From Evernote:

Hearing or Listening by Sis. Techie Rodriguez

Reading: Samuel 3:1-10

Hearing - abot-tenga(pandinig)

Listen - pinakikinggan, pay heed, listen to warnings, obey, pay attention

Samuel's reply, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."

James 1:19 Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.

Samuel was not yet familiar with the voice of God.

John 10:27 the sheep know the voice of the shepherd. The followers of Jesus will be able to discern the voice of God.

While Samuel knew the written word, he did not yet understand the ways God reveals himself to his servants, the prophets.

You have to train yourself in listening and discerning the voice of God.

You can be hearing but not listening. To whom you focus your hearing, is the one you are listening to.

"For God speaks, the first time in one way, the second time in another,  though a person does not perceive it. -Job 33:14

You will hear a word spoken behind you, saying, "This is the correct way, walk in it," whether you are heading to the right or the left. -Isaiah 30:21

HOW ARE WE GOING TO LISTEN?

2 Timothy 4:2-5

Preach the message, be ready whether it is convenient or not, reprove, rebuke, exhort with complete patience and instruction.For there will be a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. Instead, following their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves, because they have an insatiable curiosity to hear new things. And they will turn away from hearing the truth, but on the other hand they will turn aside to myths.

You, however, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do an evangelist's work, fulfill your ministry.

1. Expect to hear from God when you listen (expectancy)

Jeremiah exemplifies someone who is expectant of God's answer.

'Call on me in prayer and I will answer you. I will show you great and mysterious things which you still do not know about.' -Jeremiah 33:3

The scriptures promises us that God will speak.

Expectantly believing the promises of God is expressing your faith. Faith is the substance of things we are hoping for.

Psalms 5:6-8

Expecting from God is expressing our trust in God, believing in His faithfulness.

2. Quietly.

Psalms 46:10 Be still and know that I am God

Jesus prayed in deserted quiet places.

Mark 1:35 Then Jesus got up early in the morning when it was still very dark, departed, and went out to a deserted place, and there he spent time in prayer.

We have many concerns. There are many thorns, thistles that prevent us from hearing the word of God. Remove them that the Word of God may come to your hearing.

3. Patiently waiting

Jeremiah 13:1,5,6 Many days later the LORD said to me, "Go at once to Perath and get the shorts I ordered you to bury there." -Jeremiah 13:6

Jeremiah patiently waited for the Lord's instruction.

As we wait and listen we will understand.You cannot compel God to tell you everything. It can be weeks before God speak again of the topic.

4. Openly

2 Timothy 3:16 Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

God may answer you differently from the message we expect, because He knows what is best for you. You cannot just come to him for comfort and encouragement. For He also reproofs, corrects those whom He loves.

James 1:19 Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger.

5. Attentively. Listen to God with your full attention.

Proverbs 4:20-22.

My child, pay attention to my words; listen attentively to my sayings.Do not let them depart from your sight, guard them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and healing to one's entire body.

6. Submit and obey