Dear Church Family –
Thank you for your acceptance of and response to the Life Action ministry that was with us this past week. And thanks, again, to Charisa Thiessen for coordinating all the many details behind the scenes!
Have you ever talked with someone, then a few minutes later couldn’t remember what they said? Of course, we’ve all done that. And unfortunately, we sometimes do that to God, to our spouse, and to our kids.
We humans have an amazing ability to hear but not listen.
I started to write this morning about the prevalence, and preponderance, of lies we’re hearing from our highest elected officials. It’s shocking. It’s just like God said through the prophet Isaiah, “Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the street, and uprightness cannot enter. Yes, truth is lacking; and he who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey.” (Isa 59:14-15)
Yes, we should call out lies from those entrusted to lead us, but then I realized that our first task is to make sure we’re listening to truth.
Again, we humans have an amazing ability to hear but not listen.
God makes some marvelous promises about listening.
Ps 81:13-16 – “Oh that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would quickly subdue their enemies and turn My hand against their adversaries…. But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”
Prov 1:33 – “He who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil.”
And Jesus gave us a simple warning about listening.
Luke 8:18 – “So take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him.”
Last Sunday morning the Life Action speaker gave us 5 ways to listen to God. Let’s think about them again to sharpen and refresh ourselves in listening to truth so we won’t be lead astray by lies.
Expect to hear from God. When you open your Bible or come to church, expect to hear from God and be listening for a word from God just for you and your life.
Deal with any attitudes that keep you from listening to God.
Confess any sin that keeps you from listening to God.
Be an active listener. Take notes. Plan responses.
Act on what you hear. Work it in with prayer and practice.
This Sunday is Mother’s Day and one of the great Emmaus traditions—Baby Dedication! It’s a solemn time and a special time.
We’ll also be hearing from God’s Word about equipping our children and grandchildren. We look forward to listening together.
Because of Christ – Pastor Tim