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Selective Hearing

God's Kindness Quest Series

God, are you there

Do you care

 

Do you hear me

Where can you be

 

Perhaps you’re over there; I’ll move closer

Still no response from God, the Father

 

Perhaps you're in the church; I’ll give it a try

Tell me what to do and I’ll comply

 

I’m fearful, suffering, and you are nowhere to be found

Deafening silence, you make no sound

 

There is a desperate predicament which needs your care

If you have a miracle in mind, please share 

 

He responded, you call upon me only when you need 911

Between emergencies, you blatantly sin, your idea of fun

 

You ignore my invitations and wander away

However, out of my gaze and heart, you cannot stray

 

I listen to every word you speak

I’m with you each hour of the week

 

My child, I highlight the path every day

Though you choose a lesser way

 

You've developed selective hearing

Listening only when you’re hurting 

 

Yes, Lord, I repent of living bridled by my desires

Then calling 911 when I need you to extinguish the fires

 

Events from my past flashed as if seeing them on DVD

In each memory, God revealed how he protected me

 

Now I understand God sustains me through it all

He picks me up each time I fall

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Even though my actions didn't warrant his forgiveness

He showered me with mercy and loving-kindness

 

I finally surrender to my Creator

Leaving sin behind, because his grace and love are greater

Interactive Questions

Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV), "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

  • What emotions, memories, thoughts, convictions, or inspirations bubbled up while reading the poem?

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  • Father God, what do you want me to know about my answers to the previous question? 

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  • Do you primarily call out to God in 911 situations? If so, list examples: ​

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  • What prevents you from seeking God during normal, daily life, when there are no emergencies?

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  • Lord, how do I cooperate with you to get past those hindrances? 

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  • How have you developed selective hearing, listening to God only when it fits your timing and agenda?

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  • Lord, how have you protected me, despite my tuning out your voice? 

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  • Lord, in what situations have I blamed you for what I perceived to be a negative outcome, but it was actually my actions which caused the end result?

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  • Lord, in what situations have I taken credit for a positive outcome, but it was actually you who produced the end result? 

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  • What sin are you clinging to because you consider it entertaining, enjoyable, habitual, or non-negotiable?  

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  • Lord, what is this sin costing me in my personal growth, my relationship with you, and others? ​

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  • ​Personal growth: 

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  • Relationship with God: 

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  • Relationship with others:​

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  • Lord, highlight to me any lies I believe about giving up ungodly fun versus godly living?​

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  • Lord, what is the truth regarding each lie? 

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  • Lord, how do I transition to living a godly, joyful life? 

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  • Father God, is there anything else you want to share with me at this moment?

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Prayer

James 5:16 (NLT),  "... The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.​"

Lord, I repent for treating you as a 911 God. I have ignored your nudges to abandon sinful behavior. Typically, I have pursued you when it suited my needs. Thank you for bringing clarity and truth. Thank you for not treating me in the same manner I have treated you. 

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Forgive me for blaming you when the outcome turned out contrary to my prayers. I've also taken credit for good results, instead of giving you the honor and glory. Forgive me. Thanks for reminding me that leaning on you far surpasses my best self-efforts. 

 

I repent of sin and for thinking it was fun. I repent of times I've judged your ways to be boring, restrictive, or drudgery. My sinful choices have damaged my relationship with you and others. Bring restoration, as only you can. Help me learn the value of godly fun, instead of distorted pleasure. I seek your solutions, as mine clearly have not worked.  

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I desire a solid, daily prayer life, one which partners with you. Help me recognize when you are moving on behalf of myself and others. Bring understanding of how prayer affects the spirit realm. Teach me how to dwell in your presence. Amen.

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  • Lord, what did this prayer activate in accordance with James 5:16?

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  • ​Tweak the existing prayer as desired or craft a new personalized one.

Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT), "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true ..."

Job 17:9 (NLT)

“The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger.“

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  • List meaningful Bible verses which come to mind regarding this poem, the interactive questions, and prayer.

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