Bummer Buster Friday - Be Quick to Listen

Good morning!

Are you a loud voice in the current moment - taking sides, spewing foul language and hatred, lumping all people who disagree with you into people not worth loving - vilifying them, calling them names for having contrary beliefs?

Are you a noisy gong or clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1)? 

Are you slow to listen, quick to speak and quick to anger (James 1:19)?

I shared this just a few months ago, but God has put it on my heart that many Christians need a message like this...and hopefully, I am not a noisy gong in sharing this - read on:

• I am not a voice to be heard…

          Except in service to others (Philippians 2:3-7)

• I am not a voice to be heard…

          Except in proclaiming Jesus Christ (Romans 10:8-10)

• I am not a voice to be heard…

          Except in sharing the Good News (Acts 1:8, Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28::18-19)

• I am not a voice to be heard…

          Except in submitting my life to King Jesus (Luke 9:23-24, Matthew 16:24-25)

• I am not a voice to be heard…

          Except in asking for forgiveness (1 John 1:9, Matthew 5:23-24)

• I am not a voice to be heard…

          Except in offering forgiveness (John 20:23, Matthew 6:14-15)

• I am not a voice to be heard…

          Except in sharing truth and love with neighbors and enemies alike (Luke 10:26-28, Matthew 5:43-44, Luke 6:27-28)

• I am not a voice to be heard…

          Except in prayer to my God and Savior (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, James 5:16, Luke 18:1)

• I am not a voice to be heard…

          Except in expressing my hearts love for God (Matthew 22:37)

• I am not a voice to be heard…

         Except in praising and glorifying God in worship (Psalm 150:1-3, Romans 15:5-7, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, and many more)
 
Read the referenced scripture or do your own research. The Holy Spirit often convicts me that I can be at times that noisy gong and clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1). As I look into the world these days it seems to me that many have given into the temptation of raising their voices to be heard above all others, even that of God’s voice, His Word. And in the process sow seeds of hate and division. 

Is that you? Or are you really a disciple of Jesus?
 
Lord Jesus, my prayer for each of us as we enter this weekend is that we find ways to be quiet and true to You, our Lord Jesus, in our walk with You, except as You call us otherwise! Give us hearts to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. For You are our king, our Lord! You alone! Amen!
 
Have a weekend filled with the Peace that comes from knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
 
Patrick




​