Read
1 Samuel 3:1-11
Consider
Sometimes we wonder if people listen to what we are saying, or if they just passively hear and do not remember a bit. Active listening needs one to pay attention to the voice and the motivation to understand and know more. Hearing the sound does not mean we listen with our hearts.
I believe if we prepare ourselves to listen to God, we can distinguish what kinds of voices are from God and what are not. Our primary motivation for listening to God must be knowing God more and building an intimate relationship with Him rather than just seeking answers from Him. There is one song I sing often when I was growing up as a Christian, “Knowing You Jesus”. It says,
Knowing You, Jesus, Knowing You.
There is no greater thing.
You’re my all, You’re the best.
You’re my joy, my righteousness.
And I love You, Lord.
In this week’s sermon, we will learn what our expectations will be when we listen to God and what the expectations are for us to prepare to listen to God. Let us encourage one another to know God deeply.
Pastor Julian Wong
Pray
Lord Jesus Christ, open my heart to listen to you so I can know you deeply. Give us the discerning spirit to listen to your voice. Whenever I have doubt in my life, give me the faith that I will never doubt your faithfulness. May your presence always be with me and may you be my only joy. In the name of Christ Jesus, I pray.
Diving Deeper
Are there anything that stop or hinder us from listening to God lately?
Do you have any moments that you wonder what you listened to are the voices from God? How do you distinguish?
How can we live closer WITH GOD in our lives?
How are we being TRANSFORMED to be more like Christ?
How is the Holy Spirit empowering us to imitate Christ in what we DO this week?
Spiritual Practice
Practice #1:
The best way to understand the will of God is to know His Scriptures. Read Romans 12:1-2.
Ask the group, “how does this inform the way we should live?” Give time for reflection and have each group member share. Respond in prayer.
Practice #2:
Write down your passions, gifts, talents, abilities and life experiences that have shaped you in Christ. How are you living out of that to serve his kingdom? Take some time in silent reflection and then share together what comes to mind.