Thought for the day July10-14

Day 1

Cultivate a Listening Heart

Lesson Objective: We must be willing to listen and not just hear.

Scripture:  “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Have you ever been in a discussion with someone and the discussion turns into a heated debate? You talk louder and louder expecting the other person to understand what you are saying because you are speaking loudly. In reality, it is the exact opposite, The louder that you speak the less the person actually hears and understands. If we really want to hear from God then we must become quiet and separate ourselves from the world around us as much as possible and have a talk with God.

Thought for the day: In the busyness of life, create space to quiet your mind and open your heart, allowing God to speak and guide you.

 

  1. The Word of God as a Guide:

Lesson Objective: Understanding the importance of following God in all that we do

Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

When we walk into a house at night time, one of our first actions if not the very first is to flip the switch to turn on the lights. There are for most people they are afraid of the dark and can not see. Think about that in our daily lives. We leave home not really aware of the dangers as well as the many decisions that we will be making. In actuality, it is like being in the dark for we do not know and we cannot see but because we have the sunlight, we depend on ourselves to get through the day. I wonder what would happen if we stopped depending on ourselves and depended on the word and promises of God. There is nothing so new in the world that we cannot find the answer in the Bible.

Thought for the day: Immerse yourself in the wisdom of Scripture, for within its pages, you will find the guidance and direction you seek.

 

  1. Prayer as Communication:

Lesson Objective: To understand that prayer is just a conversation with God

Scripture: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

I remember one day a friend of mine came up to me after Church and tried to compliment me. She said “ You have finally learned how to pray”.  While she meant it as a compliment, I began to understand that many people have and continue to misunderstand prayer. Prayer is not how long you pray or how loud you pray but instead it is simply having a conversation with God as our friend and Father. As in may other occasions the disciples did not understand prayer and asked Christ to teach them how to pray as if it was something to be learned. The model prayer is a simple prayer that recognizes the power of God and identifies two key points in the life of a believer. One is that repentance is one of the keys to an eternal life and that recognizing that all blessings come from God and we should be humble and show gratitude for those blessings. Never be hesitant to just have a conversation with God. Remembering it is not the length or how loud we speak but the sincerity.

Thought for the day: Approach God with sincerity, pouring out your heart in prayer, and find comfort in knowing that He hears and responds to your petitions.

 

  1. Recognize God’s Voice:

Lesson Objective: To discuss the various ways that God speaks to us

Scripture: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)

One of questions that is most asked of me is how does one hear the word of God. This is a very interesting question but one that I cannot answer directly for certainty for the individual who is asking the question. What we must understand that God talks to each of us differently. Therefore, it is imperative that we listen for God continuously so that we can discern how God talks to us individually. In the Bible we find that God talked to the prophets and others in various ways including a voice like thunder, a burning bush, a vision, a dream and even a donkey. I believe one of the keys is having a supportive inner circle of like- minded spiritual friends that can help one to discern.  However, we must never forget that God talks to us through the scriptures. The ultimate test of God talking to us is whether the voice that we hear is consistent with Biblical principles. Remembering that we can hear our own thoughts. Man’s thoughts, Satan’s thoughts or God’s words spoken to us to obey and follow his will in our lives. God is talking but are we listening?

Thought for the day: Develop a discerning spirit to recognize the gentle whispers of God amidst the noise of the world, and faithfully follow His leading.

 

  1. Trust in God’s Timing:

Lesson Objective: The willingness to trust God’s will in our lives.

Scripture: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways… As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Early in our lives we are encouraged to become independent and to trust our own judgement and not rely on others. While this sounds like good advice, it does not take in consideration that we do not always know what is best for us. We often times look for instant satisfaction and are not concerned about the ramifications of our actions. Even people around us who love us can sometimes offer advice that may not be best for us as an individual. Think of Job and how his friends traveled to be with him but gave him bad advice and his wife who told him to curse God and die. Job however never stopped trusting in God and believing.  In God I trust!!!!

 

Thought for the day: Even when it seems like God is silent, trust that His timing is perfect. Rest in the knowledge that His ways are higher and embrace the peace that comes from surrendering to His plan.

 

Remember, as you cultivate a listening heart, seek guidance from God’s Word, communicate through prayer, recognize His voice, and trust in His timing, you will grow in your ability to hear from God and experience His presence in your daily life.