Previously, we discussed two responsibilities of the role of watchmen. You can review that article here:
Today, we will discuss three more responsibilities to consider as we learn more about the role of spiritual watchmen.
Are You A Watchman? Part 1
Terrorism, disease, blight, domestic violence, home invasions… It seems that threats are everywhere and the need for watchmen has never been greater.
In the same way that we need military, police, border guards, hospitals, homeland security, etc. to guard the natural areas of our lives, we also need spiritual watchmen to provide warning for our souls. Most people receive little to no training on how to see these kinds of dangers that can come our way.
Centuries ago, during a time that was particularly desperate and dangerous, God spoke to Ezekiel:
“Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me.” – (Ezekiel 33:2-7 NASB)
Pluck & Plant
Have you ever felt like God was asking you to go against the grain?
Several years ago, someone decided to “help” the fiery evangelist Billy Sunday with his delivery. “Billy,” they said, “you’re rubbing the cat the wrong way.” I’m sure that their intent was pure. In their minds, if Reverend Sunday would simply stop offending people, and make them feel more comfortable, he could be more effective and successful. Unperturbed, Sunday replied, “If the cat would turn around, I would be rubbing him the right way.”
The Prophet Jeremiah never knew Billy Sunday, but I’m sure he could empathize with the sentiment. Jeremiah was called by God to speak a message that was almost completely opposite of the one being spoken by nearly every other prophet in the land.
Biblical Keys to Hearing from God Part 4
In Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 we discussed the first nine Biblical Keys of hearing God’s voice. You can review those articles here:
Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 1
Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 2
Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 3
Today, we are going to discuss the final three keys to seeking and hearing God’s voice in our lives.
Biblical Keys to Hearing from God Part 3
In Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 1 and Part 2 we discussed the first six Biblical Keys of hearing God’s voice. You can review those articles here:
Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 1
Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 2
Today, we are going to discuss the next three keys to seeking and hearing God’s voice in our lives.
Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 2
In “Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 1” we discussed the first three Biblical Keys of hearing God’s voice. You can review the article here:
Biblical Keys to Hearing From God Part 1
Today, we are going to discuss three more keys to seeking and hearing God’s voice in our lives.
Biblical Keys to Hearing from God Part 1
Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27 (NASB).
This being true, why do so many people have trouble hearing from God? The answer is a lot simpler than you may believe.
In the very first chapter of the very first book of the Bible, God spoke. The transforming power of those first few syllables have not since failed to impact every aspect of the universe. Despite Adam’s sin and exile from the Garden, God continued His plan for mankind through the promise and fulfillment of His Son. John 1 clearly identifies Jesus as God’s Word made flesh. He has always provided a way for us to hear Him.
How’s Your Gratitude?
How’s your Gratitude? We can all use a tune-up from time-to-time, and even if you need a complete overhaul, God is more than willing to help.
Research Scientist Dr. Barbara Fredrickson studied the role of gratitude in our daily lives. It might not be surprising that she observed a direct correlation between Gratitude and Joy. It is easy to imagine that joyful people have a lot to be grateful for. What she actually discovered however, was more profound. She discovered that it was not joy that made people grateful, rather it was being grateful that led people to joy.
How Ya Doin?
If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. (Gal 6:3-4)
Isn’t it easy to point the finger at imperfection in others? “Can you believe they … (I’m sure you can fill in the blank)?” This seems especially true when the flaw is an area that we do not struggle with in our own life. Our own weaknesses are, well, just that a weakness – a very tiny one (or so we think). We have a tendency to judge ourselves by our intentions and others by their actions. If we are not careful, we may even find ourselves evaluating our godliness based on our perception of others. “I’m better than a lot of people”.
Much More than Saved
Did Jesus die and rise from the dead just so we can go to Heaven, or does He have bigger plans for us?
Much of the modern church is obsessed with getting people “saved.” While this is certainly a noble and important effort, it is interesting to note that the modern altar call did not even exist for most of church history. Out of two millennia of Christianity, the altar call, as we know it, has been around for less than two centuries. Jesus certainly called people to follow Him, but there was no special prayer while the choir sang, “Just as I am.”
In John 10:9, Jesus said, “I am the door.” Reading this, we might quickly be compelled to ask, “the door to what?” It is not often that we see a door standing on its own. Instead it usually leads somewhere. Yes accepting Jesus as our savior is important, but it is only the threshold into much, much more.