Learning to Hear God Speak

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3

This verse has often been called “God’s phone number”. He clearly says to call Him and He will answer.

Most of us look for clear-cut answers; you know, the call we’re expecting; sick healed; needs supplied; relationships restored. But, what happens when our prayers come from a broken or weary heart; a felt need we cannot express?

Billy Graham tells how to hear from God more clearly.

Lately, for whatever reason, I find myself weighed down with struggles I can’t explain. Has God even heard my wordless cries? Am I asking amiss? Am I making too much of a situation?

Most of you know, I always carry a supply of small bags of Scripture candy and tracts to share as God leads. This week as I assembled fifty bags, I chuckled as I tossed an empty wrapper into the trash; it was sealed with no candy inside!

Praying over the bags and my circumstances, I loaded my duffle bag for the car. I know God nudged me as I retrieved the sealed, empty bag from the trash to read the Scripture.

This is the Lord’s Word for me written on that empty candy bag. “The Lord, thy God, He will not fail thee nor forsake thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Tears of joy and peace warmed my cheeks as I heard from my Father: “Susie, I am here for you. I will never, ever leave you. I will not forsake you. I have a plan for you.”  There on an empty candy wrapper was the assurance I longed for from my patient, loving, all-knowing Father.

Click here for 10 ways God speaks regularly to you.

Sweet, faithful friend. Do you know God in that way? Can you hear clearly when He speaks? Make time for Him, His love and grace are there for you.

Hugs,

Thanks for leaving a note. How can I pray for you this week?

 

Identify Your Time Robbers

Identify Your Time Robbers

Patches’ Big Friend is Hiding Something (read the article below to learn his secret)

“… walk not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

New year’s resolutions are simply not my thing. I learned a very long time ago my resolve is more of a wish list. However, this January I decided changes were needed in my life.

Instead of resolving to do better, I asked myself what were my time robbers; how did I spend my precious time. Also, I determined to make changes accordingly. This hurt a bit! (This hurt a lot!)

I would often say I didn’t watch much tv; I don’t like the new sitcoms and comedies and the news is disgusting. Yes, well … truth be known, I DID without realizing it. Enjoying lunch or dinner in my comfy chair in the livingroom, I tuned in an old game show (concentration or password plus) while I ate. So, I’m thinking I’m feeding my brain as well as my tummy. Good, right?  Hours later …!

World news at 5:30 while I ate my cereal shouldn’t be a problem. However, if I then flipped channels and found an older Hallmark movie …! I am not a disciplined person. I lie to me when I say I’ll only watch an hour a day or whatever. Not!

My chair is at the far end of the livingroom by a little table with books and remotes handy. On Friday, January 6, I put the remote under Patches’ turtle friend at the other end of the room by the fireplace. To watch tv, I have to get up and go get it. The tv has not been on since January 6. I am redeeming the time.

Click for three common time robbers we each face.

My second time robber is Facebook. Now, I will say, I like Facebook; I use it for ministry; I am encouraged by the comments and Scriptures. Quitting is not an option for me. Even so, it has to be curbed drastically! Easy peasy! I deleted the app from my phone. Now, if I have time to browse FB, I have to go into the other room to the computer. (Exercise!)

I have others, many others. I’m guessing you do as well. For me personally, I feel God calling me to redeem the time seriously. When I celebrate the tenth anniversary of my 9th birthday (2032 if you’re counting), I want to know I’ve given God my best; used the time He gave me wisely.

Please jot me a note below; what are your time robbers? How has God met you there?

Blessings and hugs,

 

 

 

Imperative Count Your Blessings Jar

Imperative Count Your Blessings Jar

My Priceless Count Your Blessings Jar

“How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every blessing in heaven because we belong to Christ.”  Ephesians 1:3 TLB
Imperative? Indeed! Do you not have one? Think you don’t need another ‘thing’ to do or mess with? Are you sure?
Ever find yourself in the middle of a muddle? Stressed beyond belief? Wonder where God is while your world is crumbling? You are not alone, I’ve been there…often of late!
A few weeks ago, I felt overwhelmed and so lonely. Knowing what to do, I brewed my favorite tea, found a cozy chair by the fireplace, and dumped my entire 2022 blessing jar in my lap. About halfway through reading the tiny notes I had penned, I was crying, laughing, repenting, rejoicing!
“A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.”  Proverbs 28:20 KJV
Trust me on this one. Right now, find a glass, can, basket, old kitchen bowl…whatever! Find a notepad or chop up some paper and gather some pens; you are ready! Go ahead…put in ONE blessing right now. Like today’s survival, eyesight, wisdom to read, Jesus…you get it!
For my jar, I added Momma’s favorite roses, happy ribbons, and a colorful note to an old vase. I keep it in plain sight because God’s blessings are my greatest possessions!
I promise you, God wants to just dump His blessings on you every day; you are His child; His love is powerful, consistent, and always there for you.
Here are some benefits of a blessings jar.
#1 Visual reminder of God’s goodness. Our adversary does not want us to count blessings and he WILL try to discourage your progress.
#2 Teaches our families to honor God with our thankfulness.
#3 Literally pulls us out of the pit by reminding us of our Father’s blessings.
#4 Re-inforces our witness to others as we keep His blessings in our hearts and minds.
#5 So much more… why don’t you list a few here?

If you struggle with what to write, consider the thoughts in this poem by the world-renowned Author Unknown.

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;  Count your gains instead of your losses. Count your joys instead of your woes; Count your friends instead of your foes. Count your smiles instead of your tears; Count your courage instead of your fears. Count your full years instead of your lean; Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.  Count your health instead of your wealth;  Count on God instead of yourself.

YOU are a blessing to me,

Hugs,