random words

Psalm 34:1 (ESV)  I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

The pslamist keeps nothing back in this small but intentional thought as he states “I will bless and praise” the Lord.  But it is the manner in which he desires to do it that is stimulating … “at all times & continually.”  In other words it (blessing & praising) will be an endless supply.  The constant praise isn’t (or so I don’t think) the mechanical response ”praise the Lord” one might hear over and over … but there seems (or so I think) to be a constant reason for his blessing and praising God, and thus it comes from an deep running well of fresh water that keeps rising to the surface of his heart spilling out through his lips (voice).  Our blessing and praising God is to be a most conscious act.  Therefore what do you and I have to bless and praise the Lord about?  Let it flow all the time and continually!  Praise You Lord!

Peace & Glorify!

My last blog was on the subject of “listening” … and I will follow up on that subject titling this blog, “listen more up!”  I know it is not good English.  The question on my heart is, “How well do we listen to God?”

The psalmist in 29 says that the voice of the Lord is powerful and full of majesty … thundering over the waters.  He says the voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness (breaking & splintering cedar trees).  Have you heard Him speak in such a way?  I am certain if you or I were to hear the voice of God as described there might be more “fear” of the Lord and a willingness to do what He says.

Remember my question?  How well do we listen to God … not for God.  I can probably listen all day and I seriously doubt I will hear the voice of the Lord as the psalmist describes.  So does that mean God is not speaking?  I believe He is presently speaking through His written Word, the Bible.  In the work “Fresh Encounter” (Blackaby/King) it is stated … “Every encounter with God’s Word by God’s people is an encounter with God.”   Most evangelical Christians would agree that the Bible is God’s Word … but do we see understand it is truly an encounter with God speaking to us, instructing us, guiding us, teaching us, correcting us?  Do we hear Him?  Better yet, “Do we listen to Him? 

In my morning devo’s I read Proverbs 28:9 … “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination (detestable).”   The thought occurred to me … “Most people (including me) don’t have a problem with praying (asking) for God’s blessing(s) on events, situations, people, even our own lives … but then turn a deaf hear to listening and doing God’s Word.”  God says that such prayers are detestable.  Remember the splintering?  Ouch!  May it be that we want the voice of God more than just His blessings.  Let us have ears to hear!

Judges 9:7 (NKJV)  Now when they told Jotham, he went and stood on top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted his voice and cried out. And he said to them: “Listen to me, you men of Shechem, That God may listen to you!”

Listen More Up!
Peace & Glorify!

“Listen” is a simple term which means “to make an effort to hear something; to pay attention.”  Though it might be a simple term it seems to be a not-so-simple action.  We are people who would rather talk and be heard than to take the time to listen to others.  I’ve heard it said that we were given two ears and one mouth and we should use them in such proportion … listen twice as much as we speak.

Last night while visiting (talking & listening) with my oldest son at Starbucks I read the “The Way I See It #280″ on the side of my cup … “You can learn a lot more from listening than you can from talking.  Find someone with whom you don’t agree in the slightest and ask them to explain themselves at length.  Then take a seat; shut your mouth, and don’t argue back.  It’s physically impossible to listen with your mouth open.”  [John Moe]

Now I don’t who John Moe is … but I like his thoughts toward the realm of listening.  How many times have I listened to “respond” rather than listen to “understand”?  Probably too many.  In the leadership teaching of Stephen Covey this is Habit #5 … “Seek first to understand; Then be understood.”   It is suggested that if you want to influence and help others you must first actively listen to them and understand their situation  and concerns.  Sounds like good advice that needs implementing in all our “ears.” 

Jesus instructs us … “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”[Matt 11:15]  The intent seems to be God wants us to listen (hear) and respond appropriately (biblical) in the truth.   In the book of James the hearer is encouraged with listening first, speaking second … My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak [also slow to get angry; 1:19].  And Solomon gives us a bit of listening wisdom in Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 … “go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools … Do not be quick with your mouth do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”

It would appear there is a reoccurring pattern here … listen before you speak.  So from a Starbucks cup quote to the all inspired Word of God … let us be a listener first and a responder second (when needed and necessary).  Listen up!

Proverbs 17:27  A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

Peace & Glorify!

Navarre Beach, Florida: I am reminded of the constant motion of God’s love through the ocean.  I’ve heard it said, “God’s love doesn’t ebb and flow or come and go.  He doesn’t love we less when I am bad and He doesn’t love me more when I am good.  God’s love doesn’t ebb and flow.”  God’s love is the most constant thing in my life (and yours).

Ephesiand 3:19  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Peace & Glorify!