Tuesday January 28, 2025

On February 10, 2025 we are pausing our First 15 devotionals and encouraging everybody to download the Lectio 365 App to serve as our daily devotional time for the rest of 2025. We feel like this is the best way to fully embrace our year-long focus on prayer because of the unique format the Lectio 365 App provides. To download the app, simply search “Lectio 365” in your app store or scan the QR code below. You can also stop by our Connecting Point this weekend and a member of our staff can help download it to your device. If you are unable to use an app as a resource and would prefer to receive this devotional via email, send us an email here and we will connect with you.

Today is Tuesday, January 28. As we continue our study on the Practice of Prayer, we study what the Bible says about listening to God.

As a new day dawns, I seek the presence of the God who loves me. I claim a quiet space set apart from the rush of the world. I pause and become still, and breathe deeply and slowly. Quiet my mind to listen. Help me recognize the distinct sound of Your voice speaking to my soul. Reveal the message You have for me through the power of Your Holy Spirit. Amen.

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Mark 9:2-7

God manifests himself to humanity in tangible ways. From the beginning of time God has been speaking. God is always speaking, the question is, are we listening?

At the baptism of Jesus, God spoke. Jesus came from Galilee to be baptized by John in the Jordan River. At the moment Jesus came up out of the water the Spirit of God descended on Him like a dove and God’s voice was heard speaking from heaven. God said, “This is my Son, whom I love: with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). God also spoke at the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus’ clothes became dazzling white and a cloud appeared. God said, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” The voice of God came from a cloud on a mountain top to instruct His people to listen to Jesus, His Son.

I imagine climbing high upon the mountain alongside Jesus, Peter, James and John. What a privilege to be invited to experience this holy space. I anticipate, like Peter, I would not know what to say and probably respond with something incoherent and non-helpful. I hear the voice of God speaking from the cloud. Once again, as He did at Jesus’ baptism, God claims His only begotten Son. His beloved. This time however, God adds a command, “Listen to him!”

I consider how high of a priority I place on listening to Jesus. I listen to His words in scripture, His teachings, His commands, His instructions, yet all of my listening competes with the influential voices of the world. I want to clearly distinguish the voice of Jesus Christ from the voices of the surrounding culture.

I consider where I find myself in this scripture. When do I enjoy time alone with God and Jesus? What is my mountain top? How does Jesus lead me to the place where I am most able to experience His presence and hear His voice? Where am I able to witness His glory? Where do I see Him at work? How does an encounter with the glory of God change my life and my perspective?

I quiet myself and try to hear what God wants to say. There is so much noise around me all the time – the pressing noise of a busy life, the constant clamor of the media, and the chatter of my own mind. I want to listen to God. He speaks to me with clear identification about Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” This pronouncement changes my life.

Ask: How can I place a higher priority on listening to Jesus? What can I do to improve my ability to listen, trust and obey?

Pause and Pray

Lord God, I treasure these daily moments on the mountaintop alone with You. Show me Your glory Lord and reveal the truth of Your beloved son, Jesus Christ. Teach me how to listen to Him. Direct and show me the next steps to live a life listening to Jesus’ teaching and obeying His word. Invite me to a place where I am completely alone with You. Teach me how to quiet my mind and heart in such a way that I can better hear you. Speak truth into my life. I listen for You and You alone. Amen.

Printer Friendly Version