Have you ever been in a situation where you know a hidden microphone is listening to your every word? I have, and it is a strange and unsettling feeling.
Welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert” — thanks for joining me … and for listening in on what I have to share with you today. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! If our time together today speaks to your heart, then let me invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend! So Grab a cup and lift it up – and let’s talk about who’s listening to whom and when !
These days one hears a great deal about personal privacy risks, especially from technology devices. It seems as though a new article gets written every day about a risk from a video doorbell or new smart device. You get the warning that “Big Brother” is listening.
I remember bringing one particular visitor for a meeting with the President of Israel. There was a small group of us sitting in the room, awaiting the President’s arrival. My friend was sitting in the the “designated chair” for the key guest. Next to him on a side table was a lovely flower arrangement with two large central flowers on sturdy stalks.
Never one to miss an opportunity for a good laugh, my friend made a show of glancing around the room as though looking for something. When his eye landed upon the large flower leaning in his direction, he leaned forward and spoke quietly into the flower as though it were a microphone saying, “I LOVE ISRAEL.” We all got a good laugh out of it.
Whether there are microphones hidden in the flowers at the Presidential Residence in Israel I cannot say, but I do know that our words are being listened to — and it’s not “Big Brother” who’s listening.
God listens. Of course, that could be a two-edged sword.
It seems a man had a habit of grumbling at the food his wife placed before him at family meals. Then, once everyone had been seated, he would ask the blessing. One day after his usual combination complaint-prayer, his little girl asked, “Daddy, does God hear us when we pray?”
“Why, of course, sweetheart” he replied. “He hears us every time we pray.”
She paused on this a moment, and asked, “Does He hear everything we say the rest of the time, too?”
“He sure does, every word,” he replied, encouraged that he had inspired his daughter to be curious about spiritual matters. However, his pride was quickly turned to humility at his daughter’s next question.
“Then, which does God believe?”
If you are a follower of Jesus, the Lord is listening carefully to what you have to say in prayer.
Today’s verse tells us that, “THE LORD HEARS THE PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS.” What a great promise!
Take a moment now, and consider what YOU want to say to the Almighty God. Will you ask Him to draw you closer to His love? Or to open your eyes to see more clearly how to walk out a life that is pleasing to Him? Perhaps there is a particularly difficult situation you’re facing in life, and you need peace, wisdom or grace. You know best what things are on your heart. Take a moment to gather your thoughts, cares and fears.
It’s not “Big Brother” who’s monitoring what you have to say. It is your Heavenly Father, who loves you. So come away to a quiet place, and speak from your heart.
He’s listening.
