Who are You Listening to These Days?

By Pastor Mark McAdow
We’re always listening to someone or something. It is rare that we are truly quiet. That is one of our greatest problems today. We are always in a hurry and rarely take time to listen. Taking time to listen to one another is crucial for healthy relationships. That may be one reason why we’re suffering as a nation – because we no longer listen to one another. Instead, we choose sides and demonize the other person or party who disagrees with us.

It doesn’t have to be that way, and it didn’t use to be that way.  Political parties had different ways of seeing how to fix the problems in America, but they were more interested in “fixing” the problems than blaming the other for them.  They wanted what was truly best for all Americans, not simply the ones in their party. Where have those days gone?

Except for a national tragedy, we rarely come together and support each other if we have opposing views. We have become a divided nation. We need to listen to the right voices. Who are you listening to these days? Broadcasters? Pundits? Only people who agree with you? What about the voice of God?

I shared at First Friday with our men that we all need to listen to the voice of God. I shared how I read the daily devotional “Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence” as one way to listen for the voice of God.  It is written in first person, as though Jesus is actually talking directly to you.  Though not His actual words, it is clearly based on Scripture which is included in the devo. (You can purchase a copy at Ruth’s Christian Bookstore.)  You can also listen for His voice by simply quieting your thoughts and asking Him a question like this – “Lord, what do you want to show me about Yourself today?” – and listen for His response.

The prophet Isaiah wrote these words in Is. 30:21: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it'.” Jesus said in John 10:27: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” I want to hear the voice of Jesus like that; don’t you? I’m convinced, Jesus is speaking to us through the Holy Spirit all the time. We simply need to take time to listen and to respond. Happy listening!

Yours in Christ’s love,
Pastor Mark

Thanks for your prayers for our youth this week. They come home from summer camp tomorrow.