Tag Archives: hear

I’ve Heard

bible, faith, God, Religion, theology, , ,

I’ve heard all about you.  Words that I’m never sure are terrifying or heart-warming.  Does my reputation precede me?  Am I notorious?  Or has someone actually been telling someone else nice things about me?  Maybe I shouldn’t feel so guilty!  But it a serious thought.  If someone has heard all about us, what would it be?

Ephesians 1:15-23 (CEV)

Paul’s Prayer

15 I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. 16 So I never stop being grateful for you, as I mention you in my prayers. 17 I ask the glorious Father and God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give you his Spirit. The Spirit will make you wise and let you understand what it means to know God. 18 My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God chose you. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God’s people.

19 I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used 20 when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven. 21 There Christ rules over all forces, authorities, powers, and rulers. He rules over all beings in this world and will rule in the future world as well.22 God has put all things under the power of Christ, and for the good of the church he has made him the head of everything. 23 The church is Christ’s body and is filled with Christ who completely fills everything.

Paul has heard about the Ephesians.  Good things by the sound of it.  The reputation that precedes them is of their faith and love.  They have done well, and Paul is grateful for them and their witness.

But that doesn’t stop him continuing to pray for them, that they will continue to discover new things about God and the life of faith.

Three thoughts:

  • What might someone have heard about me and my life and faith?  What might they have noticed?
  • However much I might think I know, however well I am perceived, or not, to be doing; there is always more to learn, more to discover of God, that in turn will effect how I live further.
  • do I continue to pray, even for those who seem to have life sorted?

Thank you Lord,
for those who are a shining example
of how to live for you.

Forgive me
when I do not meet that standard,
help me to learn more of you
and let that effect my life.

May I never think
I know everything about you,
and stop listening
and learning,
but always be open
to what you long to teach me

Advertisements

Enduring Love v

bible, faith, follow, God, Lectionary, lent, life, Religion, theology, , , , ,

Jeremiah 7:23-28 (CEV)

23 Instead, I told them, “If you listen to me and do what I tell you, I will be your God, you will be my people, and all will go well for you.” 24 But your ancestors refused to listen. They were stubborn, and whenever I wanted them to go one way, they always went the other. 25 Ever since your ancestors left Egypt, I have been sending my servants the prophets to speak for me. 26 But you have ignored me and become even more stubborn and sinful than your ancestors ever were!

Slaughter Valley

The Lord said:

27 Jeremiah, no matter what you do, the people won’t listen. 28 So you must say to them:

People of Judah, I am the Lord your God, but you have refused to obey me, and you didn’t change when I punished you. And now, you no longer even pretend to be faithful to me.

You speak,
I don’t listen.

Your way
is one way,
my way is another.

You are generous
and ever caring,
I am stubborn
and dig my heels in.

You show me,
I pay no attention.

You keep on
doing,
showing,
speaking

Can I hear,
will I see,
am I able to change?
Do I really want to?

Faithful God
of enduring love;
in my temptations,
my wanderings,
my wilful disobedience;
give me your strength
to follow you,
to listen carefully,
to let myself go with you,
your way.

Though I have focussed on My Way,
and been proud of it,
I turn now
to your way.

Change me
I pray.

Jesus You are Changing Me

 

 

Good to be Here

bible, faith, God, Jesus, Lectionary, Religion, theology, , ,

There are some things that you get to see when you know that you are experiencing a very special event, and you feel the privilege.  Occasions when the words of John Lennon and Paul McCartney ring out,

It’s wonderful to be here,It’s certainly a thrill

As I child, I remember standing outside Sheffield Town Hall waiting for The Queen to arrive.  The crowds were several deep, it was deemed to be a special event, something worth seeing.  Other events may be considered less meaningful, but are special to those involved; sometimes you just had to be there to appreciate the importance and feel the atmosphere.

Matthew 17:1-9 (CEV)

The True Glory of Jesus

17 Six days later Jesus took Peter and the brothers James and John with him. They went up on a very high mountain where they could be alone. 2 There in front of the disciples, Jesus was completely changed. His face was shining like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.

3 All at once Moses and Elijah were there talking with Jesus. 4 So Peter said to him, “Lord, it is good for us to be here! Let us make three shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

5 While Peter was still speaking, the shadow of a bright cloud passed over them. From the cloud a voice said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him. Listen to what he says!” 6 When the disciples heard the voice, they were so afraid that they fell flat on the ground. 7 But Jesus came over and touched them. He said, “Get up and don’t be afraid!” 8 When they opened their eyes, they saw only Jesus.

9 On their way down from the mountain, Jesus warned his disciples not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of Man had been raised from death.

Jesus takes Peter, James and John up the mountain with him.  Are you already hearing echoes, clues that something important is going to happen?  God and mountains often means something profound, a special event.

Something happened to Jesus right in front of them.  He changed.  Jesus shines as bright as light.  The glory of the Lord is here for those who wish to see it.  But more than that, God speaks.  He echoes the words of Jesus baptism, with the added instruction to listen to him.

What a privilege for the disciples to be there, to hear the voice of God so clearly.

Do you long for that?  To hear the voice of God so clearly?  To know exactly what he is saying?  To see his presence so obviously?  I know I do.

Perhaps this points us again to the need to draw away with God, to follow Jesus, to take time to be with him – up a mountain if necessary! We need those special times with God.  Sometimes we need to make a concerted effort to listen, and that may mean removing other distractions for a time..

God invites us to join him?  Will we be glad to?  To be thrilled to be there with him?  To wait to hear what he has to show us and say to us?

Take me In

Lord,
let me come,
to long to take time
to be with you,
to enjoy your presence.

To stay,
hear your voice
and see clearly
what you are doing.

Speak Lord,
let me hear,
and I may respond