pay attention

Do you pay attention?

wakemyear hear, pay attention, warning

We don’t hear much about Joseph- the one GOD picked to be JESUS’s stepfather. This morning I read a short email mentioning him and it triggered my thoughts.

The Bible tells us that Joseph, who was engaged to Mary, was a just man. When he learned she was pregnant he had the power to have her stoned to death.  But he wanted to protect her but not marry her since it was not his child.  As he thought on these things an angel appeared to him and gave him a message from GOD.  Joseph listened carefully, believed and obeyed that word (Matthew 1:19-20, 24).

Joseph shows the truth that initially when we hear a word from GOD, even though a messenger, we recognize it as truth. If we receive it and believe it leads us.  But if we turn from it, we will lose the knowledge it offers.

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.  And HE said to them, Take heed to (be careful)  what you hear: with what measure you mete (listen), it shall be measured to you: and to you that hear shall more be given.  For he that has (believed), to him shall be given: and he that has not (believed), from him shall be taken even that which he has (heard) (Mark 4:23-25).

If any man will do HIS will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of GOD, or whether I speak of myself (John 7:17).

Because Joseph carefully listened and obeyed the 1st message, we are told of two other times GOD sent him messages that Joseph followed carefully (Matthew 2:13-14 and 19-23).

Initially, that is to begin with, you will know if what is said is of GOD.  If you pay attention and obey it you will gain direction and be told more that is the promise of GOD. 

On the other hand, there is the WARNING- If you turn from truth, because you don’t like it or don’t want to think about it then you will not only lose that direction, but you have chosen to walk in the dark.

Hugs

Sharon

How do you Listen?

wakemyear pay attention, trust

Have your ever tried to tell someone something and the 1st words out of their mouths show they had not heard a word you said?  That can happen as we read the Bible.

The Word of GOD says Take heed (or carefully pay attention) how you hear… (Luke 8:18). This morning, I didn’t take time to really listen but rushed over words thinking I knew what it said.  But the whole point is the word of GOD is living and powerful… it discerns thoughts and the intents of heart (Hebrews 4:12).  When we go to GOD’s Word we need to go expecting HIM to speak to us.

We are told that we can only understand what GOD is saying as the HOLY SPIRIT translates it to us (1 Corinthians 2:10). Several places in the New testament, most notably in the 2nd and 3rd chapters of Revelation there is one phrase repeated.  The King James reads, “If you have ears to hear hear.”  That seems a might confusing so let’s look at how that phrase is translated in the New Living Translation. “Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the SPIRIT and understand what the Spirit is saying…”

Meeting with the Lord early this morning just to be with HIM and talk over things before the craziness of the day began, I thanked HIM for being with me, for HIS word and then cried out over the wrongs and injustices as I prayed for the nations and my family.  I also asked HIM concerning some changes I see and asked for direction.  Then I opened up my Bible and was in Proverbs 3.

At first the verses I saw I quickly quoted rather than read for I know them well but it didn’t seem like something to meet my immediate concerns. 

Then the LORD poked me and said, Look at them again.  You cried out against injustices and for those in bondage.  What did I say? Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5)  In other words Sharon trust ME in those situations, I know what I am doing.  You do not understand now but one day you will.

I continued to read and my perplexity in what to do with what appeared as closing doors was addressed. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path (Proverbs 3:6).  I immediately knew I didn’t need to figure it out but was to talk each step over with my Master before taking them and step by step HE will direct me and I would know what to do.

Then something happened, it diverted my thoughts and doubts and fears hit and GOD warned me -trust Me- Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7).  That clearly told me I am not going to have all the answers but if I look to HIM and trust HIM HE will show me what I need to see. 

See how much I would have missed out if I had not read it a 2nd time expecting GOD to speak?

Do you read expecting to hear GOD speak? Take heed how you read.

I urge you in Christ’s stead to consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(Romans 15:13) Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon