Listen to what God is telling you today

God is neither dumb nor deaf. He speaks to us to give instructions and commands or to comfort and assure us of his help, and he hears us when we call on him in prayer. He has revealed or made himself known to us by speaking. The phrase 'God said' is repeated throughout the Bible. Man was created to have a relationship with God through constant communication. If two people in a relationship stop talking, their relationship starts to die. At the beginning of their marriage, one spouse may not clearly hear or understand what the other is saying. But over time and through constant communication they get to know not only the voice of the spouse but also hear and understand them. Similarly, when one has walked with God for some time, they can clearly and audibly hear the voice of God. They can distinguish it from a thought or an idea from others. When the devil gives you an idea, it called temptation but God's idea is an inspiration. God's voice is as real as radio or television waves - just because you cannot see them does not mean they are not there. The idea is to tune in. No matter how fine a radio or television is, unless and until you tune in to the channel you cannot hear anything. Why is it important to hear from God? First, it is proof that you are part of his family. It verifies that you are a believer, you have a relationship and you communicate with him. This is the difference between having a relationship with somebody and knowing them. For example, many people know American actor Tom Cruise but they do not have a relationship with him - they do not talk, spend time together or correspond via mail. Second, it protects you from trouble and making mistakes. In the journey of life, we encounter potholes, traps, snares, bends and valleys; we need God's guidance to avoid falling into any of these. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). Sometimes this will take God just saying one word - no or stop or do not. Third, it produces success in life by being exactly what God intended you to be. It is the fulfillment, meaning and purpose of living in the center of his good and perfect will for your life." I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye" (Psalm 32:8). There is a particular path for everyone but most of us decide to follow others' path and end up in trouble. To hear God you need to cultivate an open mind by being receptive and willing to hear from him. The main barrier to hearing from God is resistance. Jesus gave a parable about a sower who went out to sow his seed. Some fell by the wayside, it was trampled on and birds devoured it. Others on a rock, and as soon as it sprang up it withered because it lacked moisture. Others on among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and chocked them. Others on good ground, sprang up and yielded a crop of a hundredfold. He then said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" The seed is the Word of God. Those by wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, least they should believe and be saved. Those on the rocks are the ones who when they hear, receive the word with joy; but have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. Those among the thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are chocked with cares, riches and pleasures of life; and bring no fruit to maturity. Those on good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit in patience. People do not hear God because of pride and this makes them think they can do without God. Or fear, which is a mental block to what God might say to them. Or bitterness, this is holding on to hurt, resentment and grudges - it causes the heart to grow hard, cold and defensive to God's love. "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness; and receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21). To hear from God you must make time to listen. Do not always be in a hurry, slow down and be quiet in his presence. Illustration: If you fly over a city, you miss seeing all its details. If you take a train through the city, you will see a few details. If you drive through by car, you see many details. If you walk through the city, you will not only see even more details but also have a personal experience of it. Finally, to hear from God you must eliminate all distractions. Do not let your mind be crowded with so many things and concerns that you become distracted - worries, plans, fears or activities. The things that chock us are worries, riches and pleasures of this world. I pray that you may learn to hear the voice of God, have an open mind, receptive, not be distracted and be the seed that falls in good soil. Bishop David Muriithi Founder & Overseer House of Grace International Ministries

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