Don't remember the former things, and don't consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs out now. Don't you know it? Isaiah 43:18 WEBWhile sitting in church one morning listening to the speaker drone on, I became bored. I yawned, searched for the time, and wondered how long would it be before we could go home. Having served the Lord a couple decades, graduated seminary, and listened to a thousand sermons I liked better than this one, I felt that this particular speaker had nothing new to say that I had not already heard.
As I was thinking about how bored I was, I felt the Holy Spirit suddenly speak to me and He said, 'Do you really know everything that I am going to say? Is there nothing new that I can teach you?' Chills ran down my neck, I sat up straight and started paying attention. I actually learned a couple of things during the rest of the service.
I left church that day like a little dog with his tail between his legs and I try to pay better attention when the Holy Spirit is using someone. If you are not careful, God can be standing right in front of you, trying to tell you something, and you can miss Him.
In numbers 22:28 God spoke through a donkey to a stubborn prophet that would not listen. The religious leaders of the day missed the Messiah, even when He stood right in front of them. When Jesus spoke in His hometown of Nazareth, they tried to kill Him (Luke 4:28). Stephen was so filled with the Holy Spirit that his face shown like that of an angel, and highly religious people stopped up their ears and stoned him (Acts 7:15). We can miss God as easily as they did if are not willing to be teachable and keep an open mind.
It is easy to become cynical and believe that you are really smart when you have been around religion a long time. We can become a modern day pharisee. We know people for who they were, but God knows who they are today, and He will use anyone willing. At least once He spoke through a donkey, and when He does, we should listen. So if someone is sharing something, listen to what they are saying! You might learn something, just like I did.
Prayer: Heavenly Father forgive me of the times that You have been trying to tell me something and I paid You no attention. Help me recognize when You are speaking to me and tune my ear to You. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.> You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
Amen
Amen! Thank You Lord!
Amen,God please fill us with your Holy Spirit.
Amen Father and Thank You for your patience with me. Please help me to hear you.
Amen Father in Heaven.
Amen...
Amen praise God!
Thank you God for helping us. Praise God. In the name of Jesus Amen
Please help me to hear and understand when You speak to me Father, Amen.
Amen!!
Heavenly Father may we always be teachable and listen to everyone that you may send to speak to us, regardless of who we think they are or what we percieve they may say. Help us to be open to the move and messages of Your Holy Spirit always; in Jesus name I pray.AMEN
Heavenly Father sometimes I feel bored when somebody tries to say something in front of me without knowing that You may be using that person to instruct me about something new. Speak to me in a way I can understand and to pay attention to what is new, in Jesus name I pray. Amen. Lord open my ears to listen.
Pastor I love this devotional, God bless you.
Amen!
This is a wonderful devotional. Thank you Pastor for telling it like it is. Have a blessed weekend.
AMEN
I have felt that way too many a times. Like I knew more than what the preacher was preaching. And I feel horrible now.
Thanks Pastor for showing us how we can miss God if we are not attentive. And to incline our ears to listen to His voice...
Liked this to listen to preacher for we don't know what God will say that we need to hear.
Always something to learn...pray to be open & teachable!
Amen!