Reminder: Listen First

If you lack patience, there's a high probability that you're also not the best listener. You may even be quick to speak and judge at times. I know I'm guilty of this when I'm not Spirit-filled, especially after a long day.

Here's an article from "Our Daily Bread" that's an interesting read:

"I'M INNOCENT!"
Read: James 1:19-25

All of the students at a school in Florida—2,550 in total—were in trouble. A message system notified every parent that their child (or children) had detention that weekend for bad behavior. Many kids pleaded their innocence, yet some parents meted out punishment anyway. One mother, Amy, admitted that she yelled at her son and made sure he showed up for his detention on Saturday.

To the relief of 2,534 kids, and to the embarrassment of some parents, they discovered that the automated message was sent in error to the entire student body when only 16 kids actually deserved detention! Amy felt so bad about not listening to and believing her son that she took him out for breakfast that Saturday morning.

We all have stories to tell about circumstances that have shown us our need to listen before we speak. We’re naturally tempted to come to quick judgments and react angrily. The book of James gives us these three practical exhortations to deal with life’s stressful situations: “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).

In life’s stresses, let’s be “doers of the Word” (v.22), and take the time to listen and show restraint with our words and anger today. — Anne Cetas

A judgment made without the facts
Is sure to be unfair,
So always listen to both sides—
You’ll find the answer there. —Branon

Listen to understand, then speak with love.

Source: http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2009/03/27/devotion.aspx

How Long???

It's 2:30AM, and I'm waiting for another 30 minutes so I can call the court in Mississippi re: how to handle the speeding ticket that I got earlier this year. That was the last thing I needed after having attended my uncle's funeral and driving all the way from Orlando to Louisiana for the first time, while preparing to move to Hawaii, looking for a job, dealing with real estate issues, etc.

While waiting for the clock, I decided to read Scripture before Satan tries to plant more discouraging ideas in my head. Psalm 13 was just what the Doctor had ordered! The Psalmist sounded pretty desperate and dramatic at the opening of the chapter: "HOW LONG (take note, in ALL CAPS) wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever?..."

It's great to see in this chapter that we can have an open dialogue with the Lord. Yes, we can vent! The key here is that he never lost hope while waiting. He kept on trusting God despite his woes! Apparently, the chapter had a happy ending - not necessarily one where God answered his prayer. David didn't need an answered prayer in order to have joy from within. All he needed was God. Praise God he was still able to say in verse 6, "I will sing unto the LORD, because He hath dealt bountifully with me."

David changed his focus from himself (beginning of the chapter) to God (ending of the chapter). May we be able to say the same kind of prayer. May we be able to have the same kind of attitude. Where have we placed our focus?

It's so easy to focus on our circumstances as we wait on the Lord to answer a specific prayer...as we wait on Him to "bless" us in a certain way (yes, I am still waiting for the right job to come at the right time). In doing so, we sometimes forget about the other blessings He had already showered us with, blessings that we can think upon or even take advantage of at this very moment to bless others, despite our need.

I can name quite a few instances where God had to remind me of great blessings that seem to keep on slipping my mind--things that I can enjoy for myself and/or share with others, while waiting. He uses the needs of others to "remind" me of what He has already given me. And, it doesn't seem to end there. After I gladly agree to share my blessings, God then makes a way where I can share them and use them for myself, too! It's just like that poor widow's cruse of oil that never ran out when she agreed to share whatever food she had left to share with Elijah.

It is when you open your hand instead of closing your fist during a time of great need that you can truly say the words in Psalm 13:6: "I will sing unto the LORD, because He hath dealt bountifully with me."

It's now exactly 3:00AM. It's time to call Mississippi at 8:00AM their time.

Related article: The Waiting Game

An Appropriate Reminder

Sometimes, we get so focused on what we want that we lose sight of what we have. Are you allowing yourself to be identified by your circumstances?

Currently listening to: Sermon at Ohana Baptist Church