Listen To Me

I had an epiphany last night, as I considered what God had in store for today's post. As I reflected on a somewhat quiet day at home (battling a headache and my wife being under the weather), I realized the inspiration my kids provided. For as they played, the day was not nearly as quiet as I had hoped.

On this #effectiveSunday, I'll be the first to admit... how much do I miss, not so much because God isn't speaking, but because I'm not listening. Every parent knows this struggle. Anyone who watches kids for longer than 5 minutes, quickly discovers this.

It's easy to get caught up in activities and games, shenanigans and foolery... messing around and having fun. It's what kids do.

Yet, as adults, we have our  moments. Some days, not so many; other days, many more.

At some point, we catch ourselves with a sobering sense of reality... while we were caught up in whatever activity we were engaged it, did we miss what God said? Did we miss what He asked of us? Did we miss what He spoke over us? Did we miss His direction or declaration?

Is God frustrated? Has He called on someone else, because of our distraction?

Questions that only can be answered on an individual basis... in our quiet time with God. But answering them will bring insight into our effectiveness as the body of Christ.

Shall we pray, this #effectiveSunday, that God would help us to be aware of His Word and it's influence in our lives. May we be careful in the situations and circumstances we find ourselves, to keep our ears attuned to the voice of the Spirit; that we would not be so caught in the moment that we hear God speak. Though we have a child-like faith, may we have a mature mind, understanding the will of God, not only for our personal lives, but also for the church-at-large.

May the family of God
Function as a family.
Not full of strife and sickness,
But health and wholeness, love and discipline
Not fighting against each other, but working together
For the cause of Jesus Christ.

- PNC

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