Listen!!!

For most of human history, books, letters, and the ability to read was rare. So, when the people of God would gather, most did not come toting their scrolls. Many would come to listen to the Word of God being read by one. The Apostle Paul would write one letter to one church which would be read to many. Few copies were made because most people couldn't read for themselves anyway. These listening masses had developed well trained ears. Ears to hear what the Spirit of God was saying while another human (priest,preacher,prophet) was speaking. They all gathered with an anticipation that God was going to speak while His Word was being read. Rev.3: 22 says "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." There is, no doubt, great benefit in reading the Scriptures in order to memorize His Words. There is equal benefit, and a clear command, to study God's Word. However, this could lead to treating the Bible like a textbook. ie... Doctrines to be mastered and information to be assimilated. Both of which are
necessary for successful discipleship. Just don't forget to listen. Never waste an opportunity to hear from God. God is always interested in speaking a fresh word to his children. So, remember, while you are studying a word or a phrase or a passage to enlighten your head, don't forget to listen for a message that speaks to your heart.

A New Year or Another Year

I do hope and pray that 2009 will be a NEW year!
I know that it is going to be another year, but whether or not it will be NEW is yet to be seen.
I can truly get excited about the prospects of a NEW year. Just having another year, however,
doesn't do much for me.
Don't get me wrong; I'm grateful to God to see another year and am thankful for His protection
and sustaining blessings. I do realize that there will be new experiences for me and my
family during this year, but I'm looking for something more. A New Year!
A newly discovered, deeper relationship with my wife. A new vision for and connection with my
children (some of whom are stepping into young adulthood). A new life for our Church. One that
is of more impact and effective. One that causes all of us who are involved to believe that we
are riding and not pushing what God is doing. A new and fresh walk with God. One that causes me
to discover more about myself and more about my God.
This all sounds good but we all know that talking about it doesn't make it NEW. In order to avoid
just another year, we must determine to live out some new routines.
If we listen to the same people, go to the same places, read the same kind of books, eat the same things,
do the same things, treat each other the same way, then as you would guess; it will be just another year and not really a NEW year.
Let me encourage you to chart a new course this year. One that takes you out of your comfort zone
just a bit. One that would lead you to a richer relationship with those who have been in your life for
a long time. One that will cause you to discover a new found strength within yourself. One that
will cause you to look back in twelve months and declare 2009 was a NEW YEAR!