41: Hearing What You Need When You Need It

The Neighborhood Church

Have you ever "Heard from God?" Maybe that sounds too mysterious or rare. Maybe it's an everyday occurrence. Maybe it's somewhere in between and you've had an experience that's brought you clarity, guidance, or reassurance. This is what happened to Paul and it can happen to us. // SCRIPTURE FOCUS -- Acts 18.1-23 // Acts is the story of how the Good News of Jesus is on the move to everyone everywhere. // When God speaks, most times it seems to be... 1. CLEAR (Not confusing) 2. CONCISE (Focused with fewer words) 3. to the CORE (Deeply felt or "Known") // "One of the many lessons Acts teaches quietly, as it goes along, is that you tend to get the guidance you need when you need it, not before, and not in too much detail." (N.T. WRIGHT, Acts for Everyone, p. 99) // The Word and Promises of Jesus to Paul... 1. Do not be afraid 2. Do not be silent 3. I am with you 4. No one will harm you 5. I have many people in this city // Paul receives this vision--this word--because Paul "keeps the line open." Paul lives from a posture or openness and attentiveness. What's it look like in my life? // Keep it simple, just stay open... 1. Stillness 2. Scripture 3. Say "Thank You's..." 4. Say "Would You's..." 5. Say what's been said (Liturgies, Lord's Prayer, Breath Prayers) // BREATH PRAYERS - Almighty God, Creator and Sustainer, I belong to You. - Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. - Holy Spirit, Breath of God, revive my heart and renew our world. - Lord Jesus, God-with-us, abide in me as I abide in you.