Are You Listening?

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow Me." John 10:27 (NIV)

One day this week I read this sentence in Sarah Young's devotional, Jesus Calling, "As you listen to birds calling to one another, hear also My Love-call to you."

Immediately I became aware of the melodic birdsong wafting on the breeze.

Funny, I don't think I had heard them yet that morning.

I wasn't listening.

They were singing their little hearts out, but I was missing out on the concert because I was tuned out.

After reading the devotional entry and spending some time in John 10, my consciousness took flight. It dawned on me that just as I was oblivious to the song of the birds, I'm often deaf to the voice of the Lord. Just not listening. And not even hearing. Totally unaware.

How can I follow Him...or trust Him...or hear Him utter His Love-call if I'm not in active pursuit and listening intentionally?

He is always speaking. Through His Word. Through Christians He's placed in our paths. Via pastors, teachers, writers. And yes, also through nature. In the sounds. In the beauty.

The photo above illustrates this perfectly for me. God and I have this little love sign between us. He shows me things in threes and I "hear" Him say, "I. Love. You." Sometimes it's three birds together. Other times it's other creatures...squirrels, deer...and yes, even groundhogs!

I love how He loves me.

He loves you too! He speaks your "love language"!

Are you listening? How is He speaking to you?

Monday Meditation~Let My Words Be Few

"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.

Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, 'My vow was a mistake.' Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?

Much dreaming and many words are meaningless.

Therefore stand in awe of God." Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 (NIV)

There are so many instances in which I need to let my words be few. And listen. And wait.

What about you? What is God saying to you today?

Are you standing in awe of Him?

Are you fulfilling the vows you've made to Him?

Lord, draw us to Your Word. Quiet our hearts and our mouths. Help us to listen. When we've heard from You, help us to obey the words You speak to us. Help us to do the work You've called us to. Lord, we are in awe of You. And humbled that You would choose us. Thank You for loving us...sacrificially. We love You.