LISTEN: Goodbook 11-15-12

In my daily devotion time I am reading through Mark's Gospel.  Today I read about a time Jesus took Peter, James, and John to the top of a mountain.  The voice of God our Heavenly Father spoke from the clouds and said, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him," (Mark 9:7).

The words "LISTEN TO HIM" really stood out to me.  It made me reflect on how well I do at listening to Jesus.  When I pray, do I just talk?  Or do I take time to listen to Jesus and seek what He wants to say to me, what He wants from me and for me, what His will is for my day and my life?

I thought about my conversation with my son.  I really want him to talk to me.  I love to hear his thoughts and stories.  I care about his needs and concerns.  I want to respond to his requests.  But I also want him to listen to me.  In fact, it is probably more important that he listen to me.  I have a better understanding of what he needs and what is best for him.  I have words that can enlighten, inspire, challenge, correct, and guide.

Bringing this back to prayer, I realize that it is far more important for me to hear what Jesus has to say than for Jesus to hear what I have to say.  I know God loves to hear from me, and so I will speak from the heart.  But I know that God has some really important things to say to me, and I want to listen.

So today, I made a commitment to listen.  On my ride to work I turned off the radio.  I simply said, "I am listening God."  A voice from the clouds did not come booming down, but I did feel like God spoke to my mind and my heart.  I felt God's peace.  I could sense God reminding me of things and pointing out other things.  The priorities for my day were realigned.

Imagine if we listened like this every day.

How are you doing with listening to God?  Make some time today to listen to him.

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