Who Are You Listening to?
Here is an article that I wrote for Eden Christian bookstore:
http://www.edenchristianbookstore.com/client%20lounge.htm
As I was walking across a college campus, I literally observed that everyone who walked in my path were on their cell phones. My spirit was disturbed at this sight. Not because people were on their cell phones, but because of what the Holy Spirit whispered to me during this moment, “Who are they listening to?”Why do we spend so much time on our cell phones? Of course, there are those who need it for business. But, I would guess that those college students that I saw were not in the middle of an intense business transaction. Let’s face it. Most of the time we are so distracted that we cannot hear God speaking to us. For instance, once during a bible study at my home, one of the participants could not get fully engaged into the flow of the discussion because of the text messages coming from their blackberry. It really bothered me. After that, I had to inspect myself. Who am I listening to?
Recall Romans 10:17, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” I believe there is an interesting principle in this scripture. Whatever you listen to causes an increase in faith in that which you listen to. On the contrary, whatever you are not listening to causes faith to decrease (hence, doubt to increase). Take a moment to reflect about what you believe about your dreams, spouse, or God. Do you doubt your dream will come to pass? Are you dissatisfied with your spouse (if single, are you beginning to doubt if you will ever find the “one”)? Do you believe that God is against you? All of those beliefs did not come from God. God speaks to us through the person of the Holy Spirit words that produce life and hope. God convicts and not condemns. Satan, the author of all lies, whispers such discouraging words. If you listen to them long enough, they will become your words. Then, you will believe them and a new belief system will have taken root. Think of your mind as a soil. Ideas are seeds, words are water, and meditation is sunlight. When an idea is planted, words are required to nourish it, and meditation causes it to grow. To help tune your ears to the voice of God, here are three P’s: People, places, and postings.
God often will speak to you through people (and so does Satan). So, surround yourself with people who speak life to you and are supportive to your dreams. When you are endeavoring to begin a new venture, find at least two godly people who can serve as supporters. Proverbs 11:14 “Where there is no counsel the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Insulate your ears against those (and media) who speak death.
Places are key to developing an ear for the voice of God. Have you ever noticed that it is easier to listen to God while doing yard work or in nature? It is because you have separated yourself from the cares of the world and have quieted your mind. Designate a quiet place in your home, job, and other places where you spend a lot time. Spend a few minutes there everyday. Listen as God will begin to pour ideas, encouragement, and peace into your soul. I absolutely love those moments. Eventually, you will be even be able to hear His voice in the middle of a noisy crowd.
Posting the word of God in your atmosphere (e.g. office, bathroom, car…etc) will do wonders to helping you hear His voice. Every time, you look at the posted scripture it water the principle of that scripture. Your subconscious will meditate on the word. Listening to sermons on audio will do the same. When you know His word, it is easier to know and listen to His voice. (John 10:27 “My sheep know my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”)
As you go through your day, ask yourself “Who am I listening to?” I believe God is trying to speak to you and offer hope, direction, and peace.
Fight for your dream!
