He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the Paradise of God.
Memory of the month: Isaiah 41:13 For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Today's reading: GENESIS 43-45 MATTHEW 12:24-50
The View From Our Ears
Three times in the Book of Matthew two times in Mark, two times in Luke, and five times in the Revelation God speaks through the pen of the writer and says, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear".
A friend sent me a picture this morning of the beach at Port Aransas. It was calm and serene and very appealing and I immediately texted back for him to not miss the opportunity for a peaceful, 'alone-time' with God.
God reminded me quickly that it does not take a beach...it does not take a mountain or ocean or a view of any kind.
If we have ears to hear, we can see God. If we choose to block the world out and listen, we can see God. Yes, God's hand made all the world's wonders and His handiwork is amazingly beautiful but God was not in all the mountain shaking fury-His was a still small voice(1 Kings 19:11,12).
It is exhilarating to stand on the beach and hear the sounds from inside a small child who has never felt the beach between their toes. I heard that from my oldest son over thirty-one years ago and will never forget it. I don't remember a lot from that trip but that I remember that. It was not the picture of his walking in the surf-it was the sound of joy and glee-just the sound of complete joy.
Jesus said, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:11
Yes, God is listening, always. He listens to what we think and perceive. He listens to every hurt and pain. He listens to every complaint.
But what do you think God feels when He hears that joyful sound emanate from our hearts? He is elated because He wants our hearts to be full and at peace.
If we can hear with our hearts, we can see God move for us and in us and we can see God reach through us to those who need His peace and joy in His complete salvation He has provided. We cannot make anything happen on our own. We must be obediently listening.
Meditation on God's heart for us can take us wherever God wants to take us. We do not have to be anywhere special except that place where we can hear Him whisper His love and mercy.
Got ears? Can you hear Him speak? You don't need hearing aids. We don't need sound proofing to keep the world out-the Holy Spirit guards our hearts and minds.
All this simple joy, this divine peace, is a listen away. Going in humility into God's throneroom in contrition and thanksgiving is where God will open your ears so you can see...
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
I am tired of not hearing You. Close the world out. I choose to hear and see You move.
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