Has God ever spoken to you? Have you ever heard His voice?
I start this off with questions because I believe our walk on this earth is a never ending question. Whether it's, why are we here, or what happens when we leave, our lives are categorically a barrage of questions.
My mother started saying something some time before she passed that has reverberated in me throughout my life.
She would say, "if you want to know something, ask God."
Now, we have been told throughout our lives that prayer is the answer. All you have to do is pray. We don't pray enough and many other cliches and scriptures about prayer.
We have also been told that if you just believe enough, good things will come your way.
Well, I have to say to you, none of that has worked in my life. Oh, ooh, I think I lost about a third of my audience right there.
Please allow me to explain.
I have had a great life, and I believe being a Christian is the best life in the world. But I also know that everything everybody has told me about this life has not worked.
When I came into Christianity, I was introduced to the prosperity faith movement.
Now, don't get me wrong, I believe in prosperity and I believe in faith, but I have found out God does not want everyone to be rich. God has all types of people in all walks of life.
What I have found out in my lifetime is we have to find our place in life.
Now, for my communication arts teachers, I'm sure you have noticed I have somewhat strayed away from my original topic.
This started with hearing from God. Well my contention is that as a society we have been told if we have a problem, we should take it to God.
My true question is, why?
I ask you what is prayer.
The dictionary says it's a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship. You see we have been taught all our lives to go to God when we have a problem, he will fix it. I don't believe that (totally).
I know, I have lost another third of my audience.
This is what God told me. He said everyone is talking to Me, but very few are listening to me. He said many are asking why something happened, but they are not waiting for an answer. One of my favorite Christian rappers is an artist named NF. In his song, Oh Lord, he says this:
"Listen, yeah everybody wants change
Don't nobody wanna change though
Don't nobody wanna pray
Till they got something to pray for"
Jeremiah 33:3 says: "Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."
It's my contention, that a true relationship with God is talking to Him, but also Him talking to you, and you listening, accepting, believing and obeying (doing).
That is a true relationship.
How would you like a relationship if you were the only one communicating and the other person never communicated back? God told me he talks to everyone, not just the preachers, pastors, priests and rabbis. Everybody.
My question is are you listening? Do you have the faith to accept it (good or bad)? And are you willing to obey and do what he has said?
So, my first two questions were not rhetorical. I believe the answer to the first one is, yes. He has spoken to you. You have to answer the second question.
I hope you start to open your ears, because he has a plan for your life. He has just been waiting on you to listen, accept, believe and obey.
Based on Jeremiah 33:3, Romans 10:17 and Jeremiah 29:11
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Sheldon Tyler, pastor of God's House, and his wife, Amantha, have been in Poplar Bluff for 20 years. They have been married for 33 years and have three adult children, T.J., Angel, and Shamanda, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Tyler is a long-term assistant principal at Poplar Bluff High School and his wife is a social worker. They were longtime members of Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church, until Pastor Tyler heard God's voice to start God's House. The ministry has been functioning for three years at various locations. They are currently located at 1901 N. Westwood in the Executive Mall. It is a small outreach ministry that attempts to help people in and outside the community.
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Editor's note: This is a regular series featuring area religious leaders writing about faith, family and community. To participate or suggest a church, contact us at news@darnews.com or 573-785-1414.