ever again. Up to that point, I didn't understand that life to the fullest means hearing his voice and listening brings more than one could ever imagine. But now I do.
Dear Lord, Keep your light shining, search me and know my anxious thoughts. Thank you for your healing and forgiveness. Lead me in the way you planned for me before the beginning of time. There is nothing in this world like hearing your magnificent voice. I love you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.
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