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? I will even make a way in the wilderness,
and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 WEB.One morning, I was sitting in church listening to the guest speaker's monotone message. When to put it frankly, I became bored. I yawned, searched for the time, and wondered how long it would be before we could go home. I had served the Lord for a couple of decades, graduated seminary, and listened to a thousand sermons I liked better than this one. So I felt this particular speaker had nothing new to say that I hadn't already heard.
While contemplating my boredom, I felt the Holy Spirit suddenly speak to me, and He wasn't happy about my attitude. 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 dog with his tail tucked between his legs, and I try to pay better attention when the Holy Spirit uses someone. If you're not careful, God can be standing right in front of you trying to tell you something, and you can dismiss Him.
In Numbers 22:28, God spoke through a donkey to a stubborn prophet that wouldn't 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 full of the Holy Spirit that his face shown like that of an angel. Yet, highly religious people stopped up their ears and stoned him to death (Acts 7:15). We can miss God just as easily as they did if we aren't 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. He will use anyone willing. At least once, the Lord spoke to someone through a donkey. When He does that, we should listen. So if someone is sharing something, listen to what they are saying! You might learn something like I did.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please 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. Amen!Note: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.' (Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page:
RHM Prayer Network > You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
Amen Good Morning Everyone
Good morning to you.
Good Morning
Amen and open my heart to all you have for me Lord. Thank you Pastor for the gentle reminder.
Amen
Amen!
Amen,
Amen
Amen.
Yes Lord Jesus, Amen
Amen, I am willing Father and listening
Amen
Holy Spirit open my ears to hear you when you are speaking to me. Thank you Pastor Dion for this reminder, Amen!
Amen!!
In Yeshua's name I pray this, Amen.
So timely, Pastor Dion! God allowed me to experience this lesson AGAIN on Thursday. God is leading in ALL things, not only the obvious "religious" aspects of my life. Lord, thank you for fine-tuning my awareness and sharpening me. Amen
Help me learn God Amen
Amen Lord Jesus!
Amen! I think we all need to hear this sometimes. We always need to keep our ears open and keep a good attitude to hearing God's Word. Some sermons are better than others, I will admit but all of them can teach us something so we have to listen with an open heart and an open mind. Ask God to show you what he wants you to hear and learn when you are not appreciating a sermon at church.
Amen and Amen!!! I'll no longer consider the former things that hold me back, but make a concentrated effort to look to the future that my Lord and God prepared for me, and live one day at a time with Him to guide me and direct me! I'll not try to live by my own understanding, even when things get tough and throw me out of balance, I'll lift up my eyes and look to Him where my help comes from!!! (h5)
Amen!