Have you ever read an article that just stuck? Years ago, while working at Camp Lutherhaven, I was introduced to Discipleship Journal, a now retired NavPress publication. In one issue, there was an article about the voice of God and how we can best tune our ear to hear Him. After having read the article, I jotted the following notes & quote and tucked them in my Bible. I don’t remember much else from that piece, but I would happen upon this folded sheet of paper from time to time.
Within the past two years, or so, it found its way out of my Bible and has been lost a time or two. A portion of the sheet has now been ripped away – in order, I suppose, to serve some small purpose of its own. The remnants continue to wear. I thought that before it is lost again or wears away to nothing, I ought to share it here. I hope you benefit.
The following table was presented by the author. He suggested that when weighing a decision, one should consider and pray over these things. And, if a course of action would do well in leading you from the ungodly to the Godly, it may well be pursued. In this way, we can modeestly map and navigate what God might will for us in each situation and in each choice that confronts us.
| Verse | From | To |
| Matthew 6:33 | self-absorption | concern for God’s kingdom |
| 1 Samuel 15:19-22 | defiance | submission |
| Jeremiah 17:5-8 | self-reliance | God-reliance |
| Matthew 25:14-30 | squandering resources | stewarding them |
| Luke 17:11-19 | expecting & taking for granted | accepting & gratitude |
| 2 Peter 1:3-8 | spiritual indifference | spiritual growth & vitality |
| 1 Samuel 16:7 | concern with externals | concern for character |
| Romans 12:1-2 | conformity with the culture | conformity to God |
| Philippians 2:3-4 | concern for self | concern for others |
| Mark 10:42-45 | lording over others | serving others |
| James 3:13-17 | quarreling | cooperation |
| Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 | independence | community |
| 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 | envy, competition, self-protection | love |
| Ephesians 4:32-5:2 | harboring hurt & resentment | extending forgiveness & seeking reconciliation |
I can’t remember the author of this article. If you know, I’d let m know so that I can give proper attribution. I did take note of the following quotations from Roc Bottomly (who may well be the author of the full article).
If we could mark with a yellow highlighter the messages from God that cross our minds, we’d see yellow daily.
It’s easy to forget that when two of us are talking there are three in the room and it’s that third person’s voice that we most need to hear. We need to keep one ear tuned to God while we listen to the person with the other. Sometimes, we both need to stop talking and listen to God.
Oh, that we might listen. Still our hearts, Lord. Lay us bare before Your grace and love. Turn our desire toward You. It is so easy to numb ourselves amidst the onslaught of this worlds offerings. It is too tempting to embrace the machinations of our own minds. Soften us. Set us right. Lift Your voice just enough to gather our attentions again. And then, whisper the wind and send Your word as mist among us – resfreshing our weary souls.
| Reflect On | the above passages |
| Praise God | that His word is full or grace and truth |
| Offer Thanks | for His messages we might highlight yellow |
| Confess | those times when you may have stopped up your ears |
| Ask God | to pluck you from the madness of daily life into a rhythm of rest to tune your ear to that third voice in every conversation |
| Comment | Can you think of other items that might be added to this list? What decisions are you facing that could benefit from a new perspective? |
Thanks Ua. I read this and liked it.
But.
sigh.
I really need some love for the people Unlike myself.. specifically, my “favorite” object of Ire, Conservatives.
I’m sorry to pollute your uplifting post with these thoughts, but I can’t escape them.
It occurs to me that many of the noun/verbs on the “from” column, are considered virtues to conservatives: “self-reliance”, “concern for self”, “independence”, “competition, self-protection”, or at least they are, fairly or unfairly, associated with; “defiance”, “squandering resources”, “self-absorption”.
To be fair, Liberals have their own problems. But If I was to “score” it, Conserves would clearly lose. I don’t know why I care, but I do.
It’s true. A good number of conservatives (and, I would suppose some good number of liberals, alike) will claim only a cultural Christianity, which really is no Christianity, at all. And those, standing not on a foundation of Jesus but on a foundation of man-made ideologies, will find much of the first column virtuous. Either we set God upon the throne of our lives, or we sit there alone. And, if we sit there alone, we may well consider such things necessary to navigate life.
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:6-8)
We are talking about priorities. From a secular source, I will share the most important though.t I have encountered in 2015. “What is the most important thing I could do now?” I believe it came from the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. Not sure. But let us not aim low. I will tell you a true story. My wife died suddenly of a fast moving brain infection at age 27. Our only child, Matt, was six months old. Her first seizure was on a Thursday She died the next Tuesday. To cut to the chase, don’t put off doing good to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it Don’t presume to have even one more day to bless those w/in your sphere of responsibility. I have kept my son’s baby book on the headboard of my bed. I reread it this morning. My wife had filled it out down to a detailed list of gifts loved ones had given at showers… Those first six months of Matt’s life were undoubtedly the most blessed of my life. Cherish each moment w/ loved ones. I was in full time Christian work with Voice of the Martyrs in California, helping persecuted Christians and Jews. (persecution.com) Things seemed to be gong exceptionally well. I just got your newsletter and see you featuring your kids. My favorite one of the lot is the one where your wife is loving on one of them. Don’t underestimate the priceless treasure of time together w/loved ones, associates like the beautiful thoughtful Hannah who treated your family to an event I sat by her at the annual meeting…she has a radiant soul and giving heart… May your summer plans capture the moments for eternity. May the Lord bring exactly the right people to join your support team. Yes, please send me updates. Your brother, Dale