27th September 2023
Weekly Meditation Verse: Psalm 141 “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth.”
I have learnt over the years that for some reason, people listen to what I say! I’ve been in work meetings where I’ve heard “but Fiona said……” and I’ve thought – “Oh No, I really know nothing about this subject, what have I said now?” I’m also the person most likely to be approached in any situation and asked for directions. Just ask Mark, it happens all the time! As much as it is lovely to be heard, I’ve learnt that there is also a time to stay silent and that listening is really important. In James 1: it says.
“19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.”
This week we had a retreat at Parcevall Hall for a few of our Northern hosts and Local Links. At one point we listened to encouraging stories from Renew spaces across the North of England and it was just lovely. After lunch we spent some quiet individual time with God and a true blanket of calm fell over us, so much so that the staff commented on it to me. God blesses us when we slow down and listen to Him.