#Listening to God

[dramoor]

"Getting to know God is fundamentally a matter of listening. He takes the first step in this business and looks to us to respond.    If we know God, it is because we have let Him speak to us.

~H.R. Mackintosh

[southdiamond89blogging]

[momentsbeforemass]

Self-inflicted

Moses screwed up everything.

Moses should have been killed as a child. Instead, he gets adopted by Pharoah’s daughter.

Moses grows up in the palace. He’s got every advantage. But he’s still in touch with his own people.

He’s got everything he needs to succeed, and he’s doing it without losing who he is.

Then (as today’s first reading shows us) Moses tries to protect one of his own people and ends up killing an Egyptian.

His own people turn on him. Pharoah orders him to be put to death. And Moses flees for his life.

In one day, Moses loses everything. And it’s all his fault.

From a human perspective, that sounds like the end of the story.

I’m sure that’s how it looked to Moses. And yet we know it’s actually the beginning.

This is the backstory of one of the greatest liberators in human history. Which makes no sense at all.

How is that even possible after a self-inflicted disaster like this?

The reason that his story doesn’t end with an execution, the reason he becomes the Moses we know from the Exodus, comes down to one thing.

Moses listened to God.

Mind you, Moses didn’t start listening to God until after his self-inflicted disaster.

In fact, Moses didn’t start listening to God until he had already been hiding out on the back side of the desert for 40 years. Moses was not a quick study.

None of that bothered God in the least.

When Moses finally started listening to God, God didn’t tell Moses that he’d waited to long.

God didn’t say, “If you’d started listening to me years ago, I would have been willing to help.”

God didn’t tell Moses that he’d thrown away too many opportunities or that he was too far gone.

God didn’t say, “You could have done great things, if you hadn’t killed that Egyptian.”

Instead, God begins with Moses like it’s day one. Like nothing has happened that could derail God’s plans for Moses. Because it hasn’t.

Not because Moses is anything special.

After all that’s happened, it’s not easy for Moses to trust God. He even gets into an argument with God, telling God all the reasons why God’s plans won’t work and why he’s not the right person.

None of that matters to God. Because (as Isaiah tells us) God’s ways are not our ways and God’s thoughts are not our thoughts.

Again, not because Moses is anything special. But because this is who God is. And this is how God looks at each one of us.

No matter how long it’s been. No matter what we’ve done.

Even if it’s self-inflicted.

None of that matters to God.

With God, what looks like an end to us, is really a beginning.

One that starts with listening to God.

Today’s Readings

[v-tired-queer]

Me: Dear Lord, I feel so torn and confused. I don't know where I'm supposed to be or what I'm meant to be doing. Please guide me so that I can do your will for my life, even though your plan may look different than mine

God: *gives me signs for the the thing that I don't want to do*

Me:

Me: Damn it

[hatrackley]

Not Having an AI Companion – Mary Sheltie Jones

From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. Acts 13:13 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. Acts 16:6 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my…

[leonide-poet]

[tomthomasblog]

Answering the Call: Embracing Transformation Through Faith

Have you ever felt a gentle nudge in your heart, pushing you towards a new path or a deeper understanding of your purpose? This feeling can be interpreted as God's call, inviting you to embark on a journey that promises transformation and growth. By recognizing and responding to this divine call, we can experience changes in our lives that lead to deeper fulfillment and understanding. This article explores how opening ourselves to God's call can lead to an extraordinary transformation in our lives.

God's call often manifests in various ways. For some, it might be an unexpected thought that inspires them to help someone in need. Others might suddenly feel a pull towards a new activity, such as volunteering or pursuing a career that benefits others. These subtle shifts in our thoughts and actions are signs that we are being guided toward something greater. It’s essential to listen closely and trust these nudges; they can lead us to incredible opportunities and experiences.

Responding to God's call does not mean we have to make drastic changes right away. It can start with small, everyday actions. Perhaps you start to pray or meditate regularly to seek clarity. You might decide to read inspiring books or join a community group. Engaging in these practices helps you tune into your inner voice and understand what you’re being called to do. These small steps can ignite a passion that encourages us to serve others, spread kindness, and live with purpose.

As we begin to respond to these inner stirrings, we might find ourselves changed in unexpected ways. The experiences may push us beyond our comfort zones, helping us grow as individuals. For instance, if you are called to help in a local charity, you might meet new friends who share your values or learn new skills that boost your confidence. Embracing these changes can lead to profound personal growth and a strengthened sense of identity. You might realize that you are capable of more than you ever thought possible when you allow faith to direct your life.

Moreover, answering God's call helps us connect more deeply with others. When we actively participate in our communities, we foster relationships based on shared goals and mutual support. This sense of belonging can be incredibly transformative, not just for ourselves, but for those around us as well. As we share our journey of faith and the changes we experience, we create connections that inspire others to explore their paths.

In conclusion, when we recognize and respond to God's call, we open ourselves to a life filled with transformative experiences. These opportunities not only enrich our lives but also enhance the lives of those around us. Are you willing to listen to that still, small voice that may be urging you toward something remarkable? Take a moment to reflect on your life. What small step can you take today to answer that call? Now is the time to embrace your potential for growth and connection. Follow that path; you may find a journey you never expected.

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The Scripture Collection Playlist A compilation of 20 uplifting music videos inspired by a different Bible scripture. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoBTz-QtgDhox4diwLqHBjD4W-CtzM-8v

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Website: https://bwpub.net/

I wrote the song "God's Sweet Call" based on "God's Calling and Holy Spirit"

ambient dub bedroom pop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mj3nvA0TKCg japanese surf rock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyrqqixfVzM dakar math rock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvaqG7RJhCo

[rosered-schneeweisschens-sis]

i never knew there were men in the room for this, “that was tough” oh man they were not prepared XD

[what-stheword]

Keep Learning

I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. (NLT) Psalm 119:28

This faith journey never ends. We are called to learn from our God, study his word, and take the counsel of others so we can keep growing until we breathe our last breath. Open your heart and ask him what he is wanting to teach you in this season.

[thebeccagramchronicles]

How to use Meditation for real peace. It's important.

  The Bad Rap Meditation has gotten a bad rap among Christians, although I see a changing trend. I can remember being critical of Yoga because of its “Eastern” transcendental philosophy. Sometimes, I practice Yoga myself occasionally when I can’t work out due to my feet. I may offend some Christians, but if we don’t look at the issues that tickle our sensitivities, we’ll never understand…

[kingdomoftheheavens]

Love Never Behaves Inappropriately, a personal aside

To understand how to love people in each specific situation, I must ask God and listen to His answer. This is particularly important to me because of my condition. I can't fake it.

Link to the passage: 1 Corinthians 13. Most of my writing over many years has been driven by real problems in my own life, not simply academic curiosity. The recent series are no exception. Some may wonder, if there really is only one kind of love, if this means that we should treat everyone in exactly the same way. The answer is no. Every person and every relationship is different. Love never…

[problemnyatic]

when will we talk about the willful helplessness epidemic on here. So many people on this god forsaken website demand to have any and all things that exist outside their personal experiences directly, personally pre-chewed and spoonfed to them. And when you do, they'll then ask for you to swallow for them, too, because, you see, in THEIR experience..,

[kurtbennett]

Arguing with Dad--Acts 22:1-23

Listening, and hearing the Truth God Running is a place for anyone who wants to (or even anyone who wants to want to) love Jesus more deeply, follow Jesus more closely, and love people the way Jesus wants us to. Continue reading Arguing with Dad–Acts 22:1-23

[momentsbeforemass]

Listen

I used to work with Jon, a man on the autism spectrum. He could be hard to communicate with.

Some of what he said seemed random. Unrelated to…much of anything. But there were also flashes of brilliance. Insights and ideas that were amazingly helpful for our work together.

Because what I did understand of what he was saying was so good, I wanted more of it. So, I made it my business to learn to speak Jon.

At first, it was a slog. There’s no app for learning to speak Jon. It took a lot of listening. It was maybe a year or more before I started to get it.

The random stories? They were his way of thinking through ideas he didn’t have words for. By making analogies, by drawing comparisons. They were Jon’s parables.

As I learned to speak Jon, it became clear that so much of what seemed scattershot and unrelated was actually dead on.

To connect with Jon, I had to learn to speak Jon. Because the only way to really communicate with him was on his terms.

Truth be told, it’s the only way we can truly communicate with anyone. On their terms.

No matter who it is, until we learn to speak them, most of what they say won’t mean much. There may be flashes of brilliance. But most of it will be pretty random.

And if we try to impose our expectations on them for how we want them to think and communicate?

We won’t get much of anything out of it. We’ll be confused and frustrated. Maybe even angry at them. For not following our preconceived ideas.

It’s especially true for how we understand God.

The burden of our expectations is why so many people are confused and frustrated by God. We get angry at God for not following our preconceived ideas.

In His love, God is drawing each one of us to Himself. God is calling out to you, heart to heart.

If you’re not feeling that. If you’re not hearing God’s call to you.

Then it’s time to drop the preconceived ideas. And just listen.

It’s time to learn to speak God.

Today’s Readings

[biblebloodhound]

The Grace of Redemption and Gratitude (Exodus 37:1-16)

No matter how you slice or dice it, it always comes out as grace.

Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. He overlaid it with pure gold, both inside and out, and made a gold molding around it. He cast four gold rings for it and fastened them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. Then he made poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with gold. And he…

[hatrackley]

More than Oneself

“‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for…