Category: Listen - Jethro TOOLS

Enduring Example

7/26/2026

Matthew 1:18-25
Moral relativism believes that there are no absolutes of right or wrong, and thus there is no absolute truth. This leads to the belief that a universal moral code is not necessary because each person determines what is right. In other words the person holding a morally relativistic position will withhold judgment. However, across the world various cultures have set moral and ethical standards. These standards of moral code guide that society toward peace and a cohesive unity. At times those standards will be enforced through shame, guilt or fear. To remove any doubt, there are standards that are defined by a pure and holy God that are applicable for all cultures of all time. In the first chapter of Matthew cultural standards are at work. Mary was found to be pregnant (18). The cultural commitment in the betrothal or engagement period required complete fidelity. For Joseph the cultural condemnation was clear, yet God’s direction was just as clear. God called Joseph to do what was opposite to the current culture and take Mary as his wife (20). Joseph now faced a dilemma. Should he follow the culture and avoid the personal shame and distance himself from Mary, or should he bear the shame and follow God’s direction? Joseph’s obedience was clear. He chose to listen to God’s voice. We can hold Joseph up as the example to follow. He carried the cultural shame of that decision as he daily faced the cultural scorn and reproach. Yet Joseph is only the example not the one we are to copy. Hebrews 12:1-3 reminds us that our life has a purpose to be a living example of enduring faith. Our focus is to be on Jesus Christ who obediently endured the shame of the cross to give us new life. We need consistent obedience to God’s word and faithful endurance to live as an example of righteous faith for our culture. Christ is to be exalted in us (Philippians 1:20).

For More See MATTHEW

The Change

4/19/2026

Genesis 3:8-24
Years ago I ended up taking care of a rescued dog that my daughter had befriended. She did not have a living situation that allowed dogs so I ended up with a tricolored Australian Shepherd named Sky, that had definitely been abused. Despite being about 50 to 60 pounds he cowered in my presence when we first met. I learned very quickly that he had a streak of stubborn independence, and that he did not like men in particular. As I watched him and worked with him, I began to assemble some of the puzzling pieces of his past life. He probably had an owner that cared very little for him and so Sky developed the bad habit of an independent streak that opposed his owner. After various forms of abuse the owner seems to have hauled the dog to the middle of the woods and dumped him to fend for himself. That is where my daughter found him at camp. An owner that did not care, and a stubborn dog who refused to obey, was a recipe for disaster. The dog that cowered before me was broken and needed the loving, but firm hand, of one who was trustworthy. Similarly, we as people stubbornly insist on our way, just like Sky, or Adam and Eve in Genesis chapter three. I had to pursue a relationship with a broken dog just as God pursued a relationship with stubborn and sinful humanity (8-9). God refused to turn away from the creation that He made and the people that He loved. In His love, he moved toward the sinners calling them back to Himself. In sin, Adam and Eve ran and hid from God’s presence (10). Sin caused the separation from God and from enjoying His good. God is good, His word is true, and His way is right. We, like a broken dog, need to listen to Him, trust Him and follow Him in order to experience His goodness and rest.

For More See GENESIS

Participate in the Word

7/21/2024

Psalm 119:105-112
How often do you read directions? When I much younger I remember being at a meeting with my father. The speaker gave each attender a test with a page full of questions. The instructions were to read everything before beginning the test. I still remember that day. I turned the page and began frantically trying to answer questions before the allotted time ran out. As my time ran out I looked at my Dad sitting calmly, looking around the room. He was done, and I was not. The test was actually a test to see if you would listen to and obey the instructions. I did not listen, and I did not read everything first before beginning. The final line at the bottom of the page said this, “Now that you have read this entire page please write your name at top right corner of the page and wait for further instructions.” In life directions are important, but it also important to have reliable instructions from a reliable source. In Acts 2:41-42 the early church had a devotion and dedication to the Word of God. The apostles taught the Word of God and the new converts were faithful in listening and acting on what it said. Psalm 119:105 teaches us that the Bible contains the words of God that provide clarity in the present and direction for the future. Like a lamp the Bible allows us to see what is at our feet and guides us as we take another step of faith. The problem is that we as people do not listen carefully to instructions. We will often search everywhere else for answers without examining the truth in the Bible and God’s words recorded for us. Like the early church in Acts 2, we need to love the Lord, love His Word, and live His Word. That only happens by listening to His directions.

For More See PSALMS

Service: What Must I Do?

3/10/2024

Matthew 26:6-16
The other day my yard was invaded by a bunch of kids, and I enjoyed every minute of it. We started with games like tug of war, and ended with a big fire. The definition of a fire is a spark that ignites oxygen and fuel. On a cold day the warmth of a fire is nice. But, have you noticed that a fire on a warm day also draws you in? Why? What is it about a fire that attracts us? The movement of the flame is intriguing; the light from the flame is illuminating; the warmth of the flame is inviting. Is that not also true about Jesus? What He does in our world is intriguing. The truth of His words illuminate the darkness of our lives, and His presence invites us into the warmth of a relationship with Him. Like a fire we see that Mary was repeatedly drawn into a relationship with Jesus her Savior. She sat at Jesus feet, listening to Jesus, while Martha made the meal (Luke 10:38-42). She bowed down at Jesus feet, grieving the death of her brother Lazarus (John 11:28-32). Now, at the meal with the disciples, she worships at the feet of Jesus (Matthew 26:6-16; Mark 14:3-9; John 12:1-8). Mary willingly gave her most valued possession in service to Christ. She had a passion to be with, to worship and to serve Jesus, her Savior. In much the same way our love and worship for Jesus should fill the air around us like Mary’s perfume. Do we have that same passion to be with Jesus and sit at His feet and serve Him? We can sit at Jesus feet by spending time listening to His word, responding in prayer and doing what honors Him. Mary’s love for Jesus, and faith in Him, filled the room. Like a fire, may our faith in our Savior draw others into the warmth of His love for them.

Fore more see MATTHEW or EASTER

Being vs. Doing

2/29/2024

Luke 10:38-42
Have you ever experienced fog? Fog is caused when warm air makes contact with cooler ground. The cooler ground causes any moisture that is in the air to condense into fine water drops that form a low lying cloud. Fog often settles into a low lying valleys, but can also cover large open areas. The solution to fog is the heat of the sun that warms the air and wind that moves in to break up the low lying cloud. The problem with fog is that it obscures what is important. If you are driving in foggy conditions it limits visibility and hides the corners ahead. In a way we can also have a personal fog in our lives that obscures what is really important. We can become so busy with the things and events of life that we miss what is truly important. In Luke 10:38-42 we see such an event illustrated for us in the home of Mary and Martha. These women, along with their brother Lazarus, were close friends of Jesus. In the process of traveling, Jesus stopped at their home for a meal. Martha became distracted with all the preparations of the meal (40), while Mary sat and listened to Jesus (39). Finally, Martha lost it and told Jesus to tell Mary to get into the kitchen and help (40). Jesus turned, and instead of chiding Mary, corrected Martha. He said that Mary had chosen what is better (42). How often are we like that? How often do we loose our bearings in the midst of all the activities of life that we neglect the important thing of being with Jesus and simply listening to Him? We have been trained to be people who get things done. However, Jesus invites us to be with Him, learn from Him and be the people He wants us to be. Don’t allow the fog of doing the things of life obscure the most important thing of being with Jesus and becoming what He wants you to be.

for more see PRIORITY of PRAYER or PRIORITY of PATIENCE

What is a Disciple?

1/21/2024

Luke 14:25-35
Summer camp was fun. It was the anticipated annual event that I remember attending as a kid. There were many activities and things to learn and do, but my favorite was the skill class, and for that I always chose archery. I was, and still am, intrigued by the skill needed to shoot an arrow and get it to hit the center of the target. It is actually harder than it looks. In the skill class the teacher helped us learn the technical side of archery and the form needed to shoot correctly. However, there was much more. We were required to memorize safety rules and implement them at all times in the class. I quickly learned that listening to the teacher and doing what he taught really helped my efficiency in using the bow and the accuracy of shooting the arrow. As I progressed in skill and knowledge the teacher gave me the task of helping others learn the technicalities of archery and do it safely. The same is true for a disciple of Jesus Christ. We begin our spiritual life when we not only believe, but accept that Jesus has paid the price for our sin. It is from that point forward that we are given the challenge to “hear the word of God and obey it!”(Luke 11:28). A true disciple of Jesus is literally a committed follower who accepts His teaching as valuable for all of life and puts it into practice. In Luke 14:25-35 Jesus gives several key characteristics of a disciple. It all begins with a relationship with Him (26) and a commitment to Him (27). Like in archery, when we depend on Jesus and listen to Him as our teacher we will have something of spiritual value, that can be passed on to others, that will guide them in their daily walk with Him.

For more see LUKE or QUESTIONS & ANSWERS or DISCIPLESHIP

Jesus Role as Prophet

12/22/2022

John 1:1-18
I remember going off to college and my Mom telling me to write each week. Well… That never happened because it took too much time. I had to get paper, compose my thoughts, and then walk to the post office to mail it. A phone call was so much easier. However, it was funny how much there was to talk about when I went home for Christmas. Communication in person is always more personal, relatable and believable. Throughout the Old Testament God used various prophets to communicate with His people. The prophet is a messenger who delivers a message, a corrector who points out what is wrong, and a teacher who tells the right way to live. As savior, Jesus, fulfills the role of divine prophet. In the Gospel of John we see that God planned to send Jesus as the perfect way to communicate to people who God is, the need for Him and God’s solution of salvation. This Christmas message communicated through Jesus calls us to listen to God’s Word, believe God’s truth and accept God’s grace. Jesus was the messenger who communicated God’s message to man-kind. This Christmas I hope that you hear God’s message of love, truth and grace communicated through Jesus.

for more see JOHN or PROPHET, PRIEST & KING

Future Secured

1/31/2021

Ephesians 1:13-14
It was a dark night and I heard it, or rather them. Footsteps scurrying quickly through dry crunchy leaves. Then the unmistakable sound of claws grasping wood. With my senses heightened I heard the unmistakable growl and hiss of several raccoons having an animal argument in the trees behind my house. Now if I had not observed raccoons behaving like this on previous occasions I am sure I would have been frightened thinking that something out there was coming to get me. Thankfully that was not the case. Leading up to this event I had observed these raccoons and listened attentively in order to understand the truth about the critters that share my back yard. As we examine Ephesians 1:13-14 we see that the audience has previously listened to the gospel message of salvation. This listening led to an understanding of the truth it contained and ultimately belief in the message. The author, Paul, goes on to explain that they were then marked as believers in Jesus by the Holy Spirit’s presence in their life. Being marked with a seal shows authenticity and provides security. Paul is reminding the Ephesians of Christ’s work of salvation and their belief in it. This belief instantly leads to being authentically and securely marked by the Spirit of God as belonging to God. If we believe in Jesus, then we know that we have become His children and that we belong as heirs with a secure inheritance. That brings comfort to us as we wait until we are finally called home to heaven and the process of our redemption is finalized. Until that time, we can have the confidence that Spirit of God will keep us as children of God even when we may be frightened by things that we can’t see or understand in the dark of our life.

For more see Ephesians

Wonderful Counselor

12/6/2020

Isaiah 9:6
Do you know the difference between information and knowledge? Information is the presentation of facts about a subject learned by someone else. Knowledge is the facts and skills learned through personal experience or perhaps education. Today we live in the information age. We don’t worry about what we need to know because we can find any answer on the internet. The problem is how do we use the information that is turned into knowledge. Politicians and organizations ask for opinion surveys but do they really listen to the information given? Hearing advice and heeding advice are two different things. In Isaiah 9:6 the first descriptive title given to the savior is Wonderful Counselor. We need to remember that this title is given as a prophecy that foretells what Jesus would be like. This title describes one who offers the very best solutions as an extraordinary advisor. Strategically, the savior knows what is best for our lives and offers salvation and spiritual direction. Do we listen? Today we are overwhelmed with information and easily discard information as useless. We carry over this practice to our relationship with God miss and experiencing the wonderful knowledge that He offers to us through Jesus as savior of the world. This Christmas, may we not only hear but also heed the wonderful counselor that has been given to us.

For more see Isaiah

The Stinking Dog

11/15/2020

The morning was slightly overcast and cool so I decided that it was a good day to walk the dog. I wanted to have a quiet walk and listen to God but the dog was not in a listening mood. We ran to the park to burn some of his energy. It sort of worked. The walk in the park was quiet. It always is when most everyone else is in bed. I decided to take a longer way home to give the dog some extra time out of the yard and me a chance to see the dried out lake and the birds. The walk proceeded with the dog wandering by the lake and me on the path. It was time to go and the dog did not listen to my calls. I walked closer to the lake calling for him. Still no answer. Where was he?

Finally he sauntered out of the tall grass and weeds with his head down and tongue hanging out of his mouth. He was not acting normal with one eye half closed and foam dripping off his tongue. On top of his odd behaviour he smelled even worse. The smell of skunk! My old dog tried to roll in the grass to wash his face but it only aggravated the problem. The pace of our walk going home was considerably slower than when we left. As we arrived home the neighbor across the street made a loud comment "Oh yuck, skunk!" I am glad she did not know the source was a hundred feet away.

Once home I decided it was time for the dog to get a tomato juice bath, so off I went to Walmart to buy 3 large cans. The dog was not pleased to have tomato juice dumped on him and then scrubbed into his fur. By the time we were done with that part of the treatment I think he hit his head and mumbled "I could have had a V8." The juice neutralized the smell but did not remove it. Step two was to take the blood red dog and empty a box of baking soda on him while scrubbing it in. The stinking dog has now learned to like tomato juice and baking soda more than skunks. However, the process was not complete because now he needed to be cleaned with soap and water. The final step of purification included soap on his face and I am sure in his eyes. A final rinse and scrub several hours after the process started and the stinking dog was close to normal.

My goal this morning was a time to listen to God. My stinking dog assisted in the process. God reminded me through a wayward dog what I am like. As people we are wanderers at heart and the results are not pleasant. We need a cleansing from the red blood and white purity of a Savior who stepped out of heaven. He could have left us in the stench of sin and walked away but He did not. Like the stinking dog, my sin carries a stench that fills the sky and our world. God sent His Son, to step into our world and dirty Himself with our sin so we could be made clean and acceptable to Him. The result is that we live as a testimony of His work in us. So much for a quiet morning but what a lesson. I just needed to listen.

Solving Misunderstandings

7/2/2020

Joshua 22
Have you ever had a conflict with someone that seemed to come out of no where? It happens to everyone. How do you begin to define the problem and then take steps to solve the misunderstanding. Today, let’s examine some common roots of misunderstanding and see how we can solve issues of poor choices and dumb actions that lead to heated words … hopefully in a positive manner. This example of misunderstanding begins with everything being just normal. The people, under Joshua’s leadership, had just completed the conquest of the land and now they were heading to their homes. The initial hint of a problem slides into the event as Joshua talks with the two and a half of the tribes who had land across the Jordan river.

We pick up the story of misunderstanding in Joshua 22. Everything is is returning to normal and Joshua stops the two and a half tribes before they leave. He reminds them to keep following God (5). There was a peaceful parting of ways as they left with Joshua’s blessing. Then the story takes a turn. Even today we see that sometimes people just do dumb things. That is exactly what happened as the two and a half tribes built an altar (10) almost immediately after the conversation with Joshua. When you are faced with a decision think about the impact of this decision beyond the present moment. Ask yourself, “How will this decision affect others now and in the future?”

Well, to be sure, someone was watching and reported to the rest of the nation what had just happened on the other side of the river. The first response to the problem across the river was to fight (11-12). The rest of the nation was ready to go to war against the two and a half tribes. However, cooler heads prevailed. It was decided that Phinehas the priest and tribal representatives should go and talk with the trouble makers across the river (13-14). The problem was that they accused and attacked the altar builders with their words (15-20). They did not gather information in order to formulate a wise response. The lesson is simple. In solving a misunderstanding we need to listen first and then talk. We need to get the other side of the story, but all too often we rush to judgment just like these leaders.

What do you do when you are wrongly accused? How do you react? All too often our first response is to defend ourselves and our reputation. In doing that the pent up internal emotion boils over into external expression and the fight is on. However, there is hope for this group of Israelites in their wise response (21-29). They first of all include God in the conversation and highlight the fact that God knows their intentions. Second, they emphasize the value they place on their relationships with others and God. Finally, they highlight their previous commitment to Joshua (5) and their loyalty to God. For us, the lesson is clear. When we are accused wrongly the way to solve the misunderstanding is to respond honestly and calmly. Honesty without calmness will only pour fuel on the fire.

We are bound to have conflicts with others. The important thing to keep in mind is, “How do we respond to the misunderstanding?” Solving a misunderstanding is critical to avoiding a costly conflict. We can see reconciliation in our relational misunderstandings as we intently listen, and honestly communicate with calmness.

For more see CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Be Still

6/16/2020

1 Kings 19:1-18
Work smarter not harder. When I was young I did not completely understand the value of that statement. However, the older I get the more I understand the importance of those words and wisdom behind them. When we work harder we often push ourselves to the limits of our capabilities which often finds its root in the fear of not being able to survive and the need to perform. These actions often end up hurting us. For example a weight lifter that does not properly warm up the muscles can damage and tear the very muscles that were being developed by overworking them and not giving them time to rest and recover. In 1 Kings 19 we see Elijah being confronted with his own fear of survival at the hands of the wicked queen (1 Kings 19:3). Fear clouded Elijah’s perspective of who God is and what God can do so instead of faith he chose to run. God met with Elijah in his darkest moment and redirected him away from his fear to a simple faith in Him. The change began as Elijah heard the quiet voice of God. Similar to Elijah, we often deal with life’s problems and fears by working on them harder or running away. Like Elijah, we can only find rest as we listen to God and in faith act on His word. We just need to take the first step and listen for His voice.

Time Out

6/8/2020

Hebrews 4:1-10
A time out is a strategic call in sporting games. This is a play where one of the players or the coach signals that they need stoppage of play. The teams stop play and go to the side of the field where they spend time talking with their coach. In a huddle they hear strategy, advice, direction, correction, and encouragement. The same is true for us as people. We need to set aside regular time to talk with our coach, God. As we stop playing the game of life for a little while we have a better chance to spend focused time listening. If we don’t take a time out we continue to play the game and we choose burn out and ineffectiveness over a time out. The author of Hebrews is writing as a coach. He calls a spiritual time out for the readers because they were missing the point that Jesus is better than anything else. He wants them to live a life of faith in Christ that is based on the supremacy of Christ and not conform to false beliefs without Christ.

For more see HEBREWS

The King Rules

5/12/2020

2 Chronicles 7:14
Let’s play a game. How about checkers or chess? These board games have multiple pieces and if you follow the rules, each of the player pieces is limited in what direction they can move. However, there is one player piece in checkers and chess that can move in multiple directions. That player is the king. The ability to move in any direction makes the king valuable for the game but also strategically powerful. The game of chess or checkers is won when the king wins. In the game of life there is one king, and that king is God. Kings are powerful and control all that goes on in their kingdom. Earthly kings have a limited kingdom with borders, but God rules over all creation. Kings want their people to listen to them and God as the king of creation desires that we as people listen to Him. The problem for us as people is that sometimes we don’t like to listen to others much less God. It takes a person who is humble to put their desires aside to listen to the king for His plan for His kingdom. The problem is that we often want God as the king to make the kingdom acceptable to us. God’s desire is that we listen to Him and humbly submit to His leadership in our lives. Our humble submission to God allows others to see that God is in sovereign control of our life and His kingdom.

For more see 2 Chronicles 7:14 Series

Folly and Wet Boots

4/1/2020

Proverbs 1:20-33
I remember when I was in grade school my brothers and I would have a competition… who could get across the frozen mud puddles without falling in. We would laugh at each other and the threat of getting wet feet. Some of us always went home with wet feet and had to face the wrath of Mom because she always told us to wear boots so our shoes would stay dry. The noise of laughter and a brothers dare caused us to not hear wisdom.

On the occasion that we would wear boots we would head to the same puddles in the spring time. However, this time the rules were different. The goal was to see how far you would dare walk into the water with out the water coming over the top of your boots. Inevitably, the ongoing challenges existed. If one of us seemed to be having success the others would throw large rocks into the puddle to create a splash and cause the water to flow into the others boots. The noise of laughter and a brothers challenge caused us not to hear wisdom.

Listening, it is one of the most difficult lessons that we must learn. We first learn this lesson from our parents, then from teachers in school, and then we turn around and expect our children to listen to us. Listening for life learning is important, but it is more important to be able to listen to God and the wisdom that He provides for life. Our world has always been a place full of distractions, yet God’s wisdom is always available. We just need to seek Him and listen to Him above the noise of our world. In the book of Proverbs the writer describes wisdom using human characteristics to help the reader relate too and understand the actions of wisdom. In God’s wisdom we find peace to guide our path in life. As we know God we know peace (33). Ultimately as we listen to and walk in God’s wisdom (20-21) we find that what He offers is useful in all areas of life (22-28). Wisdom has offered what is truly good but the fool has rejected what is good (29-31). Knowing God is the beginning of wisdom. Let us thank God for the wisdom that He gives and walk in it.

As we walk through this time in our life and our world it might be good to pause and ask ....
How is God calling to us to turn and listen to His voice? God's wisdom is available, just listen. Perhaps God has allowed this time to adjust your schedule to be quiet enough to listen to Him.

How are we responding to God's voice of wisdom? God's wisdom is useful, accept it. God reveals Himself and His truth in His book the Bible. Be wise and ponder what God reveals in the Bible for its usefulness each day.

How are we handling life? God's wisdom brings peace with Him as we walk with Him. When we know God we will know peace. Do you know Him and His peace?