Am I listening? Have I turned a deaf ear? Do I turn a deaf ear?

Tripp hits me between the eyes because I often see things “for someone else” rather than for me. Sort of like what was said to me this past week: “That sermon last week obviously did no good.” How hard it was not to say, “And it is obvious this week’s sermon (on speech) obviously did no good for you.” I didn’t. Good thing. How many time have I heard or read something only to dismiss it as being for someone else?

Tripp nails it with this:

• It is tempting to resist the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit.
• It is tempting to harden my heart against the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit.
• It is tempting to refuse to listen to the convicting voice of the Holy Spirit.
• It is tempting to resist the personal insight-giving ministry of the Holy Spirit.
• It is tempting to run from the Spirit’s restoring and protective work.
• It is tempting to resist the Spirit’s loving work.
• It is tempting to resist the convicting ministry when I feel the instrument He uses is inferior.

“Father, you do not waste anything-time, people, resources. Forgive me when I don’t listen…for whatever reason. Please be patient with me.  Keep calling out to me with the convicting voice of the Spirit until I listen. And when I hear-even if it is true-help me to listen.”