For the past two years, I have had to use hearing aids in both ears. Finally, I grew tired of saying “huh” or “what’ to people around me. I kept missing conversations, particularly in large groups of people. My doctor said that, between scaring from childhood ear infections, leaf blowers and my shooting guns without ear protection, I pretty much ruined my hearing. Having said all this, I still really have to concentrate to hear people clearly. In the same way, I have to concentrate to hear God’s voice in my inner being. This reminds me of the story of Elijah on the mountain after fleeing from Jezebel:
1 Kings 19:11-13 (NIV)
11 The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.”
I can easily miss that “still small voice” if I do not concentrate. That concentration can only come when I am still myself. I do that best first thing in the morning. I get my coffee, go to my office, and begin my quiet time. The problem arises when I treat this time as something to be done and check it off my “to do list” for the day and let the business of the day creep into my “quiet time.” Often, busyness and noise get in the way of “hearing” God’s voice. We, as a culture, are addicted to both. Stillness and listening are the best ways to hear God in your inner being. I have often quoted Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” Yet, being still is so very difficult for me!
Another problem in hearing God speak is in our prayer life. We pray our list of prayers and then go about our day, never stopping to listen to see if he might answer in His still small voice or through His Word. It is sort of like our phoning a loved one, saying everything we want to say and then hanging up. I can imagine them saying, “How rude, they never gave me a chance to respond or share my thoughts.” I wonder if the Lord sometimes feels that way! In addition, do I really expect Him to speak to me, not audibly but speak to me qqnonetheless?
Our posture in hearing the Lord should be that of Elijah when he heard the Lord calling in I Samuel 3:10,” Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” I should ask myself on a regular basis, “Do I have a hearing problem or a listening problem?”
Am I taking time to stop, be still and listen for His voice? Is being still uncomfortable for you? Begin with small steps. Take a verse or two of Scripture and ask, “What are you trying to say to me in this, Lord?”” I am listening.”
Ministry News
I am happy to announce the new members of the Board of Directors of Net Work Ministries, Inc. They are:
Danny Greenway
Bruce Chastain
Clell Deaver
These men have been involved with me since their high school days in the late 1970’s. They bring a wealth of talent and wisdom to the ministry. They know my strengths, my weaknesses and can offer guidance and encouragement. They are part of the group of men that has been meeting together for a long weekend each year for the past 30 years.
Net Work continues to be involved in the lives of individual men through meetings over the breakfast or lunch tables for counsel and encouragement.
I continue to meet with a group of men for a bi-weekly breakfast meeting.
I continue to serve as volunteer pastor to the staff of Young Life Southeast Region.
My friends, Net Work Ministries cannot exist without your support in prayer, in your encouragement and your financial support.
I am so very blessed by each of you. To quote Paul in Philippians 1:3, “I thank my God in all of my remembrances of you.”
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