You Can't Sing What You Can't Hear

This is a RE-BLOG from Ambs' pastor, Mark Batterson.....GREAT STUFF!!!!

~Lauren (aka Nonnie)

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You Can't Sing What You Can't Hear

I recently read a fascinating story about a musical trainer who worked with Opera singers who could not hit certain notes within an Octave, even though the notes fell within their vocal range. It was a mystery. The trainer did extensive testing on their vocal chords, but he couldn’t find any reason why they couldn’t hit those notes. On a whim, he tested their hearing. And what he discovered is that these Opera singers could not sing a note they could not hear. The problem wasn’t singing. The problem was hearing. Made me think of that phrase that is repeated throughout the New Testament: he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says. I think many of us are trapped in negative cycles or sinful habits or destructive addictions because we haven't heard the loving voice of our Heavenly Father say, "This is my child in whom I am well pleased." When you start to hear the voice of God--His loving voice, His graceful voice, His assuring voice, His powerful voice--you begin to sing what you're heard. By the way, this is why it's so important to read the Word. When you open the Bible God opens His mouth. For what it's worth, I'd rather have people hear one word from the Lord than a thousand sermons!

J.O.Y.

"Have no fear. Joy--radiant Joy must be yours. Change disappointment to Joy."
~~~Two Listeners

This (the above statement) was on my computer screen this morning. This is soooooo in-line with what I have been hearing God say, even sing over me lately! We recently were in Ruidoso and went to our church there, Grace Harvest Church. What a beautiful body of believers! We heard the Associate Pastor, Rifle Salazar, preach/teach on joy. It was very
inspiring and brought great revelation. His definition of joy was an acronym for the word. J (esus) O (n) Y (ou).......I love it....Jesus on you!!! Even in the midst of life's darkest hour......our toughest trials.......may we choose to live it so others see JESUS ON YOU (us).
The days we are living in.....if you watch the news.....you can easily slip into fear and disappointment........but Jesus gives each of us such a measure of faith (and JOY) that hopefully others see JOY. It does NOT mean that we will not have trials.....we will! God's Word says we will. I just challenge each of us (especially me) that others see Jesus On You......JOY!

God's love & mine,
Lauren

P.S. ~ I also pray, in Jesus' name, that God break any fear, disappointment, discouragement, depression....even oppression OFF of you, RIGHT NOW.....RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE........and that you go forth (that means GO FORWARD.....ADVANCE!!! (with COURAGE and BOLDNESS).......in JOY!!!!
Woo Hoo! \o/