Are you listening?

Delbert Enns pastor www.EasTview.org

We tend to be busy preparing to respond before we're finished listening.

Jesus prayed all night before appointing his disciples.
Listen with our ears eyes and heart.
God spoke to Abraham. Genesis 12.1

The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.

Listening is the bedrock of community. 'I love you' can be said with at least 3 different emphasis. Body language changes the meaning as well.

Luke 18.35
http://bible.com/116/luk.18.35-42.nlt As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. So he began shouting, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, And Jesus said, "All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you."

The rich man wanted money and Jesus's blessings. This man wanted mercy.

Jesus heard and responded. He healed. But first he asked an obvious question. What are you looking for?

Last Sunday's assignment was to get to know someone. This week's assignment is to learn to listen.

5 of 11 grandchildren are handicapped in one of our church families. What can we do for you? Let me listen to you and do what will benefit you. What can I do for you today?

Listen to what you know that needs to be done. Can you hear the whimper?

The Father is always at work in each one of us.

Martha welcomed Jesus into her house. Mary sat down to listen. Sit at Jesus's feet. Many of us are Marthas. Listen to the small voice. Share the Lord's Supper and say YES to Jesus!