Are they dull of hearing?

____________

Having once run across an old friend from my childhood church, he shared how he spent last of his money to purchase a new pair of jeans (the closest thing he had to decent, to wear; which was his Sunday best), so he could attend church. They refused him at door. He wasn't wearing a suite.

All I know to say, sometimes, is that people fail us, we fail God, but God never fails ... that such is not God's doing. But, it wasn't enough to convince him to try another church.

____________

Once, I went to supposed top authority with a message that I had heard from God. Yet, that message was not received. So, I requested that they make inquiry of God, that if God says to wait I will wait, but that they know I did in fact hear from God.

He agreed on all points but one and that exception is in Bible. But, he refused to ask God if this might be that exception. Loss of membership and much adversity followed.

____________

I once knew of a church leader that would destroy all letters received, without reading, unless they were signed. That was his policy for which he shared was as per God's instruction to him, many years ago. Only, in believing that would be God's answer for every letter, within every church, forever; he missed receiving important information that could not be signed for safety reasons.

There is an exception for every rule. So, when we put God in a box and leave off need to further discern ~ we risk missing God's best.

____________

As of late, I have not found anyone, anywhere, that is willing to help persecuted Christians with even paperwork to help them get to safety ... even when sharing exception to such rules of thought. And, in time, I have discovered reasons given for refusal not to be true ~ not that they lie, but that people speak as though they have knowledge in areas where they are ignorant. Many freedoms we take for granted are not viable options for others.

But, due to a few trying to scam via computer, we don't trust anyone. Right?

____________

It is not my intent to express that any of these people, above, have always been of saintly sort, nor is this list all conclusive of ways we turn people away.

I am sharing such things to say, what I have seen, repeatedly, is people who have had a bad experience (or fear having a bad experience) tend to place everyone else in same basket. They are no longer judging each situation individually to determine merit. And, God's will for them may not be identical to path He has chosen for you.

There comes a time when one's heart is ready to receive. But if our mind is closed ~ we both lose. Neither are people taking time to ask God before making these decisions. We cannot truthfully claim to be representing God when we don't bother to ask His will.

And because iniquity shall abound, love of many shall wax cold.

Matthew 24:12

In true sincerity, I do not recall one time ever wherein I have approached an adult (represented to be in Christian leadership) at direct leading of God, and received desired results.

These are God's children, too. Do you honestly believe God will not visit for this?

And they ask, "But, didn't you notice, God, that we served you to point of affliction?" Isaiah 58:3a (par).

And God responds, "You've got to be kidding. You weren't serving me." Isaiah 58:4 (par). Then, He tells them, "You did it to yourself and I'm not listening any more," Isaiah 59:2 (par).

And, they wonder, "But, what did we do?"

And, God responds, "A little bit of everything except what I told you to do." Isaiah 59:3-15 (par).

____________

Once you finally begin to realize that your prayers are no longer reaching heaven, perhaps then, you will know that God meant what He said.

Is not this fast that I have chosen?

to loose bands of wickedness,

(no exceptions)

to undo heavy burdens,

(no exceptions)

and to let oppressed go free,

(no exceptions)

and that ye break every yoke?

(no exceptions)

Is it not to deal thy bread to hungry,

(no exceptions)

and that thou bring poor that are cast out to thy house?

(no exceptions)

when thou seest naked, that thou cover him;

(no exceptions)

and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

(no exceptions)

Isaiah 58:6-7

When you stop pointing fingers long enough to listen for true needs of heart and thereby learn to love unconditionally, God will start answering your prayers, again.

Isaiah 58:9 (par).

© 2005 by Joyce C. Lock Author of: "The Difference" http://www.theeaglesgarden.com/ http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/ This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.

Additionally, if your heart condemns you not, you have confidence toward God.

But, if man condemns you for following God (Jb. 40:8, Ro. 10:3, Ph. 3:9-10), holding you spiritually captive, hang on. Joy comes in morning, I Pe. 4:13.

© by Joyce C. Lock http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/ This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.