Video Bible Lesson - Listening with Purpose by Dr. Charles Stanley

1/2 Hour of God’s Power with Scott Ralls

5/12/2020

Listening with Purpose

 by Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Samuel 3:1-10

Yesterday we learned about hearing the Word with eagerness and attentiveness. Now, let’s think about approaching the Bible purposefully, expectantly, and prayerfully.

Christians study the Scriptures not just individually but also corporately to learn more about God and His ways. Underlying this simple concept is a big challenge. To gather biblical knowledge with purpose means determining in our heart to obey what we hear (Ps. 119:33). And to do so expectantly means we believe that the Lord is going to speak specifically to us (Ps. 25:4). Sermons, Sunday school lessons, and quiet times on our own are all things to be anticipated. God uses these to build us up, strengthen us, or offer us comfort—He certainly makes listening to Him worthwhile. And obedience is the only proper response to this kind of personal attention.

Approaching the reading of Scripture prayerfully prepares our hearts to listen well and ushers in an attitude of purpose and expectancy. Today’s passage tells the story of young Samuel’s first encounter with God. The priest Eli gives the boy valuable advice—that when the Lord calls, he should say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (v. 9). Pray those simple words with conviction before you open your Bible, and you will hear God more clearly.

If you want to experience God working in your life, come to Scripture with a prayerful, expectant, purpose-filled attitude. The mourner will be comforted. The weary will gain strength. Those convicted of their sin will repent and know peace. All will sense joy. Recognize what a gift God’s Word is.

#Jesus, #Christian, #Bible, #Salvation, #Heaven, #God, #HolySpirit

Streams in the Desert

Streams in the Desert

All things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23).

The "all things" do not always come simply for the asking, for the reason that God is ever seeking to teach us the way of faith, and in our training in the faith life there must be room for the trial of faith, the discipline of faith, the patience of faith, the courage of faith, and often many stages are passed before we really realize what is the end of faith, namely, the victory of faith.

Real moral fibre is developed through discipline of faith. You have made your request of God, but the answer does not come. What are you to do?

Keep on believing God's Word; never be moved away from it by what you see or feel, and thus as you stand steady, enlarged power and experience is being developed. The fact of looking at the apparent contradiction as to God's Word and being unmoved from your position of faith make you stronger on every other line.

Often God delays purposely, and the delay is just as much an answer to your prayer as is the fulfillment when it comes.

In the lives of all the great Bible characters, God worked thus. Abraham, Moses and Elijah were not great in the beginning, but were made great through the discipline of their faith, and only thus were they fitted for the positions to which God had called them.

For example, in the case of Joseph whom the Lord was training for the throne of Egypt, we read in the Psalms:

"The word of the Lord tried him." It was not the prison life with its hard beds or poor food that tried him, but it was the word God had spoken into his heart in the early years concerning elevation and honor which were greater than his brethren were to receive; it was this which was ever before him, when every step in his career made it seem more and more impossible of fulfillment, until he was there imprisoned, and all in innocence, while others who were perhaps justly incarcerated, were released, and he was left to languish alone.

These were hours that tried his soul, but hours of spiritual growth and development, that, "when his word came" (the word of release), found him fitted for the delicate task of dealing with his wayward brethren, with a love and patience only surpassed by God Himself.

No amount of persecution tries like such experiences as these. When God has spoken of His purpose to do, and yet the days go on and He does not do it, that is truly hard; but it is a discipline of faith that will bring us into a knowledge of God which would otherwise be impossible.

Selfish Christianity.....Dr. Charles Stanley

Selfish Christianity

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 6:22-27

Which interests you more—who Jesus is or what He can do for you? I’m afraid that too many of us are more concerned about what He can give us than we are about getting to know who He is.

But this is nothing new—Jesus had this problem when He walked on earth. The crowds often sought Him out for what He could do for them. Even though their needs were quite often legitimate, Christ knew their motives.

There is a fine line between selfishly trying to use the Lord to get what we want and humbly coming to Him with our needs and struggles. Some of the issues we bring to Him are so pressing and urgent in our minds that our desire for Him to take action in the way we want becomes greater than our willingness to submit to His will. At times, what we call “faith” is really a demanding spirit.

We must remember that our needs will come to an end, but Jesus Christ will remain forever. If our prayers have dealt only with presenting our requests to the Lord, we’ve missed a great opportunity to get to know the One with whom we’ll spend eternity. Let’s invest time in pursuing intimacy with Christ. Then we can enjoy the benefits of that relationship forever.

How much of your communion with God is devoted to your needs—even legitimate ones? Are you spending any time getting to know the Lord? Although God delights in our prayers and tells us to pray about everything, He also wants us to come to Him just because we enjoy being with Him.

Be Gentle with Your Daughter’s Heart

Be Gentle with Your Daughter’s Heart
LISA JACOBSON

“… with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love …” Ephesians 4:2 (ESV)

Close.

That’s how people often describe our relationship. Both friends and strangers alike comment on it.

“You and your daughter seem so close. You talk and laugh together like you’re a couple of dear friends.”

And I suppose they’re right: We are close.

But you should know that she and I didn’t always enjoy the deep friendship we do now. The truth is, we came very near to not having any relationship at all.

I almost lost her heart when she was younger, and I can’t tell you how sorry I am that I didn’t realize it sooner.

Are you wondering where I went wrong?

That’s what I was wondering too. Aching to understand.

I had done so many wonderful things for my daughter as she was growing up. I drove her to every violin lesson for years and years. Hosted sparkly pink tea parties. Generously lent her our expensive video camera when she was in her movie-making stage. Smiled supportively when she decided to color her hair purple as a young teen.

You might say I was the epitome of the well-intentioned mom.

But then that awful day came when she looked me straight in the eyes and bitterly declared, “You don’t even love me, Mom.”

Unbelievable.

How could that have happened? Somehow, I’d been so busy getting through each day and taking her to all her various events and places that I had overlooked her heart. I had missed what she truly needed from me.

I had run roughly right over the top of her — and never even noticed.

“… with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love …” (Ephesians 4:2).

What about you? And your own dear girl?

Maybe she’s 2 years old, and you’ve only just begun. Perhaps she’s 7, and you’re still trying to figure her out. Or maybe she’s hitting the teen years, and you’re wondering what you might have missed.

Here’s what I would say: Try gentleness.

Unhurried, caring gentleness.

Stop rushing, running and getting things done.

Funny how quickly we moms fall into the trap of thinking good parenting means a tidy house or school awards or the right behavior. The checklist and the sticker chart.

Mothering is really about a relationship.

So why not cancel all your busy, terrific plans for today? And instead, see how you can quietly connect with your daughter’s heart.

Sure, it will take time, and it’s not anything you can cross off in your planner. But gently showing love is far more important than anything else you might do for her.

Ask me. I know.

Our daughter is now 21 years old; she just texted to ask if we could meet for coffee. She is brimming with news and a long list of things she wants to talk over. She wants to share her life and heart with me.

And I plan on listening, laughing and slipping in a word of wisdom where I can — incredibly grateful for this “second chance” with my girl.

But you don’t have to wait for a second chance. You can connect with your daughter on a heart-level starting right now.

Go ahead. Be gentle with her.

She needs this from you, Mom. More than she might ever say.

Dear heavenly Father, I confess I’m not always as gentle or patient with my daughter as I would like to be. Please forgive me, Lord, and help me to gently express my love for her. I want to take the time to intentionally connect with her heart in meaningful and lasting ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
James 3:17, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (ESV)

Galatians 5:22, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith …” (KJV)

Sweet Frog

Sweet Frog
by Ryan Duncan

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11 

One Presidents Day weekend, my father and sister drove from Illinois to visit me in Virginia. It was a great weekend, one of the best I'd had in a while. We toured Richmond city, ate at some of the best local restaurants, saw two movies, and spent our time as a family.

On their last day in Richmond, the three of us traveled to a small part of the city known as Carytown where we stopped for frozen yogurt in a neon-colored shop named "Sweet Frog." That's when it happened. I should have known, should have seen it coming. The brightly colored walls, quaint setup, even the concept -- frozen yogurt -- how could I have missed it? But no, I was totally blindsided when my dad leaned over to me and said,

"You know, Ryan, this would be the perfect place to take a girl on a date."

To be fair, I love my Dad and giving good advice is what Dads do, but I am more than aware of how painfully single I am.

Jon Acuff, author of Stuff Christians Like, once wrote an article about what happens when young, twenty-something guys are asked if they're dating.

"If you answer ‘yes', I imagine fireworks go off, confetti cannons fire and you get a ribbon that says "1st place" but when you answer ‘no,' three things happen:

My friend's mom brings up my last High School girlfriend, a prom date, or "that one girl your mom was telling me about at school" and proceeds to ask, "what happened with ‘that'?" Then I awkwardly explain why those relationships didn't wind up with me being on one knee, pledging my life to that female. A generic cliché like, "Life was just taking us in different directions" usually gets the job done.

My friend's dad hears I am single, which causes him to give me an abundance of "Dad's trying to be cool" fist pounds and references to me being a single man and "free." Once the high fives stop, he gives me a ten-step action plan on how to meet women based on what he did to meet his wife.

But the worst, no question, is the little old ladies at church. Being 22 and single is something they absolutely cannot fathom. They often explain how they had been married for 5 years at this point in their life and had two kids and one on the way. Nothing you say to justify your state in life appeases their grief that you are not married."- (Stuff Christians Like # 955)

Funny as this is, in all honesty, I was worried. Since college, three of my best friends had gotten engaged. Two others were in serious relationships. I was just, well, single. I am not good at dating; I never have been. What if I never meet someone? What if I never start my own family? What if God's plan for my life is to stay single?

As I sat there, stewing in my own anger and self pity, my sister pointed toward the wall. "Hey, look at the acronym they made." I turned my head. The store had decorated the walls with shirts bearing their name and logo. On one shirt, beneath the Frog in "Sweet Frog" someone had printed the words, "Fully. Rely. On. God." It's strange to think that God would speak to someone in a neon-pink frozen yogurt store, but honestly, I think he did.

God does have a plan for our lives. We can spend our time worrying about what the future holds, or we can trust him, and take each day as the gift it was made to be. It doesn't mean life is going to be easy, far from it, but we can be reassured with the knowledge that our Heavenly Father knows what he is doing.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Are you single and worried about your future? Get involved with openings at your church, and give some of your time to God.

Further Reading

Proverbs 3:5

What God Chooses to Accomplish His Will

What God Chooses to Accomplish His WillBy: Amanda Idleman

Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. - 1 Corinthians 1:27

Have you ever felt the nudge to do something, say something, or try something that felt outside your ability? As soon as the thought came into your head another did as well, discrediting your qualifications. Yet, the idea brought a quickening in your heart. The undeniable feeling this could be great./p>

These are the moments when God wants to step in to do something bigger than what we believe is possible with our seemingly unqualified lives. The amazing truth is that we are not left to ourselves in these moments! When God lays something on our heart to do or brings on a challenge for us to conquer for Him, then HE is the one who is going to be sufficient to see us through! He pushes us into uncomfortable places so that we are able to recognize His power at work.

If God only called us to what we felt capable to do, then would we even recognize God’s hand at work in our lives? When we feel like we have it all together, when things make sense in our own minds then we stop seeking God for his help. Our pride so easily steals our need for a Savior.

It is this reason that God allows us to face obstacles that feel insurmountable in the moment. In these moments we must be faithful to take a step of faith. God will meet us and miraculously provide so that His glory can be seen in our lives. God enables his people to accomplish what He desires them to do with their lives.

God’s plan for humanity is not one that we can make sense of on our own. God came in a form that no one expected, died a criminal's death, and yet used these lowly circumstances as the tool to free humanity from the chains of sin and death.

If we are to be ones who accomplish God’s plan for our lives or even to be those who are able to accept the truth of the cross, we have to be willing to lay aside our expectation, known limitations, and step out in faith that God will meet us where we are. He uses a foolish cross to redeem our lives.

He gives us the strength we need to minister to those who need His love in our daily lives. God will carry us through dark days. He will provide for our families when we see no way forward. God is able and uses our powerlessness to show His great ability to carry us through whatever it is that He calls us to.

Pause to consider in what ways you need to invite God to show His mighty hand at work in your life? Are you only relying on what “makes sense” to you or is there an area in your life in which God is nudging you to step out in faith so He can do something great? God only gave the Israelites in the desert the manna they needed each day so they would have to learn to trust in God as their provider. How is God teaching you to trust in him as your daily provider?

A Prayer for Guidance for Life is Challenging.....By Charles Stanley

A Prayer for Guidance for Life is Challenging
By Charles Stanley

The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? - Psalm 27:1

Nehemiah was a man who lived on his knees. Whenever he needed guidance, strength, provision, or protection, his first response was prayer. Because of Nehemiah’s humble dependence, God was able to use him greatly to achieve His purposes.

This principle is still true for believers today. God can use us in the most awesome fashion if we'll seek Him and make ourselves available. He has a calling for each of us and doesn't want us wasting the opportunities He provides.

To follow Nehemiah's example of dependent prayer, we must first recognize God as the sovereign Ruler of the universe (v. 5). Although He's our loving Father and loyal Friend, we must never forget that He is also our high and exalted Creator whose holiness is beyond our comprehension. Never think of the Lord as "the man upstairs" or come into His presence in a frivolous manner.

Because Nehemiah respected the awesome holiness of God, he approached Him with confession, admitting not only his sin, but his father's and Israel's as well (vv. 6-7). We cannot hide, deny, or cherish sin and expect the Lord to hear and answer our prayers. Purity of heart and the power of God are linked. We need the sensitivity to instantly recognize when we've strayed, and the willingness to deal with sin immediately.

The reason Nehemiah stood so tall and strong was not due to his natural abilities, but because he developed a relationship of dependency on the Lord through prayer. The same can be true for you. Don't rush into your day without taking time to enter God's throne room to seek His guidance.

Pray with me:

“Lord, I’m here today with open hands and an open heart, ready to depend on you to help me through the day and all it will bring my way. Help me be like Nehemiah, help me come to you for guidance, strength, provision and protection. As I face tough choices and hard situations, help me remember my belovedness, help me remember that I am Your child and Your representative to the world around me. Help me live today in a way that brings honor to Your holy name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”