Day 5: Week 4 (Expecting To Hear)

[russhutto]

Another week comes to a close! Bravo to those of you who are continuing along with us! Those of you who started out but might have had to slip away for various reasons, JUMP BACK IN! We saved your seat!

Expecting to Hear

1) Central Passage(s):

• Psalm 46:10
• Isaiah 26:4
• Psalm 37:7
• Luke 10:38-42
• John 12:50
• Psalm 23:1
• Mark 1:35
• John 14:24
• Psalm 23:2

2) My Daily Praise:

• Bend your knees
• Bow your mind, your emotions, your heart before the Lord
• Listen quietly, attentively
• Surrender to God's instructions

3) My Daily Surrender:
Praise and thank God for what He's speaking to you. Be open to opportunities to help someone else or to share your faith with a person who needs to know of this hope!

[WorshipVanguard]

Central passages:
Love Moore’s statement “When we deliberately and regularly put ourselves in a position to listen, God can download into us His truths, insights and directives as often as he wants.”

Psalm 37:7, “Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

This verse spoke to me in my desperate cry out to the Lord this morning. Seems the Lord keeps showing me again and again the “cancer” in the Church. I’m at the point where I am almost yelling at God, “why are you sharing all this with me? What can I do about it? All I know is it is there, and it needs to be dealt with. What can I DO about it?” Psalm 37:7 rang true in this wrestling moment. “Be still.” I don’t really need to do anything. “Wait patiently.” All I can do is pray and spend time with him. “Don’t fret when people succeed in their ways.” This hit me hard. “Lord, even in the church? Are there wicked schemes within the church?” I had to seek the Lord again, “would I be accurate to say that what I see going on in our churches today is wicked?” I’m still seeking the Lord in this matter.

Another truth rang out today. Jesus said in John 12:50, “So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” This is my aim, or rather, should be my aim. As I listen to his voice more, the Lord will give me the words to say when necessary. This is a tough lesson to learn, so I must listen ever so intently.

Psalm 23 truth: “I Lack nothing!!!!!!!” My shepherd gives me a place to rest, he nurtures me, he guides me, he walks with me, he protects me, he refreshes my soul, he exalts me in front of people who care nothing for me, he anoints me, his goodness follows me daily, and he has me with him in his house. Again, I lack nothing!!!!!

Daily Praise:
Lord, thank you that in you I lack nothing! I’m amazed at how you provide for every possible need I have. You feed me, clothe me, refresh me, anoint me, protect me, and walk with me. I want to dwell in your house forever because you are the Good Shepherd. Thank you, for guiding me along the right paths for the sake of your name. I do not need to fear anything because your rod and staff comfort me. You are an amazing God! Who am I that you would love like this? I’m your child, and you are my God!

Daily Surrender:
Lord, I admit I am still fretting over the success of others “wicked schemes.” I only say they are wicked because their plans bring more glory to their organization than to you. My heart aches to see their blindness. However, you will lift the veil from their faces just as you lifted mine. Help me recognize that I do not need to DO anything but to be still and listen to your voice. It’s only in the shadow of your wing that I am protected. Lord, I only want to say what you are saying. If I am rejected, they are also rejecting your name. It’s for your name’s sake that you guide me along the right paths. Help me remain focused on your voice as I travel in this wilderness. Speak, Lord, your servant is listening!

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

Central Passages
The story of Mary and Martha is well known, and the emphasis seems to be more on Martha's distractions than on Mary's listening. I lead a relatively simple life, compared to most people; no kids in the house, no big social life, etc., but I still find myself more like Martha: distracted.

Dwayne spelled out for us how to actually slow down and listen. More listening for God than talking to him. Waiting, listening. So very important, but so tough to do.

The how-to-connect-with-God-while-studying-the-Bible exercise is a valuable tool we all need to grab onto.
To me, the 23rd Psalm speaks of God's providence/protection. Because the Lord is my shepherd, I need not worry or fear, even in the tough times, because he is with me, to feed, guide, protect, correct, and ultimately take me home with him.

My daily surrender
Lord, help me to clear my mind of all that doesn't matter, and listen. Whatever is in my life that is blocking me from hearing you, reveal to me as I wait; and when it is revealed, move me to confess and repent on the spot.

My Daily Praise
God, it blows my mind to realize that you, the Almighty, Holy, Creator of all things, transcendent in your nature, glorious in your being; that you care about me- insignificant, self-seeking, prone to waywardness mere man that I am. You love me and desire a genuine relationship with me. How can I refuse?
Tom

[InHisName]

Central Passage

We had a lesson on Psalm 23 recently in our Sunday school class. Our teacher used the same book Dwayne references-"A Shepard Looks at Psalm 23". This book explains the Psalm in a whole different perspective than what I usually think of when I read Ps. 23.

The key theme to me is that the Lord is our caregiver and takes care of every need we have. He provides and protects. He even supplies our WANTS along with needs. "The Lord is my shepard, I shall not be in want." "He prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies...my cup overflows."

God has said He will care for me all of the days of my life, and even after this life is done I will dwell with him forever. He has, and will, bless me beyond what I can imagine.

Daily Surrender

Continue seeking me. Continue on the path I set before you. Continue to listen for my voice. Do not be timid, be courageous, for I will never leave you.

Daily Praise

Thank you, Lord, for speaking to me! Thank you for remembering your servant. You are great and mighty but you allow me to hear your mighty voice. Praise your name. Praise you in the calm and in the storm...may your voice lead me through all seasons.

[bkwestman]

1. Central Passage
- This whole week has been one of the best so far! This has been a very insightful, and practical look at hearing God's voice. Today was no exception, with some great reminders about the importance of setting time aside each day to meet with God. I know I do too much talking when I'm in those times, and not enough listening. Dwayne's tool to use as you read Scripture was great.

2. My Daily Surrender
- It was good to practice the presence of Christ during my quiet time. Thank You, Lord, for speaking to me. Help me to learn how to quiet my mind and clear the thoughts that seem to creep in so easily.

3. My Daily Praise
- I do praise You, Lord, for speaking to me! Thank you for using someone else today, to show me that You were listening to my prayer, and that You can work out those answers in any way You choose. Praise God!!