Saturday, July 27, 2013

Listening With Your Eyes!


Recently I have focused on learning to do better in my relationships with others.  One key component of improving relationships is communicating in a more effective and compassionate manner.  Achieving this goal involves changing the way I listen to people from passive listening to active listening which means listening with more than my ears, with my eyes.  Yes, this means I stop everything I am doing so I can look at what a person is saying to me.  Looking at people with intentionality and observing how they are behaving when speaking to me, helps me better understand their message.  I can determine if there are their signs of stress, if their hands are saying something to me, if they are worried, and so forth.  Listening is more than just hearing the words the person is speaking; their emotions and physical behavior are just as critical.  

Today we focus on communicating via e-mails and texting without consideration for the importance of a face to face conversation with the other person.  Listening with our eyes forces us to make time for face to face meetings, to give the person a sense of value by demonstrating your willingness to set everything else aside and listen with your eyes.  

I thank God that He listens with his eyes, He watches over me caring for all my needs seeing the pains and struggles and responding appropriately.  He listen’s with His eyes and makes time for me even when I don’t realize He is there.  Praise the Lord!

Whether at work, school, or home take the time to listen with your eyes!  Just a little advice to go! 

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Spirit of Discernment!

As believers we often neglect to adhere to the principles taught in the word, discernment is one of those.  The fast paced world in which we live, often leads to our taking action before we discern the situation and proper course of action based on God’s will for our lives.   

We have the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us to help us discern situations we encounter on a daily basis.  We can't make those discernments if we don't yield to the Spirit or even recognize the power it provides us. 

There is a point in our spiritual relationship where we recognize God is directing us and then act upon that direction.  We learn not to lean on our own understanding, but to pray and ask for the Lord's assistance as we enter into critical decisions.  We analyze the situation seeking to understand the people involved, the circumstances, the options, and the direction God would have us take.   Once we discern the direction God wills for us we can focus on making it happen.  


Focusing on God’s direction is not always easy as we are often prone to act in accordance with our own will versus His.  However with practice, patience, a determination to listen for God’s still voice, and prayer; we can focus on staying in line with God so as to fulfill His plan for our lives.   Just a little advice to go! 

Sunday, July 7, 2013

In God's Time!

Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." - Isa. 40:31

God's word is not intended for the weak of heart, for those who stress out and are inpatient.  God's promises are true and His word never returns void.  But His plan corresponds to His timing and not ours.  If we wait on the Lord we learn to become faithful, steadfast, and patient.  We move forward knowing that while the answer seems like it may never come, it will come in accordance with God's plan and not ours.

My wife and I have been married for more than 31 years and have truly come to understand the meaning of waiting upon the Lord and gaining the strength that comes with that waiting period.  We continue to redefine patience with every storm we weather understanding that it is not so much about what we want and when we want it, as much as learning to trust God to act how and when He needs to.

The storms have strengthen us to the point where we strive to help strengthen other couples who are much younger and are weathering storms we have experienced in the past.  For many of these couples our experiences offer an opportunity to learn and grow.  Helping them, helps us to grow stronger and more determined in our faith.

In the end, we are certain that those who wait on the Lord will receive an answer to their prayers.  He strengthens the faithful so that they mount up with wings like eagles, run and not tire, and walk and not become weary!  Just a little advice to go!