Is anyone listening?

Many of you use Skype. It has saved me hundreds of dollars in international phone calls. It allows me to call, text chat and even video conference with friends overseas for free. Imagine my surprise when I received an email from Skype informing me they’ve partnered with Oprah to bring her online new age teachings to Skype users. No matter what I do I can’t get away from O.

Last Sunday a woman in our church mentioned that my comments about Oprah’s book club selections have helped her share with others about the error in the books. I was ecstatic. Someone was not only listening, they were actually passing on the information to others! Now, before you think I’m overstating my exuberance let me assure you I’m not. Most teachers don’t teach just to hear themselves talk. The ultimate joy for a teacher is when those who are listening not only apply the information to their own lives but they pass it on to others as well.

Oprah must be overjoyed to have so many passing on her message. I just wish she was passing on what Jesus said instead of what the devil is saying.

There are really only two “voices” in the earth today: The Spirit of God and the spirit of this world. Jesus said His words were spirit and life and that the flesh counts for nothing. The spirit of this world appeals only to the flesh, never the regenerated spirit. Nothing the devil says has any meaning or significance to a Christian (unless it’s during a time of ministry and he’s betraying his presence). The body of Christ desperately needs discernment from the Holy Spirit to be able to separate the lies from the Truth.

God told Peter, James and John to listen to His Son. Since they were three of the original apostles we would do well to heed those same words. In fact, I’m going to virtually beg you to do what your Father in heaven told the apostles to do: Listen to Jesus!

Jesus told His disciples to be careful who they listen to. He said repeatedly: “He who has an ear to hear let him hear what the Spirit is saying...”. He said over one hundred times in the Gospels, “You’ve heard it said, but I tell you the truth...”. He is the faithful witness who came from heaven to reveal God to us. We certainly don’t need someone from the earth trying to teach us about the One from heaven.

Please join with me in reading the only book that Jesus personally recommends: His Book. And, try to imagine His joy when you share it with others.

May God’s richest blessings be yours in abundance through Chris Jesus, our Lord!

Pastor Chris