Sidney White
We often speak of God watching us
and even sing about the “All-seeing eye watching you”. We know from Psalm 139:7-13 that we cannot
escape the all-seeing eye of God. That
is certainly an encouragement for us to live every moment knowing that God sees
all, but it should serve as an encouragement for Christians who are struggling
to live right, that God knows that as well.
God knows what is happening in our lives. One reads repeatedly in Revelation 2 & 3
the phrase “I know…”. We are told that
the judgment will involve every secret thing of our lives (2 Cor.5:10;
Eccl.12:13-14). But there is another
interesting thing noted in the scriptures relative to God; and that is, God is listening.
Jeremiah 8 is one of those sections
that reminds us that God is listening. In verse 5, Israel is a backslidden
nation. Then note verse 6. “I
hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his
wickedness, saying, What have I done? Every one turned to his course, as the
horse rusheth into the battle”. God
was listening for some indication of repentance and change of direction, but
heard nothing of that sort. For a
further description of the condition of Israel of that day, read Jeremiah 2:13,
32; 5:30-31 and 6:14, 16. Jeremiah
foretold and saw Israel taken into captivity as a result of God not hearing
indications of repentance.
Numbers 12 is another section that
emphasizes that God is listening. “And
Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had
married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.
And they said, hath the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it” (vs.1-2). Miriam and Aaron were criticizing Moses,
rebelling against God’s leadership. God
hears when we speak against brethren.
God hears when we rebel against His leadership, the elders.
Malachi 3 is another section to emphasize that God is listening. “Then
they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened,
and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that
feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith
the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare then,
as a man spareth his own son that serveth him” (vs.16-17).
God is listening to our
conversations. We have become so
tolerant of sin! We have become so
indifferent to truth! We even reach the
point where we deny our own sins! But
God does hear godly sorrow. He is not
willing for any to perish (2 Pet.3:9).
There is no wisdom in rejecting God and His word. Our fate in so doing is eternal separation
from God. Yes, God is listening to our
conversations of gossip, slander, lies, etc.
But He is also listening for our prayers of repentance. What is He hearing from you today?
Sidney's bio:
Sidney
is a native of Lake, MS, graduate of Lake high school, East Central Jr. College
(A.A. – Drafting Tech), University of Southern MS (B.S. – Industrial Tech,
Minor in Religion & Philosophy)) and 1970 graduate of Memphis School of
Preaching. He has been preaching for 48 years, 42 of those
fulltime. He has preached in MS, AR, TN and GA. Prior to coming his
current work, he has preached in Bremen, GA for 7 years. He has experience in
television, radio, speaking on several lectureships, conducting teacher’s
workshops, conducting lectureships, writing for several papers and
magazines. He is married to Ann Shappley (for 46 years) with three
children and three grandchildren. Sidney currently works as the Director of the
Northwest Florida School of Biblical Studies, a preacher training school under
the oversight of the Milestone church of Christ in Cantonment, FL near
Pensacola. Sidney also does a wonderful
job directing the Lectureship hosted there each year. Fore more information
about the school, please contact Sidney by email: swhite4746@gmail.com or by
calling the school @ (850) 474-9257.
Links:
photo credit: http://sermonquotes.com/post/60300334979/god-is-always-listening
