Sensitive to Listen and Willing to Obey

By Doris M. Arwine

God uses people daily to communicate His fragrance and message to us. Too often we dont check to see what aroma or impression we are leaving for others to see, hear, or smell.

After visiting someones home or before checking out of a motel, or when moving, we double check to make sure we havent left anything behind. Even criminals check to make sure they havent left any clues at the crime scene to identify them.

A story reminded me of this. A robber thought he had committed the perfect crime. He assumed he left no clues behind. But he didn't count on someone remembering how he smelled. The smell he left behind was what helped convict him.

Yes, we leave something everywhere we go. Stuart Holden reminded a young man moving from a boarding house of this fact when the young man said, he was just double checking to make sure he wasn't leaving anything behind. Theres one thing you will leave behind, young man, your influence.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490830797

Doris M. Arwine

About the author: Author lives with her husband a retired veteran, in Southwestern Kansas. She has two grown sons. One, a professor at University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS and the other lives in Bali, Indonesia. They travelled many places in the world as a military family. Author is a licensed Clinical Social Worker / Therapist who owns and operates a Christian Counseling business. “In His Image – Christian Counseling,” serves South Western Kansas and offers Individual, Marriage, Family and Play Therapy to a culturally diverse population. Author has worked on hospice, foster care, adoptions and presented workshops on a variety of topics.

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Copyright © 2014 Doris M. Arwine.

Illustrations by Jim D. Fehlauer.

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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, Authorized King James Version (KJV) Copyright © by World Publishing Company, Cleveland, Ohio, Used by permission.

Scripture quotations from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright c 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, by the Lockman Foundation, Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-3080-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-3081-0 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-3079-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014905418

WestBow Press rev. date: 05/14/2014

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Preface

Introduction

1.   God’s Word

2.   Prayer

3.   Nature

4.   Insights and Object Lessons

5.   Situations or Events

6.   People

7.   Music

8.   Spoken and Written Messages

9.   Inner Nudge; the Still, Small Voice Within

10.   Dreams and Visions

11.   Satan’s Web of Deception

12.   Obedience

About the Author

Note on Sources

Endnotes

Dedication

To God our father, Jesus Christ our Lord, and the Holy Spirit our teacher.

And to all family, friends, children and adults who have enriched and blessed my life.

To all who read this book, may you, be drawn closer to the Lord and be Sensitive to listen and willing to obey, His voice.

Acknowledgments

It has been a great privilege to walk the journey of life with numerous wonderful, and creative, men, women and children. I am very thankful to my parents for the godly molding they instilled in my sisters and me.

I am grateful for the encouragement and influence of my husband and sons that helped me move beyond my comfort zone and accomplish new things. I am deeply appreciative for my husband James Arwine, and Lois Hubbard who edited the manuscript. I am especially thankful to my son Alan Arwine, whose computer expertise and patience was extremely valuable.

My special thanks to the Illustrator, Jim Fehlauer, for so aptly portraying my thoughts in picture. I am also thankful for many men and women who humbly shared their written works and songs with me to enhance this book and show how Our God can use different mediums to express His message to us. My extreme gratitude to Mike Adkins, Deanna Edwards, William and Gloria Gaither, David Kauffman, Chris and Diane Machen, Paul Marino, the Willow Creek Singers and Greg Ferguson for their beautiful songs that instructed my soul.

I express deep gratitude to Bob Gass, Discovery House Publishers, RBC Ministries and Oral Roberts Ministries, numerous pastors and other writers for their written work. It helped show the significance of the Word of God and produced sensitivity for me to listen more closely to the Lord’s voice.

I am grateful to WestBow Press for the opportunity afforded me to publish this book. Your, dedication and sharpening skills helped me refine this book and get the Lord’s message across in a more succinct manner.

You have all sharpened me, Like Iron sharpens Iron. I always thank God for you because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. (1 Corinthians 1:4, NIV).

Doris M. Arwine

Preface

I can’t remember when God instructed me to write this book. It has been a long process. At first I felt this was an impossible dream. So I tucked it into the back of my mind. There it stayed untouched for a long time.

Eventually, in my journey, I encountered situations that made me begin to seek the Lord and rely on His provisions more earnestly. It was during this season, I began to keep notes on what God was speaking to me through everyday occurrences.

The learning, growing and recording process continued until one day I asked, Lord, why would you want me to write a book? I’m not a learned theologian, a pastor, lecturer, or a writer. I have no claim to fame, great achievements or talents. I’m weak, sometimes afraid and I often miss the mark. I’m just an average person, and a counselor.

God answered me, That’s precisely why I want you to write the book. He then reminded me of His Word, But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.

(1 Corinthians 1:27).

This book is to help all of us to realize that God does speak to His children through everyday experiences. No one is too ordinary or insignificant for His service. As, 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist, Madeline Manning Mimms stated, God is not looking for ability, but for availability. It’s not so important to God that we be talented but that we are willing to be used by Him and obedient to His will.

Doris M. Arwine

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Introduction

… Speak, for thy servant heareth. I Samuel 3:10.

Samuel heard an audible voice speak to him three times as he lay on his bed. Each time he answered, Here am I, and ran to Eli. After the third time, Eli a priest, in the temple, realized the Lord was speaking to Samuel. Eli then instructed young Samuel, his helper, to go lie down and wait for the Lord to speak again. If the Lord speaks to you again just say, Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth … I Samuel 3:9. Samuel did as he was told and the Lord gave him, a message for Eli.

I’ve always been fascinated with this passage of scripture and how God spoke to young Samuel. We may not experience God speaking to us in an audible voice like Samuel did. However, God still speaks to us today in numerous ways if we will just be sensitive enough to listen.

We can prepare ourselves to hear God’s voice if we will develop a relationship with him. As we get to know God better through His Word, and communicating with him in prayer, we will know when we are hearing His voice.

God can and does use most of His creations as vehicles through which He speaks. He especially uses His Word, our prayers and quiet times to manifest Himself to us. God uses nature as a metaphor to reveal His truths to us. It is a way He communicates how important we are to Him.

During His earthly ministry Jesus used parables to teach His disciples and all who came to hear him. These stories Jesus told were built around ordinary situations and events.

Today we aren’t much different from the men and women in biblical times. They raised families and worked hard. They listened to music, learned from spoken and written messages.

Many of them received inner nudges and dreams. However, they sometimes failed to hear God through these modes.

As a result, some of the great men and women from the Bible fell into deceit. They were no more immune to deception than we are today. This is the reason we need to be able to discern our Father’s voice so we don’t fall into Satan’s traps. If we hear and recognize God’s voice, we can follow His leading.

In this book, we will take a journey and learn how to listen to God in many different ways. We will be able to spot deception quicker and stay out of its grip. As we grow stronger and more in love with the Lord, we will be constrained to a life of obedience. I want to be a faithful servant like Samuel and say, Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth (1 Samuel 3:9).

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CHAPTER 1

God’s Word

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

As we journey with God, listen and you will hear him speak in numerous ways. The most reliable method God uses to communicate is His Word. For thou, hast magnified Thy Word above, Thy Name. (Psalm 138:2). God’s Word is above His name. It’s our ultimate guide. We are to check all other messages we receive, regardless of the source, against the Holy Scriptures. We are to say, Does the message I’m hearing agree with the Word of God? If it does, you can depend on it.

This is like using the Word as a lamp that sheds light so we know which path to take. He who carries a lantern on a dark road at night sees only one step ahead. When he takes that step, the lamp moves forward and another step is made plain. This is the method of God’s guidance.¹ We reach our destination safely without walking in darkness. God illuminates one step at a time through the application of His Word.

Description of God’s Word

Man often seeks to explore and apply the Word of God to his life. He depends on his own intellect to discover what sets it apart from other books. No matter how hard we try to describe the Bible, we cannot do it justice. Here are some of the comments by notable leaders in history. Ulysses S. Grant: Hold fast to the Bible as the anchor of your liberties. Abraham Lincoln: I have only to say that it is the best gift God has given to man. Daniel Webster: There is no solid basis for civilization, but in the Word of God. George Washington: It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible. Thomas Jefferson: The Bible is the cornerstone of liberty. Patrick Henry: This is a book worth more than all other books which were ever printed.² Man’s descriptions are but a mere reflection of God’s Holy Word.

The Bible is divided into two parts. The Old Testament is (the blueprint) and the New Testament is (a building, Jesus).

God’s Word is arranged in a divine plan. "From Genesis to Deuteronomy we see the revelation of man - who he is and his need of a Savior. Then from Joshua to Esther we see God preparing man to receive that Savior. From Job to the Song of Solomon we have inspiration in the beautiful books of poetry. They stir us to know who God is and what He can do in our lives.

From Isaiah to Malachi the Bible shows expectation. They make us anticipate Jesus. The Four Gospels show us the perfect picture of Jesus Christ. Matthew shows Him as a king. Mark presents Him as a servant. Luke shows him as the Son of man. He understands everything we’ll ever go through. And John shows Him as the Son of God. From Acts through Jude we see the realization of Christ in us. And Revelation is the culmination of it all."³

God’s Word represents most categories of literature and comprises the best library for daily instruction known to man. The Word is laced with promises, instructions and revelations.

An anonymous writer describes the Bible as a unique book. It consists of 66 books and was written over a period of fifteen to sixteen hundred years by 40 different authors, on three separate continents, in three languages.

This book is remarkable because it speaks with ease and authority of the known and unknown, of the pleasant and unpleasant, of man’s accomplishments and failures, of the past and the future. Few books ever covered such a scope.

God’s Holy book has often been referred to as a guide, road map, blueprint, recipe, lamp and sword. These things all have something in common. We utilize each of them to help us find a specific location, create an object or protect us. Without a source of light (the Word of God) none of these items would be of assistance to us. Explore with me what the Bible has to say about itself.

Book of Law

The Word is called the Book of the Law. Rules are designed to guide and protect us. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes (Psalms 19:8). The Lord’s Book uplifts our hearts and opens our eyes. We can depend on it to guide us.

When we use the Word of God as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths, it can create powerful changes in our lives. The Holy Scriptures are powerful and sharper than any sword. It knows the intent of our heart. (Hebrews 4:12). There is no evil thing in our hearts that the Word of the Lord can’t heal.

Jesus (the Word) came down from heaven to live among us. He came to fulfill the plan of God by dying on the cross. (John 1:14). This bought eternal life for us. I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10 b).

When we let the Lord use His Scripture in our lives, it can cut out the evil nature without damaging our precious spirit, made in the image of God. Spiritual surgery performed by our maker can produce healing. (Psalm 107: 20). As we experience restoration, we will be set free. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). Knowing what God’s report says, removes the shackles that keep us bound. We can move, walk out in faith and be changed. Faith comes by repeatedly hearing the Word of God. (Romans 10:17).

As we hear the Lord’s message, it will make us wise. All scripture has been inspired by God, and can instruct us in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We have God’s promise that He can make a powerful change in our lives with the Bible.

The Word becoming flesh (Jesus) is what sets this document apart from any other book ever written. It our most important guide.

Jesus showed us how to use God’s manuscript, to guide us through temptations and testing. He prayed and fasted for forty days. The tempter was very sly and asked the Son of God, to command the stones be made bread. But The Lord answered and said, It is written, man shall not live by bread alone … (Matthew 4:3-4). Here Jesus was quoting Deuteronomy 8:3 to Satan. Jesus used the scripture against Satan many times. We must do the same and run the enemy off.

The Word a Lamp

God’s Book is a lamp that gives light to our pathway when it is rugged, somewhat obscure and laced with detours. When faced with these types of obstacles, we need a guide to show us the best and safest way to continue our journey.

The Bible tells us that we are to Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV). Seek the Lord. Don’t try to understand the situation from our limited perspective but rely on His resources. He will guide in the direction that is best for us.

Often I have struggled with difficult decisions, unsure of which path to take. Here, I acknowledge that God is able to direct my paths much better than I can. When I seek the Lord’s direction, He sends me back to His Holy utterance and asks, What does My Word say about your problem? I appreciate God’s approach because it makes me dig deep and learn. The Scriptures are more meaningful when I am forced to prove it.

Live On His Promises

While living in England, the Lord spoke to me through scripture and asked me to trust Him. My family and I lived on a military installation. We had moved from Germany, where all our furniture had been provided by the United States Army. At this base furniture wasn’t provided. This put us in a dilemma. The military would lend us some basic furniture for ninety days, while we acquired our own.

After the move, we had little extra cash. I usually landed a job quickly upon arriving at a new military base, but this time was different. I was unemployed. I sought the Lord and asked, What are we going to do? He steered me right back to the Bible. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). I still didn’t understand how this promise could be mine. Then the Lord asked me, Is this a want or a need? I responded with, It’s a need, Lord. Then stand on My Word, He said. From that dialogue I realized I had to claim His promise. I repeated the scripture over and over. As I sent out this promise, He reminded me, It shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please… (Isaiah 55:11). His promise was to meet our need but we had to be sensitive to listen to His leading.

One day a friend told us about a little antique shop in a neighboring village. Even though we didn’t think we could afford to purchase antiques; we made a quick trip to the shop. Much to our surprise, the prices were extremely good. We told the sole proprietor what we needed. He assured us there was a ready supply of antiques, which he purchased on a daily basis.

Each week we made a visit to his small shop and collected one or two pieces of furniture. By the end of ninety days we had a house full of British antiques.

We had some unique furniture which we used in unusual ways. We acquired two local doctor’s office day bed cots, which both our sons used as beds. Another sleep surface had a horse hair mattress which was very firm, and made a sleeper itch.

An antique wash basin became a desk. A dining room buffet became a dresser for undergarments. We became owners of a solid oak dining table, which comfortably seated four people or would extend to accommodate eight.

Acquiring each piece of furniture was a walk of faith. It required listening to the Lord speak through His promises. I began to see that God has a sense of humor in all He does. Truly, our needs were met. God had been faithful to His Word.

Each time we prove God trustworthy, it strengthens our relationship with him. It’s through His message that we know Him and His agreements. Each promise fulfilled gives us holy boldness. We then go to God’s throne with His Word in hand. It’s the answer to our problem.

Life Solutions

One evening, a problem confronted me. I didn’t have a clue how to solve it. My mom called from the United States and said my dad had suffered another stroke. She was concerned that he might have recurring strokes while alone and operating farm machinery. He could be seriously hurt or killed. She was vigilant for dad’s safety as well as his health. Mom was afraid he might not survive the next attack, and frankly, so was I.

I felt helpless across the ocean in England. I hadn’t seen my folks for three and a half years. It almost wiped me out to think that I might not get to see my dad alive again. I sought the Lord and poured out the desires of my heart to Him. I told Him, I want to see my dad at least one more time before he goes home to be with you. Then the Lord again reminded me of His promises. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart (Psalm 37:4). Then I asked myself, Have I been delighting myself in the Lord? The Lord assured me that I had been delighting Him and could trust His Word.

God then spoke to me, Give the situation into My hands. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass Psalms 37:5. I committed my dad and his life into God’s keeping. I was assured that the Lord heard me and was telling me not to worry. It was as clear as if someone had spoken out loud to me, You will get to have a visit with your dad again. Because my earthly father loved the Lord, He would deliver him and protect dad because he knows My Name. (Psalm 91:14). God was telling me through His Word, that He would protect my father from harm I carried this promise deep in my heart for several months.

Finally, we got military orders to return to the United States. We checking in at our new assignment, and went home to Kansas for a visit. It was a good visit, but the last one I was privileged to have with my dad.

Several weeks later, he had a massive stroke, while harvesting garden produce. This attack was the most severe yet. He died sixteen days later in a hospital. He left this world being serenaded with praise music by my mom and sister.

God was true to His word. I got the desire of my heart, one more visit with dad. He was protected from harm even when he had the final stroke. He had the best home going possibly.

After several times of seeing God work mightily in my life, you’d think I’d never doubt again. However, I’m just like the Israelites, often questioning and complaining, as many people do. Our natural tendency is to believe only what we can see. The Scripture tells us, We live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). I’m so thankful that God is patient with us. This helps us grow, on our journey of learning to listen to Him through His word.

Steps of Growth

A leap of growth was taken, when I entered a new job. I wasn’t receiving instruction to accomplish the task at hand. Again, I cried out to my Savior. He answered me with His promise. So do not fear, for I am with you … I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10 NIV). The Lord would equip me to meet the challenges. I was to fix my eyes on His power and not the situation. As I sought the Lord, He would show me what to do. The Lord himself goes before you … He will never leave you nor forsake you … (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV). Since He had gone before me and knew all about the situation, assuredly, I could trust Him.

My maker instructed me again, Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall (Psalm 55:22 NIV). Yes, He had heard my cry. He would be my helper.

The way God chose to resolve this lack of on the job training, was marvelous. Two of my co-workers felt a deep sense of empathy for me. They went to the supervisor and explained, I hadn’t received enough training. They also reminded her, I had preformed another job in the organization well. I had the abilities and dedication to be a good addition to the team. From that point on, I received all the training I needed with patience and understanding.

Truly God had been my helper through this experience. He was preparing me for an even greater challenge.

After another move I found myself in a similar job. This time I needed little training. However, the work was six months behind schedule. This created a real dilemma because people hadn’t received scheduled pay raises.

My partner and I were to work together on this back log. Suddenly, she began to miss work. She was physically ill and suffering marital problems. The backlog was too much for me alone.

How was the mission to be accomplished? Supervisors were alerted to the need for help. They informed me, no additional help was available. I would have to do the best I could. This created a real burden and fear. How would I cope with the ever increasing backlog on both desks?

Then, I cried out to the Lord, Please help me! He answered by sending me back to His word. God did not give us the spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). When fear is in control of our minds, they are tied up in knots. God was telling me that fear had to go, so He could work on my behalf.

How could I get rid of the fear in my life? God said, Trust Me, and My Word, not how the situation looks. Then I said, Okay Lord, what do you want me to do? He instructed me, This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24 NIV). I said, Lord you want me to rejoice today with all this mess of work facing me? Yes, He emphatically showed me through the next verse. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22). God was saying to me that a bad attitude would dry and shrivel me up. It would close me off from His help and others. No one wants to be around a person who is weighted down with cares. It’s mighty depressing. However, when we are around someone who is cheerful and has a good attitude, it perks us up. We feel better about everything.

Now I was beginning to understand that I had a part to play in receiving God’s help. First I had to confront fear and to head off the possibility of a bad attitude. These things were like weapons coming against me. Then I discovered what the Lord’s Word had to say about that. Nothing that came against me would get worse. I was to put down every tongue that rose against me. This was my promise. (Isaiah 54:17).

God spoke to me through this verse, no bad circumstance, force or weapon that came against me had to continue to get worse. Why, because I was His child and my victory came from Him. Wow! Now I knew God was fighting my battles and I would be victorious.

With these thoughts in mind, I listened for God’s guidance. He instructed, Take two co-workers with you and approach the head of the department. This is something an employee fears doing. But, because God instructed me to do it, there was nothing to lose. We went to the boss and presented the dilemma. He assured us that the situation would be corrected.

He authorized overtime for the whole department and insisted