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In view of the Indiana primary results, the choice for our next president has left many in despair, deep concern, and disgust this morning. I cannot miss this opportunity to share a few of my thoughts from my heart.

• Hope for America and the answers for its ills will never be found in any political party. The answer is always the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10). This is the answer for all of life, for all issues of life, for every decision of life.
• Biblical, lasting change for righteousness sake would be the norm if only half of the believers who have been outspoken in the political arena would give the same effort to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
• The gushing over a presidential candidate as if he is the Messiah reminds me of what will occur in the Tribulation (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 7; Daniel 9; 2 Thessalonians 2; Revelation 6:2; 13:1-5, 7).
• This presidential election has shown the current state of our nation—corrupt.
• God used evil men like Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 1-2), Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1-4), and Cyrus (Isaiah 45) to accomplish His work. God can do the same today.  He only is Sovereign (Genesis 50:20; Psalm 115:3; Isaiah 40:23).
• “Christian, if your burden for the country increased because of the Trump nomination, your faith wasn’t exclusively in the gospel to begin with.” (Paul Whitt)
• Humble, confessing, expectant, passionate, believing, biblical, great-commission prayer is the crying need of the hour (Psalms 51; 54; 55:16-22; 63:1-11; Colossians 4:2-6; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; James 5:16b).
• The Issue, the Celebrity, the Servant, the Leader, the Lord of lords and King of kings is the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-19; Hebrews 1:2-3).

Our hope, our confidence:

1 Chronicles 16:31-34 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” Let the sea roar, and all it contains; let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord; for He is coming to judge the earth. O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Psalm 20:7  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Psalm 71:5  For You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth.

Proverbs 3:26    For the Lord shall be thy confidence.

Proverbs 21:1-3 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.

Isaiah 40:12-31

Revelation 21-22

Our needed action plan:

“The life of the church is the highest life, and its office is to pray. Its prayer life is the highest life, the most fragrant, the most conspicuous. When God’s house on the earth is a house of prayer, then God’s house in heaven is busy and powerful in its plans and movements. ‘For mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people’ (Isaiah 56:7), says our God. Then, His earthly armies are clothed with the triumphs and spoils of victory, and His enemies are defeated on every hand… The very life and prosperity of God’s cause – even its very existence – depend on prayer. And the advance and triumph of His cause depend on one thing: that we ask of Him.”  E. M. Bounds

“The Lord has led us to . . . .”  How often I have heard this as the reason for making a decision in life.  Really?  What is your burden of proof? What Scripture parallels your decision?  Is it really the Lord leading you?  Now, don’t misunderstand, because I know in my life and others that indeed the Lord was truly leading just like Abraham’s servant (Genesis 24:27).  My concern here is simply, is it the Lord or is it a cover statement for what you really desire in your heart, what you really want?  Is there real honesty in this decision?  Have you spent much time in surrendered prayer over the decision?

Some thoughts:

1. God never moves or leads us contrary to His character.
2. Perhaps God would have us stay in an uncomfortable place or position because He has some ‘whittling” to do in our lives; some more work of heart.
3. Sometimes, the motivation to make a decision or a move is really from my selfish heart, motivated by what I want rather than what God is leading me to do.
4. Is the Lord really leading you or are you being pressured by other people?
5. Certainly, we are often challenged to step out in faith like Abraham (Genesis 11-12; Hebrews 12), but one thing is for certain, it is always for God’s glory.

The next time we use “The Lord has led us” statement, let’s make sure He has; that our heart is right and honest before Him; that our motivation is genuinely for the exaltation of Christ and God’s glory.

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

Psalm 25:9-10    He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.

Psalm 32:8          I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye  upon you.

While driving up the mountain near Sam’s Gap in Tennessee on Interstate 26, I passed something I’ve never seen before. As I came around a curve, there in front of me was a heavy hauling oversize load.  The convoy was travelling at a very slow rate of speed with a multitude of flashing caution lights.  I could not identify the load due to it being covered.  At the front of the load was a tractor obviously pulling up hill, but behind the oversize load was another tractor pushing that heavy load up the mountain.  (Something like what is pictured below.)

Quickly, I thought to myself, that is a picture of the body of Christ. Many times in our life, it seems like we are climbing alone up a mountain. Sometimes the loads of life are heavy and oversize to us. First of all, the Lord tells us to cast all our care upon Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). But second of all, the Church is exhorted to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). Do you see the picture of that oversize load where one tractor is pulling the load and another tractor is behind helping to push? That should be seen in the body of Christ when one who is heavy laden is casting their care upon the Lord.  But also, there’s a believer in front leading the way, pulling, saying,  Follow me as I follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).  Right behind that heavy-laden one is a believer pushing and encouraging saying, “You can make it! We can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13).

On this particular day I needed that illustration. Perhaps you do, too. Thank you, Lord, for what you teach me along life’s way and for your blessings on me. Thank you, Lord, for how good and pleasant it is when the body of Christ works in unity bearing one another’s burdens!!

On the first day of kindergarten, a little boy was asked by his teacher to tell everyone his name.  He immediately said, “Listen!”  He had heard his father say, “Listen,” so many times to him that he thought it was his name.

How well do you listen when God speaks to you?

Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” (John 8:47)

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)

Tuesday’s post, How Do You Listen? has caused me to ask myself, “Do I listen to God?”  And then to go one more step, “Do I listen to God for understanding?” God speaks to us every time we open His Word, if we will listen.  Speaking about Israel, God said, “Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me! Oh, that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways!” (Psalm 81:8, 13).  Our Heavenly Father longs to speak to us, and He wants us to slow down, stop and listen.  The God of this universe, of eternity, the Transcendent One, Absolute Truth, has something to say to us. We cannot hear His voice if we just read Scripture to “check off a box” or read a brief devotional of mostly man’s words.

How do I listen to His voice?

1. Prepare your heart to listen by prayer and worshipful singing.

• Ask God to speak to you and be ready to respond like Samuel, Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears (1 Samuel 3:9-10).
• Ask God to help you understand. Pray Scripture. Make me understand the way of Your precepts; So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works (Psalm 119:27).  Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments (119:73).  I am Your servant; Give me understanding, That I may know Your testimonies (119:125).

2. Read through Scripture at a pace you can hear God speak. Being a good listener demands patience and no distractions.
3. Write in your journal what God says to you; that passage of Scripture that stands out to you.
4. Don’t argue with God; be a humble listener. Obey without doubt.
5. Meditate at that moment on what God has said to you. Pray over it. Recite it back to Him. Then throughout the day mediate on that truth as God will continue to speak to you through that passage giving you fuller understanding.
6. Ask God about words or thoughts from the passage you do not understand. Then be still and wait on Him to reply.
7. Talk with Him throughout the day, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). Carry on a conversation with God and stop talking at various intervals to hear Him speak to you in the still small voice.
8. Remember, God never speaks or leads contrary to His Word. He is faithful and true to His character or He ceases to be God.

Have you heard Him say to you today, “Listen to Me” (Isaiah 46:12)?

If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear. (Mark 4:23)

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26)

Before you read on, please stop and really consider this quote.  When it appeared on my Instagram feed yesterday, I had to share it immediately with my wife.

Do you listen to understand or . . . to reply?  This quote became a reality to Denise and me yesterday.  We both have been extremely busy in all areas of life and needed a breather.  So I suggested a place for lunch and planned a bike ride which would include a time of uninterrupted, focused conversation on one of the many benches along the bike trail.  For a good while, we shared tidbits, observations, and blessings from our past few days.  We were not in any hurry. After reading a marriage devotional and some selected Scripture passages, we had prayer together. How sweet to meet at the Throne of Grace as a couple.  Then I shared some deep things from my heart with Denise.  I asked her questions and listened.  What a special time we shared together listening to each other and not being quick to answer.

I struggle at being a good listener.  My wife and my girls, and I’m sure, my friends and congregation would say the same thing.  The fact that my hearing is not good does not help matters, but it is not an excuse. Too often, I listen to reply.  This quote along with the connection of Scripture has stirred me to realize that I must not be quick to answer, but slow to hear, to listen, to understand.  For all whom I have offended in this way, please forgive me.  I must slow down and listen for understanding, compassion and clarity.

Husbands and fathers, may I strongly urge you to listen to your wife and children with the goal of understanding.  Don’t interrupt. Listen. Your wife and children will appreciate you more, and they will be willing to share their heart with you if you will listen to understand and not to reply or fix it.

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. (Proverbs 18:30)

Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding. (Proverbs 2:2)

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.  (James 1:19-20)

Whitewater rafting! Screaming down the first hill of a roller coaster! Going through the gears of a Grabber Orange Mustang GT! Hiking the AT!  Listening to Fiddlin’ Carson Peters wear it out on Orange Blossom Special!  These are some things I have been able to enjoy in my life and to respond with great excitement and a hearty “YEEEESSSSSS!”

But, you want a genuine, heart-pumping thrill?  Sit down for two hours in a local coffee shop and be engaged in discipleship with an individual who is hungry to grow in Christ!  WOW!!!  That is one awesome privilege and super abundant joy! How thrilling to watch the “light bulbs” come on as the Word is taught, questions are biblically answered, connections are made and next-step application is anticipated!  What a joy to see the passion for more!  How cool to see honesty and transparency followed up with “I want to change!”

Yes, all those things I mentioned in the first paragraph will cause me to flat get excited, but to participate in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) is shoutin’ ground, praiseworthy, awe-inspiring, and a thrill to my soul!!

If you aren’t engaged in obedience to Christ’s final command to the Church, you are missing out on real adventure that has eternal dividends.  Who knows, you might even get a bit happy, want to shout, and/or shed some joyful tears, all for God’s glory!

Colossians 1:27-29           To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect (complete) in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

2 Timothy 2:2                     The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 3:16-17            All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.