Reading Material – (2g)

Here is information on another book I’ve read recently (Scripture is from biblegateway.org):

The Power of a Whisper: Hearing God. Having the guts to respond. - by Bill Hybels.

In this book, vision is cast, and a challenge is given to live in every circumstance of life with “an ear toward heaven – discerning whispers that arbitrate key decisions, nudges that rescue from dark nights of the soul, promptings that spur growth, urgings from the lips of another person, and inspiration that opens glazed-over eyes to the plight of injustice and poverty in our world” – and to “get gutsier about actually doing what God is prompting you to do.”

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Isaiah 30:21, New International Version 1984, ©1984
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

In the stories presented, I saw anew the benefits of being obedient to God, and thereby being positioned to participate in the increase of His kingdom. Sometimes I do better at being obedient than at others; hopefully, I will grow stronger and mature spiritually to a point where I will be more obedient, not thinking about myself (which would make me subject to selfishness, pride, timidity, cowardice, etc.) but only about obeying God.

Proverbs 29:25, Contemporary English Version
Don't fall into the trap of being a coward-- trust the LORD, and you will be safe.

Mark 8:35, New Living Translation
If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.

2 Timothy 1:7, New Living Translation
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

And as I grow closer to God, I expect my ability to discern His voice, His whisper, to grow. Five “filters” were shared in examining whether a “whisper” is really from God: Ask if it is truly from God, check if it is Scriptural, consider if it is wise, determine if it is in tune with your own character, and discern what people you trust most think about it.

Proverbs 11:14, New King James Version
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 24:6, New King James Version
For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.

…and my journey with Him continues…