Who Hath Ears To Hear
Let him hear. These are the words which Jesus spoke, ending his teaching of the parable of the sower. Many times, Jesus used things in nature, things created by God, to explain spiritual laws and principles. Just as a seed planted in the soil will produce or is expected to produce that from which the seed originated, so to will the Word of God produce spiritual fruit in the heart of those in whom His Word is planted.
In my first full year of seeking God through His Word and in prayer, I've had several experiences which I had never had until this past year. I'm going to attempt to relate a few of those experiences as pertaining to the Holy Spirit.
Last October, with Halloween about seven to ten days away, I wanted in some way to share God with others during the time of this particular event.
Halloween is NOT, in my opinion, an activity which honors God. However, God's Word says that anything meant for evil, God can use for good. So I decided to buy a bunch of candy and attach Bible verses to the wrappers to force people to think about God before they opened the treat. Working as a clerk at a convenience store gave me a unique opportunity to share the Word of God with others. I've found through past and present experience, nothing can bring conviction to the heart quicker than the Word of God. Just one problem, what verses should I use?
About five days or so before Halloween, I turned to the front of my bible one evening and began to go through all of the verses listed under "Salvation" and "Temporal Blessings" (The bible I use exclusively is named, "New Marked Reference Bible". Throughout, certain passages of scripture are pre-highlighted in one of four colors with each color representative of four different categories: Salvation, The Holy Spirit, Temporal Blessings, and Prophetic Subjects. This particular Bible is no longer in print, unfortunately). I wanted short and to the point scriptures which would easily fit on the wrappers of the candy. After having spent about an hour or so writing down several references for further consideration, God spoke to me.
WHOA!! It is really TRUE, God will speak to a person! It wasn't an audible voice one can hear such as listening to a radio. Nor was His voice simply one of my own thoughts which I just happened to take note of such as 'hitting on an idea'. It was just....., just there. And it was only four words, "show them my love". As much as I was thrilled with having received of the Holy Spirit this direction from God, I was also less sure of just what God was directing me to do. So, after calling a close friend who is also the pastor of a church and speaking with him about receiving this word, I decided to concentrate on scriptures which focused on God's love towards his creation, man.
I decided on five or six verses, a couple from the Old Testament, and three or four from the New Testament. I spent the two days prior to Halloween night hand copying the verses I had chosen, during periods before or after prior commitments. I handed out a total of seventy pieces of candy, each one affixed with the hand written bible verse, from a plain brown paper sack which I had set on the counter at work. I wrote these words on the outside of the sack, "Trick or Treat, Sour or Sweet, Merely by Chance, Or He That Leads." To say the least, many people were surprised. And some, sadly, ignored the message and simply tossed the wrapper in the trash.
Since hearing, what I consider to be, the voice of God, I believe He has spoken to me on three other occasions. The second time God said to me, "I am always with you." The third time He said, "My Word is My bond." But the fourth time was a little different because I was feeling low and out of touch with His Spirit. At Wednesday night prayer meeting, all those in attendance gather in front of the alter holding hands in a circle to lift unto God the needs of others, or they lay hands on those who have a need for healing or direction. But I just didn't feel like I should stand with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that night, so I prayed by myself on the first pew at the front of the sanctuary behind those standing in front of me.
After the group had disassembled, one of the brothers came over to me, laid hold of my hand-clasped arms, and began to pray for me. A well of sorrowful emotion came rushing forth where upon I slumped down to the floor and began to weep. In the midst of my face-filled tears, God spoke to me a fourth time. This time, though, He asked me a question, "What is it that you think is impossible for me?" I knew the answer and spoke it to Him, "Nothing, Lord." Although the answer I gave is correct, I'm not sure it was the right answer. I believe God was asking me to hold onto the faith that He gave me and learn to lean on Him during those low periods. Sometimes, it is still hard to deny my flesh, but thank you Lord for your Word. Thank you Lord Jesus!
There are many times to this day in which I am reminding myself of those things which God has spoken to me. I cling to them as precious gifts of His love towards me. But more importantly, because God has spoken to me by the Holy Spirit, I KNOW that He is real and that He loves me. And because God is 'no respecter of persons', He wants you to know He loves you every bit as much.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they shall inherit the kingdom of God. 'Poor in spirit' means of a repentant and contrite heart. Do yourself at least one favor in your life and give God a chance to prove to you just how much He truly loves you.
During the first writing of this piece, I had originally offered to pray with anyone who had a need regardless of the circumstances, but later it occurred to me to do so would probably not be such a good idea. It isn’t because I would not want to, but usually when someone is moved to ask for prayer for a situation or need, I believe there is something to be said for availability. Unfortunately, my schedule, such as it is, simply does not avail me to be able to pray with and or for others in a way which I believe to be most affective. That being said, I’d like to recommend two books about prayer which I have found to be of great help and quite inspirational:
1.) “The Prayer That Heals” Praying for Healing in the Family by Francis MacNutt, copyright 1981, Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556
ISBN: 0-87793-219-0
One hundred sixteen pages in length, easy reading, how-to, $7.95.
2.) “The Incredible Power Of Prayer” by Roger J. Morneau, copyright 1997, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1-800-765-6955.
ISBN: 0-8280-1329-2
One hundred twenty-seven pages in length, easy reading, true stories of answered prayer during the life of the author (1925-1998).
Jesus loves you. Just give Him a chance to show you how much.
In the name of Jesus, for HIS glory,
Mike |
