Sunday writing... 3-3-19... "LISTEN"

Good morning!

Today's writing, "LISTEN," is about how sometimes we just need to be still and quiet in order to listen well.  May your day begin with listening to God in worship!

Blessings,
Jan

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Today's Devotional: 

"LISTEN"

by

Jan Andersen

Have you ever heard that the good Lord gave us two ears and one mouth so that we could listen twice as much as we talk? Sometimes we need to be reminded of that. Many a parent has told their child, "Listen to me!" in order to get their attention before telling them something they feel is important. God occasionally does something dramatic in our lives to get our attention too. We may suffer a great loss, or we fall into what we deem to be a great sin, or we relapse with something we thought we had under control. Sometimes these occurrences can be seen as God jarring us back to consciousness, trying to get us to listen to him and rely on him more. 

God had some dramatic ways of getting the attention of the disciples. Twice in the Bible we hear that God's voice came down from heaven over Jesus and said, "This is my son with whom I am well pleased." Once was at the baptism of Jesus. The other was at the transfiguration of Jesus, where three of the disciples saw Jesus glorified and appearing with Moses and Elijah before his death and resurrection. It was dramatic and frightening. At the transfiguration God also said, "Listen to Him." What Jesus then said is do not be afraid, and do not tell anyone what you have seen until after he had risen from the dead.  But the disciples were not sure what he was saying: 

Mark 9:2-10 ESV  Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.  And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.  And Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.  And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.”  And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.  And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.  So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean. 

When God tells us to "listen" we must be quiet enough to hear him, and even then we don’t always understand what he is saying.  Reading and studying the Bible is one way to listen to what He has to say. Hearing a good sermon based on God’s Word is another way. Listening can also be God-focused meditation. Sometimes we have to stop asking Him for things or questioning what He is doing.  We need to just be still and listen and not be afraid.  May we all remember why we have two ears and only one mouth! 

Dear Father, God, thank you for listening to us better than we listen to You. Thank You for always hearing our prayers and answering them in a way You find most beneficial overall, even though we do not always understand. You know our prayers even before we speak them and supply all that we need. Thank You for giving us not what we deserve, but what we truly need: Your Son, Jesus Christ, who was transformed in glory, and Your mercy and forgiveness which You freely provide!  Help us to listen to You and to remain faithful.  In Jesus’ name,  Amen.

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Song: 

TRANSFIGURATION

Hillsong Worship

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Prayers are lifted up daily for you

 by the Devotional Writers and the Monthly Writing Staff

 of Women's Focus Ministries.

Blog Writers:

Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,   

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  Karen Bennett, 

Bre Miller, Cathy Friberg, and  Corinne Mustafa

Elizabeth McElderry, Betty Espindola,  Lynda Kinnard

Amie Spruiell, and Debbie Rodriguez

Occasional Contributors:

Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker, Beverley Napier,

 Kelly Dobyns, Glenna Williamson,

  Amie Spruiell, and Lisabeth Lipp.