Listening : The listening gifts

" Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; And hear, O earth, the words of my
mouth. Let my teaching drop as the rain, My speech distill as the dew, As
raindrops on the tender herb, And showers on the grass. "
 
Deuteromomy32:1-2
 
In a familiar portion of I Corinthians 12 (8-11) are listed 9 spiritual gifts
given "by one Spirit" to Christians who ask: the word wisdom, the word of
knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning
of spirits, divers kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues. Some of
these, particularly wisdom, knowledge and discerning of spirits are listening
gifts. The opening lines from the Song of Moses beautifully suggest a gentle
rain of teaching (knowledge, wisdom) from God falling on those who are
receptive. In order to obtain the listening gifts one needs to be in tune with
the Spirit and receptive, listening carefully for
instruction/inspiration/information.
 
My wife has these gifts operating in her life. She is used of God on
almost a daily basis to provide comfort, prayer and assurance to people who
cross her path. I have seen her pray for strangers and she often knows the
specifics of needs and situations in their lives. I always ask later how she
knew that and the answer is usually " it just dropped into my spirit ". She is
a Christian like the rest of us. Since I live with her I know she looses her
temper like I do and most of you. She has to be forgiven (by God, by others)
daily too. What is different about her is that I believe she listens and is
ready to act for the Lord in any situation, at any time. I need to listen
better to perfect these gifts in my life. Imagine what a church "family" would
be like if everyone had the listening gifts operating in their lives!

" Cause me to hear Your lovingkindnessin the morning, For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You."
 
Psalm 143:8
 
Much of today's comments come from conversations with my wife about how
she puts the listening gifts in operation in her life.
 
Prepared: The first step is a prepared heart. Lines of communication must be
open between you and the Lord. You must be presentable (Romans 12:1) and ready
to receive instruction. When you come to work you are ready to work. Some of
you may have heard the Royal Ranger motto: "Ready! Ready to work, play, serve,
obey, worship and live."
 
Yielded:
 
This is a willingness to carry out God's purpose. Romans 12: 5-8 Some of the
action required my be momentarily embarrasing or inconvenient.
 
Quiet:
 
This is the listening part. Spend some quiet time meditating on God's word and
purpose for your life today, tomorrow, etc. See above Psalm.
 
Excited/expecting:
 
My wife says she gets excited because she knows that the Lord is going to use 
her for something special. Her awareness is increased.
 
Open:
 
Be open to that little inkling or tugg at your heart. Ask the Lord if this is
something He wants you to do. Ask for wisdom, knowledge, and a confirmation.
My wife says the Lord usually confirms His will with her a second time.
 
Act:
 
My wife says she is on "automatic pilot" at this stage. This is really the 
easiest and most gratifying part because we are being God's hands, voice etc.