John Lloyd - Bless Series "L"

Listen With Care

BLESS  Series:  Listen

Pastor John Lloyd

March 4, 2018

Series Overview:  During the B.L.E.S.S. sermon series, we will gain a deeper understanding of Jesus’ Mission to reach the lost, restore the broken, reproduce disciples that make disciples and release them into Jesus’ Mission as well as discover our own unique part.  Each message will focus on a story about Jesus demonstrating his Mission and how he fulfilled it through B.L.E.S.S.ing others.

Luke 18:35 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41“What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.”

Big Idea:  Listening daily to God, others and places lays the foundation for great blessings. 

Commitment:  I will spend at least one period of the week listening for the Spirit’s voice.

I.                Our greatest need is to listen to God.

I Samuel 15:22    “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?     Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. (Eccl.5:1)

“Let him who cannot be alone beware of community. He will only do harm to himself and to the community,” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Job 33:31 Pay attention, O Job, listen to me; be silent, and I will speak.

 “If we regard hospitality as a missional imperative, then our participation in the Missio Dei requires that we engage in disciplined practices, such as solitude, silence and prayer that will sustain our commitment to hospitality and lend substance and authenticity to our evangelistic and missional programs.” Joshua and Roy Searle

Isaiah 46:12 “Listen to me, you stubborn of heart,  you who are far from righteousness:   13 I bring near my righteousness; it is not far off,  and my salvation will not delay;  Isaiah 41:1

Practical Helps:  1. Set aside a designated time. (Mark 1:35) 2. Eliminate distractions (Matthew 6:6) 3. Let God be God in your life (Matthew 6:10)     4. Follow God’s promptings  (Acts 6:6) What do you want me to do? 

II.              Listen to people.

Luke 18:39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41“What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”

“Fear and laziness are mission killers. Laziness whispers to you that you need to take care of yourself first.  In fact, fear and laziness will motivate you to come up with dozens of reasons why you can’t or shouldn’t open yourself to others.  It is the countermanding voice of the Spirit that will help us resist our worst impulses.” Michael Frost  

Here are some great questions:  What made you chose your present or most recent job?  What is something you enjoy about that role?  What might keep you from reaching your dream?  How does the spiritual side of your life affect whether or not you will reach your dream?

READ Strategy:  Repeat- what the person shared until they feel heard. Experience- name the emotions the other person experienced in the story they shared.  Affirm-every true thing you can about their position or experience. Disclose-only now do you “disclose” your view or offer a challenge.                           

III.             Listen to places.

Luke 18:35 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

Read a local newspaper, blog, and highlight every need.   Which of these needs can we meet?  In which of these needs are we especially passionate?

IV.           Listen daily.

Hebrews 3:7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says,  “Today, if you hear his voice,     8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness,

Listen to the places you live and work.  What are the people’s concerns and complaints?  What brings them joy and fulfillment? 

Matthew 17:5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

John 10:16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

I will spend at least one period of the week listening for the Spirit’s voice and His guidance to bless three people this week-at least one of whom is not a member of your church community.

1.   When you pray ask God, “How do you want me to bless the world today? Help me to listen and discover the needs of others and where you are at work.” Then, listen. Listen to your neighbors, friends, family and co- workers. Listen like Jesus listened.

2.   When you get together as families, or in small groups, talk about what you are hearing: Describe what needs you are discovering through this simple missional practice of listening.