"The One Who Listens"

"Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." (Psalms 141:2)

  Not any religion can confirm God is real, let alone that He listens; but having a relationship with God, there is no doubt whatsoever in the hearts of His children! As I watched some of Fox News yesterday, Jesse was interviewing some people, I believe in was at a Costco, and he was asking them if they know who's birthday we were celebrating. One of the kids he asked, said, "Santa's." Obviously the kid did not know who Jesus is; but the current world we live in has a way of covering up the truth, especially within the public school system. I wish it could be different, but we all know it is going to get worse. Here is the point I believe we need to get from this, that God does listen! It really does not matter where you are, or what you are currently doing, God will listen when you cry out to him; whether you are in jail, the hospital, or in the belly of a fish, God will hear you and He listens! David realized that he was unable to attend services, but that did not prevent him from hanging out with God! That is what it means to have a personal relationship with God; we are able to fellowship with Him wherever and whenever we need to call upon Him. He wants us to fellowship with Him, so much so, that He sent His Son to eliminate the barrier between us and Him, our sins! John makes this point perfectly clear, as he says, "And this is the confidence that we have, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." (1 John 5:14) If you don't know what the will of God is, it is to be honest before Him, and to reverence His Holy Name! These are the two things that are displayed with the incense and the lifting of hands. Having been in the Pest Control business for over 30 years, I know a little thing about fumigations, so I can tell you with certainty, it will kill almost any pest. Just as will being honest before God, because John also tells us who God will forgive us, and cleanse us of all of our unrighteousness, when we come clean before Him. (1 John 1:9) We commonly refer to the Scripture as, "The Christian's Bar of Soap." Our righteousness is like filthy rags to God, but our confessions are like sweat incenses...

"For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be a testament is due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith a verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (1 Timothy 2:3-8)