Avenue Church

Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of life can make it tricky to hear God's voice. Yet, He is always communicating with us, whether through Scripture or other gentle reminders. His voice often comes as a gentle whisper, inviting us to listen closely. This week, we'll explore ways to tune out the noise and truly hear God's whispers in our hearts. 

Learning to listen to God's voice is our most significant ability as believers. It's simple but not always easy. We'll learn from Samuel, the last judge of Israel, how he grew in listening to and following God's voice. 

Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus at the temple, where Simeon and Anna offered prophecy and encouragement. Their faith in God's promises and dedication to spending time at the temple are examples of living expectantly. 

Two groups, the magi and the shepherds, from polar opposite ends of society, found themselves at the young savior's feet. The invitations were different. But the response was the same. They worshiped!

Things don't always go according to our plans, especially when God intervenes—Mary and Joseph's plans for a typical marriage were everything but that. Even when God disrupts our plans, it winds up being way better. But it requires extraordinary surrender on our part. 

In the opening of our Christmas Series, we look at Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. John would be the voice preparing the way of the Lord. The surprising thing is that Zechariah would be silenced because of his unbelief. But just because things are silent doesn't mean God isn't working. 

The parts of ourselves that we like the least are often the result of unresolved and unhealed wounds. God wants to heal your heart and bind your wounds.

To delight in something or someone is to find joy. God doesn't just want us to fear, trust, and obey Him. He wants us to delight in Him, and then He promises to give us the desires of our hearts. The incredible thing is that as we delight in Him, He changes our desires to match His.

Don't waste your wait! Waiting is never fun, especially in a waiting room. In scripture, God's waiting room is often the wilderness. It can feel like a waste of time, but God uses it to purify us, prepare us, and grow our dependence on Him.

Trusting ain't easy. Trusting in the Lord is easier said than done,  especially when our circumstances contradict our desires. Learning to trust God is the foundation of peace in our life. It allows us to rest in Him as we trust in Him in the chaos of situations.