paravanes:meditations

  (c) Deborah Evans Is listening to God as difficult or mysterious as some have suggested? Why is there so much mystery around listening to God? Books have been written about this. Seminars and conferences have been presented on this. Aren't Christians the "children of God"? Why so much mystery or difficulty? Is it because so many oppressive, murderous, and evil actions have occurred because someone said they heard the voice of God? Jesus clearly explained this in John's gospel (chapter 8, verses 39-47). In verse 47, Jesus said "He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." Actions speak . When someone says they have heard from God, but engage in abuse, assault, murder, or hold hateful thoughts toward any group, you can be certain that person did not hear from the God of the Bible. Jesus clearly taught to love your neighbor as yourself.  "Who is my neighbor?" the questioners asked Jesus. In

(c) Deborah Evans Many Christians speak of and pray for "the power of God" to be sent to them, and often a prayer is sent for the "power of God" to move in and through someone. What does this mean? Scripture teaches us the power of God, often expressed as the power of the Holy Spirit, is sent to 1. give us the ability to consistently display the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and 2. reveal in new and unique ways the person and work of Jesus Christ. We know the gifts of the Spirit are talents and abilities used to uplift and strengthen the church, show the character of God in human experience, and to show seekers what it means to be in communion with God. Never expect to have the power of God made available to you in order to control, manipulate, or dominate a situation or person.  The power of God on display means your life and experiences will more and more closely mirror the character and purposes of God. God gives us gifts and power so we can worship, witness, and bui

(c) Deborah Evans In Matthew 5:44-48, Jesus tells his followers to "Pray for those who despitefully use you." Why would anyone does this? What possible benefit could come to the person who prays for someone who despitefully (with malice, cruelty, and harmful intent) used them? When Jesus tells us to do something, there is a benefit in following his directions. Sometimes insight comes after obeying in faith. Beyond this, consider what Jesus did not say . He did not say "try to win them over." Nor did he say "prove they're wrong and you're right"; nor did he say "get even", nor did he say "live in fear of them", nor did he say "endure constant mistreatment and abuse." He tells disciples to pray for despiteful users because there are some benefits coming to us when we follow Jesus' instructions on this. 1. You free yourself from the negative energy someone tried to leave at your doorstep, in your heart and mind, or in