What is God saying to you?

When I read the word sometimes I ask: "God what are you saying to me?"

It can be a frustrating practice, especially when it doesn't feel like anything I'm reading at that time directly applies to my life.  But it is encouraging to know that He wants me to do this.  Part of knowing God is seeking Him out.

Psalm 85:8 says "I will listen to what God the LORD will say; ..."

Jesus said of listening to God and inviting His Spirit: "Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7-8

"Do not be anxious for anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."  Philipians 4:6

When I do this, I don't necessarily get answers I like, or answers right away, but He consistently meets with me through the Spirit.  Even better: I get to know Him better!  God hears prayer.  Let's not give up.

What type of person is God speaking to in prayer?  Everyone!

Jesus' Parable of the Lost Son is a story Jesus told about one son who was welcomed from a distance and one who was called to even though he was near.  The story shows us that God welcomes repentant sinners and calls hard-hearted older brothers to prayer and celebration.  The story is that one of the sons takes his inheritance early and loses it all in wild living.  He eventually comes back to the father and the delighted father celebrates his son's return.  Everything is returned to the son that had been lost and a celebration is thrown.  God welcomes back sinners and will speak to even the most rebellious person if invited to in prayer.

Even more amazing though is that the hardened older brother [which I have been the most] is also called to by the father:

" 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.  But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"  Luke 15:31-32

Jesus was dead but He is alive.  He is bringing the dead to life and bringing the lost home all around us.  He is enough reason for us to celebrate God's goodness and expect Him to speak with us personally through the Word.  

Lord, let neither sin and rebellion nor bitterness or envy ever harden my heart to your voice.