LISTEN
Today’s Reading: Job 20-21
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
These are some of the ruins of ancient Laodicea in present-day western Turkey. The city was founded by Seleucid King Antiochus II in honour of his wife, Laodice. Laodicea became a prosperous Roman market town on the trade route from the east, famous for its woolen and cotton cloths. The city was an early centre of Christianity and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 3:14-22). It was to the Laodicean church that the Lord said, “Behold I stand at the door and knock.” God is knocking on the doors of the hearts of Job and his freiends.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Job 21:2
Listen carefully to my speech, and let this be your consolation.
Job’s counsel in the sentence above is excellent advice for us. The contrast between Zophar’s words in chapter 20 and Job’s words in chapter 21 is obvious. To Zophar, “The triumphing of the wicked is short.” To Job, “The wicked live and become old.” In his efforts at grief counselling, Zophar approaches life in a negative way. Job is beginning to be more positive. He’s on his way to healing and restoration.
Job tells us to “listen carefully.” The word “consolation” could also be translated, “comfort.” Most of us are better at speaking than we are at listening. Many of our conversations are monologues. We sometimes wait impatiently for the other person to finish so that we can speak. God often had to say, “Hear, O Israel” (Deuteronomy 6:4). Jesus says to the churches, “He that has an ear to hear, let him hear” (Revelatoin 2:7). We need to learn to listen to God, and if we are to be true friends, we must also learn to listen. Only when we truly “hear” and understand, should we attempt to give counsel.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
God…Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, may I listen with great care to You as I read Your Word each day, and I quietly wait before You, listening for the whisper of that “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-13). May I also listen much more carefully to people, particularly before I attempt to give counsel. In the Name of the One who listens to my prayer, the Lord Jesus, Amen!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Yesterday I read the plea of Job, “How long will you … break me in pieces with words?” (Job 19:2). Perhaps the first couplet I ever learned as a child was, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I thought it was true, and it became a defence against bullying. Now I know it’s a false statement. Words can destroy a person. Many suicides are the result of “words.” Crossroads has a resource addressing suicide, particularly among young people (click here to watch the Inside Teen Suicide documentary trailer and here to purchase the full, four-DVD set called “Generation at Risk”).
Yours for learning to listen more before we speak,
David
One of the many buildings that remain of ancient Laodicea.
Thank you Pastor David for your words today, they made me think about recent events, when I could hardly wait until the other person was finished talking to say my piece. I have been praying that the Lord would help me to NOT do this anymore. My life verse is Phil. 4:13 so I know that the Lord will help me overcome this. Have a wonderful Blessed Day dear friends. Eleanor M.
God bless you Eleanor for sharing!
well I just blew it at the pool, someone got upset with me, they misunderstood, I am sorry, I pray they will think about the situation and I pray God will speak to them also, I prayed about their salvation the other night!
I pray God gives me energy to clean out the shed.
I pray my financial breakthrough happens tomorrow! With God nothing is impossible, By His stripes we are healed, bu His blood we are saved ! PRAISE THE LORD!
So difficult to hear the still small voice sometimes.
Another beautiful hymn by the Gaithers made me think of this:
https://youtu.be/7LkqyC9dMF8
Blessings fellow saints.
Thankyou Linda for those wonderful Hymn’s
what a blessing to sing those dear old songs .Makes my heart
jump for joy .There is nothing like these Spirit filled hymns Amen…..R…
A beautiful poem to share with someone who is moments away from meeting their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as they pass from this realm into eternity:
Calvin Miller put it beautifully:
I once scorned ev’ry fearful thought of death,
When it was but the end of pulse and breath,
But now my eyes have seen that past the pain,
There is a world that’s waiting to be claimed.
Earthmaker, Holy, let me now depart,
For living’s such a temporary art.
And dying is but getting dressed for God,
Our graves are merely doorways cut in sod.
…blessings to all blog friends in Christ
And dying is but getting dressed for God…..beautifully serene.
God is close to the brokenhearted. He often speaks then. I know.
Your comment speaks to my heart Doreen. Thank you and God bless you!
Thank you for your word of advice, I have been emotionally abused and so am struggling with anxiety because I have lost my trust in people, my own family members. How do I overcome this as it is ruined my life, that small tape recording in me doesn’t want to go away as much as I try.
I’m even afraid to go out.
Thanks. Jenny.
Jennifer if I was right beside you I would give you a BIG, BIG HUG! God bless you and thank you for posting your prayer! That is exactly what you shoud be doing! We are all sinners saved by GRACE AND GRACE ALONE THROUGH THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST!
the devil is fleeing because your not going to keep all to yourself, you are sharing, and many, many will be praying for you. Many have been through the same thing, it hurts! It does not feel good! We all have been alone, we know those feelings! Again thank you sweet child for posting your prayer.
below are 4 steps that helped me tremendously, they are steps you can take your time at working with and through, and even now after a number of years, I find myself going back and working through each step, one at a time, BUT REALIZE THAT GOD IS WALKING WITH YOU! Lean on Him! Never ever call yourself a failure, you are not! you are a HIGHLY FAVOURED, GREATLY BLESSED, TOTALLY FORGIVEN, REDEEMED CHILD OF GOD! Now smile, a big smile, and go take on the world. Post your comments whenever, we all support you, blessings……
1) what do I need to do to repent of or repair a situation? Have I done any damage to people or relationships. If I deal with the little issues they won’t develop into bigger problems
2) whom do I need to forgive or let off the hook? Am I holding a grudge that will only fester into something bigger so I need to forgive starting now.
3) for what and to whom do I need to express gratitude, gratefulness is a desirable quality, Thanking God and others is one of the best habits to cultivate!
4) what have I learned in the last 24 hours?
HELP ME LORD TO STOP REACTING! HELP ME TO STOP!
HELP ME TO SMILE, HELP ME TO KEEP MY TONE OF VOICE LOW,
HELP ME TO ASK FOR AN EXPLANATION,
HELP ME LORD TO SLOW DOWN, HELP ME LORD GOD NOT TO REACT!
HELP ME LORD GOD TO FOREVER BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, IN JESUS NAME AMEN
You hit the nail on the head about how poorly we listen to each other. Of course, taking time to listen to God is even more important. Thank you for putting it so succinctly; I pray God will help us really learn to listen. God bless you and your lovely wife!
Prayers over you, Jenny. And yes we have to take the time to listen to others. I must relearn this often. Good reminder today. Blessings to all!
Well spoken Sah!!! helpful and encouraging.
My desire is to hear you Lord…that still small voice…even a loud one Lord, if that is what will get me to really listen and hear what You have to say. Thank You Lord for hearing my prayer. Amen!!