Listening For God's Word

I’ve read in the Scpriptures in Jeremiah 31:3 "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness," at a time when I really needed to be reminded of God’s love.

It became for me the Word of God-- living and active.

I’ve heard Jesus’ words: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing," when I felt the church, community, nation, and world needed to hear those words.

It became for me the Word of God--living and active.

I’ve stood by the bedside of my grandmother in her final days along with my mother. We recited together the 23rd Psalm:"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

It became for me the Word of God--living and active.

I’ve tasted, felt, touched, and smelled the bread and drunk the juice. I’ve heard the words, "The body of the Lord broken for you. The blood of the Lord shed for you."

It became for me the Word of God--living and active.

I’ve heard the waters of baptism splashing. I’ve felt it cool upon my hand. I’ve felt God speak to me, "This is my special child. I love him. I love her."

It became for me the Word of God--living and active.

I’ve sat in pews that were hard and cold. I’ve stood behind pulpits strong and sturdy. I’ve heard the words, "God loves you. God forgives you. God wants to guide you."

It became for me the Word of God--living and active.

I’ve had conversations with individuals and groups. I’ve needed some encouragement. I’ve heard the words, "You’re really good at that!"

It became for me the Word of God--living and active.

I’ve knelt beside my bed, I’ve laid upon it, I’ve driven down roads, I’ve sat behind desks. I’ve offered prayer to God asking for guidance and power, not too convinced that I will recieve it. Then, a thought will come to mind that makes sense out of my situation. Suddenly I’ve felt physically, mentally and spiritually stronger.

It became for me the Word of God--living and active.

I’ve paticipated in giving shoes to people at a reservation in Arizona on a mission trip. I’ve seen excited hands select them and excited feet

wear them. I’ve heard and seen the words of the Lord, "If you did it to the least of these, you did it to me."

It became for me the Word of God--living and active.

I’ve heard and read the words from Romans 3:23-24: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justifies freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." I’ve felt conviction, repentance,salvation.

It became for me the Word of God-- sharper than any two-edged sword.

I’ve seen Jesus hanging from a cross. I’ve seen his agony and the ridicule he endured. I’ve heard him cry out, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." I’ve felt convicted, because of the times I’ve found it hard to forgive others, myself, and the hardness of life.

It became for me the Word of God-- sharper than any two-edged sword.

I’ve eaten the bread and drunk the juice. I’ve felt conviction as I’ve recalled the times I have not lived as the sanctified person God called me to be.

It became for me the Word of God--sharper than any two-edged sword.

I’ve heard the words, "Remember your baptism and be thankful." I’ve been convicted, because I’ve thought of the times I have not always lived as a child of God.

It became for me the Word of God--sharper than any two-edged sword.

I’ve heard from a sermon that I needed to examine my life--even my own. I’ve been under conviction, because I’ve recalled the times I’ve failed God.

It became for me the Word of God--sharper than any two-edged sword.

I’ve heard individuals and groups share things they have learned in their experiances. I’ve received enlightment and realized that I could have handled situations differently. I’ve decided to try a different approach next time. I needed to make some changes in my reactions to situations.