Keys of the Kingdom: The More you listen, the more you will hear the voice of God

A husband and wife attended a social gathering where they didn’t know very many people. They found themselves standing in a circle discussing a subject about which the husband was a renowned expert.

On the way home the wife, with an irritated voice, asked her husband why he just stood there and didn’t say anything during the discussion. She was annoyed that he appeared somewhat dull even when his field of expertise was being discussed.

His reply was this: “I already know what I know, I want to know what other people know”.

Pay close attention to what you hear.
I don’t remember ever doing this before but this is such an important issue which is often overlooked: I have included below several versions of the same verse so that you can see that there is no ambiguity in Yeshua’s instructions.

Mark 4:24 – New Living Translation
Then He added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given–and you will receive even more.

English Standard Version
And He said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.

New American Standard Bible
And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given you besides.

International Standard Version
He went on to say to them, “Pay attention to what you’re hearing! You will be evaluated by the same standard with which you do your evaluating, and still more will be given to you,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And He said to them, “Take heed what you hear; that measure in which you are measuring is measured to you, and it is increased to you who hear.”

King James 2000 Bible
And He said unto them, Take heed what you hear: with what measure you measure, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

It’s a simple, yet profound principle of life that God has established.

If you want more of this….

Close this…..

and open this.

Impetuous or Intentional?
“If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”

I have utilized that maxim many times with good results. However, when it comes to the things of God, I want more. I want more than I have ever had before. Maybe it “aint” broke but it sure isn’t as good as it could be so I want more…..

Many years ago when I was starting out in ministry I met with a group of other Pastors. It didn’t go well. One of them even called me “impetuous”. To him I was unpredictable. Why? Because I didn’t stay the same: When I saw a need to make an adjustment I did so; I still do.

If I want to be identified as anything it is someone who embraces the heart of God and is willing to adjust as needed.

I want more of God. It is my prayer that I always want more. Moving into the higher things of God will require a willingness to change for you too. It may even mean taking some chances and looking different from others who are quite content in being consistently comfortable in their relationship with God…

It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results. Well, since the “Christian” “Church” is currently in its death throes here in America, I think it is proof that there is room for improvement. Improving requires change and effective change requires hearing the voice of God.

Of course, once you hear what God is telling you, you will need to implement His instructions. I wish I could say I have been on target with this every time.

Peter: a role model of intentionality
I am very intrigued by Apostle Peter. He was a man’s man; adventuresome, strong, determined, intentional, etc.

Peter was always there and always seeking after the Messiah. He is the one who pulled his sword out to protect the Messiah in His final hours. He is the one who was in the courtyard when Yeshua was being mocked. Peter is the one who sank as he attempted to walk on water.

For things, he said and didn’t say, and things he did and didn’t do, Peter is often criticized.

However you don’t see anyone else trying to walk on water; you don’t see anyone else present in the courtyard with Yeshua, and when others abandoned Yeshua, Peter was faithful.

Peter was always in there asking, listening, trying to get it right; trying to come into alignment with heaven and the Kingdom of God

A few examples of hearing God
The God of the Bible is intentionally a bit mysterious. He desires us to pursue Him. Sometimes He very purposely speaks very plainly and clearly but other times He prefers to speak in mysteries.

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 Corinthians 4:1

Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.

Psalm 97:2

In the Bible, He spoke through a burning bush, donkey, raven, stick, the sun, moon, stars, people, angels, fire, water, clouds, and many other ways.

Practice, practice, practice
Yeshua said to “him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne”. Revelation 3:21

In a perfect world where we lived in a hedged in garden, talking and walking with Yeshua in the cool of the day, it would be easier to consistently get it right.

However, the reality is that walking with God. in our world, and not settling for less is going to mean that you make some mistakes.

There are several safeguards that God has put in place for us to minimize them, but it requires humility and practice to engage heaven here on earth. Perfect practice makes perfect.

Sill, the reality is that if you are going to be a forerunner you are going to make mistakes and people who don’t understand you are going to call you impetuous.

Conclusion: God wants the best for you and He has given you a prescription to help you find healing, wholeness, and a closer relationship with Him in the Kingdom of God.

However, it is going to require you to make some adjustments: It will probably require you to set out of the status quo.

It will most certainly include seeking, listening to Him, and following His instructions in a humble, sincere, committed way. It’s a choice that only you can make.

Confession: I commit to learning to hear the voice of God and aligning myself with heaven here on earth.

Prayer: Father God thank you for loving me just as I am and for showing me the way to a better relationship with you. Help me to make whatever adjustments that are necessary so that I can learn to hear your voice better and come to know you more. Amen

Dr. Rayphe
God’s Kingdom Realm

Join me on the Morning Watch at 6:30 AM PT M-F

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