LISTEN AS THE SPIRIT SPEAKS IN THE WOODS

The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit. - John 3:8

This verse literally means: The Holy Spirit is able to move freely and unexpectedly, making itself noticed through it’s voice; a voice recognizable by the words spoken by men of God. As mysteriously as it appears it departs, leaving no track or sign of its intended destination. In regards to the birth of the spirit, different from the gifts of the spirit, once you have heard or by faith been used to speak through, you have been born of the spirit.

John 3:8 clearly establishes the Holy Spirit as God’s voice. It is the method by which he communicates directly to us.

My fifteen years in a career dominated by communication, one thing I have learned is that the most important step to effective communication begins with a strong ability to listen. Not to speak. Just listen.

The University of Texas at Austin teaches in their Introduction Effective Communication class to “listen first and speak second.” It’s a simple approach to achieving excellence in communication.

Dale Carnegie, Author and noted communications educator, promotes the ideal in his book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, to “Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.” Critical advice for influencing others.

In the New Testament, we are told and even commanded to listen.

l Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen and understand. - Matthew 15:10

l While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” - Matthew 17:5

l Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this.  - Mark 9:7

l Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” - Mark 9:7

l Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.” - Luke 8:18

The bottom line is this: By improving our ability to listen, we will become more valued to our family, attentive to our children, effective in our jobs, sought after by friends and most importantly knowledgeable of God and his plan for our life.

As you sit in the tall pines during this weekend’s turkey hunt, listen to the quiet winds rustling through the wilderness. Imagine God is trying to speak to you. What is he saying? Do you hear the peace and tranquility in his presence?

Think about how awesome it is that God chooses to stop and spend a few quite moments with you despite all the demands of the world. Much is the same with your own children. You as a father or mother model God when you stop what you are doing and spend time with your child.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we offer thanks for the beauty you have created in these woods. We rejoice in the peace and quiet you have made available on this day. I pray that in this moment each of us will hear you speak. Through the wind in the trees and light in the sky, I pray all will be aware of your greatness. Lord, watch over those who could not be here with us and keep us all safe from harm as we head out for this year’s Spring Turkey hunt. In your son, Jesus name, Amen.

Now C4C Campers, I offer this verse out of context, but offer it for thought as you all head out on the hunt…

“Now then, please take your gear, your quiver and your bow, and go out into the field and hunt game for me….”  - Genesis 27:3

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Lance Cherry, a native of New Mexico, has worked several years in the outdoor industry, with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the New Mexico State Parks Division. Lance is a founder of Crosshairs for Christ, a Christian ministry with a desire to connect and change lives by spreading Christ’s message to sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts through activity-based fellowship. For more information contact Lance Cherry, lance@crosshairsforchrist.org.