LISTENING
Today's reading: Romans 1-2

"Don't you realize how kind, tolerant and patient God is with you? Or don't you care? Can't you see how kind he has been in giving you time to turn from your sin? But no, you won't listen. So you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself because of your stubbornness in refusing to turn from your sin..." Romans 2:4-5 NLT

I asked God for a special message this morning.

One straight from Him.

One just for me.

One to grab hold of, cling to and live out for this new year.

I wanted something to spur me on, re-direct where I needed re-directing and let me know He hears my prayers.

He has come through!

Would I have liked something a little less convicting--yes and no. I'm assuming I needed just what He has shown me in His Word.

Would I have liked something a little less heavy--yes and no. I'm going to guess, because He knows the deep parts of my heart, there are some areas He and I need to work on in this coming year.

Would I have liked something a little less personal and more geared to an 'audience' rather than to my own issues--yes and no. I'm thinking He has done both, hasn't He?

When I was young, I was sure of many things. Now there are only two things of which I am sure: one is, that I am a miserable sinner; and the other, that Christ is an all-sufficient Savior. He is well-taught, who learns these two lessons.        John Newton