Learning, Believing and Listening

The first step in spiritual maturity is learning about God. The second is believing in God. But the third step is listening to God. King David expressed knowledge and faith when he said: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalms 23:1). And Jesus said: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (John 10:27).

Samuel grew up in the tabernacle of the Lord. Under the tutelage of Eli the priest, Samuel had an excellent opportunity to learn about God. Samuel believed in God and decided to follow God rather than the evil influence of Eli's sons. But for Samuel to become the spiritual leader of Israel, he had to learn to recognize the voice of God. When God first spoke to Samuel, Samuel thought Eli was calling; he did not recognize God's voice. But as time went on, Samuel developed an acute sensitivity to the voice of God.

The Apostle Paul was raised as a dedicated student of God's word. He sat at the feet of Gamaliel, one of the greatest Bible scholars of the day. Paul believed in God and wanted to serve God, but it wasn't until he heard the voice of God that he was able to understand God. While Paul was traveling on the road to Damascus, God called out to Paul, and Paul realized that God was actually Jesus. Once Paul heard the voice of Jesus Christ, he was able to discern the will of God, and through his teachings, millions have learned about Jesus Christ, believed in Jesus Christ and have heard the voice of Jesus Christ. Paul said: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17).

Jim Roberts
Peace Church
Indiahoma, Oklahoma
www.ok-peacechurch.org

Holy Is His Name

Many people go through life wanting to make a name for themselves, and it is often very sad to see the lengths to which they will go to do so. But those who do make a name for themselves then have to worry more than most about how future generations will view their legacy. Wealthy businessmen start great foundations in their name, and ex-presidents build libraries to tell their story.

The Bible teaches, however, that it is God who raises people up and brings people down, and this fact was very clear in the mind of the virgin Mary. When she was told that she would give birth to the Savior, she was overwhelmed with God's goodness and later wrote a song of praise known as The Magnificat. In that song, she said: My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, And holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him From generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, And exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, And the rich He has sent away empty. (Luke 1:46-53 NKJV).

Mary recognized that future generations would call her blessed, but she gave the glory to the Lord for His name alone is holy.