Friday Food is a little bit of food for your soul. A little something to feed your soul, to remind you that you are loved, that you are not alone and that there is hope. Friday Food is just a little something to encourage you along the way. Looking for more inspiration? View the entire Friday Food series here.
Welcome to Friday Food! A little bit of food for your soul…every Friday. For the next few months, we are looking at “Downloads from Heaven”. In these “downloads” we are contemplating what it would be like if we got a message from God (however you understand God). We will be exploring messages from God about pain and suffering and healing and blessing and love and peace other topics too! When you read these “downloads” you will notice that they are in quotes. This is to help you think from your heart NOT your head. Don’t get caught up in whether or not God, (however you understand God) actually said these things. Just let them speak to your heart. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Here is today’s download:
Listen for Love Everyday
“Keep yourself prayed up. Take time to listen every day. Listen for my love. You must do everything you possibly can to grow my love in your heart. Do all you can to remove obstacles to that love…forgive, cast out fear and anger, nurture that love by breathing peace, living in joy and being grateful. My love can grow in the worst soil if it is nurtured just a little bit. So, make room for my love. Recognize and accept that it exists in your life. Give my love the opportunity to grow and prosper. This takes your total attention. Seek to become more and more aware of my love and you will begin to see and experience the power of its healing and reconciliation. You will experience the power of its transformation and you will know the joy of its peace. Keep yourself prayed up. I love you.”
In many traditions, the notion of prayer has to do with telling God (however you understand God) what it is you want and need. God (however you understand God) already knows that. Nothing wrong when you ask for things but also take some time to listen to what God (however you understand God) has to say to you. Because God wants you to know the good news of God’s (however you understand God) love for you. So, ask away, but be sure to spend some time listening as well. How do you listen to God? Let me hear from you in the comments below
The past few months, I’ve realized something. I need to QUIETLY listen to God. Ordinarily, it’s a constant conversation whether I’m thanking Him, appreciating something He has done, or am asking something for self, relatives or friends. Filled with joy and peace all the time. But praying one night, I heard, “BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD!” Wow. Since then, I’ve tried to just shut up and listen. I have to remind myself to be still. At the same time, I know that these, day-long conversations are wonderful, but listening is just as important. Sometimes it’s just quiet. Sometimes I get a realization about something. Either way, I’m just thrilled at God’s mercy, His forgiveness. Michael, every time Rebecca puts up something you’ve written or a sermon you’ve given, it’s a blessing. And I thank you!
Thanks Sharon. Listening is one of the most important parts of a spiritual tradition and a life of faith. You can follow me on Facebook at Food for the Soul or sign up at jmichaelvinson.com