Don’t you hate it when you are talking, and a friend is scrolling through their phone, not paying attention? It happens more than you think. It can happen with friends, family members, and even your spouse. They share something significant, and you find yourself nodding, acting like you're listening but not giving them the attention they deserve.
We can do this with God sometimes as well. We pray to him, but we don’t give him the time of day to respond.
I have great news for you! God is always speaking to us. The problem is that rarely are we ever listening. How much would your life change if you learned to listen to God? Maybe you’ve never heard Him speak before!
ARE YOU LISTENING TO GOD? HAVE YOU EVER HEARD GOD SPEAK TO YOU?
It may not feel like an audible voice, but it is a small lead from your time with Him. We can’t hear God if we don’t listen for Him!
Mark 1:35 NLT Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Jesus made it a priority to retreat to “the secret place” to meet with God. It was there that He prayed and listened to His Father!
Prayer can be a struggle for some of us!
Sometimes, we don’t know what to say or how to keep praying once we’ve said everything possible. Sometimes, we over-spiritualize what is very simple. We can talk to God just like a close friend - it should feel natural.
God already knows what you need before you ask it. So why do we pray, then? To be in a relationship with Him!
Mark 4:21-25 NLT [21] Then Jesus asked them, "Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. [22] For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. [23] Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand." [24] Then he added, "Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given-and you will receive even more. [25] To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them."
Lamps in this period were typically clay dishes filled with oil. To produce light, the lamp had to use itself up literally. The oil had to be replenished before it could produce light again.
Jesus’ words to His Apostles were simple: you can’t pour out without receiving from God. What you receive from God will dictate your capacity to pour out to others.
If you want to have Godly relationships with others and grow in your relationship with God, it starts with you. Surrender the plans you have made and the path you want to take.
Like verse 22 says, nothing is hidden or secret that won’t come to light. What you hear in the secret place with Jesus will come out of you publicly! LISTEN TO JESUS!
Romans 10:17 NLT So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. If we want to grow in faith, we have to hear God. How can we hear God in our daily lives? God speaks in many ways, but none as clearly as His Word.
If you want to grow in your faith, it starts with reading your Bible.
When we position ourselves to read and hear the Word of God, He will actively grow our faith and ability to lead others well.
Reading your Bible can sometimes feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to do.
Try getting a translation that is easy to read (NLT is an excellent option), picking a place to start (a chapter in Proverbs a day is a significant first step or any of Paul’s Letters in the NT), and find the time and place where you can meet with God daily.
This is a simple formula for a quiet time that will help you feel equipped to read your Bible. MAKE A PLAN TO READ YOUR BIBLE!
