Are You Listening?

Can’t tell you how many times my Mom asked, “Are you listening to me?” when I was a kid! It was probably because I got that glazed look in my eyes as she droned on about something stupid I had done. You know, where your brain kind of kicks into neutral & everything sounds like the teacher on the Peanuts cartoon… “Whoppa whop whop whop whoppa…”. I’ve got to be honest with you, I confess, as a man I’ve gotten that same look when my wife drones on about something stupid I have done. Same sound, “Whoppa whop whop whop whoppa..” And again, “Are you listening to me?” or “Did you hear a single thing I said.” Truth is, men, like kids, hear SOME of it. Enough to keep us out of trouble MOST of the time.

While we can laugh at ourselves, it’s often sadly true with our relationship with God. We hear just enough to try to keep us out of trouble MOST of the time. Just like our families long to have a better, deeper communication with us, God longs for us to hear His heart. He’s not droning on about something stupid we’ve done, He’s trying to draw us into a close relationship.

As God was calling the young boy (who would be the prophet & spiritual leader for Israel) Samuel, God called out repeatedly but Samuel misunderstood the call. Sam thought it was just the old priest he served calling after him. It was a much higher call. Finally Sam answered rightly:
"And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.” I Sam. 3:10 NLT
God is calling to us daily. Can you hear Him? You might say, “How do I know His voice?” (I hear that a lot.) Many are ‘restarting’ their lives & careers and others rebuilding a life. While others of you may be just starting out in education & hitting life’s path. So, how can you know God’s voice?
The author Henry Blackaby gave some great insights on God’s calling. He shares that God calls to us by His Spirit through: “His people (the church & spiritual leaders), through circumstances, through prayer, & through His word.” I find the last one the most sure-fire way to not mistake His voice.

If you have questions about: “Where to from here, Lord?”, why not pick up His word, the bible, (or spiritual instruction manual for life) & seek His will. I’ll help in any way I can. Again, I don’t know all the answers, I simply know The Answer…Jesus.

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Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org cell 870-217-937