Reading until God Speaks…

Quote from the book Lord Change me. Evelyn:  page 32

My spiritual barometer for years has been 1 John 1:4

“These things [are written] that your joy may be full.” 
I can always measure the amount of time I’m spending in the Scriptures by how much joy (not superficial happiness, but deep down abiding joy) I have.  When I find a lack of joy in my life, the first thing I check is how much time I’m spending in God’s Word!

How’s my spiritual barometer?  I have been thinking about this all week and I must confess it has been pretty low.  Life is busy!  I have not been spending time with God like I have in the past and the joy has been missing. Thank you Evelyn for writing these wonderful words that have brought me back.  

What is ‘Reading until God speaks’?

Quote from the book Lord Change me. Evelyn:  page 25

I set out in earnest using the process God had taught me, allowing Him to tell me how He wanted me to change.  Staying in the Scripture for instruction, I would read only until He spoke.  Then I would stop to pray about what He had said, analyze His reason for stopping me at that particular point, discover the need He knew I had, and then determine what I could do to change.

I remember the second time I tried ‘reading until God speaks’ on a daily basis. 

I was living in Manila, Philippines as a missionary.  I had been struggling with the challenges of spending time with God and working for him.  There were never enough hours in the day to do everything. 

Then I picked up the book, Lord Change Me and began to read it.  I was reminded of the ‘reading until God speaks’ idea and made it a daily practice.  I would read in Galatians and Ephesians about something God wanted me to change in my life and then as I would read Philippians and Colossians he would show me how to do it.

I would write in journal daily.  It was an incredible journey of learning.  This past week I happened to find that Journal.  I was amazed as I re-read it again.

Now many years later, God is still speaking. 

Now back to today. The question in my heart last week was, “How could I possibly change?”  As I began ‘reading until God speaks’ I found the answer to my question.

New Living Translation Bible

Proverbs 1:23

Come and listen to my counsel.  I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise.
My reply to God:  If I come to you, you will give me wisdom.

Proverbs 3:6

Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
My reply to God:  If I am seeking you, you will direct me.

Proverbs 4:11

I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.
My reply to God:  You will give me wisdom and lead me. 

Dear God,

Thank you for speaking to me today.  Please help me to find the time to listen to you and then obey.  Mold me into the person you want me to be.
In Jesus name, Amen.