Hearing His Voice

Last night as the praise and worship portion of the service was about to close, our youth pastor used the story of Samuel and Elijah as a reminder of how we should remain towards God.

Three times, Samuel heard a voice and went to Elijah. And, perhaps, because Elijah was still half-asleep, it took a moment to realize the miraculous and advise appropriately. "The next time you hear the voice..."

Pastor didn't even finish the summary of the story and I thought about what happens to ministries and pastors, particularly senior/lead pastors, who find themselves having lost the ability to remain humble before the Lord, ready to listen to what God would desire speak into their lives. Of course, in light of our morning guest speakers', reminder that "we are all ministers", Elijah's advice to Samuel is hard to swallow, even on a personal level.

Obedience is better than sacrifice, and since upon our death, everything we have will automatically qualify as a sacrifice, the only thing we truly have to offer God is, in fact, obedience. Okay...this is starting to hurt. Time to pray.

Pray, this #seniorPastorMonday, may all of us, whether a senior in high school, senior-aged member or a Senior Pastor (an any level leading up to "senior", find ourselves continually humble before God, ready to be a listening servant. Pray that ministries and personalities do not overtake one's spirit, that they think they can rely on self and do better than reliance on God. Pray against a spirit of pride, that would tune out the promptings of the Holy Spirit and the words of God, whether they are spoken by a fellow pastor, adviser, or friend. Pray for opportunities for Senior Pastor to be an Elijah, to a younger Samuel...to help guide and direct the next generation of pastors, not only in church-related matters, but in-depth lessons on life and spiritual maturity. May the building blocks of ministry begin with God-moments, where people's first response is the one that says, "Speak Lord, your servant is listening."

For the cause of Christ. For the glory of God. For the purpose of changing our wrold.

-PNC

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