Ranch time invites relaxation simply by its location – rolling green pastures dotted with placid cattle, stands of old-growth oaks and cedar elms, and a couple of ponds – far from the roar and rush of city life. Snuggle into a cherry-red Adirondack chair near the fire pit, and the mind begins to settle and ears wake up to sights and sounds normally masked by non-stop traffic and incessant light.
As listening sharpens one hones in on twitters of scissor-tails and eastern bluebirds, cries of circling hawks and starlings, and chirps of small gray sparrows. Gentle breezes fluff leafy limbs and create soft rustling as if trees are murmuring preeminent truths among themselves. Butterflies flutter over flower beds and hummingbirds dart about, and in the midst of it all, breathing slows while taut muscles loosen.
Away from the crush of cultural correctness, media madness, and agenda-driven anger God’s voice grows louder and clearer. Discernment deepens, godly wisdom flourishes, and decisions align more readily with God’s Word.
“A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,” Proverbs 1:5.
Listening to wrong voices entices trouble and induces destruction.
“Cease listening, my son, to discipline, and you will stray from the words of knowledge,” Proverbs 19:27.
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel,” Proverbs 12:15.
“An evildoer listens to wicked lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue,” Proverbs 17:4.
Listening to God brings blessing and security.
“Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words of my mouth,” Proverbs 7:24.
“. . . for blessed are they who keep my ways,” Proverbs 8:32.
“But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease from the dread of evil,” Proverbs 1:33.
Will you listen? What is God saying to you today?
Blessings of open ears! Prayer requests?
“Dear God, help me heed the words of Proverbs 23:19, and listen to you, be wise, and direct my heart in Your way. Thank you, Amen.”
Ears Wide Open, PJ
COPYRIGHT ©2015 PJ Gover http://www.PJGover.com (blog) http://www.citygirlgoincountry.wordpress.com http://4homestore.com/devotionalbook.html (PJ’s devotional book)
Filed under: Practical Christianity Tagged: God's voice, listening to God, pay attention to God, ranch time
