Tag: hear
“Is there any Word from the Lord?” (Part 2)
Scripture reading for August 14: Jeremiah 40-45
“Then all the army officers, including Johanan son of Kareah and Jezaniah son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least to the greatest approached Jeremiah the prophet and said to him, “Please hear our petition and pray to the Lord your God for this entire remnant. For as you now see, though we were once many, now only a few are left. Pray that the Lord your God will tell us where we should go and what we should do.” Jeremiah 42:1-3
The Jews feared the wrath of Babylon because their Babylonian appointed leader, Gedaliah, had been assassinated. They were thinking about fleeing to Egypt but sought a Word from the Lord. They approached Jeremiah to pray for them to “your God”. It showed a lack of personal relationship with God.
After this group promised Jeremiah to abide faithfully by what the Lord would say, he agreed to seek the Lord. They promised to do whatever was asked that it might go well with them. (Jeremiah 42:5-6) As Jeremiah prayed over their request, ten days passed before the answer came. He called the Jews together to hear the Lord’s directions. If they would stay in the land, God would plant them and build them up. He would protect them from the King of Babylon and show them great compassion. (Jeremiah 42:10-12) However, if they did not obey and chose to go down to Egypt, what they feared would overtake them and they would surely die by the sword, famine and plague! (Jeremiah 42:13-18) Jeremiah emphasized to them, “Do not go to Egypt.” (Jeremiah 42:19)
It’s logical that a people who wanted God’s Word and promised to obey would quickly obey. However, their words were not sincere because their hearts were not right with the Lord. They had no fear of the Lord or His Word. They accused the prophet of lying. (Jeremiah 43:2-7) They proceeded to gather up everyone and head for Egypt! This is the mystery of iniquity in the heart of sinful man. Why would a people who knew God’s Word and the penalty for disobedience choose to disobey and die?
As you think about this story today, examine your own life and check out your heart. Have you sought the Lord for something you know is not God’s will? When a man or woman of God gives you truth that you disagree with do you go ahead and do your own thing? Is the Lord “your God” or does He belong to others?
Glory in the Temple!
Scripture Reading for April 3: 1st Kings 5-8
Solomon had heard God’s decree that he would build the house where God’s Name would reside among His people. He had a vision and at God’s invitation had asked Him for wisdom. He knew of the desire of his father David and willingly offered himself to the Lord to build this “House”. (1st Kings 5:5)
In building the temple, Solomon employed many people. Some came from lands outside Israel. Solomon made covenants with many nations and the nations were drawn to Israel during this time of peace. The temple was made of stone, cedar and pine wood, and precious metals. Craftsmen worked off site on the stones so that the temple could be assembled without saws, chisels or hammers used on the site. (1st Kings 6:7) The temple took seven years to construct with thousands of workers meticulously adding every piece and detail in precise order and design. (1st Kings 6:38)
When the temple was completed, the priests carried the Ark into the Holy of Holies and then withdrew. None could stand as the Presence of God in the cloud of Glory filled the temple. (1st Kings 8:6-11) Solomon declared a blessing and thanked God for His faithfulness! Solomon then knelt down, raised his hands toward heaven, and prayed a magnificent prayer of dedication! In this prayer are eight petitions of God to “hear from heaven” when His people call upon Him for help. The central focus was forgiveness! All of man’s troubles are caused by sin, either against God or man made in God’s image. The consequences of sin bring famine, disease, plague, war, and death. As God’s people cry out, God’s glory is that He will hear and forgive and act to bring healing and restoration!
Solomon also prayed for the foreigner and those drawn to the temple from other lands and peoples. Solomon asked God to hear their prayer as well so all peoples of the earth might know His Great Name and fear the Lord! (1st Kings 8:41-43, 60) This prayer reminds us of Jesus sending his followers into all the world to make disciples of all nations! His house would be a house of prayer for all nations! (Mark 11:17) Examine your heart today as the temple of God. Would your house be a house of prayer for all?
Scriptures Devine origin
Scripture reading for November 24th: 2nd Peter 1, Psalm 85, Proverbs 18
2nd Peter 1: 17-21 “For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My Beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain. And we have the prophetic Word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention to as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
Peter was writing his final letter to the Church before his departure from this life. He retold his eye-witness account of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ with James and John. They heard the Father, described as the ‘Majestic Glory’, declare the Sonship of Jesus and His Divine pleasure with His Son. This Word made a deep impression on Peter and he encouraged the Church to pay close attention to this Word, and all Scripture. Peter emphasized that Scripture was not man’s idea or thoughts, but all Scripture is prophetic in nature and comes through men who were empowered to speak and inspired to speak by the Holy Spirit. The Words of Scripture came from God’s mouth and carry the power of life and death. They are God’s gift to His children.
Psalm 85:8-9 “Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people, to His saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that Glory may dwell in our land.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your Word, Your Son, and the Holy Spirit! Your generosity has given me everything I need for life and godliness. I trust every Word of prophesy as instruction, correction, and training in Your righteous character. Open my ears to hear Your ‘Majestic Glory’ and use my tongue to bring life to others through speaking Scripture prophetically in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 18:20-21 “From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips. Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.”
Hearing and doing God’s Word
Scripture reading for March 20th: Deuteronomy 10-14, Psalm 5, Luke 8
Key Scriptures: Luke 8:19-21 “Then His mother and His brothers came to Him, but they could not reach Him because of the crowd. And He was told, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.” But He answered them, “My mother and My brothers are those who hear the Word of God and do it.””
God’s Word is to be listened to, heard, and obeyed. Jesus was teaching the people that if they wanted to be closely related to Him and God the Father, they must hear and obey God’s Word. He was not disrespecting His mother and brothers, but using their relationship to Him to call others closer.
Deuteronomy 10:12-13 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep His commandments and statutes, . .”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, I love Your Word and seek to hear and obey. I am thankful that Jesus Christ perfectly heard and obeyed and now has sent the Holy Spirit to empower me. I long to see the Father’s face. Spread Your protection over me and give me favor!
Psalm 5:11-12 “Let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your Name may exult in You. for You bless the righteous, O Lord; You cover him with favor as with a shield.”
I want more!
Scripture reading for March 13: Luke 8, Psalm 52, Proverbs 21
Key Scriptures: Luke 8:16-18 “”No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.””
Jesus told the simple story about a homeowner lighting a lamp to illustrate that He was bringing God’s truth out in the open for all who would see. The Word would judge the secrets of each heart and those who had faith would be rewarded and those who rejected faith exposed. We must be careful how we listen to the Word of God, always choosing to trust and obey!
Faith Confession: Lord, shine the light of Your Word brightly in my heart and life. Open my ears to hear Your Word and obey! I want more!
Psalm 52:9 “I will thank You forever, because You have done it. I will wait for Your Name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.”