My word for the year 2016 is listen. I've come to realize that God is speaking a lot more than I think He is. The problem is, my ears haven't been tuned in to His voice. I haven't been carefully listening. Even worse, sometimes I've heard Him loud and clear, but ignored what He said. This year, I'm focusing on changing both of those bad habits, the habit of not listening for God's voice, and the habit of not heeding what He says.
I chose the mountain photo for this verse, because in the Song of Solomon, chapter 8:14 of the Amplified Bible, (classic edition), the bride answers the call of her bridegroom and together they ascend to their home upon the mountain. How often have I been content with valley living, when my Bridegroom has been calling my name and wanting me to ascend to new heights in my relationship with Him? Yes, I've experienced some wonderful heights in my walk with Him in the past, but as long a there is breath in my lungs, there are new heights with Him for me to experience. This will only happen, if I respond to His voice when He calls me. God, give me ears to hear Your voice, and a heart that readily and wholeheartedly responds when You call.
still following,
When I was a young adult, I was unsure of Him. I asked him, "if you are real, show me". Soon after that, I was at a Hallmark store standing behind a young couple. When the cashier rang up their purchase, she asked if they had a penny. The boy asked the girl & she shook her head "no". I heard the Lord tell me to give them a penny. I did & thought to myself "a penny, no big deal". Shortly after I left there, I went to a pop/soda machine & inserted 2 quarters. After pressing the selection, I heard a coin drop. Guess what it was? I knew that the machine would not have accepted a penny. I knew right then & there that he listens and answers. I knew that I needed to pay attention & listen to His voice know matter how big or small.
ReplyDeleteI love this story. God is so gracious to us as we are growing in our trust of Him and of Who He is.
DeleteLovely...as always. Elizabeth, have you ever thought about writing a daily journal book? YOU should!!!!
ReplyDeleteI don't pick a word but I do like yours. As I am moving on with a new phase of my life, I too, am listening. I only want it His way with His protection.
Did you take that picture of the mountains? It is just beautiful!!!! He who can create that, can certainly be trusted with our lives!!!
Happy Sunday~ God Bless,
Addie
Yes, this photo is one of mine. We have beautiful mountains here in the Pacific Northwest. I am praying for you to hear God's voice clearly about all steps of your move.
DeleteTHANK-YOU!!!!! So very much!!!!
DeleteAddie
Great devo. I love the mountain picture you chose and your reasoning behind such a majestic scene. I also love the word you chose for the year, not many would even think of that word and somewhere in my little brain I see it as a verb.. and action word.. because Listening requires self control and diligence not to wander into our own thoughts.. My word for the year is obedience.. and so I really like how your devo fit that for me. thank you. ♥
ReplyDeletePJ, listening and obedience are two sides of the same coin, in my opinion. For example, when our child doesn't obey us, don't we first ask, "Did you hear me"? Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement.
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