1. Pastor Kevin Turpin August 4, 2013

2. I Samuel 3:2-10 One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.

3. I Samuel 3:2-10 Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, “Here I am.” And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down. Again the LORD called, “Samuel!” And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.” “My son,” Eli said, “I did not call; go back and lie down.”

4. I Samuel 3:2-10 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; you called me.”

5. I Samuel 3:2-10 Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel! ” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

6. Benefits of Listening 1. Promotes healthy relationships 2. Provides a foundation for healing 3. Positions us to hear what God is saying

7. Listening Exhortations Matthew 11:15  If anyone has ears to hear “diakouomai”, let him hear. John 8:47  He that is of God heareth “diakouomai” God’s word.

8. Listening Exhortations John 10:27  "My sheep hear “diakouomai” My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me"

9. Jesus Models Listening John 8:28  I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.

10. Listening Posture 1.Quiet Yourself  Select a place where you can give God your undivided attention.  Minimize external and internal distractions  Tap into your intuitive flow

11. Listening Posture 2.Expect God to speak Hebrews 11:6  Anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him.

12. Listening Posture 3.Wait for God to speak  Waiting encourages a dependency on God and an acknowledgement of His Sovereignty.

13. Listening Posture 4. Write Down What You Hear (Journal) Habakkuk 2:2-3  The Lord instructs the prophet to write down the revelation.  Keep a record of your prayers and God’s answers.

14. Listening Posture 5.Obey the voice of God