Leading people to intimate places with God where his voice can be heard.
A Lifestyle of Listening to God
by Steve Klassen
"The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue to know the word that sustains the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught."
Isaiah 50:4
We listen to God through his Word
How is God speaking to you lately through his Word?
Is there a specific story or section that is speaking into your life right now?
We listen to God at work all around us
Questions like, "What is God doing in my life?" and "How am I responding to him?" have a way of tuning us in to how God is actually working and speaking in the very circumstances of our lives. Little "coincidences" are taken seriously. Just like God was very active in the book of Esther even though his name is never mentioned – so his orchestrating hand is at work in your life and ours.
How is God at work all around you today? As you identify what he is doing, how are you responding?
We listen to God in times of silence and solitude
Mother Theresa once said, "The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life." In the last months we have been amazed at the impact silence is having on people who take time to embrace it. A young lady was uncomfortable with being silent and realized she really didn't want to be at the MARK Centre for her Silent Retreat. So she went to her room to sleep away the time. But she couldn't sleep. As the hours of silence went by, she realized she was afraid to be alone with God and memories from her past were brought to her mind. In the evening, in her room she began to recognize the presence of God. As she listened she felt God was whispering something to her; I forgive you...it's over...it's done. The impact of the listening experience was significant.
What have you experienced in a time of silence recently?
We listen to God through our hearts
People are listening to God as he works and shapes their hearts. We encourage people to pay attention to what is happening in their hearts. Sometimes the best question to ask is the very question Jesus asked Blind Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?" Questions like that one and others seem to help people tune into what is in their hearts. We recognize that each heart is unique and encourage people to consider what makes them come alive.
What has God put in your heart? What have you experienced lately that drained you? What has given you life?
With the help of people like Mother Theresa, practicing a lifestyle of listening to God is becoming a priority for people all over the world. God is actively wakening deaf ears to hear. Some have predicted that a current movement of God's Spirit is a movement centered around listening to God. What better way to respond to our Creator than to listen for his voice and watch for his activity in our lives.
Journey of Trust Retreat
The Kroeker's B&B on Pender Island was a dazzling setting for 13 people on retreat March 26-29. Three nights and two full days of retreating together on the ocean proved to be a refreshing experience. Cathy Hardy gave great leadership to the main sessions. Karin Dart set the tone with her beautiful harp. People had lots of time and space to explore the theme of trust and to enjoy God’s creation; the hummingbirds were fascinating, gazing at the ocean and relaxing on the deck were highlights.
The theme of trust provided a meaningful focus, and the open space in both schedule and setting created a meaningful experience. One participant was surprised and impressed by the few words used as leaders facilitated. Silence was introduced gently and effectively as participants unwound and began to listen for God's voice. One couple felt they "benefited from the space to be still and be rejuvenated in an amazing place on the ocean." Others were grateful for the daily small group processing and the freedom to experience the retreat without pressure or expectations. What Cathy has written recently seems to describe the heartbeat of the retreat; "leap off the cliff of control and seeming safety into the wide open space of trust". As we did just that, we found "the wide open space of trust" to be an attractive place to enter and rest.
What's New?
Something has been stirring lately that is new. We have recently been asked several times by different people if we offer training on listening to God. We have said yes to one opportunity to train people this fall. We desire to pass on what we are learning in ways that are simple and effective. On March 30th we brought together 12 gifted people to consider what it will take for people to multiply a lifestyle of listening to God. Years ago Loren Cunningham once said, "You can't multiply a mess!" His quote rings in our minds as we seek to design a model that flows simply and organically from who we are and what we are already doing. We have decided to posture ourselves to serve thousands who will inspire millions to embrace a lifestyle of listening to God not only through facilitating listening experiences, but also through training people to facilitate listening experiences. We believe our role will involve training a few to nurture a heart, develop skills, and be equipped with various tools that will enable them to multiply a lifestyle of listening to God. Stay tuned for developments in this area.
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MARK Centre Board Members
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MARK Centre Advisory Council Members
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Donations
Donations toward the
ongoing ministry of the MARK Centre are needed and greatly
appreciated.
(Registered Charity # 89760 6018 RR0001)
In Canada,
Cheques
can be made payable
to MARK Centre
and sent to:
31605 Old Yale Road,
Abbotsford, BC V2T 2B4
VISA and MasterCard are also gratefully accepted.
In the US,
Cheques can be made
payable
to MBMS International,
and sent to:
4867
E. Townsend Avenue Fresno, CA 93727-5006
