Not in Vain - T. L. Wiens

Life can teach some hard lessons. This last month has been filled with them. My niece took her own life. Among her last words to her family, was the idea that she would be in a better place after death. Isn't that what she heard at funerals?

I realize well meaning Christians share these sentiments to help in the grieving process. But are we really helping? Or are we being less than honest and in the end hurting people? Proverbs 27:6 says "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Which are we--friend or enemy when we don't clarify that death is a transport to peace only for those who are faithful to Jesus Christ?

As a writer, I try hard to make sure my words reflect my faith. After hearing that words I may have spoken were a factor in my niece's demise, I find myself spurred on to more diligence in this area. Lies don't help anyone even if they give a momentary comfort.

Listening to God--Janet Sketchley

As I packed for a spiritual retreat last weekend, a thought hit me: you can count on hearing God at a retreat because you’ve reduced the distractions, but it’s also because you’re listening. You’re anticipating. You expect to hear him.

Some people listen regularly. They hear from Him. Not every day, maybe, but a word here and a thought there that add up to a message. Then they obey.

And I have heard from Him at in the busyness of daily life, usually when I was desperate. But then, like on retreat, it was a one-time insight or connection.

This time, I bumped into the word “control” before even zipping my suitcase. Then, surprise: the subject was a significant theme at the retreat. And it’s been following me since I’ve come home.

I’m struck by how long a process this is. Not a one-piece insight or revelation, but a constant alertness to catch and piece together God’s message to me. He’s probably speaking like this all the time and I’m just not tuned in.

I’ve started jotting notes in a little book so I can see the emerging picture. And so I can hold myself accountable to obey what I’ve heard so far. After all, the hearing isn’t much good if it isn’t put into practice through action. God doesn’t seem to spend much time teaching us abstract concepts or theories on which to speculate. What He says, He expects us to do.

Father, teach me to walk... to listen... to always be alert for what You might say... not just in devotional times but each moment... in all circumstances. Help me not to over-spiritualize trivial things, but help me be open to what You actually say, whether through the trivial or the profound. Help me pay attention.

© Janet Sketchley, 2010
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For devotionals, reviews and conversation, stop by Janet Sketchley's blog, God with Us: Finding Joy.