Table of Contents

Your Ears Will Hear

Foreword

Welcome

A God Who Speaks

Five Ways You Will Hear

A Journal For Listening

Listening Tools

Benefits Of Listening

Index of Stories

Index of Questions

Your Ears Will Hear

A Journal For Listening to God

Steve & Evy Klassen

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left,

your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,

This is the way; walk in it ’”

(Isaiah 30:21).

© 2011 by Steve and Evy Klassen

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Published in Abbotsford, British Columbia by MARK Centre. MARK Centre is a registered charity of Canada (www.markcentre.org).

Published in association with Namesake Writing Services, Inc. (www.namesake.ca) and Relevention Marketing, Inc. (www.relevention.com)

Your Ears Will Hear may be purchased in bulk for training and facilitating purposes directly from MARK Centre. For information please email info@markcentre.org.

Printed in Canada by Friesens.

ISBN 978-0-9877591-0-8

Unless otherwise indicated, all Biblical references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV), © 1984 by International Bible Society, Zondervan Publishing House.

Other Biblical references are from:

The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, © 2002, NavPress Publishing Group.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), © 2007, Tyndale House Foundation.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.

Back cover photograph by Sharalee Prang Photography.

Acknowledgements

To those who have mentored us in a lifestyle of listening, many without even realizing your involvement—THANK YOU! Your example has given us the courage to go to the Source of Life again and again to listen.

We are grateful to all who have trusted us by allowing us to facilitate listening experiences of various kinds for you. Your stories have increased our confidence that God speaks.

Thank you to all our friends who have served on the MARK Centre board over the years. Your energy to listen and discern, and your generosity, have sustained us.

Thanks to our staff and volunteers who came alongside us from the time we became an organization to the present. Thank you for enabling the MARK Centre dream to succeed.

We are very grateful for all who have generously and faithfully given finances so the  MARK Centre could be birthed, established and now begin to flourish.

To the staff at Relevention who recommended that this project would be a great next step for us, thank you! And specifically to Jennifer Elliott for her fantastic design work.

To our son Josiah, thank you for all the hours you spent editing.

To brother Mark, for all your work on editing the final manuscript, we are very grateful. As you launch Namesake Writing Services, we expect that many other authors will benefit from the meticulous care you put into tying up all the loose ends.

Thank you to our Soup Sunday group for listening together and enriching our lives with your presence.

We are incredibly grateful for our families. The rich heritage we both enjoy is an ongoing blessing in our lives.

To our kids who have become our teachers, we love each one of you very, very much. It is to you we dedicate this journal:

Josiah and Meagan

Jackson

Mia

Ellarie

Bethany

Malakai

Foreword

Psalm 119:105 says that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path. It shows us two important parts of guidance. When I was 13 years old, God called me to go into all the world. I was to go and preach the gospel, and I understood that I was to go to every nation on earth. I had no idea how many countries there were, and I didn’t know what it would take to do it. But I said “yes” to God. At age 20 he gave me a vision, like a movie in my mind. I saw waves of young people, millions of them going from everywhere to everywhere, sharing the Gospel. The first part of guidance was personal, the second was corporate. Those words from the Psalm live with me today, and everyday, because I know that with each step I take (“a lamp to my feet”), I am simply moving in the direction of fulfilling the big picture (“a light to my path”).

When Steve Klassen was given the vision of the Mark Centre, it was something that was a “light for his path”—it would involve seminars, retreats, and refreshment for many people. When I stayed at the Mark Centre recently, I was so moved by the meticulous details that were there to serve people, to allow them to enjoy the beauty, the restful atmosphere, the added little extras everywhere. I could see that this was a vision that God had given, and it had its effect on me. The vision that God will give you, the big picture, will affect many others, and you won’t know how many, really, until you get to heaven.

The “rest of faith” that the Mark Centre exudes and that the Book of Hebrews talks about is what everyone needs. You too have something that everyone needs. We’re not going to have that same vision, but we have the same provision and that’s the relationship we have with the Lord. There is no true relationship without two-way communication. That’s listening to that still small voice of the Lord—or letting the Word of God come alive and be real to us in real time.

Steve and Evy Klassen have created this journal, Your Ears Will Hear. You will enjoy recognizing and listening to the voice of God while working through this book. Being able to hear and recognize God’s voice is God’s provision because of his love. This is his relationship extended to all of us through Jesus Christ. May you discover God’s provision which becomes a lamp toward the next step as you move toward the big picture, the path being lit by his vision. Don’t settle for anything less than the full purposes of God for your life.

Loren Cunningham

Founder of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and author of Is That Really You, God?

Introduction

I am deeply honoured to be asked to write this introduction to Steve and Evy’s book, Your Ears Will Hear. This book may just change the journey of your life.

My own journey has taken me everywhere except in a straight line or where I had planned to go! My life is, thankfully, still a work in progress. I have been a student, a learner, an adventurer, a labourer and union  member, an ordained minister, a business owner, a senior manager, a professional river guide, a college professor, a business consultant, the president of a corporation, and a seeker of truth and wisdom.

One of the constants through all of this has been my wrestling with faith and God’s place in my life and work. I wish I had Steve and Evy’s influence in my life from the beginning. As my life stands now, I only have myself to blame!

When I first met Steve and Evy three years ago, I knew there was something special about them. It became evident the first time we met that they were vessels and instruments of God’s love, work and word among us—their faith so strong, their conviction so real, their presence so authentic, their dream “To serve thousands who will inspire millions to embrace a lifestyle of listening to God” so bold.

This book is a part of their ministry and will take you beyond “God loves you” to hearing and understanding His words of love. This very practical, thoughtful and helpful book will inspire you, guide you, and may just create a transformational shift in your relationship with God. You will experience stories and tools that lead you to know a God of abundance, an active, gracious, loving and refreshing God whose presence and voice are all around us, often in the simplest and smallest of precious moments that can so easily pass by unnoticed.

I believe that God is using Steve and Evy. Their stories are intimate and instantly take you on a transformational journey, an adventure that becomes a very personal discovery—a lifestyle of listening to God.

May each of you find your way to God, a God who is closer than all our questions and all our fears. May God’s promise that “your ears will hear” transform your life and bring you blessing, in this moment and always.

Robin Oldring

President of The Oldring Consulting Group

Evy’s Story

(If you want to know how to pronounce my name, it rhymes with Chevy.)

When I first set out to write my stories for this journal I took my little notebook with me wherever I went so I would be prepared for whenever I had some snippets of time to write. About six stories into the journey of writing, I dropped our daughter, Bethany, off at soccer and headed off to find a quiet place to write. As I exited the parking lot, a telephone museum caught my eye and I decided to make a visit. The two-roomed building featured Aldergrove’s original switchboard operated by Nan Gillet. When a call would come in, Nan would plug a cord into the incoming line, find out who the caller wanted to speak with, and then would plug a corresponding cord into the line they wanted to call. The two would then be connected. After the call ended, she would unplug the cords thereby disconnecting the two callers. If all the lines were in use, Ms. Gillet would connect about 16 people.

As I left the museum, I marvelled at the minds that could create technology like this that has advanced so much that people can now communicate from planes and boats to mountains on the other side of the world without an operator standing by to help.

People often remark that they do not hear God’s voice. As I share my stories of how I believe God speaks to me, they usually respond like this: “That happens to me all the time; I just didn’t think it counted.” In that case, many of my stories are the kinds that don’t count. Yet my experiences have impacted me enough that I remember them and my life has somehow been changed by them. I like to think of listening to God as becoming aware of the sweet nothings that change everything. It’s the accumulation of the small things in life that make a significant impact. Throughout each day I try to keep my ’antennas’ up as I have an ongoing dialogue with God. I am often asking “What are you doing?” or “What are you saying to me?” or “Why am I upset right now?” As I ask these questions I become more in tune with God’s active presence in my life.

For those who are new to this lifestyle of listening to God, I pray that my stories will serve as the telephone operator who connects you to the One who knows and loves you as you are. And just as the operator’s work eventually became obsolete, I hope that as you develop this sixth sense of listening to the Divine, you will soon be able to connect with God whenever and wherever you are, from the deepest ocean to the highest mountain peak.

Welcome into my world and into this lifestyle of listening.

Steve’s Story

For me it all started in the summer of 1982 when I graduated from high school and spent three years with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). I traveled the world, but more than anything I was drawn into the adventure of hearing God’s voice. I was captivated both by what I saw in the YWAM leaders all around me, and also by what I started to experience personally as I gave myself to listening for God’s voice and following what I believed he was leading me to do.

As I learned to listen, one vision was birthed in my heart that you will read about as you work your way through this book. Though the dream was burning when I returned from YWAM in 1985, my timing was not yet in sync with God’s. About twenty years later the MARK Centre (www.markcentre.org) finally opened its doors. Named after the gospel of Mark, our ministry celebrates the rhythm Jesus models as he serves people with great energy yet regularly withdraws for times of refreshment.

Our mission in recent years has focused on listening to God. We have identified one thing—a lifestyle of listening to God—which we are committed to embrace and multiply in the years to come. God alone knows exactly how this will unfold. Right now we believe the God who speaks is guiding us to do three things: facilitate listening experiences, train people to listen to God and lead others, and help leaders launch centres around the world where listening to God is a priority.

As listening to God has captured our hearts and become the focus of our work, writing this workbook has been a natural next step. We’ve seen people’s lives transformed as they’ve opened their hearts to listen. Their stories need to be written down and cherished. A gentle whisper has broken through walls of fear and given peace. One word of life has brought lasting hope to a discouraged soul. An encounter with God in silence has allowed forgiveness to come and years of bondage to end. A few hours of reflection have been the occasion for significant life-changing decisions. As people look to God they are radiant. No matter where you are on the journey, we know it is God’s desire to whisper living words into your ears. As you pay attention we believe you are going to notice God at work around you and in your heart. We believe Scripture will come alive and speak personally to you. The beauty and majesty of nature will calm you and inspire you. Silence can become sweet. The encouraging voices of people can be received as messages from God.

Now the adventure of listening awaits us all. The Creator who speaks has much more to say and the promise to you and to those you love is sure—your ears will hear.

A God Who Speaks

As you use this journal, listening for God’s voice and activity in your life, we believe your ears will hear. What you and we are banking on is the hope that God does speak today. If this isn’t true, you may as well close this book now and find something else to read. But if God does speak today, any investment on your end to develop a lifestyle of listening could impact the direction of your life significantly. Four truths undergird this book:

God speaks today.

Our ears can and will hear.

What God speaks transforms us.

As people listen to God it inspires others.

As we have given ourselves to embracing and multiplying a lifestyle of listening to God we have witnessed these four truths at work again and again; God speaks to people, they listen and hear, and as they believe and receive what he is saying, their lives are changed. Then, the miracle of multiplication goes to work; the words they hear inspire others around them. People who listen to God and allow his words to transform them are an inspiration wherever they go.

The parable of the Sower and the Seed (Mark 4:1-20) describes this process as clearly as any New Testament text we are aware of, which explains why Jesus said emphatically to his disciples, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable?” In the telling and the explanation of the parable the words “listen” or “hear” (same word in the Greek) occur eight times. Jesus calls his disciples to a life of listening. What will they listen for? In the explanation of the parable it is something Jesus calls “the word” or “the message.”

The link Jesus makes between seed and “the word” opens up our understanding and expectation for how a lifestyle of listening to God can transform us. The words we hear will be like seeds in our hearts and minds. It may start small, but it will grow into something beautiful. As we listen to God his words have the potential for amazing impact. Just as seeds have life packed into them, so do the words that God speaks into our hearts.

Jesus promised the disciples “the secret of the kingdom” (Mark 4:11) had been given to them, but what did he mean by that? Tim Geddert, author of an excellent commentary called Mark (Scottdale, PA: Herald Press, 2001), has suggested that the secret of the kingdom is that the kingdom comes secretly. If he is right, then a lifestyle of listening is not only an appropriate but a necessary response to a God who speaks. If God is coming to us today in unexpected ways, like he has consistently done throughout history, then we are going to need ears to hear. If we don’t learn to listen, we may miss or even oppose him.

As you listen to God and allow his words to transform you, you come to know his character more intimately. Just as friendships deepen through being together and speaking and listening to each other, your relationship with your Creator deepens as you hear God’s voice. One of the reasons God speaks is because he wants to be known. As you listen there are different aspects of God’s character that are going to become real to you over time. Though we are not attempting to describe God exhaustively, there are several aspects of God’s character we have been experiencing over the years as we have been listening. As you listen, it may be different aspects of God’s character that emerge, but here’s what we are thrilled about as we listen to the God who speaks.

INTIMATE BY NATURE

On one of the first day retreats we facilitated once the MARK Centre chalet in Abbotsford was established, a young woman went for a walk to a nearby park. A group of about 20 were together and we had devoted the afternoon to being alone and trying to listen for God’s direction. At the end of the afternoon we were all back in our Great Room and the woman shared her experience.

“I was sitting on a bench in the park asking God to help me hear his voice, but all I could hear were condemning thoughts about me. These negative thoughts about me kept running through my mind, but I was determined to try to hear God so I kept listening. Then I thought I heard God speak to me and he said, “These condemning thoughts are not from me.” My curiosity was piqued so I stayed on that bench in silence determined to hear more. If the condemning thoughts were not from God, then what does he have to say? Then I heard three words, “I love you” and I immediately began to cry.”

When she conveyed the experience to the rest of us she broke down again right at the moment she tried to speak those three words. The whole group was moved by the young woman’s encounter with God. It was as though God was coming near to all of us with the same intimate message—I love you.

God knit you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13); he quiets you with his love and rejoices over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). God doesn’t need to work at intimacy; it flows quite naturally for him. He cares deeply for his creation. He knows you by name and delights in revealing himself to you. As you hear his voice you will come to know a God who is intimate by nature.

ACTIVE AND INITIATING

Thomas Kelly, the Quaker mystic and author of A Testament to Devotion (San Francisco: Harper, 1941), understood something about God’s initiating and active presence. About half a century ago he wrote the following incredible reflection:

“The sooner we stop thinking that we are the energetic operators of religion and discover that God is at work, as the Aggressor, the Invader, the Initiator, so much the sooner do we discover that our task is to call people to be still and know, listen, hearken in quiet invitation to the promptings of the Divine. Our task is to encourage others first to let go, to cease striving, to give over this fevered effort of the self-sufficient religionist trying to please an external deity. Count on God knocking on the doors of time. God is the Seeker, and not we alone… I am persuaded that religious people do not with sufficient seriousness count on God as an active factor in the affairs of the world. “Behold I stand at the door and knock,” but too many well-intentioned people are so preoccupied with the clatter of effort to do something for God that they don’t hear Him asking that He might do something through them” (p.59).

How many people do you know who live with a daily understanding of God as Aggressor, Invader, and Initiator?

It is our conviction that most of the people we work with struggle with a similar temptation; it is a mindset Kelly identifies when he writes about people “so preoccupied with a clatter of effort to do something for God…” Many of us are living out of obligation and human effort rather than out of faith and delight. Our spirituality is based on our own efforts and achievements. It’s on us. We need to perform better. We need to do more. The focus, and therefore our hope, is too often in us and our behaviour.

But Kelly points us to an active God who initiates. And because he is at work—all the time—we can rest. Because he initiates, we can respond to his lead rather than force our way. Our hope is in him. We can live by faith, trusting God to direct us and work on our behalf.

Faith is exactly what it will take to believe that God really is an active and initiating God. We will often be tempted to take back control of our lives and more often than not the reason we do this is that we don’t truly believe God will initiate or act. But if we believe that God created the oceans and mountains, doesn’t it make sense to believe he can act in the circumstances of our lives and others?

A REFRESHING PRESENCE

The following verses from Matthew in Eugene Peterson’s translation, The Message, have been taking people by surprise. The invitation from Jesus is like a breath of fresh air for those who are stuck in obligation or stressed out.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly”  (Matt. 11:28-30).

This is good news! These verses point to a God who is both gracious and refreshing. Again and again we have watched people hear these words and then realize they have been taking on concerns and burdens they have no business carrying. As they let go of their concerns, people are encountering a God who delights in treating people more generously than they feel they deserve. As people receive these words they are hearing a message that is light and free. In the face of obligation, human effort, striving and carrying burdens we were not meant to carry—this message is life-giving.

Could it be that this is really what God is like? Is he a God who doesn’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you but rather invites you to hang out with him and learn to live freely and lightly?

WHENEVER AND WHEREVER

The Creator we are learning to know is not limited by time and place. God works and speaks whenever and wherever. Surprises take place regularly. The more we pay attention and sur- render to him, the more we begin to see him working and speaking at times and in places we previously hadn’t noticed or expected.

Religion likes to keep God confined to certain times and places. We are tempted to figure things out and try to control almost anything we can—even God. But certain people have caught a glimpse of a refreshing and wild God whose kingdom is at work everywhere and all the time. One of those people is Richard Rohr, a Catholic priest who serves as the Director of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In his book, The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See (New York: Crossroad, 2009), Rohr writes,

“In response to their question “When will the Kingdom come?” [Jesus] tells them that Ultimate Reality is “not here and not there,” taking us away from our typical attach- ment to time. “For the Ultimate Reality is ‘within you’!” (Luke 17:21) If you let people concentrate too much on special times, feasts, services, and seasons, they forget it is always now and here when God happens. They stop living in the naked now and wait for Christmas or Easter, Sunday morning, or some far-off future day of enlightenment (see Colossians 2:16-19). Then Jesus makes the identical point about place. When they ask, “Where should we look for the Day of the Coming?” He says, “Don’t look here and don’t look there” (Luke 17:23). Once you over-localize God’s actions in one place, church service, sacrament, or any other kind of event, we can easily conclude that it is not in another place—or even worse, that it is not available everywhere and all the time” (p.76).

Barbara Brown Taylor is another writer who beautifully illustrates how God is working and speaking everywhere and all the time. In her book, Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith (New York: HarperCollins, 2009), the invitation she gives at the beginning of her book is almost too good to be true:

“Whoever you are, you are human. Wherever you are, you are in the world, which is just waiting for you to notice the holiness in it. So welcome to your own priesthood, practiced at the altar of your own life. The good news is that you have everything you need to begin.”

The Creator is present and at work; whenever and wherever. All over the world on seashores and mountains, in forests and deserts, where it’s snowing or dry, hot or cold, in busy cities or quiet countrysides, in the sky and in the dirt, God is working and speaking and revealing himself. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1).

God may come to you one day in gentleness as a faithful lover comes to his beloved. Another time God may come as a servant ready to wash your feet. Where you least expect it, God delights to dwell. The Creator will not be put into boxes, nor will God be limited by your ideas of how and when and where he works. As you listen you will be surprised.

ABUNDANT PROVIDER

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want” (Psalm 23:1).

The most well known Psalm in history begins with this line and continues to celebrate the personal presence and work of the Shepherd from start to finish. The verbs of this Psalm have little to say about the achievements of people, but much to declare about the activity of the Shepherd among his people. He leads, makes us lie down and rest, guides, protects, anoints, comforts, prepares, provides, and more.

The writer of Psalm 23 and those who welcome the work of the Shepherd in their lives are blessed. Their testimony is summarized in verse 5 with the words, “my cup overflows”. A cup that overf lows paints a holistic picture of what it is like to relate to an Abundant Provider. The experience of being under the Shepherd’s care is nothing less than an abundant life.

Poets and hymn writers like Thomas Chisholm have captured this vision. Though Chisholm struggled with impaired health and an unstable income, he wrote the following words in the same spirit of Psalm 23:

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

Each one of us is communicating something about God all the time. The way we live and breathe, talk and act is communicating something to those around us about God. How are you portraying God, as a God of abundance or a God of scarcity?

Naturally, we are tempted to link our convictions about God with our daily experiences. If things are working out for us, we are inclined to think God is faithful. But what about when we suffer or things don’t go as planned?

I learned something about the theme of abundance from a poor Russian man named Feodor Mocan. In the same week that I met Feodor, I also had a phone conversation with a very wealthy man from Abbotsford. While the rich man conveyed to me a God of scarcity, Feodor led me to a God of abundance. The man from Abbotsford told me that it was a bad time for a project like the MARK Centre since there were limited resources in our city and other projects were already in progress. Feodor’s story inspired me in exactly the opposite direction.

Feodor graduated from the St. Petersburg Christian University (SPCU) and was invited to return to his home by a pastor who had plans for his life. The pastor deduced that since Feodor had graduated from a Bible School like SPCU he should now be able to start one himself in his hometown. Feodor asked the pastor a few questions as he considered the challenge. “Do you have a facility for me to use?” The answer was no. “Do you have any teachers lined up?” Again the answer was no. “What about books?” No, nothing. “Do you have any money?” No. Finally, Feodor asked him, “What do you have?” The pastor replied, “We have you, and faith in a great God.” Feodor went on to start a Bible School that would soon become the largest in all of the former Soviet Union.

In conclusion, God is speaking today. As you listen, your ears will hear. And the impact of God’s voice will transform you. Others will be inspired and drawn into the adventure of listening to a God who is intimate by nature, active and initiating, a refreshing presence, a God who speaks and works whenever and wherever, and provides abundantly. What exactly will unfold for you is for God to determine, but developing a lifestyle of listening is the only way to respond appropriately to a God who speaks.

Listening to God is capturing the imaginations of people all over the world. You are not alone in the search for a life that is guided by our Creator. Many people are tired of going through the motions of a religion that is based on human effort and lacks true encounters with God. Some people are aware they are missing something, but they’re not sure what it is. Our hearts long to experience the Living God in the day to day journey. We want to hear the still small voice. We have been created with ears to hear God. You have been given ears that are meant to hear.

And it is happening. God is speaking and people are hearing. This is not just a longing unmet. People of all ages are listening and discovering that God speaks today. The theme of listening to God has become high priority for many churches, schools and training programs. In numerous and diverse ways, people are hearing the voice of God.

Five Ways Your Ears Will Hear

We’ve noticed five ways people are listening to God and receiving divine direction. We are not attempting to be exhaustive (there are many ways to listen), but we have found it helpful to be aware of these five common areas as we embrace a lifestyle of listening to God. As well, there is often overlap between the different ways people are listening. When people pay closer attention to these ways of listening, they begin to notice God at work more often and receive guidance from a variety of sources more regularly.

Embracing a lifestyle of listening is an appropriate response to the Creator who speaks. “My sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27) is Jesus’ promise for us today as it was when he walked the earth. Add the four words from Isaiah 30:21 that we chose for our title, “your ears will hear”, and you have strong promises from the Old and New Testaments telling us we can be guided by God.

As you take time to ponder the various ways that God has already spoken, is speaking and has promised to speak in the future, we believe your ears will hear more clearly.

1. Listening to God through Scripture

“The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught” (Isaiah 50:4).

Isaiah was a listener. He listened regularly (“morning by morning” ) and what he heard (“the word” ) he passed on to others and apparently it had a positive effect (“the word that sustains the weary” ). We want our ears to be wakened like Isaiah.

The lifestyle of listening Isaiah embraced is one example of many from Genesis to Revelation. Identify a central character of Scripture and you will quickly find ways they listened and received divine direction. God spoke to people through nature, dreams, visions, audible voices, burning bushes, miracles, impressions of the heart and more.

People are hearing God’s voice today through the Bible. It is living and active, and it heals and renews. Scripture is unique. It grounds us in the larger story of God and his activity in the world he created. As we immerse ourselves in the truth of the Bible we are regularly brought back to seeing all of life from a kingdom perspective. Stories of Scripture inspire us and shape our faith.

Though we practice studying, reading, singing, meditating on and memorizing the Bible, our favourite approach to Scripture is what some call Lectio Divina, which in Latin means, literally, Divine Reading. This is a refreshing and relaxed reading of Scripture that has been practiced for centuries by the church and is helping people today hear God’s voice in personal ways. One of the strengths of this way of reading Scripture is the potential for all present to hear and respond. When people participate in Lectio Divina they expect to hear something from God.

As we practice Lectio Divina we read the Scriptures slowly, out loud and do so with an awareness that God is present and that he loves to speak to people. We have noticed that it is often a small word or short phrase that God uses to impact people. Less is more with this approach. We don’t try to figure out a passage, but rather we seek to let God speak through the words and phrases. We give time for silence to let the Scripture settle into our hearts and stir us. We like to give opportunity for people to speak about what they are hearing.

2. Listening to God at work around us

Questions like, “What is God doing in my life?” and “How am I responding to him?” have a way of tuning us in to how God is working and speaking in the very circumstances of our lives. Little coincidences are taken seriously. As God was very active in the story of Esther, even though his name is never mentioned in the book, his orchestrating hand is at work in our lives. Are we paying attention to what God is doing in the circumstances of our lives?

“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him” (Isaiah 64:4).

The simple idea that God is active brings refreshment to some who have been swept under by the waves of obligation and effort. Some of the people we are working with are tuning into this idea that God is actually working night and day on their behalf and the results are quite remarkable. Weary people are being refreshed when they realize they can actually take a short break and the world won’t come to an end because of it. God is demonstrating his active presence. He is surprising people who seemed to think that if they didn’t do something good, nothing good would happen in their world.

Does this mean we develop a lazy lifestyle that is so relaxed we just lie around enjoying God’s love all day? No way! When we tune in to God as the Active One, our actions are grounded in our connection to him. We want to work hard at the things God is guiding us to do, not because everything depends on us but because we are acting in partnership with the God of the universe! Wow. We are a part of God’s kingdom and our lives are linked with the Creator who is at work always and taking the lead in our lives. Slowly we learn to ask, “What are you doing Lord?” because our growing passion is to stay connected to the Initiator of all things. After all, why would we want to spin our wheels in human effort if God was not actually guiding us to do a particular thing?

“Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat, for he gives sleep to those he loves” (Psalm 127:1-2).

3. Listening to God through our hearts

One of the greatest aspects of parenting is the journey of discovering the identity of your child. From first sight, the question quickly changes from, “Who do you look like?” to “Who are you?” As we learn to listen to our hearts, this is also a question we will learn to ask ourselves. And as we discover our passions, listen to promptings and embrace our problems and pain, we will become more aware of the many ways the beautiful presence of God intersects our lives.

Here are some things to watch for on your journey of listening through your heart.

Passions: Howard Thurman, an American theologian, clergyman and activist (1900-1981) said: “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” When we tap into our essence we taste the deep joy of being. This joy ripples out, making an impact on those who encounter us.

Promptings: Sometimes God speaks to our hearts in a still small whisper. Sometimes prompt- ings are directional and are to be acted upon immediately. Other times they come as promises to be held on to and waited for. Some are profound and require great risk while others seem very ordinary. Many times when we pay attention and follow through, our response becomes the answer to another’s cry for help.

Problems: Every problem, whether external or internal, is valid to bring to God for help. Scripture repeatedly challenges us to ask for help. Some of our struggles mask our true identity and calling and they deserve attention as part of our discovery of who God created us to be.

Pain: Difficulties and pain are part of living in a broken world. But God wants to draw near to us in our pain and longs to be included, rather than excluded, when life is rough. God delights in us and says that he will never leave us or forsake us. Our response is to ask, “How are you being present to me?” As we become aware of how Comfort is coming to us, we will be more able to receive God’s embrace, even if it comes differently than we originally expected.

As we do the hard work of being present to the promptings, grief and joy within, we get to take a step back and observe how God is being present to us. When we listen to God through our hearts we honour our Creator who made each of us unique.

4. Listening to God in times of silence and solitude

Mother Teresa once said, “The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life.” We have been amazed at the impact silence is having on people. Silent Retreats have become turning points in people’s lives on every continent. In 2010, while visiting Mongolia, a woman there told us, “Last summer my first Silent Retreat changed my life. It was the best thing I’ve ever done!” A Chinese man encountered God in a profound way during a week of silence in Thailand, and told us, “I became overwhelmed with the one prevailing thought that God was absolutely interested in relating to me 100% of the time.” Silence is helping people experience deep peace as they unravel the noise and start allowing God to really be God.

A young lady was uncomfortable with being silent and realized she really didn’t want to be at the MARK Centre for her Silent Retreat. So she went to her room to sleep away the time. But she couldn’t sleep. As the hours of silence went by, she realized she was afraid to be alone with God and two memories from her past were brought to mind. In the evening, in her room she began to recognize the presence of God. As she listened, she felt God was whispering something to her, “I forgive you. It’s over. It’s done.” The experience in silence and solitude stayed with her. Six weeks later we took time to ask her about the retreat and her eyes lit up. Her recollection of the event was word for word what she shared at the debriefing of the retreat.

Often when people become silent they experience something profound in nature. Naturally when we try to become quiet we end up leaving cities and noisy centres to find solitude by the ocean or lakes or in forests or mountains. Creation comes alive for people like never before as they watch, listen and enjoy simple things like sunshine, rain, wind, water, plants and animals. As people become silent they are drawn to natural lessons of life displayed all around us in God’s creation that breathes life and hope into our frantic and anxious lives.

We have been greatly encouraged by people like author, Paul Hawker, who have left family and friends for a period of silence and solitude with the intent to learn to listen to the inner voice. In his book, Soul Quest: A Spiritual Odyssey Through 40 Days and 40 Nights of Mountain Solitude (Kelowna: Northstone, 2006), his ref lections are consistent with others who have found nature filled with life-giving lessons. What better place to pay attention to our own hearts than in the beauty of creation?

5. Listening to God in community

Many of the messages God is speaking to people come through other people. We listen to God with the help of family and friends, people we worship and work with locally and globally. We are in this together. God uses people to guide people.

Whom God chooses to speak through is often a mystery. Surprises occur regularly. People who don’t seem qualified end up speaking a significant message to us. At times it’s someone who is virtually unaware of our situation that speaks as though they are completely “in the know.”

People we don’t like could have a message for us at a key time in our journey. Are we open to hearing direction from the people God has placed in our lives?

A lifestyle of listening to God is strengthened as we tune into how God is speaking through the people around us. We need each other. We are accountable. Discernment flows as we bounce ideas off each other and ponder the various paths before us. Surrounding ourselves with a diverse group of trusted listeners and being prepared to heed their advice helps keep us on track and prevents us from leading others astray.

Transparency and humility will enable us to receive direction from God through others. We are not lone rangers or islands. Sometimes, Wisdom hides herself until we humble ourselves and invite help from others.

Enjoy the overlap

There is often overlap between the different ways people are listening. You’ll notice this in the stories in this book and in your own life as you continue to listen. As we listen to God in com- munity we are often also listening to God at work around us. Some of our stories could easily fit into two or three ways of listening. Overlap is great. The point of all this is that we hear God, not that we figure out categories of how he speaks. The Mysterious One will not be limited by our minds. God works in the world in ways that will always be somewhat unsearchable.

Still, we maintain that when you pay closer attention to these five foundational ways of listening, you will notice God at work more often and receive guidance from a variety of sources more regularly. Your ears tune in and hear as you become more and more aware that God is present and active.

For those who want to enjoy this as a regular discipline, there are 65 stories with corresponding listening exercises that could be worked through five days a week over a period of three months. Although we’ve arranged the stories somewhat chronologically, each story in this journal could stand alone. Feel free to work through the stories and listening exercises in the way that suits you best. Some of you may find this journal helpful as a guide for a group retreat.

A Journal For Listening

Your Ears Will Hear

Steve Klassen

“ Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21).

I was by myself on the Pacific Ocean approaching Pender Island when this verse captured me in a new way. The four words “your ears will hear” stood out as a personal promise. It initially spoke to me in my need and lifted my heart. Within hours I was considering it as a title for this book. Within a week I proclaimed it as a promise to 80 men on a retreat.

These words provide a beautiful foundation for a lifestyle of listening to God. The promise is personal, certain, and specific. It is personal to you as you read it. Your ears are no one else’s ears, they are yours. The promise is also certain, your ears will hear. You can be confident as you listen that your ears will eventually hear. It is also specific in that God’s voice recommends a definite path: “This is the way; walk in it.”

There have been several people who have come into my life in the last decade who long to hear God’s voice, but something seems to be blocking them from hearing. In each case, my heart comes alive as I get to know these precious individuals and start to believe that God wants to break into their lives and speak to them personally. Sometimes past experiences of various kinds can allow roots to develop that resist God’s voice. As lies are exposed, God’s intimate voice of love is heard.

One man allowed me to join him on his journey through a dark period of his life. We agreed to sit in silence together if necessary. We did not want to conjure something up just to eliminate the awkward silence. It was somewhat difficult, but our resolve was firm, and light and peace began to break in. The season ended after several monthly meetings with a career change and an influx of joy as the man felt he was listening to his heart and hearing how God had created him to live and serve in new ways. For another young man, the idea was eight coffees together in eight weeks. Every time we started by sharing a high and a low from our week. The exercise was meaningful for both of us and helped him tune into God’s direction for a decision he was making at the time. Another man was angry that God seemed to speak to his wife more than to him. We laughed together as we real- ized that God actually was speaking to him, even if it was through his wife. He liked that thought and began to notice how God was speaking to him through a variety of ways. God will direct us and our ears will hear. Exactly how that happens is not for any human to plan or predict for themselves or for others. But the promise is sure: we will hear.

Listening To God Through Scripture

What’s keeping me from hearing God?

Some give up in frustration, but you know that’s not the answer for you. Asking God for insight into what might be blocking you from hearing is a brave choice to make. Hang on to the promise in Isaiah 30:21. Keep listening, and persevere until you see a breakthrough.

Date: __________________

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).

El Roi

Evy Klassen

Today I gave my friend a gift, a framed painting of an eagle flying out of a forest. She absolutely, fervently appreciated it because it held deep symbolic meaning for her. It illustrated the words she had recently written in her journal, a message she believes God is speaking to her. “I can’t believe you got me this,” she said. “I can’t believe it either,” I replied. The reason I felt incredulous, however, was completely different than hers. I just happened to attend a home show earlier today where I saw some paintings and overheard some women comment on the eagle painting. I hadn’t really noticed it but when they mentioned it, the thought crossed my mind that my friend would probably like the picture. Steve and I decided to buy it as a gift to celebrate the production of her CD. It felt like an ordinary series of events which was met with profound gratitude.

After the Tsunami hit in 2004, I had the privilege of joining a medical/building team for a few weeks in Thailand. As we were touring one of the hardest hit islands, I noticed a woman sitting in a desolate area that was once her community. Apparently I spoke out loud that we should build a house for her. I found out much later that the team went back to help that woman and discovered that her husband had died during the Tsunami, leaving her alone to care for their two sons. She was not originally from the island, so she had no family to help her out. She became a favorite of the teams that followed and was given a new home to live in.

Last week, while waiting for another soccer practice to end, I saw a man walking alone in a vacated parking lot. I watched him look through the garbage cans in front of the closed stores. Following a nudge in my heart, I drove up to him and said, “I have something for you.” I proceeded to give him $20 to which he replied, “Yeah, I could use this.” I drove away feeling dumb. What was I doing?

As I was writing these stories I wondered why I was putting them together into one. Steve, who was quietly reading next to me, was unaware of what I was writing and asked if he could read me something. Though I was hesitant to be interrupted, I agreed. This is what he read: “El Roi means “God who sees me.” As Hagar wandered in the desert, the angel of the Lord appeared to her (Gen 16:7-12). After his appearance she gave Yahweh this name saying, “You are the One who sees me.” The well at that place was named “Beer Lahai Roi,” which means “well of the Living One who sees me” (Ge 16:14)” (Zondervan NIV Nave’s Topical Bible, John R. Kohlenberger, Zondervan, 1992, p. 366).

It all came together for me: the three stories I wrote were about being seen. And I got to participate in the seeing.

Listening To God At Work Around Us

How can I participate with the God who sees?

Ask God to heighten your awareness of how El Roi loves those around you. What do you see? Is there a way for you to get involved?

Date: __________________

“But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion” (Luke 10:33, ESV).

Let Me Guide Your Heart

Evy Klassen

The journey of listening with my heart began in my childhood, but I had words to describe it most clearly in the late summer of 1985. Steve and I had known each other for three years, and what started as a rocky-road relationship had eventually blossomed into a solid friendship. He was now coming home from two years on the island of Guam ready to move into the next phase: marriage, and starting a retreat and training centre in Abbotsford, BC. I, however, was beginning my second of three years of nursing school and was dreaming of taking my training with me to a refugee camp in Asia.

When I confessed my uncertainty about our relationship, we decided to pray about what to do. I remember asking God if we should start dating or not. The response I thought I heard completely surprised me: “Let me guide your heart.”

I wasn’t being told what to do; I was being invited into an intimate relationship with the One who knows me and who could teach me to understand my heart. So I listened and learned as my rela- tionship with Steve progressed into marriage two years later.

Since that day 26 years ago, I have come to realize that I can trust my heart as I’ve confirmed over and over with others what is true within me. I am learning to move more confidently from this centre that wants God and that desires to walk in truth.

This journey of listening to God’s direction through my heart has carried over into many aspects of life from buying houses and vehicles, employment, relationships and tricky situations. What I want most for my kids is that they will know and love Jesus who knows and loves them, who longs to come alongside them to guide their hearts.

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

How is God guiding my heart?

Moments of silence can become opportunities to tune in to your heart. As you listen, are you experiencing God as a distant rule maker or an intimate and loving leader? Are you aware of what is stirring in your heart?

Date: _____________________

“... acknowledge the God of your father and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts” (I Chronicles 28:9).

Strength From Solitude

Steve Klassen

One of my favourite stories in Scripture to study with people is Mark 1:35-39. The opening chapter of Mark is dynamic. Jesus is on the move as he teaches, calls disciples, heals, drives out demons, and responds to people who need help. But after an evening in Capernaum with “the whole town gathered at the door” (v.33), this surprising story takes place:

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’ So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.”

I have been privileged to study this story with hundreds of people in the last fifteen years. Often people are inspired by the intentionality of Jesus: he gets up early, leaves a busy house, and finds a solitary place to pray. They also relate to the stressful expectations placed on Jesus, expressed through the disciples' exclamation, “Everyone is looking for you!” But my favorite question to ask by far is, “What does Jesus look like as he comes out of his time in solitude?” The single-word answers that come provide endless motivation to keep doing what we are doing in our work. Here are some of them:

Confident, Focused, Empowered, Purposeful,

Satisfied, Strengthened, Calm, Renewed, Wise

The next question I often ask is “How would you like some of that?” or “Does anybody here need a little of what Jesus found in solitude?” We all desperately need the kinds of benefits Jesus experienced from his time away, yet too often we fail to retreat from the daily grind.

Jesus modeled something we can put into practice today. He retreated to a solitary place. Strength came from that solitude and his journey continued with renewed purpose and peace. Why shouldn’t it be the same for us?

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

Where can I go to find solitude?

Find a place that works for you. Go there for an amount of time you are comfortable with and enjoy it. Keep it simple. It might be one short Scripture story, a song lyric, or an impression that guides your time. It might be one word.

Date: _____________________

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul”

(Psalm 23:2-3a).

A Bag of Books Or A Bag Of Tools

Erik Toews

Sometimes God uses people around us to ask great questions at just the right time. At a time when I was waffling back and forth about future career choices my Dad came through with a fantastic question. I was studying at a Bible College and thinking about the possibility of becoming a pastor. But I loved working with my hands in construction and carpentry work. I knew a decision would need to be made soon.

At this significant crossroads, one day my Dad asked me, “Erik, what gets you more excited: a bag of books or a bag of tools?”

My response came easily and immediately, “A bag of tools.”

The very next day I received a strange gift from someone who had no knowledge of the conversation I had with my Dad. An expensive bag of power tools was given to me!

As you’d expect, I made my decision to work with my hands with clarity and conviction and a lot of joy.

What has unfolded since then has confirmed to me that I am working in the place that fits the gifts and passion God has given me.

Listening To God In Community

What is my unique contribution?

The more you listen to your Creator, the closer you will come to your personal destiny. St. Irenaeus was right when he said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” What is your unique contribution?

Date: _____________________

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Luke 10:2

Steve Klassen

During my three years with YWAM the predominant theme that captured my heart was the simple idea that God speaks and we can hear. It didn’t unfold quickly for me, but over time I felt like I was beginning to receive direction from God and hear him more clearly and regularly. In the spring of 1984, I was asked to teach a Sunday school class at a Filipino church on the Island of Guam where I served with YWAM for two years. When I opened the front cover of the textbook I was to use, I noted that the verse written out in big letters was the same verse I had just received in a letter from a friend the same week. In Luke 10:2, Jesus says,

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field.”

What was God saying to me through this verse?

The excitement in my heart to be a part of a world-wide movement of young people listening to God and following his direction thrilled me. Was God clarifying my role for the coming years? I flew home in the summer for a short week of visiting family and friends before departing by car to the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games. Hundreds of people were coming together from all over to participate in this outreach and I was happy to be one of them.

While in Abbotsford over one weekend I went to my local church and Pastor David Epp preached a sermon entitled, “A Spiritual Harvest.” In it he quoted Luke 10:2. At home that evening around the dinner table my Dad read from a devotional book that featured one verse on that day’s entry: Luke 10:2.

I arrived in Los Angeles to discover I had been placed in a certain part of the city where a theme for the orientation was chosen that focused on A Spiritual Harvest and Luke 10:2. It kept coming for a period of about six months in about 20 different ways. And then it stopped. With some help from people wiser than me I came to the conclusion that God was guiding me through this verse in a way that probably related to my future, perhaps my life work. A foundation was being laid. Rarely would I experience such a steady flow of guidance in this particular way. I wrote it all down and fifteen years later, when things began to be fulfilled, I was glad I did.

Listening To God Through Scripture

Where am I heading?

Has God given you a word that seems to be more than guidance for a short season? Have you written it down?

Date: __________________

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).

My Provider

Evy Klassen

The morning after my son Jackson left to travel Asia for five months, I awoke and wondered how he was doing. He had traveled alone to London where he was to meet up with a friend at a youth hostel there. As my mother heart worried and imagined him standing alone and forlorn in London, I was quickly comforted by a memory of a time seventeen years ago.

It was a Tuesday in summer. We had lived in Lithuania for almost a year. Steve was heading back to Canada for three weeks, and I was to stay behind with our two sons, seven-month-old Jackson and two-and-a-half-year-old Josiah. We dropped Steve off at the airport four hours away from home. Our plan was to meet up with one of my beginner English students at the airport, and then she would take us to her summer cottage for a few days. We waited and waited, then waited and waited some more. My memory is that it was pouring rain, but I may just be remembering the wetness of the tears streaming down my face. I had no idea what to do.

Believe it or not, I didn’t even know how to make a phone call with the pay phones in the country. We had lived the year in a dorm with students so I didn’t learn that important lesson before this day. Suddenly a woman spoke to me in English (a very rare experience in Lithuania at the time), “May I help you?” The relief that came over me was enormous just hearing those words. She took me and my children into her home, gave us dinner, a bed to sleep on and located my friend for me. In our miscommunication my friend had understood that she was to pick me up on Wednesday.

The memory of how my two sons and I were cared for years ago comforted me now and reassured me that in the same way my loving Provider is caring for my son in his travels today.

Listening To God At Work Around Us

Remember when... ?

In the Old Testament story, the people of Israel were specifically instructed to remember their Provider’s activity in their lives. Forgetting was their demise, but remembering led to thanksgiving and to life. Reflecting on days gone by when your Provider acted on your behalf will help you walk confidently today.

Date: __________________

““I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds” (Psalm 77:11-12).

Fears

Evy Klassen

I am well acquainted with fear. It has been a companion of mine for as long as I can remember. As a young child, I would cry every time my mom would go on a road trip, even if it was only for a day. I was desperately afraid that she would die. When I was 17, I moved to Oregon for a discipleship program with YWAM for five months. When my parents left me for their drive back to BC, I remember a friend comforting me as I cried and cried, fearing they would have an accident on their way home. These fears continued into adulthood. Once I became a mother, I began to fear my own death. I sought prayer, deliverance and freedom, but to no avail.

In November of 1994, I went to a conference in my city. I was seven months pregnant at the time with my third child, our daughter Mia. When I went, I pleaded for release from my fears. I didn’t want to leave until I was set free. Late one evening the opportunity arose for me to receive prayer. I remember sitting on a chair with my palms upward on my lap and my eyes closed. A group of three or four strangers gathered around me. I didn’t say anything about my request. As they began to pray, one woman spoke out, “I say yes to life eternal.” In my mind I said, “But I also want to live now!” Then she spoke out, “I say yes to life here and now.”

At one o’clock in the morning I arrived home, woke up Steve by exclaiming, “I’m going to live! I’m going to live!” Those words spoken over me by a complete stranger ended my lifelong battle fearing death. I was free!

I told a friend later that I didn’t feel I received a promise to live a long life, but I received freedom that when the time comes, I will die having truly lived, rather than living my whole life in fear of death.

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

What am I afraid of?

A lifestyle of listening will likely bring you face to face with some of your darkest fears. Many are finding life and peace as they are willing to let God speak into their fears. As you identify what you are afraid of and surrender to God’s truth, what do you hear?

Date: __________________

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Waiting

Steve Klassen

When I returned home from three years of serving with YWAM in 1985 I was convinced that God was going to use me to launch a discipleship training centre—immediately. Why wait? I was overflowing with energy and faith. God had given me a vision. I knew the world needed more and better dynamic missionaries and I wanted to help train and send them. I was ready. But nothing happened. It was as though God went silent.

Life went on. Evy and I got married. I became open to the idea of further training, which for me would mean four years of college and then Biblical Seminary. We moved to Fresno, California where we had our first son Josiah in 1990. After I graduated from Seminary in California we said yes to an opportunity to serve as teachers in Klaipeda, Lithuania. It was a fantastic year for us. Our second son Jackson was born there in November 1992.

When the Director of our denominational mission came to visit us in Lithuania he surprised us by inviting us to consider opening a mission office in Abbotsford, British Columbia. That invitation from Harold was the first sign to me that the dream was still on God’s heart and about to be resurrected—slowly. I worked full-time with my denomination’s mission organization from 1993-1997. We had our daughters Mia (1995), Ellarie (1996) and Bethany (1998). During those years the dream to train and send resurfaced and developed. In 1997 I was asked to start a discipleship training program under the umbrella of my Mennonite denomination. We got our feet wet. TREK was birthed.

As the years went by we knew a home base for the TREK program would be helpful. In 1999 we drew together people who would become board members, and in the summer of 2000 the MARK Centre became an entity. In January of 2001 I was desperate to know if we were truly being directed by God or if this whole dream was just my idea. I decided to go on a 20 day fast. During those days two things happened that we won’t forget. First, we invited Dan Ratzlaff over for a cup of tea and shared our vision. Dan quickly became our champion for this dream. He sketched some plans well before the 20 days were over, then became the developer for the project. Next, I had a visit from Harold, my boss at the time, with affirmation for us to pursue this dream with his blessing.

The waiting was over. In 2004, twenty years after the dream began, the MARK Centre chalet in Abbotsford was finally built and the vision began to be fulfilled.

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

What is God teaching me through waiting?

Waiting is part of a lifestyle of listening to God. When have you waited patiently for something and then received it? What did you learn in the process? Are you waiting for something now?

Date: __________________

“Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the LORD. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God” (Isaiah 66:9).

Turning Point

Steve Klassen

When I graduated from high school in 1982, I was not comfortable talking about my faith with friends or family. I knew in my heart that one day I would follow the great example my parents had given me, but I wasn’t quite ready just yet.

Then I received an invitation from my Aunt Margaret to join her on a short trip to Los Angeles to visit her son, Simon, who was t he head cook on the MV Anastasis, Youth With A Mission’s Mercy Ship. She offered to pay for my flight and knowing how much fun she and Simon were made the decision easy. I didn’t know that one week would be the turning point in my life.

There were more than 200 young people aboard a ship that was about one and a half football fields long. The experience took me by storm. Very quickly, I was ruined for the ordinary. These people on the ship, including my cousin Simon, had something I did not have. They were open about their faith, passionate about their personal relationship with God, and they had joy—lots of it.

I was ready for a change, so it didn’t take long for me to go meet with God in my tiny little cabin and talk to him like I had never talked before. The word “surrender” might be the best to describe what happened. I gave up control of my life, my decisions, and my future. I gave in to God’s control and invited him to lead me. It seemed clear to me that this was what God was asking of me.

When my parents picked me up at the Seattle airport they brought me news that my application to Western Washington University had been rejected. I learned the hard way that you had to actually study during high school to get sufficient grades to impress a university admissions department. But the truth was that my heart was already moving toward a season in YWAM, and as we drove home that day I remember experiencing an unusual peace. Within two months, I was attending a Discipleship Training School in Salem, Oregon and being introduced to a lifestyle of listening to God that I was eager to embrace and that would lay a foundation for the rest of my life.

Listening To God In Community

Who inspires me?

People inspire people. The unnamed woman in Mark 14 did one thing that has never been forgotten. Every time the gospel of Mark is translated into a new tongue people read about her and are inspired by her extravagant action. How has someone inspired you recently?

Date: __________________

"Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her” (Mark 14:9).

Good Things

Steve Klassen

In the spring and summer of 1984 my understanding of God and how he works in the world changed. Extremely grateful for my family and the heritage I received, I was entering into a phase where my faith would become my own. What would that look like?

I was asked by the director of the YWAM base on Guam to consider an invitation. John Dawson was inviting volunteers from all over the world to come to Los Angeles for an outreach during the Summer Olympic Games. The title of the invitation message on tape that we received was, “God is up to something!” My emotional feeling about this invitation was easy to identify: “I would love to do this, but God will not let me go on this trip because it will be way too fun... and I don’t have any money to afford it.” But I agreed to pray about it. Within two days the same Scripture verse crossed my path from two unrelated sources and it seemed to apply: “No good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless” (Psalm 84:11).

Back then, and to this very minute I have never introduced myself as Steve “Blameless” Klas- sen, but I do believe in grace that transforms us all and leads us to amazing places of favour and blessing. Besides, it was the first part of that verse that spoke to me, “No good thing does he withhold...” and invited me to believe that God just might want to bless me with this particular trip. It definitely qualified as “a good thing” in my mind. I am a sports fan. I always get drawn into the drama of the Olympics. And the verse spoke to me more about what kind of God our Creator is than anything else. Things came together, including the money, so I attended the 1984 Summer Olympic Games and what happened there became a highlight of my life.

On two different days I was given expensive tickets from absolute strangers to watch the Olympics live! I saw Greg Louganis win a gold medal in the diving finals. I also got to see Sebastian Coe on his way to winning the gold in the men’s mile, my favourite race at the time. The trip itself was not withheld from me. Then, when I was in Los Angeles, I was given the surprising privilege of watching the Olympics. I felt overwhelmed and undeserving. My view of God was being shaped. Though there was suffering in the world and hardships to face, deep down I started to believe that God wanted to reveal himself as a God of blessing who would not withhold good things from people he created.

Listening To God Through Scripture

Am I open to receive something good from God?

If you had the opportunity to describe the qualities of God’s character to a stranger today what would you say? Are you at peace with your own beliefs about God’s goodness or are you aware of some lies about God that may have formed in your heart?

Date: __________________

“The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” (Psalm 145:9).

An Amazing Ring

Ken McKenna

A friend was going through some financial challenges. I had made up my mind not to help her, but when three different people told me that I should get involved, I decided to pray about it. I still felt overwhelmed because I imagined she needed thousands and I didn’t have it.

As I took time to pray I had an impression to give her exactly $500. This felt good to me even though I didn’t even have that. I asked my Dad if I could borrow the money, knowing I would be able to pay him back soon. Usually— in fact, always—Dad would want to know what it was for, but this time he didn’t. When my Dad asked if it was okay if the bills come in twenties, I hesitated and then replied, “No, for some reason I think I need five crisp one hundred dollar bills.”

Unaware that she owed some friends exactly $500, I went to her house and decided to surprise her with the money. After thinking about it for a while, I snuck into her bedroom and put the money into the front cover of her Bible. I had no clue that was exactly where she liked to keep money, nor did I know that the day before she had taken $500 out of the front cover of her Bible! She paid back some friends who had lent her money and was stressed as she did, because she knew she needed it more than they did. She gave them five crisp one hundred dollar bills and within twenty four hours she opened her Bible and found that God had given them right back to her!

Later, when I sat down to pray about whether or not we should get married, I had a picture come to my mind. I saw a beautiful engagement ring, a ring far more elaborate than what I thought I could ever afford. Around this time I went to a mall where I knew there was a jeweler. But while I was still outside of the store walking in the mall a woman came out and said to me, “We have what you are looking for.” I was quite surprised, but followed her into the store and soon stood there looking at a ring that was exactly what I had seen in my mind when I prayed!

Now I wasn’t seeing a vision or having a dream, I was looking at a ring I surely could not afford. The woman asked me what amount I was able to pay for it and within seconds she told me this beautiful ring would be 70% off for me today. I bought it, proposed and soon after we got married. Today the memory of these two stories confirms to me that God has very clearly guided us to be together.

Listening To God At Work Around Us

Does God care about the details of my life?

Think about the attention to detail in nature. God the Creator cares about important and seemingly insignificant things. Take some time to consider how your Creator has been intimately caring for you.

Date: __________________

“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30)..

Help

Evy Klassen

I have a favorite prayer. The simplest version of it is, “HELP!” The longer version is, “How do you want to help me?” Another is, “How do you want to provide for me in this situation?”

My desperate or angry version that is suitable for publication goes like this: “I am so mad right now and I want to stay mad. I don’t want you to help me but I invite you to anyways.” This prayer is never easy to say, and I usually feel as though no solution could possibly be found.

No matter what prayer I emit, my response is usually the same. I wait. And somehow, mysteriously, help comes. Help may look completely different than I thought it should or would. One thing is consistent: I am different. I am often surprised and wonder, “Where did that angry or distressed woman go?”

My first discovery of this prayer came when my daughter was three years old. I asked someone to trim her hair but the hair trim turned into a full-fledged haircut including bangs and layers! I was mad. After quite some time of privately ranting and steaming I was able to breathe out, I mean, steam out a prayer that went like this: “I am so mad right now and I don’t want to forgive but I invite you to help me.” You know what happened? It worked! My anger quickly subsided and I was able to genuinely forgive. I was shocked. You know what else? My daughter’s hair eventually grew again!

I know disappointing haircuts don’t top the list of intense situations that need the HELP prayer but that experience gave me the guts to try it again and again and again. I actually got really good at it when I had five young kids. It became my staple for survival.

I honestly don’t know how parents, marriages or teams make it without the HELP prayer. It’s when I forget or am too stubborn to ask for help that it feels like I am hopelessly about to sink.

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

Do I need help?

As you get used to crying out for help you will become aware of God’s active presence in new ways. It may come from unexpected places or surprising sources, which is part of the adventure. Is there something you need help with right now?

Date: __________________

”God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1, ESV).

Intimacy

Steve Klassen

During a weekend retreat at Harrison Hot Springs we were given some time to be alone in silence. As I walked through a beautiful garden I had an impression that God was guiding the focus of my life: “I want you to lead people to intimate places with me.” I sat down and listened more. The idea expanded: “I want you to lead people to intimate places with me where my voice can be heard.” Soon after that retreat we developed a simple vision statement that guided our work for years: Leading people to intimate places with God.

Just before the building phase of the MARK Centre chalet in Abbotsford, our developer, Dan, and I were in a meeting at City Hall. As questions arose about the nature of the proposed structure as well as our intended usage Dan spoke up. In his explanation he used the word “intimate” to describe the building and vision. I remember it jolting me as I heard him say it. The theme of intimacy with God began to capture our hearts.

As we led short retreats in various settings people experienced God in gentle and loving ways. Silence seemed to be the necessary component to lead people into a place of openness to God. We began to realize that people didn’t need more words. They needed intimate encounters with their Creator. Around that time I remember asking a friend of ours who was experienced in leading people on retreats all over the world, “Brent, what does God say to people when they are on Silent Retreats?” He did not hesitate as he answered, “God tells people he loves them!”

We have all been created to experience intimacy. We long for it, whether we know it or not. Thirty years ago I heard a man describe the difference between moving toward a place of security and moving from a place of security. His message was about intimacy. He invited us to enjoy the kind of relationship with God that allowed us to live and work from a place of security where we know we are loved. In our experience over the years his message has proven very true. There are many who don’t know how deeply God loves them, who live their lives always trying to gain approval and significance. They are moving toward a place of intimacy rather than from a place of intimacy. But God is by nature intimate. He doesn’t need to strive toward it. God our Creator is personal. He is intimately aware of you and me. He knows the number of the hairs on our heads. He enjoys letting his children know they are loved. In the same way he spoke to Jesus at his baptism, he is speaking to people today with delight and approval.

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

Am I receiving the intimate love of God?

Are you allowing God to be intimate with you? You’ve probably read stories about how Jesus touched individuals. Are you letting him touch you?.

Date: __________________

“ You are my son whom I love. With you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).

Courage

Evy Klassen

I know people who have eaten this Bread. One day, as I was about to begin leading a group session, one of the participants prayed aloud, “Thank you, God, for the opportunity and privilege to serve in your kingdom.” I took note of this prayer because I knew the man’s history. Following the Vietnam War he had been tortured and imprisoned for many years resulting in the loss of his wife and his property. Eventually he escaped from his country and encountered Jesus. Years later he returned to his home country which was being led by the same government that had tried to kill him. He returned because he wanted to share Christ. Then he was imprisoned and severely mistreated a second time, but this time for his faith in Jesus. Now, the same man was praying out of gratitude. This man has eaten the Bread of Life and because he has, he was able to show mercy and extend forgiveness.

My grandmother once said to me, “Evy, do you want to know God’s phone number? It’s Jeremiah 33:3, which says, “Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things you have not known.” My grandmother’s husband had been cruelly ripped from her life during the Stalin era in the former Soviet Union. He was shot and killed, leaving her with three young sons. She endured starvation and brutal treatment while escaping from the Soviet Union. Yet somehow, she had avoided becoming bitter. She said to me, “Evy, if I would turn away from God, I would have no one. God was with me through it all.” My grandmother came to the Bread of Life and because she did, she was able to freely give and receive love to the end of her life.

I know another woman who has suffered. In her humanity she could have rightfully become bitter and hardened and unforgiving. Instead, she ate from Grace and Love and Forgiveness. I have watched her response to insult and rejection, and I marvel at how she does it. This woman has shown me that calling out to Jesus not only satisfies her hunger but enables her to give from a place of being satisfied. When others told her to give up, she pressed in and hung on to the words of life that gave her courage to love. Because this woman partakes of the Bread of Life, she is radiant.

Listening To God In Community

Who are my heroes and heroines?

AWe are linked with an amazing band of people throughout the world. Watching the way other people live or have lived can fuel us to keep pressing forward when life gets tough. Take time to identify some people who have inspired you. What about them do you want to emulate?

Date: __________________

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...” (Hebrews 12:1).

The Sound Of The Trumpet

Steve Klassen

During my years in YWAM I was invited to play my trumpet with a rock band so I joined them for an evening practice. It did not go well. I was mad. So I spent some time with God and told him how I was feeling. What I spoke out loud to God is still very clear in my memory: “Lord, I am sick of playing the trumpet. It’s frustrating. I feel like quitting. Actually, I am quitting. Right now I am deciding that unless you speak to me and tell me you want me to play it, I am never going to play it again. I’m done.”

The next morning I woke up and did what I was in the habit of doing during those days—I read several chapters of the Bible, five from the Old Testament, five from the New Testament and five from the Psalms. I was in Exodus for my OT reading and soon came across the words in Exodus 19:19, “...and the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder.” That word guided me clearly. I knew immediately that for some reason, God wanted me to play the trumpet. Since that day I’ve been able to spend two years working on a trumpet performance major. I’ve had the privilege of taking lessons from several private instructors. I’ve played my trumpet in a variety of settings with excellent musicians. I’ve joined a jazz quintet, played regularly at my local church, and taken my trumpet with me on virtually every trip I take.

On a Monday morning I was feeling overwhelmed with the challenge of preparing for a Christmas recording our jazz quintet was working on. I went for a walk and talked to myself about how my practicing habits needed to change. After the walk I went straight to a meeting at a building I had never been in before. It was 8:55 and I was practicing my trumpet in my car, which is not uncommon. Just before 9:00 I went into the building. At the front door an elderly gentlemen stopped me and said, “ You are Steve Klassen, aren’t you?” I quickly said, “ You’re right,” to which he asked, “You play the trumpet don’t you?” I responded, “You’re right again!” With seriousness and a smile he looked me in the eye and said, “You’re great.” And he walked away without introducing himself or saying anything else.

Slowly, sometimes ever so slowly, and with lots of frustration, the sound of the trumpet is growing louder and louder. I am improving; I am learning; and I have apparently blessed some people with my playing. But all of it goes back to that verse of Scripture in my daily Bible reading in 1984. I probably think of that little verse almost every week.

Listening To God Through Scripture

How is Scripture guiding my life?

Have there been times when Scripture spoke into your life in remarkable ways? Are there decisions you know the Word of God guided? How is Scripture guiding you now?

Date: __________________

“ Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Surprises

Steve Klassen

For several years I have been publicly saying, “God surprises me every week.” They may be small things or very significant encounters, but they keep happening. Things happen that I did not plan. As they do, I am learning something about God’s character and his ways. It keeps me on the edge. My plans need to take second place to his.

One day I tried to pay for my lunch only to learn that someone else had quietly already paid for it. The next day I was treated to dinner and a NHL hockey game in Vancouver.

A man I’ve never met comes to my door at home and asks for prayer. I have five minutes before a meeting is supposed to start so I find a quiet place and we pray. What can happen in five minutes? I end up praying a Scripture verse out loud that I haven’t thought about for months, maybe years. He opens his eyes and interrupts me, “I just wrote that verse on my whiteboard in my apartment!”

On a Friday I thought I was going on a date with my wife to Vancouver for the day. She surprised me as we ended up boarding a plane and spending four days in New Orleans listening to live jazz and enjoying some much-needed time away.

Another time, a phone call comes out of the blue from a young adult miles away telling me how he is listening to God and grateful to MARK Centre for impacting his heart and mind years earlier. I needed the encouragement at that moment.

Donations to our non-profit organization sometimes come from unexpected places at unexpected times, and sometimes through unexpected sources.

Verses from Scripture are sent through email from a friend and received at just the time we need to read them.

I get a phone call from a friend right when I am praying out loud for him on a walk in the forest.

Every time these things happen they are refreshingly surprising and cause my heart to come alive and to recognize that God is actively intersecting my life.

Listening To God At Work Around Us

What has surprised me lately?

A group of people in their nineties were asked, “If you could live it over again, what would you do differently?” A top-three answer was, “We would reflect more.” As you reflect right now on your life, can you identify some surprises you’ve experienced recently?

Date: __________________

“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9).

Lunch Duty

Evy Klassen

When I lead sessions on listening with your heart, I often ask for words that describe someone who is obviously passionate about what they are doing. To contrast, I also want words describing someone who is doing the opposite of what they have been made to do. When we stop and review the lists as a group, it becomes clear quite quickly that no one wants to be described as tired, grouchy, dreary, pessimistic, etc. But it is quite attractive to see words such as contagious, passionate, full of life, and energized.

When I describe someone who is doing what they do best, I think of Malakai’s preschool teacher. She is animated, present with the kids and full of exciting activities. It is obvious that she loves the kids and she has been at it for many years.

When I think of someone in the wrong place at the wrong time, I remember me as Lunch Duty at my kid’s school. When I joined the team I thought, “How hard can it be? Forty-five minutes on a playground with kids. Easy! And I’d even make a little bit of cash!”  Wow, was I in for a surprise! I couldn’t stand it! I couldn’t handle the whining about who hurt who. I couldn’t even handle the pleasant chatter of cute little kids just wanting to hang out with me. And I’m a mother. I love my kids!

It was the same story when I would volunteer in the classroom. I used to run home at recess because I felt I needed to come up for air. It was suffocating! I used to compare forty-five minutes of lunch duty to six hours of working in a nursing home and the care home would win hands down. Finally, after years of trying to be the perfect school mom who serves on PAC, volunteers in the classroom, and works as a lunch duty, I quit. That’s not to say I don’t like helping out on field trips. My favourite was for Josiah’s ski day to Whistler. My job was to watch a movie on the bus, enjoy the slopes on my own all day while the kids participated in a mandatory lesson, and watch a movie on the way home. I’m sure I even got invited to the parent appreciation tea at the end of the year!

Quite a few years ago I read a book on prayer in which the authors encouraged readers to daily ask two questions: “What was my high?” and “What was my low?” It was not until after I started paying attention to the rumblings and the joys within that I finally came to peace to be who I was meant to be and quit trying to be someone I’m not.

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

What gives me life and what drains me?

Take some time with these questions as you reflect over the past weeks. Moving forward, as you continue to ask about your highs and lows either alone or in community, take note of your answers.

Date: _____________________

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22, ESV).

The Throne Room

Evy Klassen

Many of the valuable lessons I’ve learned have been from the years of young motherhood. It was during the chaotic, hectic period of five kids in seven years that I first discovered my secret meeting place with the Divine. There was one room in our little farmhouse that I could lock myself into and exhale, “Oh God, I need you,” or “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.” It was during these years that the water closet (a.k.a. the bathroom, for us Canadians) doubled as the holy throne room of God. That is where I came to depend on a sanctuary where I could lock the door, fall on my knees and pour out my heart to God.

My experiences of pouring my heart out before God and receiving the relief of not carrying my burdens alone has taught me two important truths: one, I need to tune in to my heart so I can recognize and become aware when I am carrying stress; and two, there are many throne rooms available for me.

I remember getting that anxious knot in my stomach when I was shopping at Safeway. So I found some privacy in the shopping cart entrance and tuned in to what was causing me stress so I could lay it all out before God. Another time I escaped from a church and ran under the foliage of a tree in the middle of a city park. Other times I have found my refuge in the middle of a crowded church. Some other throne rooms that stand out in my memory are my car, my closet, my friend’s closet, my neighbor’s bathroom, the shower, a canoe, a labyrinth, and of course anywhere in rugged nature.

I love what Hezekiah did in the Old Testament after he heard the King of Assyria mocking him for trusting in God. “Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord” (2 Kings 19:14, ESV ).

That’s what happens for me in these throne rooms. I’m spreading the lies, the anxiety, the frustration, the pain before the Lord. And when I do this, my heart finds peace.

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

Is something bugging me?

One way to listen to our hearts is by tuning in to what’s unsettling us. As you and I learn to identify the stress we are experiencing, we will be much quicker to bring those concerns before the One who cares. Is there something you need to bring today?

Date: _____________________

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you” (Psalm 55:22).

A Tool Belt

Steve Klassen

When it was time to actually build the MARK Centre chalet in Abbotsford we were unsure of what we were getting ourselves into and what kinds of daily and weekly routines would emerge. We knew we were looking to Dan for leadership. His generous offer of leading us through to the lock up stage at his own expense provided momentum that energized all of us. Yet still there were uncertainties.

My own role during the building phase was not defined in any book that I was reading. I knew I was the visionary and primary fundraiser, and I knew I loved to make chai lattes for the workers on site who apparently loved to drink them. I also enjoyed driving back and forth to Blackwood Home Hardware for supplies with our truck and trailer whenever they were needed.

The other thing I have always enjoyed is climbing up things like trees and rocks, and then, buildings being constructed. As I served as a helper of sorts on site it was Erik who introduced me to something called a tool belt. I had never worn one, nor did I plan on making this a regular part of my work wardrobe. But it did help me when I was climbing around and needed to have both hammer and nail at the same time. We joked about it. I wore it some days.

Shortly after I was given the tool belt I was at a meeting in Abbotsford that brought together spiritual directors from the area. At the end of the gathering a woman gave leadership and challenged us all to end the meeting with a time of absolute silence. “Let’s be still and see if there is anything Jesus wants to speak to us.” As we came out of the silence a woman present was obviously ready to share something she had experienced. “I saw a vision”, she said. “In it was Jesus as a carpenter. He had joy on his face. He was building something. And he had a tool belt around his waist... He was working with joy and he had a tool belt around his waist!”

She must have said “tool belt” at least three times, and every time she did it was like another wave of peace came over me. I drove away from that meeting reassured that Evy and I were exactly where God wanted us to be: making chai lattes, hosting volunteers, fundraising, inviting people to help us on a project that Jesus himself was watching over with a smile on his face and a tool belt around his waist. Wow!

Listening To God In Community

Is there a picture God has given me?

The tool belt provided me with an encouraging picture of how God was present with us during a specific season. Is there a picture that you have received? How is it revealing God’s presence to you?

Date: __________________

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you...” (Genesis 26:24).

Life

Evy Klassen

One night, twelve years after I received freedom from my fears of death, I started crying in bed and confessed to Steve that fears had begun to creep back into my heart. This time I was afraid that my daughter Mia would die. By this time I had six children, but for some reason she was the one I feared for most. After some moments of silence Steve spoke out a verse paraphrased from Psalm 91, “ With long life I will satisfy her and show her my salvation” (v.16).

Immediately I recalled a moment twenty-five years earlier when I had come crying to my dad in the very same bedroom we were in now. I admitted fears about my mom’s death. His response was to quote me this verse from their wedding Psalm, “ With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

At the time I couldn’t receive comfort from it, but twenty-five years later the same verse in the same room brought me peace and I was once again able to walk in freedom. The following day I took Mia who had a high fever to several walk-in clinics before I found one that was open. My heart was at peace. Later I found a pamphlet on my desk requesting funds to find a cure for leukemia. Typically that would have riddled me with fear but as I read it over I had complete peace.

I have come to realize now that I have been called to live and to give life. My name is Evelyn which is related to the Hebrew word for Life. It was Mia I was pregnant with when I first found freedom from my fears of death. Again I was given a choice to once again live in fear. I choose life! I say yes to life eternal and to life here and now.

Listening To God Through Scripture

What is my greatest struggle?

I have a theory that our biggest hang ups may be masking our true identity. Is there life hidden behind your struggle? Invite Jesus to reveal it to you.

Date: __________________

“Where can I go from you Spirit? Where can I flee from you presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there” (Psalm 139:7-8).

Acapulco Anyone?

Steve Klassen

Evy and I had been talking about our desire to get away for some rest. We identified the second week in June as the only week that would work for us. The thought of going somewhere warm was refreshing, but due to limited finances we agreed to vacation near home. Then on a Wednesday the email came, “Acapulco anyone?”

Our brother-in-law Greg had sent the email to family and friends. It was an amazing deal that was donated to his school but not used in a fundraising auction, so he was in charge of making it available. The only stipulation was that it had to be used the second week of June—the very week we had picked out for our time away.

The opportunity felt like it had divine direction stamped on it, yet we still had to figure out how to get to Mexico and back. As Evy checked into flights it didn’t look too hopeful in light of our budget. So we went back to the idea of vacationing together somewhere in British Columbia.

Friday came along and I remember feeling tired and looking forward to some rest on the weekend.Some friends called and asked if we were busy in the evening. We almost declined due to my tiredness, but ended up inviting Randal and Alaine over for dinner. By the time they left he had booked our flights from Vancouver to Acapulco on first class through his points system.

The week in Mexico was restful. We purposely stayed away from activities or excursions and had one of the most relaxing and enjoyable vacations of our married life.

We felt like God took care of us through the generosity of those who helped make the vacation possible. Psalm 23 was on my mind that week, especially the phrase, “he makes me lie down.” Around that time I became aware that the number one reason Canadians go to a doctor is stress and that a significant percentage of working Canadians don’t take advantage of their full vacation time. Though it happened almost a decade ago, the experience we refer to as “Acapulco anyone?” burned into our hearts the truth that God provides rest.

Listening To God At Work Around Us

How is God providing rest for me?

Is God really interested in this area of life? Read Psalm 23 or Matthew 11:28-30 and notice how God leads people to places of refreshment and rest. What kinds of green pastures and quiet waters has the Shepherd led you to? Do you tend to resist God’s rest or receive it?

Date: __________________

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Step By Step

A Friend

I read a letter that came through my email from the MARK Centre. In it was an article on paths. The moment I started reading I knew that it was my time to share. I had been thinking about the paths we all take. My life has not been what I thought it would be. Never did I imagine that I would struggle with alcohol. I never dreamt that I would one day confess that I am an alcoholic. And once I did, never could I believe I would get a second chance.

On one hand I really liked being an addict. In fact, I did not want to recover. I was delusional, angry, frustrated and resentful. I had a deep hatred for just about everyone and had a sharp word for anyone who crossed me. Yet at the same time, I wanted to quit and sober up. I tried many times. I would start walking the path of sobriety, sometimes for up to three months but then something would come along that would stress me out. I thought I could handle a drink or two without anyone knowing, so I would drink secretly and it always got the better of me. I would sit in front of the liquor store, willing myself to stay in the car and drive away, yet unable to do so. I jumped on and off of the wagon so many times. I was ashamed, embarrassed and mortified. Several times I was tempted to drink myself into oblivion and die the death of a drunk.

I fell off my path so many times I stopped counting. Why couldn’t my path be wide and beautiful and easy to navigate? Why was I on the most difficult path possible? I wanted an easy path, one that I didn’t have to work so hard at to stay on. For twelve horrible, lonely months I tripped along, scraping my knees and beating myself up. In early September of 2001 while driving home with my husband from yet another counselling appointment I sat in the car with my eyes closed. Something inside me shifted. I realized that God was calling me... calling me to give him a chance. A choice had to be made. I remained quiet wanting so desperately to cling to all the darkness within. Yet God was greater than my own desire to self destruct. It felt as though God literally took hold of me in an all consuming hug and lifted me to a different path. Initially it didn’t seem any easier to navigate but I knew in my heart that if I didn’t stay on this path I would lose everything I held dear to my heart.

I have walked this path for just over 10 years. It has not been easy. Sometimes I walk one second at a time, sometimes one hour; sometimes a month goes by before I am tempted to abandon it. There are days that I need to be pushed, encouraged, held and carried, but I know that I am on the right path and that I am not alone.

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

Am I open to receive God’s intimate care?

Are you willing to let Christ look at you, touch you, hold you, heal you, and be present to you?

Date: __________________

“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young” (Isaiah 40:11).

Why Are You In Such A Hurry?

Steve Klassen

When teaching in Alberta I developed an hour-long assignment for a class of Bible students based on Mark 1:35-39. I simply titled it, “Your Date With God.” On Tuesday afternoon, after a short orientation I sent the forty students away to be alone with God and let him love them.

An 18 year-old girl named Heidi decided to walk around the lake nearby. As she walked, she soon realized how fast she was going, and the question came to her mind, “Why are you in such a hurry?” That question ended up shaping her hour.

As we debriefed the experience of silence and solitude together, Heidi shared her experience with the rest of us and it was evident to me that the question from Heidi was impacting all of us. We began to consider the question with more questions, “Are we anxious? Are we afraid? Do we not trust God?”

As she had shared her experience, Heidi pointed us in the direction of intimacy with God. She seemed to receive the question as an invitation to enjoy God.

So, why do we hurry? Are we anxious? Are we afraid we are going to miss out on something?

Recently, I was pulled over by the police twice in two days. As I sat in my vehicle thinking about why this had happened to me, Heidi’s question came back to challenge me, “Why are you in such a hurry?” In the days that followed, I tried to slow down my heart just as the police had slowed me down. As I did, I was drawn closer to God once again.

For about three years now I have enjoyed the practice of about twenty minutes of personal silent prayer, usually in the mornings. I sit alone in a comfortable place, recall a few Scriptures that invite us to be still and quiet before God, then I head into the silence. For me it is an exercise in letting go. Whenever I find myself getting distracted by any concern, I give it to God in my mind. Often I let go of ten to twenty different concerns, trying to be still and quiet, worshiping my Almighty God. It is a great discipline for me. I find that if I can slow down and be patient for twenty minutes in the morning, I experience a measure of peace throughout the day.

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

Am I enjoying the journey?

A friend takes people sailing in the San Francisco harbor. Often his visitors ask why—since he does have a motor—he doesn’t use it to get to the destination a little faster? Derek reminds people it’s about the journey and that going faster costs more.

Date: __________________

“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture” (Psalm 37:3).

Chicken Soup

Evy Klassen

During a very lean time in our lives in regard to personal finances, I began to daily ask God how he wanted to provide for us.

On one of those days, my youngest daughter, Bethany, told me she wanted chicken soup for dinner —and clarified, “the kind with meat in it.” This meant that she wasn’t asking for the instant noodle packages you could buy three for a dollar. I remembered asking God, “Should I go buy a chicken so I can make soup?” After she left for school, the phone rang. It was my mom inviting us for dinner. She simply said, “I’m making chicken noodle soup.”

On another evening in this season of our lives, I remember sitting with our eldest son, Josiah, at his bedside and telling him, “There’s a verse in the Bible that says God will supply all your needs, not three quarters.” It was early October, and the first year we received a regular monthly salary. Every month we had enough, but this month we had come up short. I continued, “This month, it just seems like God is a little late.” A few days later Steve received a call from a friend he plays basketball with. He said, “Steve, have you checked your wallet lately?” Not knowing what he meant, Steve thumbed through his wallet and found a check his friend had put in a week earlier. It was enough to cover the shortfall. God wasn’t late, we just missed noticing his provision!

Another time when I was reimbursed for a MARK Centre expense, I put the five $20 bills into a tin with the intention of saving the money to buy Christmas gifts for my kids. Every Christmas since my kids were young, we’ve enjoyed filling shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse, an organization that sends toy-filled boxes to kids around the world who would not normally receive anything for Christmas. So when my kids asked if they could fill shoeboxes again this year, I decided to give each of our five kids a twenty-dollar bill from the tin so they could buy gifts to fill the boxes. While I did so, I whispered a prayer that somehow the funds might be replaced so that I could still buy gifts for my kids. Not long afterwards we hosted a birthday party for a dear family friend. One of the guests who came to the party handed me a thick envelope from an ATM machine. As she did so, she said, “This is for you. I was thinking you could use it for your family for Christmas.” The envelope contained not five but twenty-five $20 bills! It was more than I could have asked for or imagined!

Listening To God In Community

How do you want to provide for me?

There is nothing in your life that doesn’t interest God. Every problem, whether external or internal, is valid to bring to God for resolution. God delights when you ask for help. Do you have a problem that is daring you to ask, “How do you want to provide for me?”

Date: __________________

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).

Do Whatever He Tells You

Steve Klassen

In the midst of building the MARK Centre chalet, I remember on one occasion talking with Evy and feeling the pain and fear around our financial situation. We were broke.

As I was crying out to God about this on Monday, I was drawn to the story of Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding at Cana in John 2:1-11. The story was familiar, but the faith of Mary was refreshing to me. She brought the need to Jesus, “They have no more wine” and left it there with him. She didn’t tell him what to do, but she did bring the need to him simply and clearly. I decided to do the same. I brought our need before God and tried to be simple and clear about it, “Lord, we have no more money.”

Bringing the need to Jesus felt good and right, but I was still burdened and remember distinctly how that impacted me in a practical way—I became very quiet. I drove to meetings in silence, listening for anything from God that might come. I often listen to sports radio when I drive, but on that Monday, I was quiet.

On Tuesday, I was still very quiet. The second part of the story in John that inspired me was again Mary’s faith, but now she was telling the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” I felt it was a word for me. I had done the first step in bringing our need to Jesus. Now, the second step was to listen for whatever he would tell me to do. So, I listened quietly, expecting that he was going to guide me somehow in relation to our financial needs. Then I prayed aloud, “Lord, show me who to phone and I will be happy to phone them. We need money!”

On Wednesday morning, I continued in quietness. I was desperate before God. I waited in silence until the mid-morning when I had an impression and a feeling of peace about phoning one man. I called him and found out that he was passing through Abbotsford. He invited me to come see him at a church parking lot. I met with him and explained our needs, and he responded by writing a cheque on the spot for a significant amount of money. Our time together was very brief, and as he drove away, two local pastors drove in beside me and said, “Steve, you’re early for the meeting!”

I joined them in a prayer meeting in which they and other pastors decided to focus on praying for me and for the work of the MARK Centre. They took time to listen to me and gathered around me and prayed some very memorable and meaningful prayers. I was deeply impacted.

Listening To God Through Scripture

What is God saying to me through Scripture?

Is there a story or a verse that God is currently using to speak to you? What is the message in it? As you receive it, how is it impacting you?

Date: __________________

“His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5).

The Wardrobe

Evy Klassen

It was evening. I had an urge to walk through the framed-in structure of the MARK Centre chalet. A passion of mine, likely inherited from a family of builders, is to walk through houses in the framing stage. I walked slowly, pondering, thinking.

As I came to the second floor I walked through one room which transformed itself in my mind. I would delete the plans for a built-in closet here, move the bathroom sink over there, and build a kitchenette with sink, fridge and microwave here. The one thing I envisioned for certain was that it would need a free-standing wooden wardrobe. I wanted to create a beautiful space for people to get away for two or three days to be with Jesus.

The next morning Steve heard a radio ad that Miller’s Fine Furniture was closing their doors— this would be the last weekend. He came home later and told me about the advert, saying, “I think God is speaking. I think you should go.”

The Millers were neighbors to my parents. I knew them, but not well. A couple of days later, a friend who knew style better than I walked with me through the store, which had by now closed its doors to the public. I saw a beautiful cherry-wood wardrobe, beds, couches, chairs and tables.

Tim met with me and said, “ You go through the store and make a list of what you want. I’ll figure out what I can donate and we’ll go from there.”

Ignoring my feelings of not wanting to seem too selfish, I submitted my list, holding nothing back. Tim took the list, crunched the numbers and came back telling me it was almost exactly what he had predetermined he would be willing to give! The only thing I needed to purchase was the wardrobe! My heart was already set on that one ticket item so I didn’t even question that purchase. I felt as though I had won the lottery! The room Solitude has been beautifully adorned, along with two other suites with the finest furniture and has provided a refuge for many to get away to be loved by Jesus.

Listening To God At Work Around Us

Is God orchestrating something here?

Some of life’s circumstances could easily be dismissed as insignificant, but when coupled together with other event s , they seem curiously coincidental. W hen these event s are added to longings in our heart s it may be time to ask God, “ What are you doing and how can I participate?”

Date: __________________

“ You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways” (Psalm 139:3).

Decision Time

Evy Klassen

Ageing brings with it many changes and with those changes decisions must be made. Near the beginning of 2006, my dad’s health started ailing to the point where we were no longer able to leave him at home with mom.

Together Dad and Mom had built a fine house and planted a hazelnut orchard which they enjoyed tending together for close to thirty years. Dad’s transition to a care home raised questions about what mom would do and where she would live. To manage the house and four-acre nut farm was too much for her to do alone. She received advice from friends and relatives to do this or that but felt uncertain about it all.

Every time I asked her what she wanted to do her response was the same. “I just want to do what God wants me to do.” Every time she said that, my response was the same. “I know mom, but what do you want to do?”

This interchange happened at least four times before I changed tactics. I decided to spell out the two different scenarios she was contemplating to see which one fit best.

“Do you want to live in a nice town house or condo in town close to dad, your friends and your church?” No response. “Or do you want Steve and me to move in here with you? It will be noisy and messy with our six kids and we’ll have lots of company...” “Oh YES!” she exclaimed with enthusiasm that couldn’t have been more real. I then knew what she wanted. Her heart had spoken. She had listened and discovered what God wanted.

The memory of that interchange has carried me over the years when I look at the messy build up and the wear and tear our family has brought into her home. She tells me sometimes that her friends pity her with all that she must have to put up with living with such a large family but she just smiles and tells them what a blessing it is!

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

What’s in my heart?

Sister John Oxenham said: “If a man is to return to God he must first return to his heart, from which he is so often absent.” Are you paying attention to what’s happening within?

Date: _____________________

“Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart”

(Psalm 51:6, ESV).

Weakness

Evy Klassen

Years ago, I attended a retreat for women. It was a day for me to stop, rest, and listen, a time to let my heart catch up with me. I came with a burden. I had just learned of a situation involving a foster child that seemed quite unjust. Throughout the first part of the morning, I couldn’t stop crying about it. During break I escaped to the bathroom, locked the door and blurted out, “God, you’re mean!” Memories spilled through my mind of situations when I tried to explain God’s ways to my friends who didn’t understand, even though I didn’t understand either. Now in the bathroom I had verbalized my hidden thoughts. No more trying to cover for God when life just doesn’t seem to make sense. I felt terrible saying it, but it came out of my mouth before I could stop the words.

In the next session, during the first song, all I could think about was the painting we have hanging in the rooftop chapel of our chalet. It was an artist’s rendering of Jesus hanging on the cross. With that image in my mind, I also heard the words, “Embrace my weakness.”

By the end of the day as women were sharing their experiences, I told them that I had pondered two things. The first is that I think God is mean. And the second is that I am to embrace his weakness. I left the retreat feeling more than a little guilty for speaking out these blasphemous thoughts, yet unable to do anything but that.

Later on that evening as I was out walking alone in the country, I kept pondering what the message might be for me. Clarity came when I turned the pointing, blaming finger back toward myself. I realized that in fact, I am the one who is mean. And as long as I reject, cover, hide, or despise weakness, I will continue to be mean. But if I embrace weakness, I will be filled with compassion.

These three words “embrace my weakness” have come back to me many, many times since that day. Embracing the cross of Christ from which forgiveness flows, enables me to extend grace. When I am quick to blame or ridicule someone for their shortcomings, the choice to recognize my own weakness comes to me. As I face my weaknesses head on without trying to hide or hate them, I am more equipped to respond with compassion.

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom,

and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25).

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

When I become silent and still, what do I hear?

Have you tried this recently? Find a quiet place and get alone. W hen you are w ith people it’ s like look ing at water with lots of ripples; silence and solitude allows the water to become so still that you can see clearly. What do you see? What do you hear?

Date: _____________________

“But I have stilled and quieted my soul...” (Psalm 131:2a).

“God Is Important”

Steve Klassen

One of the most humorous moments in the last decade of my life came at a Christmas holiday gathering of friends and their families.

People were spread around our home visiting. At one point I walked into the kitchen nook to see several kids around the table, some of whom I didn’t know by name. As I walked in one of them asked, “Who are you?” I responded quickly with, “I’m important. I’m the Dad in this house.” With no hesitation a nine year-old boy at the table came back with confidence in a monotone voice, “God is important. You wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for him.” It was priceless.

Since that evening, the phrase “God is important” has become a great line for our family, a humorous reminder to not take ourselves too seriously and to remember our Creator is in full control.

Since that evening with friends I have been able to read some of Richard Rohr’s writing and also have the privilege of meeting him on a men’s retreat. His writing and his teaching have impacted me deeply, especially in the area of meaning, purpose and identity. He said, “your importance is given and bestowed in this universe, which is the unbreakable covenant between you and your Creator. You are declared important; you cannot declare yourself important.”

God is giving and bestowing something beautiful upon people all over the world. We don’t earn it by going to church. It comes sometimes when we least expect it. God is breathing significance on people. He is telling us we are important. We matter. His whispers are calling us to rise up and stand strong as people bestowed with intimate significance.

Listening To God In Community

What do you think of me?

Have you ever asked God what he thinks of you? Many have found this exercise can help open doors into a more intimate relationship with God. Watch for ways God is revealing his thoughts toward you and write it down.

Date: _____________________

“How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!” (Psalm 139:17, NLT).

I Love My Job

Steve Klassen

I almost said no to Chuck’s request to meet on Wednesday because the week was filling up and I felt stressed. I had no idea how much he would encourage my heart with his personal story and prepare me to speak to a hundred young adults the very next day.

Chuck’s life in a suburb of Vancouver was moving along with no connection to Christians. Jesus meant nothing to him. He did not know the gospel story.

Then Chuck encountered a Christian who impressed him. The connection opened his heart to explore and a little later he obtained a Bible. Alone in his house he read the story of Jesus for the first time in his life. He was filled with excitement as he read of how Jesus trained disciples, set people free, taught, healed, loved and cared for individuals. But as the story progressed he was moved with emotion as he read of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion. Chuck was devastated. But he kept reading. The resurrection of Jesus thrilled him. He literally jumped up and down in his house celebrating. Jesus revealed himself to Chuck right there in his home. He gave his life to Jesus.

Now Chuck is coming to the MARK Centre regularly with a passion to learn to listen to God’s voice and help others to hear. His heart is for those who are not comfortable going to church. We’ll see where the adventure takes him. What a privilege to join him.

Another day a woman came to us who was tired of believing in God and was asking for help. Her family and friends were all atheists, and though her faith in God was genuine, the option of not believing was starting to look easier and more attractive.

During a Tuesday session when her strength was at a low point, she confessed that she was ready to give up. Rather than asking her to fight, it seemed the best response in the moment was to invite her to let go and trust. We agreed that God was able to carry her and that it was more important at this stage to affirm that God believed in her more than she believed in him. Though it seemed unorthodox, I released her to become an atheist again, believing that God would demonstrate his presence in some way.

As the weekend came, she became more tired. On Saturday she finally decided to give in and become an atheist. She lived that day and went to bed at night as an atheist. But when she awoke Sunday morning all she wanted to do was be with people who were worshiping God. She went to four different church services that day and, miraculously, heard the same Scripture story about the woman at the well mentioned in all four. The experience impacted her deeply and her faith was strengthened.

Listening To God Through Scripture

How is God coming to me?

I’ve heard Tim Geddert say, “The secret of the kingdom is that the kingdom comes secretly.” Bono talks about Jesus coming to him through children, the sick, and those he is not expecting to bring God’s message. Who or what is God using to sneak into your life right now?

Date: __________________

“The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you...” (Mark 4:11a).

Go Confidently

Steve Klassen

One Friday morning in 2003 I went to my spiritual director for our monthly meeting. We had gone public with the dream of birthing and establishing the MARK Centre, but things felt like they were happening slowly. The whole thing was still just an idea and on this particular day I was feeling overwhelmed with the size of the task. The conversation with my director centered on the theme of faith. We were launching into a great adventure and the risks were high.

In the evening I was excited to have a chance to be at a meeting that I didn’t have to lead. My friend Keith from California was speaking to the TREK discipleship training participants and I had brought my journal to write in, hoping God had something for me. I was immediately lifted in my spirit when Keith started by saying, “Tonight I want to talk to you about the theme of faith.”

As I was soaking in some good teaching I glanced down by my feet and noticed what looked like a homemade pencil case with these words from Thoreau on the outside: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.” I was amazed and impacted.

It all fit together; the morning session on faith, the teaching on faith, and now this message from an ugly little pencil case. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.” My heart was strengthened. I was being encouraged to keep moving forward. We needed to raise more money. We needed to develop our vision. And it seemed that God was saying, “Do it with confidence! Move forward one step at a time. Go confidently in the direction of this dream you have carried for almost 20 years.”

As I drove Keith to the airport that weekend and told him about my day he affirmed God was speaking to me. A few hours later when he went through San Francisco and walked into a bookstore the first card he saw had the words, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.” He bought it and sent it to me. The message was critical during those years when much faith was needed to keep moving forward, not with timidity but with confidence.

Listening To God At Work Around Us

Is God on my side?

There are lots of reasons you can probably find to believe otherwise, but what if the Advocate really is for you and absolutely behind you? Do you dare live in the beauty of this truth?

Date: __________________

“...if God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31b).

Wait Till Your Husband Gets Home

Evy Klassen

My plan for writing tonight was to get to a quiet coffee shop while I waited for soccer practice to end. Instead I found myself in a hardware store, just wanting to sniff the air and find inspiration for my next project before I headed for a cup of tea. Now that I was there and I had found a nice bistro set on display, I settled in. Whatever the reason, I felt at home.

As a child I was raised in a home where girls did the dishes, made the lunches and cleaned the house. Somewhere along the road into adulthood I discovered that girls can build things, fix things and can even tile. In our marriage, I’m the handyman. One day when I was trying to fix my portable dishwasher, I called a parts supply store for advice. As I was trying to explain my dilemma the fellow I was talking to interrupted in an exasperated tone, “Just wait until your husband gets home.” Steve was home. In fact, he was standing right next to me washing the dishes by hand! A short time later when we were renovating Ellarie’s bedroom I went to Home Hardware for some baseboards and trim. When I walked into the store I breathed deeply and told myself, “I was born to be in a hardware store!” As I reached the checkout with my long strips of wood, the lady next to me said, “I sure hope your husband is at home to help you with that!”

How did this woman and the parts supplier even know I had a husband?

My husband is an extraordinary gardener with a flare for landscape design. He can move giant boulders and create rock walls. He is a visionary who can see things that are not. When he speaks publicly he captivates and engages his audience. Steve memorizes people’s names and dramatizes volumes of Scripture. He plays a sweet trumpet...and the list goes on and on. None of the things on the list describe me.

On a recent trip to the Ukraine, the land of my roots, we toured village after village and saw many old brick Mennonite homes. I kept saying to myself, “Brick and mortar—they speak to me.” On the day I got to visit the exact village my dad came from I found four bricks with a T on them for my family name. My great, great grandfather owned a brick factory and I found some remnants! For me it was the most exciting discovery I could have made.

Hardware stores, renovation projects, bricks and mortar, wood and stone make my heart soar and cause me to feel that I am tapping into my essence. I can’t afford to allow familial or cultural restraints to prevent me from being, as Brennan Manning eloquently says, “one of the never-to-be repeated ways God has chosen to express himself in space and time” (Ruthless Trust: The Ragamuffin’s Path to God, New York: HarperCollins, 2000, p. 147).

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

Who did God create me to be?

Society, our upbringing, or sometimes even our fears can keep us in boxes we are not meant to stay in. Is there a longing deep within your heart inviting you to branch out? What’s stopping you?

Date: __________________

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13-14).

Healing Words

Evy Klassen

Where I sat waiting for my daughter’s soccer practice to end. I had no paper, pen or book, nothing but me in my cold, dark car.

As I sat, I recalled the recent encouragement from a friend: “Sometimes when someone says something painful to me, I take that conversation to Jesus and I ask him what he thinks of it.” There in my car, I remembered some questions asked of me years previously when we were fundraising for the building phase of the MARK Centre. After receiving a large donation, someone asked me, “Why would someone not give that money to feed the starving? Why would they give it to this?”

Those questions pierced my heart because they exposed my own insecurities about spending money on buildings. What that person didn’t know was how deeply I had longed to be involved with the poor and how much I struggled with living among the rich and building such a fine chalet.

So I took that conversation to Jesus and simply asked, “Okay, what do you think?” Quickly, the words of Jesus came into my mind from Mark 14:6-7, “You can feed the poor any time you want... She has done a beautiful thing to me.”

The story is about a woman who took a jar of very expensive perfume made of pure nard, broke it and poured the perfume on Jesus. People around her were indignant of this wasteful action, suggesting she could have spent the money on the poor. In my cold dark car, I felt like I heard Jesus whisper, “Thank you. Thank you for wasting money by creating a place for people to waste time with me.”

The thank-you that I heard from Jesus on that day was exactly what I needed. As a result, I was able to finally let go of the struggles and insecurities that I held on to for so long and to embrace what God was directing the MARK Centre to be.

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

Am I hanging on to words or actions that have wounded me?

Invite Jesus into that conversation or encounter. What is his response? What are the healing words of truth you need to embrace?

Date: __________________

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

Hope

Reg Boothe

On February 17, 1986, at 2:32 in the afternoon, I was a happy and contented middle-aged man. Judy, my beautiful high-school sweetheart and I were married 21 years. We had two sons, 17 year old Vance George and 14 year old Matthew. At 2:33, that all changed. Two hours later, after lying nearly motionless in the wreckage of our family airplane, in a silence that could have been created only through the combination of death and the snow-covered Rocky Mountains, in pain of indescribable magnitude, which was overshadowed by the mental anguish at the realization that the impact had taken the lives of my wife and two sons, with darkness of night approaching and threatening to stop the search-and rescue efforts, and knowing that I could not survive until morning, I committed my soul to God and gave up life. Within 15 minutes I heard voices approaching. We had been found. That rescue began the most painful recovery process imaginable. I had multiple cuts and bruises and cracked ribs. My back was broken in two places, both legs were broken, and my feet and ankles were crushed beyond recognition. I overheard a medical caregiver tell another that I would never walk again, and probably never support myself in a wheelchair. How could so many afflictions fall on one man? I decided I would not know “why they died” until I was with them and my Lord in heaven. But, I would spend the rest of my life on this earth getting the answers to a question that was the most difficult at that time: “Why did I survive to bear this mountain of pain and grief and sorrow all alone?”

I doubt it was coincidental that an Apache rancher was out in the mountains looking for lost cattle when we glided over without power, and that he called the sheriff which redirected the search efforts to our area enabling them to find us before dark. I didn’t “just happen” to feel a surge of hope and energy the day after which encouraged me to hang on. It wasn’t just the expertise of many excellent healthcare specialists that led to the healing of this dramatically damaged body and spirit. I wasn’t “just lucky” to meet another beautiful woman, Nancy, who brought three children into my vacant life: another son, Matthew, and two teenage daughters, Andrea and Heidi.

I hope that even in my worst moments, I reflected the tenderness and love of Jesus Christ to others who were hurting. Like to the night nurse that first week, who, thinking I was asleep, whispered to me, “Mr. Boothe, I know a bit about how you feel. I lost my son last week in a car accident.”

Perhaps the greatest miracle of all is that I would endure all this tragedy and still be confident that God loves me and is in control of my life.

Listening To God In Community

Is God present even in my anguish? Where?

God wants to draw near to us in our pain, longing to be included rather than excluded when life is rough. God may use people, songs, nature, Scriptures or a zillion other things to let you know that he is near. Do you dare ask, “How do you want to comfort me?”

Date: __________________

“The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Paths

Evy Klassen

“The Lord is my shepherd... he guides me in paths” (Psalm 23:1a, 3a).

I love to hike along forested mountain paths. One of my most vivid memories from hiking as a child is looking for the pink or orange markers on the trees that indicate which path is the right path. When two or more options present themselves, looking up to the trees for some sort of marking is often the next step to finding one’s way.

Steve took note of the word, “path,” one time when we were studying this Psalm. He noted that the Psalmist said, “he guides me in paths,” not “he guides me in wide open fields.” Since that moment more than four years ago, I have often stopped to ask God for clarification on what path I am being invited to walk. I look for markers in the trees that somehow might give me a clue, especially when both options seem right.

When we were preparing to take our whole family to Thailand for a special opportunity to visit friends and family, the question arose whether or not to bring our youngest son Malakai with us, who at the time was only eighteen months old. I received advice from all angles, pros and cons, strong cautions and bold affirmation. I prayed and sought earnestly what was “right,” tried to listen to my heart and came up confused.

As I pondered this specific verse I asked God to help me to see the markers leading to the right path—knowing full well that both paths could arguably be right. Peace settled over me as I remembered with clarity the advice that both my brother and Steve’s mother had given. It was as if both of them were standing along a path with their arms outstretched pointing in the direction we should walk. I knew at that moment what my decision was to be.

I look back on that trip as one of the highlights of my life. Walking through the airports I carried all eight passports and watched with delight as I saw my children each towing a carry-on and taking turns pushing Malakai in his stroller. It is a memory I will always cherish.

Listening To God Through Scripture

How is the Shepherd guiding me?

How have you been guided in the past? Do you have clarity for today or does your path seem obscure? Can you find the markers God is using to direct you?

Date: __________________

“ Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying,‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21).

Resources From Unexpected Places

Steve Klassen

Many “miracles” had already taken place when we finally entered into a building phase at 31603 Old Yale Road in Abbotsford. We had made a good decision as a board to wait for the land to be entirely paid off before building any structures. In January 2004, the last cheque was received and the full amount for the land was in. We celebrated with a ground-breaking ceremony and the building phase began.

Dan was doing a fantastic job guiding the project as he, his right hand man Erik and a host of volunteers built the chalet. Money and gifts were coming in together. One couple donated all the interior and exterior paint and the work of painting; another donated all the electrical. There were many reasons to be thankful and hopeful, but as the summer approached it was becoming clear that significant funds were still needed.

We were on a family camping vacation in Kelowna when I was sitting in a lawn chair looking out at Okanagan Lake. I was feeling overwhelmed with the financial challenge of finishing the MARK Centre chalet and really not sure where the needed funds were going to come from. I quietly read and reread the following Scripture:

“He split the rocks in the desert and gave them water as abundant as the seas; He brought streams out of a rocky crag and made water flow down like rivers” (Psalm 78:15-16).

Suddenly something clicked in my mind and out loud I spoke the words, “Resources came from unexpected places.” An idea emerged as I sat there. Why not go back to a few potential donors who hadn’t given yet and invite them to a fundraising breakfast on site? I got our jazz quintet together and we put on a breakfast in the unfinished basement of the chalet. I had written the names of three men in my journal that day by the lake and all of them agreed to come. Between the three of them they gave a significant sum that helped us pay a lot of bills and boosted our morale and confidence.

In my mind, the three men were not likely to give. That was my issue and hurdle to overcome. To me they were “rocky crags.” I had asked all three of them before and the answer seemed to be a strong NO. But the Scripture from Psalm 78 I read by the lake helped me believe that resources could come from unexpected sources. So I asked and they responded with generous gifts that became a significant part of our story.

Listening To God At Work Around Us

When has God provided in unexpected ways?

As you pay attention to how God has been providing for you, focus is on this element of the unexpected. How is God revealing his character to you as you receive provision from unforeseen places?

Date: __________________

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” (Job 11:7).

Ravines

Evy Klassen

One of my favorite activities as a child was to explore the woods where I grew up in Burnaby. So when my sixth child proved to be a lover of nature I couldn’t have been happier. No need for playground swings and teeter totters—we had a ravine!

Even when he was a toddler we would spend many hours and many days together on the steep hillside. I would bring treats with me to coax him to come home. One day we explored new territory and went down one side and came up another. As we were nearing the top, Malakai stepped onto a nest of something that did not appreciate a home invasion.

We started getting attacked! Those buzzing creatures started zinging around us and repeatedly attacking us through our clothes. Because it was an unfamiliar area, I didn’t know the best way to get out. It turned out our path was blocked by a pile of branches followed by a patch of stinging nettle.

The siege continued even once we were out of the woods, running down the road. When the attack started I screamed “Jesus, help me! Jesus, help me!” My three year old joined in the chorus and started repeating the desperate cry.

At the time, I remember feeling there was no help coming as I whipped off his clothes to expose the angry attackers. My mind started making plans how I could get help quickly if he started having an anaphylactic reaction. But no plans were necessary. He quickly calmed down; we made it home to a nice oatmeal bath and inspected our war wounds. It turned out I had five bites and Malakai had nine, none of which proved to swell up too much. Later I realized the highlight from my day was modeling to my son how to call out for help. Honestly I was quite relieved that HELP came out of my mouth rather than another colorful expletive that he would have repeated for the next months!

Quite a few months later when we were back in our ravine we were in a slippery clay-filled section. Malakai was getting tired of walking and begged me to carry him. I reminded him that Daddy (not Mommy) is the one who carries him out of ravines, but Jesus is with us. Immediately he began calling out in the same tone as previously, “Jesus, help me!”

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

Am I asking for help?

Some people think asking for help is a crutch yet there are many examples of cries for help in Scripture. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Is it time to humble yourself and ask?

Date: __________________

“In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears” (Psalm 18:6).

The Noise Of Performance

Steve Klassen

I was leading a group of pastors on a day retreat and decided to give them about two hours of time alone to be with God. The setting was beautiful with forest walks and water and hills all around us.

I remember feeling nervous about the decision to send them into silence for that period of time. A wave of fear and uncertainty swept over me. Maybe my ego was getting in the way. Thoughts flooded my mind quickly as I thought somehow I should have been doing more, planning more, providing more direction, filling the time differently, etc.

As we gathered back together and began reflecting on what we had experienced in the silence and solitude it was quickly clear that my decision was the right one. Rich and meaningful encounters with God took place in those two hours that God alone could have orchestrated.

One pastor let us know that the first thirty minutes were very difficult for him. His initial thoughts were plagued with visions of him getting something so good from God that other pastors would be impressed. He joked with us about it, but his humility was inspiring. In those thirty minutes he recognized that there was a lot of noise in his mind and heart. He asked God what the noise was all about and his conclusion was memorable—it’s the noise of performance. He admitted to all of us that the noise of performance needed to be identified and then silenced for him to hear God and enjoy the time in solitude. He did get through the noise and experienced an encounter with God.

As I look back on that day it is that one pastor’s reflection that stays with me the strongest. The wave of fear and uncertainty that I experienced as I sent the group off into silence has rarely come back to haunt me.

I am increasingly convinced that men and women do well to “be still and know.” The noise of performance is driving us to the point of exhaustion. But listening to God in silence and solitude is bringing refreshment and rest.

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

Am I receiving significance from God?

When Jesus heard the Father’s voice at his baptism he had not yet accomplished anything with respect to his life’s work. The voice from heaven spoke into his being not his doing. Are you hearing God’s voice at this level of being? What is he saying?

Date: __________________

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God!” (I John 3:1a).

Doctors

Evy Klassen

Yesterday afternoon, I received a Christmas card 45 days after it was sent. It came from my obstetrician in Lithuania who had followed my pregnancy with our second son, Jackson, more than 18 years ago. I had lost contact with her, so I was very surprised and delighted to hear from her again. The surprise was even greater because I had just been thinking about her.

One day earlier I had been on my knees in my bathroom pouring out my heart about some medical concerns Jackson was having. As I prayed, a memory came flooding back to me of the time while in Lithuania we were preparing to take a group of about thirty students to Moscow for a Billy Graham Crusade. At the time, I was eight months pregnant and feeling unsure about whether or not a 24-hour train trip through the recently collapsed Soviet Union would be a wise endeavor. So I prayed that God would lead me and I decided to speak with my obstetrician and let her response be my guidance from God. When I brought up the subject, she smiled and asked a few questions, but didn’t tell me not to go. I interpreted that as a green light to go. The trip turned out to be an unforgettable experience, full of excitement and adventure. In order to catch the train, we had to run back and forth through slushy snow with our baggage in search of car #19, which we eventually found in front of car #1! Once on board, we discovered that our three-tiered bunks were occupied by defectors who were being transported out of the country. In addition, the lights didn’t work so we huddled together on benches in the cold dark train until finally the lights came on and our “seats” were vacated for us. We settled in with our boiled eggs and dark bread for the adventure ahead. Despite the challenges on the train, our weekend in Moscow was exhilarating! Beyond taking our students to McDonalds for the first time in their lives, and worshipping together in Steve’s parent’s flat in Moscow, the most impacting for me was seeing the bright and shiny eyes of one of our students on the train ride home. She told us, “I found what I was looking for.” She had encountered Jesus in a deeply personal way.

When I went back to my obstetrician for a follow-up visit, I was surprised when she told me, “I was so worried about you going all the way to Moscow. I didn’t want you to go. But you seemed so determined, so I didn’t say anything to stop you.”

Yesterday evening, when Jackson came home from work, he told me about his visit to the doctor earlier in the day. “I decided to ask the doctor a question,” he told me, “and how he answered me would be my decision for what I would do.”

Listening To God In Community

Who is God using to guide me?

Who have you talked with lately? Have they said something that has impacted and directed you? What is the message you are hearing and receiving through it?

Date: __________________

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8).

I Don’t Hear God’s Voice

Steve Klassen

A young man asked me to join him for a coffee after my last teaching session on listening to God. One of the first things he said to me was, “I don’t hear God’s voice.” Though he was somewhat open to change, he didn’t appear to have much hope that he would ever hear from God in a personal way. For most of our time together, I didn’t know what to say to him. I didn’t have a lot of hope and, honestly, I was just looking forward to returning home.

As we chatted, I was silently asking God for help when suddenly he mentioned that he liked Psalm 23. Right then, something inside me came to life. As I thought about joining this young man on his journey toward hearing God, I had an idea. With renewed confidence, I told him, “Here’s what we’re going to do. You’re going to read and memorize Psalm 23 and I’m going to go home and pray for you.”

Knowing that we would be in the same city in about three weeks, I told him we should meet again then to see how things were going. Three weeks later when we met, the first thing he said to me was, “I have stories!” He had memorized Psalm 23 and soon found himself in two unusual circumstances where precious people were in significant need. In each case, he felt an inner prompting and, after getting their permission, he quoted Psalm 23 to them. The responses from these people confirmed to him that God was speaking through him. God used him to encourage two people in need, but it was also clear that the experience spoke deeply to him. As God spoke through him, he also spoke to him.

This encounter came at a time in my life when I was given the privilege to spend time with several others who doubted the reality of hearing God’s voice today. One situation increased my faith for the next one and clarified for me more than ever that my personal mission in life is to help people hear God’s voice. It’s working. People who take time to listen are hearing God’s voice.

I don’t have to force anything. I am absolutely dependent on God. I can come alongside people with a light heart and a simple faith, banking on the belief that God is alive and active and speaking today. As people start paying attention, making a little space in their lives and becoming quiet they hear God speaking in many different ways.

Listening To God Through Scripture

Have I memorized a portion of the Bible?

T his comes easy for some and is ex tremely dif ficult for others. W hat about you? Is there a short passage that God is using to speak to you? Why not memorize it and let it burn into your heart? God could use the Scripture to encourage someone else through you.

Date: __________________

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

Goat’s Milk

Evy Klassen

As I came out of Funk’s Supermarket and started loading my truck, a very poor-looking elderly woman shuffled up to my car. Her mumbled words were difficult to hear but I did make out her request for money. “What do you need it for?” I asked. Her response greatly surprised me: “Goat’s milk.”

Goat’s milk? I had just bought some for one of my kids! So I reached into my grocery bag and handed it to her. She was so excited and exclaimed, “It is goat’s milk! I love goat’s milk!” She went on and on about how good it tastes and told me how when her son was four months old she didn’t have enough milk to nurse him. She listed all the different kinds of formula she tried but he couldn’t tolerate them. Finally she fed him goat’s milk and he grew strong and healthy. The combination of her strange request, her fluid conversation about the different brands of formula, and her stereotypical beggar appearance piqued my curiosity. It was one of those encounters that I couldn’t easily forget, so I made a mental note of it with a “Hmmm... I wonder what that was all about.”

Some time later I gave birth to a son. When he was four months old he started crying more and more so I took him to the doctor who told me he was starving! I needed to start supplementing him immediately. As a former nurse and a mother of now six children I felt sick that I hadn’t clued in earlier to his needs. Suspecting milk intolerance, I was unsure which formula to start him on. Rather than going through a trial and error process of elimination I took him to a naturopath to have him tested. At the end of the process I was advised that goat’s milk would likely be the best supplement for my four month old son. The memory of the beggar came back to me and caused me to think, “Hmmm, maybe that’s why the old lady in the parking lot visited me.”

Listening To God At Work Around Us

Has God met me through curious encounters?

Take another look at some of the random connections you’ve had in your life. Has God surprised you through them? Did God come to you differently than you would have expected?

Date: __________________

”Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).

Walter

Dan Ratzlaff

The Abundant Life Home (ALH) is an orphanage in Thailand that has become close to my wife Agnes’ heart and mine over the last years. I eagerly jumped on board when it came time to draw up plans and brainstorm about the houses that would best meet the needs of the children. Together Agnes and I prayed that God would provide the building project superintendent to carry out the day to day tasks necessary to complete the project. Then I noticed Walter at a meeting and it struck me that he would be a great man for the job. The thought came into my mind that I should pray specifically about him taking on this task.

One day I entered our office and began to engage my daughter who works there, but she quickly said, “Dad, I don’t have time for you right now.” As she was saying this I was walking toward the window and saw Walter strolling down the road. “Actually, I don’t have time either!” I said to her as I rushed out to my car. I drove up beside Walter and told him, “I have been praying for you.” I went on to share the idea with him and told him I thought he would be great for the role and that it seemed like God might be guiding me to him. He expressed openness to consider the opportunity, and even admitted his desire to be involved in an international mission project like his brother who has been for so many years in Asia.

So Walter went home and shared the idea with his wife and they took time to consider and pray about it. The rest is history. Walter has become the superintendent we needed to help the building project along. He has been in Thailand months at a time overseeing the building of several homes and has spent time bonding with the kids as a grandfather. His presence in Thailand is a blessing not only with the physical structure but also with the loving emotional support he brings to the homes.

Karen, the founder of ALH, wrote this about Walter’s work: “The younger boys in the orphanage loved to play the Wii with Walter. Watching them play together, it was hard to tell who was having more fun—the ten year old boy or the 65 year old grandpa! The neighbor in this small village would often get so irate at Walter during the Wii games because Walter got so loud and so into the game that he would pound on the adjoining wall! Then everything would go deathly quiet and about a minute later the boys and Walter would collapse on the floor in a big heap of giggling bodies all over the place!”

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

Is God confirming my steps?

As you pray about the ideas that develop in your mind, God will often give you confirmations that he is guiding your steps. How is God doing this in your life?

Date: _____________________

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21).

This Is Not The Life I Ordered

Evy Klassen

Sitting in my car at the mall, I turned off my ignition wanting, needing to pray. Self-conscious, I turned my head to the car to the left to ensure no one was watching. The mug sitting on the dash displayed, “This is not the life I ordered.” The message gripped me as I recalled my vocation confusion over the past 20 years. I pictured a restaurant wheel that waiters use to spin the order to the chef. The choice was before me: Do I want my specific order or do I want the feast the Chef has prepared for me?

As a teen I sensed an invitation to surrender full control of my life to God. I was very hesitant to do so for of a number of reasons, one being that God would make me be a missionary. After months of wrestling, I gave in. My heart towards missions completely changed overnight and that became my number one desire. Suddenly there was nothing more that I wanted than to spend the rest of my life serving overseas.

After Steve and I started dating, he encountered Jesus in a dynamic way that ruined him for the ordinary. He went away with YWAM for three years before coming home passionate about two things: to start a training and retreat centre in Abbotsford, and to marry me. God clearly directed us to be together. I loved Steve deeply and felt very grateful for my children and my life. But I never stopped wrestling with the confusion of my call to missions and being stuck in Abbotsford. When missionaries pleaded for people to join them, I felt like I was jumping up and down saying “Pick me! Pick me!” but would never be chosen. The verses in Isaiah 58 about feeding the hungry and clothing the naked made my heart come alive. So I wrestled and struggled with the vision of the MARK Centre and with creating such a fine building.

God met me in my struggles and spoke peace to my heart. In silence I felt I heard Jesus thank me for creating a space for people to take time to listen. Knowing my longings, God blessed me even further. We received an international leader from a remote tribal area in Asia who came to the MARK Centre to be trained by us! When he arrived, he shared stories from his life of rescuing orphans, feeding, clothing and providing schooling for them. He shared of his involvement in caring for the disabled. The week after he arrived back to his home he was able to teach over 1000 people about embracing a lifestyle of listening to God. God brought this man to us, enabling me to participate in what my heart has been longing to do.

This encounter made my heart soar. And I say, “Bring on the feast!”

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

Are there longings I am waiting for?

Mary said yes to a life she never would have imagined. Is there something you are being asked to say yes to? Letting go is rarely easy, waiting for dreams to unfold can be confusing and painful. What’s God’s invitation to you?

Date: _____________________

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

The Rock Wall

Steve Klassen

As the city of Abbotsford has grown, Old Yale Road has become a hectic thoroughfare, so we’re glad we decided to build a rock wall at the front bank of the MARK Centre property—even though it took two and a half years to build it!

The wall is five and a half feet tall and meanders one hundred feet with natural rock on both sides. Each rock was mortared in by hand with the help of friends, relatives, volunteers and participants from the TREK program. What started as a nice idea on a sunny weekend in spring ended up requiring hundreds of hours of work by as many as eighty different people. We really had no clue as to the scope of the task, yet to this day we don’t regret tackling the giant one bit. On the contrary, there are several life lessons we have taken from the project that we reflect on from time to time.

Slowing down is necessary. It took about a two-hour session to place ten rocks on the wall. Nearly every individual who helped in this work was tempted to hurry, and when you hurry with rocks and mortar, things go wrong. So I often slowed people down as we patiently put a few rocks in place and waited for mortar to dry.

Unfinished work is frustrating. Staring at ugly cinder blocks gets old, but a firm foundation was critical so we had to build the inner structure of the entire wall first. Perspective became a theme for conversation. Are we going to get discouraged by focusing on the unfinished things in our lives, or are we going to embrace the present moments and keep moving forward?

One step at a time. During the time we were building the rock wall I happened to be training to run my first marathon. Thinking about kilometre seventeen when you are currently running kilometre two doesn’t do you any good. One step at a time is how you have to run. It was the same with the rock wall. Choosing a rock, enjoying its beauty, and placing it carefully was part of the process. Enjoy the beauty that is emerging. As rocks slowly replaced the ugly cinder foundation, we celebrated what was coming. It was beautiful. It gave us hope.

Persevere. As we were close to finishing one TREK participant named Janelle had more faith than I did to see the task completed. She believed we could finish before her training phase ended, but I didn’t agree. She smiled, put in some extra hours and we finished earlier than expected. When I asked her what single word she would choose to describe the project, she said, “Perseverance.” That commitment to keep doing the next thing until the project is done is what stays with me to this day. Peter, a friend and fellow marathon runner said, “Energy directed consistently toward a goal results in progress.”

Listening To God In Community

Am I a part of something significant?

What is your role? Are you being stirred to come alongside someone else, or is God stirring people to help you with your dream? What are you learning?

Date: __________________

“So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work on the house of the LORD Almighty, their God” (Haggai 1:14).

Small Seeds

Steve Klassen

Tuesday afternoon I decided to buy some seeds to use as an illustration in our training session Wednesday afternoon on listening to God. So when I went to a different meeting for spiritual directors Wednesday morning I had the seeds in my jacket pocket ready for the session coming after lunch. The woman guiding the morning opening listening exercise started by saying, “Today I want you to think about seeds.” I knew I was in the right place.

She went on to lead us in a listening exercise from a parable in Mark 4 that featured seeds. We were encouraged to think about what God was doing in our hearts, how his work in us grows and matures and eventually bears fruit. She had no idea that I had a bag of seeds in my jacket pocket, nor did she know I was preparing to guide the group from a parable in Mark 4!

You can imagine the energy and confidence I brought into the afternoon training on listening to God. The seeds we touched that day with our hands reminded us of the life-giving potential of God’s words. Since that day my ears have been more attentive to the ways people are listening and how God is using them to inspire others. When we listen and hear something from God it really is like a seed that is planted. God’s messages go into our hearts, they grow and take root, and over time they produce something beautiful.

But it doesn’t end there. The something beautiful multiplies. Just as Isaiah’s practice of listening in the mornings ended up “sustaining the weary” (Isaiah 50:4), so in Mark 4 the hearing and receiving of the word results in many people being impacted:

“Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown” (Mark 4:20).

Since that day the woman challenged me to think about seeds, the theme of multiplication in connection with listening to God has captured my imagination in a new way. Around that time we developed an overriding goal for the MARK Centre that is grounded in the parables of Mark 4. We identified our passion “to serve some who will inspire others to embrace a lifestyle of listening to God.” My awareness of the connection between “serving some” and the “inspiring of others” is increasing. And seeds provide the perfect picture.

Listening To God Through Scripture

Is there a word growing in me like a seed?

Seeds are usually small and unassuming, but they are packed with life and great potential. They need water and the right environment to grow, but once they get going it’s difficult to stop them. Is there a word, a message growing in you that is overflowing to others?

Date: __________________

“A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head” (Mark 4:26-28).

My Defender

Steve Klassen

At one point in my journey I was asked to submit to a one day evaluation process for a program I was directing. The evaluation was set for a Monday, and the day before I preached a message in a church in Vancouver. I remember thinking it went well.

That afternoon several men started to arrive from different parts of North America for the Monday evaluation. As I picked up one of them at the airport I quickly realized that he was not happy with the direction my program was going. I became anxious and afraid.

The next day I sat through what I still refer to as the hardest day of my life. The evaluation process felt unfair to me. I felt accused falsely in a personal way and I felt like the program was being judged before it had a chance to show results. I was still anxious and afraid, but now I was also angry and wounded.

On Friday of that same week a banquet took place. I was asked by my leaders to attend and I agreed to do it even though I really did not want to go. My heart was discouraged and downcast about Monday’s evaluation. Strangely enough, the banquet took place at the same church I had preached at the Sunday before.

Just before the meal at the banquet all the visiting leaders, including me, were introduced. Then the pastor of the church stood up and welcomed everyone and did something I will never forget as long as I live. Having no idea what I had gone through on Monday, this pastor singled me out and said from the mike, “I would like to say something about that man over there, Steve Klassen.” He then affirmed me in front of a room full of people and explained, “though Steve doesn’t know this, after he preached and went home a man stayed behind because he was so impacted by Steve’s message he just couldn’t leave his seat.” Apparently as I was driving home this man who had never been in church before stayed and gave his life to God. The pastor was so extravagant in his comments toward me in front of the packed auditorium it was embarrassing.

In one week I experienced one of the worst days of my life and then an unusual outpouring of extravagant appreciation and favor. The memory has burned into my heart and taught me to trust God when I’m tempted to defend myself.

Listening To God At Work Around Us

Am I being defensive?

When God comes to our defense it is an incredibly affirming experience. But what about the times when you feel like God is distant or quiet or taking too long to come to your defense? Do you take things into your own hands or do you choose to trust?

Date: __________________

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty, I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2).

Chaos

Evy Klassen

Every year Judy decorates the rooms of the MARK Centre chalet in preparation for our Christmas Silent Walk-Thru. She chooses a theme and does an amazing job creating a unique experience in each room. The special evening allows people to view the rooms at their own paceand take time to listen and reflect.

A few years ago we had a guest check out after the first night into our three-day open house giving us another room to add to our smorgasbord of themed rooms. The overall theme chosen for this year was, “Inviting Jesus Into Our...” Of the seven rooms, one was “Living Spaces,” another was “Time,” another “Relationships.” We didn’t have much time to prepare the eighth room before the open house began that night so we chose an easy topic to create, “Chaos.” And I was chosen as the chief designer for the room.

It was really, really easy to prepare. I left the bed unmade and added a shoe, some clothing and a towel. I squirted toothpaste into the sink and placed towels on the floor. For the living area I literally took my mess from my home and transported it to the room. In the kitchen I fried an egg, left ketchup squeezed on the counter, dirty dishes in the sink, and the hood fan running. It was disturbing. Some people couldn’t even handle even going into the room, while others stayed for a long time.

The room designated as “Inviting Jesus Into Our Living Spaces” was immaculate. It only remotely resembled my own home after intensive cleaning just before company arrives. Guilt visited me as I walked through this perfect room and I recognized that “Chaos” was a much better representation of my house. When unexpected company comes I’m always apologizing for the mess. I remember one time when my mother-in-law dropped by with friends from England, and as I looked at my mess, I stammered out, “It was clean earlier!” She quickly interrupted me by saying, “But then you lived!” Ah, what consoling words.

Anyways, as guilt was calling in the immaculate room at the MARK Centre, I heard a surprising whisper, “This is where you live on the inside. Keep living here, and invite people to this peace.

This nugget of truth has stayed with me. Since that day I have found freedom to welcome people into my space without apologizing at every turn. It motivates me to stay in tune with the Prince of Peace so that his peace can radiate from me.

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

Am I free?

Are you comparing yourself to others? Are you allowing guilt to prevent you from living freely and lightly? Invite God to give you his perspective.

Date: __________________

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15a).

Today

Evy Klassen

On October 21, 2001, I thought I heard a whisper that our family of five kids was to enlarge. The next day, I heard it again, except more powerfully this time through a vision I had while listening to a recording of the song, “I Come to the Garden Alone.” Was God speaking to me, or was I making it up? Was I really going to have another baby?

Four years and one miscarriage later, I became pregnant once again. I knew in my heart that this child was planned and chosen for our family. I was excited, yet when I walked through department stores and saw all the baby paraphernalia that I would have to accumulate once again, I felt overwhelmed.

The first time that these overwhelming feelings threatened to sink me was the day of Ellarie’s birthday party. In the evening when I was tucking her into bed, she showed me her gifts. One was a musical snow globe. After I wound it, tears came to my eyes as I heard the song for the first time since October 22, 2001. “I Come to the Garden Alone” played over and over again, reminding me that this child had been chosen for our family.

Not too long afterwards as I pondered my future, I was once again completely overwhelmed. It had been more than seven years since I had given birth to our youngest, and fifteen years since I had been pregnant with my first. I was nearing my 40th birthday. I cried out to God, “How am I going to make it through these next twenty years?” The answer came quickly and washed over me, giving me courage deep in my soul: “One day at a time.”

Those five words have been my anchor for almost six years now: “One day at a time.” Those words have strengthened me in many different situations in my life. Today is the gift that I have to enjoy. When I try to figure out and make sense of it all, life becomes too intense and difficult. Today, I have today.

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

What is the next thing for me to do?

When life is overwhelming, this question can bring relief. Carrying the weight of many things wears us down and blurs our vision. There are some things we can do and there are some we can’t. Asking God to show us the next thing might bring freedom and hope. So what’s next?

Date: __________________

“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).

My Heritage

Steve Klassen

The words pierced my heart with an immediate understanding that they related to my future. “Press into your heritage,” Stan said to me as we parted ways, perhaps to never see each other again on this earth.

“Press into your heritage.” What did Stan mean by that? What did God mean by that?

I remember drinking tea with my grandmother Mary Klassen. And I can still see the ambulance coming up the driveway at the time of her death. Her husband, CF Klassen, died very young. You can read about him in various books that record the story of Mennonite refugees fleeing from Europe around the time of the Second World War. The best one, of course, is the one my parents wrote called Ambassador To His People: C.F. Klassen and the Russian Mennonite Refugees (Herbert and Maureen Klassen, Winnipeg: Kindred Press, 1990). CF was an ambassador during those desperate days. He helped individuals who still talk about him today. He also worked tirelessly at a higher level seeking permission from government leaders and making arrangements so ships and railways would allow thousands of Mennonites to make the trek from war-torn Europe to a new start in North and South America.

As I have been involved with Mennonite churches right across Canada I have often interacted with grey haired folks who remember CF with deep gratitude. In 2008 when I was asked to give a tribute to my grandfather at a gathering of Mennonites who he helped get out of Europe in 1948, I faced the most emotional speaking engagement of my life. As I prepared to speak about my grandfather I came back to one thing about CF that people over the years have immediately thought of when they remember him. “Gott Kann” (German for “God is able”) came from his lips often as he and others faced depressing and sometimes impossible situations. CF gave people hope as he declared again and again that God was able.

Remembering my grandfather is one of the ways I have pressed into my heritage over the years since Stan spoke those words to me in 1984. I’m deeply grateful for my family history. As I face various challenges I have come back to CF’s declaration and made it my own. God is able.

Listening To God In Community

What heritage has God given me?

As you consider the lives of your parents or grandparents, what do you want to carry forward? Is there something you want to walk away from? Is God birthing a new legacy through you?

Date: __________________

“The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance” (Psalm 16:6).

Trust

Evy Klassen

I wish I didn’t have to use the word, jealous, to describe me, but I do. I wish I could claim to be completely confident, but I can’t. At one point in my life, when I struggled regularly with insecurity, I turned desperately to the Scriptures for help. Once again, I was in my favourite help tank—a bathroom. I opened the Bible to 1 Corinthians 13, sure that I would find the word, jealous, in there somewhere, hoping to find a way to be free. The Bible I had in my hands was Eugene Peterson’s translation called The Message. I scoured the text and was arrested by the words, “Love... trusts God always.” What? It’s not about jealousy? It’s about trusting you?

“Can you trust me, Evy, even in this situation?”

I used to think that trust meant to completely abandon myself to a fierce God who might destroy me. No wonder I hated that word. However, during one of my first silent retreats, my definition of trust was replaced by a picture of me allowing God, the One who loves me completely, to come close to me and to stay close throughout whatever life brings. This revised definition of trust was staring me in the face and the question came back to me in my time of insecurity and jealousy.

“Evy, will you let me be close to you even now?”

The journey of trust is a daily one. I wish I could say that I’ve mastered it once and for all but I can’t. Every day, it seems that I receive opportunities to practice it. Every day, I am invited to trust.

Love trusts God fully. Love trusts fully, the God who fully loves.

Listening To God Through Scripture

Do I believe something about God that isn’t true?

Are you hanging on to a misconception about God that conflicts with Scripture? Take some time to ponder what that might be and invite Truth to speak and to set you free.

Date: __________________

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Little Coincidences

Steve Klassen

At an early morning prayer meeting a man in my small group quoted Isaiah 50:4 from memory in his prayer. I enjoyed it as I listened since it was already one of my favourite verses in Scripture. Later that same morning I met with a man I have never sat with before or since. At the end of our meeting he asked if he could give me a verse of Scripture. It was Isaiah 50:4.

A similar thing happened to my friend Mike one morning when he was given Psalm 121 via email from two people in different countries within a few hours! The two had no connection with each other so it was clearly a divine orchestration.

Another time as Mike was going through some of the hardest days of his life, he went back to the basics of his faith and identified the phrase, “Faith, family, and friends.” He told himself, “This is what I want to focus on during this season of my life.” He wrote it down in his journal on Wednesday, spoke it out loud, and liked the sound of it. On Thursday, he wrote it down again. Friday, when Mike was driving his car and listening to an interview on the radio, the basketball coach John Wooden was asked the question, “To what do you attribute your success in life?” Wooden’s answer was clear and simple, “Faith, family, and friends.” Mike nearly drove off the road in amazement. His heart was reassured that God was with him in this difficult time.

Many years ago I remember my older sister Tanya was trying to make a decision as she considered joining a European outreach with YWAM called “Operation Nineveh.” As she headed into the weekend she told God she was tired of waiting and would make a decision herself if he didn’t guide her one way or the other. When she walked into church Sunday morning in Salem, Oregon she picked up the bulletin for the day which had a picture of a city and the Scripture from Jonah at the bottom, “Arise, go to Nineveh!” She went to Europe and joined Operation Nineveh and ended up staying for about five years with YWAM Germany.

Remarkable synchronicity or little coincidences can move us beyond merely subjective experiences toward a lifestyle of hearing God. We’ve connected with many who have stumbled upon amazing encounters with God through the repetition of a word or phrase that has taken place quite beyond their control of situations and events. When you listen to their stories, the immediate response is amazement, often laughter: “Wow, only God could have orchestrated that!”

Listening To God At Work Around Us

Am I paying attention?

Jehovah Shammah means, the Lord who is present. If the One who is present is carefully orchestrating experiences for you, wouldn’t it make sense to fully enjoy them? The messages you hear may come in the form of little coincidences. Watch for them.

Date: __________________

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).

At The Gym

Randy Friesen

While my wife Marjorie and I were on a trip we found a gym at the local mall where I could get a workout and Marjorie could window shop. As we entered the elevator another woman joined us. I had a strong prompting that I was to talk to her, but I suppressed it.

A few minutes later I was pedaling on an exercise bike and the same woman we had met in the elevator came and began pedaling on the bike next to mine. Once again I had a prompting to talk to her. The coincidence of seeing her again seemed a little too obvious so I began a friendly conversation. Eventually I asked her what she did for a living. She had a few professions, one being a musician. I asked her, “What kind of music do you play?”

She replied that she was a folk musician and recently had recorded her first album. I then remarked that many musicians would like to record some day, and asked about what had given her the courage to follow through. Her reply startled me: “I had a near-death experience, and since then I’ve wanted to communicate through music how it changed me.”

When I asked her about it, she described a bike accident several years ago, when she had gone over her handlebars and landed on the sidewalk. She said that she then found herself looking in the second-floor window of a bedroom. When she reached out to the window her hand passed through the glass. She turned and looked down to see her bike and broken body on the sidewalk. It was then she realized she was no longer in her body. I asked her, “Did you meet Jesus in that place?” Now it was her turn to be startled. “How did you know?” she replied.

When she had “woken up” in the intensive care ward she was quoting, “the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want...” over and over again. A nurse then asked her if she knew what she was saying and she had replied, “No.” The nurse explained that it was a passage from the Bible, and showed her Psalm 23.

I asked her if she knew who the shepherd was. She again said, “No.” I told her that the shepherd was Jesus, and that he had taught her that psalm because he wanted to lead her in life and provide for her needs. The pieces began to come together for her. She shared that for the past two years she had been trying to understand the Bible. Her friends didn’t share her spiritual interest so she struggled on alone in her spiritual quest. That morning, while walking her dog, she had prayed out loud telling God that she was tired of asking questions and getting no answers. If God was real, could he send someone to help her? A couple hours later we had this conversation on exercise bikes at the gym.

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

Is God prompting me to do something?

Often, your response to a prompting is an answer to another’s cry for help. Some promptings seem so ordinary you doubt they could be from God. At times it is not until later that you realize how your actions were truly in response to the Shepherd’s leading.

Date: __________________

“The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked. ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him” (Acts 8:29-31).

Slowing Down

Evy Klassen

This morning after we dropped his big sister Mia off at school, my son Malakai and I had forty-five minutes before preschool started. Normally I would shop for groceries, barely making it back in time for school to start, search tile stores for samples, or accomplish something else productive. Today, however, nothing was pressing.

We had his unread library book with us so we sat in the cold car with our jackets on and snuggled as we read Beatrix Potter. When it was time to say good-bye, Malakai gave me extra hugs and extra kisses before running off to play with his toys and friends.

As I drove away, Old Lady Fear came to visit me once again. She reminded me that our parting was so sweet, a good one to remember if I never saw him again. As I sat in my car, my eyes threatened to spill with tears as I brought my fears before the One who knows. Before I could even formulate a prayer these words floated across my mind. “You have experienced the sweetness of slowing down.” And with those words came peace, sweet peace.

Years ago I read a Sesame Street children’s story to my kids. It was the story of Grover and his buddies rushing out to go roller-skating leaving little Elmo behind. Grover’s grandfather notices Elmo’s distress and invites him to walk together to the zoo where they experience the wonder of animals and the delight of ice cream. Along the way grandpa says, “People who rush miss things.”

Over the years, those words have etched their way into my heart, calling me, even begging me to pay attention to them. People who rush miss things. Today, I experienced my son. We enjoyed each other and I tasted the sweetness of slowing down.

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

What is captivating my gaze?

Most of us live in a fast-paced, nervous culture with demands for instant results. What could slowing down and paying attention look like for you these days?

Date: __________________

“One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4 ESV).

Encouraging Voices

Steve Klassen

I did not expect to hear anything from God during the one and only marathon I ran in my life.

My training had gone well. I was ready for this. My focus was on running at my own pace rather than getting drawn into the excitement of the day and going too fast too soon. I wanted to finish alive and somewhere around three hours 30 minutes was my goal.

But I didn’t know much about the culture of running marathons so it was a surprise to me when about 20 miles into the race a man’s voice from the crowd called out the number on my chest and he yelled with authority, “2004. You’re looking great! You’re looking STROOOONG!!!”

My response was immediate and undeniable. The voice triggered a deep emotion as the words repeated in my mind. Then I started to speak to myself, “That was the voice of the Father, the voice of the Father, the voice of the Father.” I began to cry. I cried for about a kilometre. Then I started to laugh because I knew I would not be able to finish the race if I kept crying.

Soon after that experience my brother-in-law Greg began to run with me, which he did for the remainder of the race. I finished strong, mostly because of Greg’s presence with me, but also because the words from the man in the crowd kept going through my mind over and over. The exhilaration of finishing that marathon is still incomparable to anything in my life.

One of my friends thinks it was pretty interesting that I ran that race in 2003 and the number on my chest was 2004—the very year we would successfully build the MARK Centre chalet in Abbotsford and begin a ministry that I had dreamed about 20 years earlier.

There have been other encouraging voices in my life over the years. Some of them are surprising and quite random. I’m learning to pay attention more carefully.

The word I heard during the marathon has stayed with me and come back to reassure me that God is with me and encouraging me to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Listening To God In Community

Am I hearing encouraging messages?

Our Lord of hope often lifts people up and strengthens them by speaking through other people. Has someone said something to encourage you? Can you receive it? Are you speaking words of life to those around you?

Date: __________________

“If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God” (1 Peter 4:11).

Do Not Fret

Steve Klassen

I was in Mexico listening to God with a few men when we read the beginning of Psalm 37. The phrase that caught my attention was “do not fret.” As I let that word settle into my heart during some moments of silence I felt God was saying to me, “Do not fret about a lack of money or about any other challenges you are facing. Do not fret.”

Ten days later I was back in Canada involved with an inspiring city-wide worship and prayer gathering in my hometown of Abbotsford. Just before the meeting I greeted an elderly woman who I recognized but had not seen for years. Within seconds of sitting down together she said to me, “I don’t know what you are going through right now, but whatever it is you are soon going to look back and laugh. Psalm 37 says, ‘Do not fret’.”

The next evening before I went to bed I picked up a book about faith and finances. Here’s what I read: “Read Psalm 37. Its key message is to not worry over finances. Three times this Psalm says, ‘Do not fret’.”

In the days that followed I tried to savour this word from God and allow it to impact me. You can imagine that God probably spoke this word to me because I needed to hear it. I was fretting and giving in to anxiety over money and other stresses. I was losing sleep over things that I knew I needed to let go of, but somehow I wasn’t able to do that. But when this little word came to me something changed. The way it came touched me deep in my soul. Then as I continued to go back to Psalm 37 I realized something else.

I found it helpful to read Psalm 37 out loud again and see that there are numerous positives to experience rather than fretting.  It was transforming to write them out and see what God was truly inviting me to:

Do not fret so you can TRUST.

Do not fret so you can DELIGHT.

Do not fret so you can DWELL.

Do not fret so you can ENJOY.

Do not fret so you can COMMIT.

Listening To God Through Scripture

Am I anxious?

Are you worried about something you can’t control?

Maybe Psalm 37:1-11 would be a good place to hang out for a while.

Date: __________________

““Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Undeniable Synchronicity

Steve Klassen

Back in the days when you could smoke on airplanes, I was flying from Guam to Manila, Philippines. The gentleman sitting next to me was smoking a large cigar that would not go out. Early in the flight I had an impression that I was meant to talk with this man, but I procrastinated.

At the time, I was very interested in the history of spiritual awakenings and revivals. I was reading a book that my mother had given me called, I Saw the Welsh Revival by David Matthews (Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, 1957). As I read the book on the flight, I continued to have this nagging impression that I needed to talk with the man beside me.

Finally, I blurted out, “So where are you from?”

He quickly responded, “I’m from the place you are reading about in your book.”

If you know geography, you know that he was a long way from home. He began to tell me about his life and his family history that went all the way back to the Welsh revival in 1905. He admitted that his own journey with God was a difficult thing to talk about. He also let me know that his wife back home was praying for him, hoping that somehow he would reconnect with God.

Mr. Williamson started to tell me that he came from a family of preachers that went all the way back to the Welsh revival. “In fact,” he said, “my great grandfather was a prominent preacher in the Welsh revival.”

Then, as I paged through my book and Mr. Williamson smoked his cigar beside me, I actually found his great grandfather in my book! We both sat there in amazement.

I gave Mr. Williamson the book and he received it with gratitude and a renewed sense of God’s personal love for him. I was deeply impacted by the encounter at the time and the memory of it often stirs me to believe that God is active and incredibly caring for every individual on this earth.

“Your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20).

Listening To God At Work Around Us

Do I believe God is active in my life?

God the Initiator and Grand Orchestrator is actively present with each one of us. As you ponder the events of your life, take note of the ways God has been present with you. What is your response?

Date: __________________

“O Sovereign LORD, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?” (Deuteronomy 3:24).

Jinthanna

Karen Huebert-Sanchez

I discovered the 15-month-old in a hospital room in Thailand. The baby girl was covered in dried feces, was malnourished and had sores all over her body. I observed Jinthanna rocking in her crib to soothe herself. Nurses did not pick her up, feed her or bathe her. I learned that if the baby cried she was hit to silence her. Staff expected the HIV-positive baby to die, and did not feel the need to focus their strained resources on her.

“Go pick her up,” a voice inside my head insisted. I tried to ignore the message, but it persisted. I knew my heart would break if I picked her up, and I saw little hope of actually being able to help her and make a difference. Finally, I gave in and obeyed. The baby grabbed my hand and rubbed it along her cheek. That was it.

My hope to open an orphanage first started when I was just a girl. I had been adopted as a baby and grew up always hearing from my parents how special I was, and how they had prayed for a baby for many years. Something about the way they articulated it to me made me feel very blessed and loved. At about eight years old, I felt like I had this moment. I heard, “You should start an orphanage when you grow up.” I didn’t know how this would happen, but I trusted that my Savior would lead me and teach me how, when and where to do it. This vision was fanned to life when I met Jinthanna that day. Later I called a lady named Avis Rideout, the director of Agape Home, a successful orphanage that she opened in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Avis gave me hope by saying that if I could get custody of Jinthanna, she would take her! God maneuvered through the bureaucracy of the Thai hospital and government to have baby Jinthanna placed there.

This interaction led to the fulfillment of this lifelong dream. Now, with my husband and our four daughters, I run the Abundant Life Home (ALH) in Chonburi, Thailand. The first residents, five 11-year-old boys who had grown up in other orphanages together, arrived on April 28, 2006. When they drove up and got out of the van, I just started crying. I loved them instantly. I had this sensation come over me that this was what I was born to do.

Today I get to witness how young lives are changed—perhaps none more so than Jinthanna. She is a healthy, beautiful little girl now. I know I can’t help every child in need, but I want to give a safe, loving, stable home and childhood for as many kids as possible. I’m thankful for that still small voice all those years ago. I thank God all the time for this chance to see a childhood dream come true.

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

How is God using me to love my neighbour?

Compassion for people flowed liberally out of Jesus. Adults and children were drawn to him because he cared for them. How are you partnering with Jesus as you love others?

Date: _____________________

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and... love your neighbour as yourself ” (Mark 12:30-31).

Rest

Evy Klassen

Sometimes, maybe most times, I can’t believe I co-direct a retreat centre. Multi-tasking and resting don’t seem to fit in the same person. I specialize in listening on the run. As I write these words, I am making good use of a few moments of time while I wait for my daughter, Ellarie, as she interviews for her first job at McDonalds. My tea is brewing. Hopefully I’ll remember to drink it. It has been almost a decade since I first heard whispers from God reminding me to keep the Sabbath. Nearly ten years after the initial whisper, I just might be at the beginning of getting it. Because rest is such an ambiguous, elusive concept for me, I’ve come up with all sorts of great descriptors for it, acronyms like,

Recharge, Exit, Savor, be Thankful.

Read, Exercise, Slow down, Tinker.

Relax, Enjoy, Sleep, take Time.

But this old mare is one slow learner. You know you need help in this area when you give a big sigh in the dentist chair and settle in for some good R&R. (I’m serious!) There are a few things in my life that help me to put what I preach into practice.

Our new car is one of them. It’s 18 years old. I have learned that it runs more smoothly when I warm it up before I drive. The few minutes I take to let it get warm are tiny opportunities to slow down and breathe.

Even the simple act of making eye contact and smiling at the person walking by refreshes my heart, reminding me of God’s beautiful presence in others.

My young son is also a gift reminding me to enjoy life. Together we take time to explore ravines, throw rocks into the river and whack stinging nettles, ride bikes and wrestle. Each of my kids causes my heart to swell with gratitude and I feel like the richest woman alive because of them.

Steve pursues me and finds opportunities to take me away from it all to recharge, sleep in, read, and savor our relationship. On our getaways he often brings a Scripture for each day to enjoy together. Every time it’s a struggle for me to leave my kids, and every time I come home renewed. Even a day date carries me over with lasting refreshment.

Just reading over this list that I’ve written is causing me to be thankful, which is bringing refreshment to my bones. Maybe, just maybe, I’m learning how to rest.

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

What does rest look like for me?

When is the last time you took a break? When is the next time you plan on resting?

Date: _____________________

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God: for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his” (Hebrews 4:9-10).

Bitter Hosts

Evy Klassen

By the time the MARK Centre chalet was built in 2004, I was exhausted. I had never suffered post partum depression with any of my babies, but now I felt like I understood what it must be like. Suddenly, I felt like I had this big baby that I wanted nothing to do with. We had beautiful rooms nicely decorated and lovely beds made up with sheets and comfy quilts, but I felt angry that someone would dare come and sleep on them and then make us wash them! This twenty-year dream was finally a reality and all I wanted to do was run away from it.

I don’t know if it was the stress of relying on donations every step along the way, or if it was the burden of adding a significant responsibility into our busy lives. Whatever it was, I was overwhelmed.

Right after our grand opening, Steve whisked me away on a holiday, just the two of us. We arrived at the B&B he had booked and were met by some very welcoming and gracious hosts. Point blank, I asked them, “Why are you so nice to us?” I went on to explain our situation. I felt like my gifts in hospitality would never resurface.

Our hosts explained how they too were exhausted after they renovated their home to create their B&B. They quickly realized that they would be bitter hosts if they didn’t take time to rest and refresh themselves. They learned the importance of making boundaries and taking time away, so that when guests came to them they could welcome them graciously.

For me, the lesson was profound and timely. I was raised in a culture that says, “Give, serve, and welcome anyone who needs help. Don’t be selfish.” So taking time to figure out life-giving boundaries has not been easy for me. Guilt quickly gets in the way.

What I learned on that holiday from our B&B hosts has stayed with me. To resist being refreshed makes life uncomfortable for those around me. I want to be welcoming but I am learning that it is only by receiving refreshment from God that I can learn to give it to others with grace.

Listening To God In Community

Am I saying yes and no from a peaceful centre?

Take some time to be alone with God and ask: What have I said yes to lately? Is my yes in response to God’s invitation or my sense of obligation? What have I said no to? What am I being invited to say no to?

Date: _____________________

“I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul” (Psalm 131:1-2).

Watch With Me

Lori Nickel

Over a period of weeks I had been struck with how often Jesus invited his disciples to “watch and pray.” I had a sense God was asking me if I would watch and pray with him too. So I asked him to teach me the difference between watching for him, and watching with him.

A couple of weeks later my day began in Acts 14. Three words in verse 9 jumped off the page at me: “observing him intently.” The Holy Spirit directed Paul to turn his attention to the man sitting before him who had been crippled since birth. Then I realized, “This is what happens when we watch with God.” My prayer that morning before I left for work was, “God, where does your gaze want to linger today through my eyes? Who, through me, are you looking intently at today? I want to watch with you.”

By the time 4:00 p.m. rolled around, my day was feeling very gray and my heart was stormy. I got home and immediately put on my runners and headed out the door to go on a “venting” walk with Jesus. I began by telling God my desire to just feel sorry for myself and I asked him if he would be into that. “No, but I can speak truth to your heart,” was what I heard inside. I felt so tempted to indulge my hurt feelings, but I knew I would walk it alone. “I want to know truth in my inward parts. I choose you God,” was my answer.

I walked on, processing my response and my thoughts with God. At first I didn’t notice a van that had pulled a U-turn on the road ahead and stopped to wait for me. There sat a friend from 15 years ago whom I had met at our kids’ elementary school, and had run into every 1-2 years after that. After quickly catching up, my friend began sharing the burdens of her heart with me. The Holy Spirit prompted me to ask her if I could pray with her. So there in her van we together invited God’s intervention in her life. As she drove off, I immediately heard these words from God: “This is who I was intently looking at today.”

As I turned toward home, enjoying the pink and orange hues of the setting sun, my heart filled with wonder. I felt so grateful that my God would invite me to watch and pray with him.

Listening To God Through Scripture

Am I open to seeing through God’s eyes today?

Where does God’s gaze linger as you watch with him? Who have you noticed? What is God inviting you to do?

Date: __________________

“Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:4-5).

Our Process

Steve Klassen

I am a Vancouver Canucks fan. I grew up watching hockey like many Canadians and I have always cheered for the Canucks. Every new season I am drawn in to believe this could be the year they win their first highly-coveted Stanley Cup. This year (2011) they got very close, but Boston prevailed in the Final.

One day we were working on a brochure for a day retreat called AWAKEN. The man we asked for help got us thinking when he said, “What’s your process? You must have a process you use when you lead people on any of your retreats that you can apply to this one.” We looked at Gerry with blank faces, but the wheels in my mind got turning.

The next morning I was listening to my favourite sports radio station when the coach of the Vancouver Canucks was interviewed. It was at a time when they were losing more than winning, but Alain Vigneault didn’t seem to be too concerned. He made it clear that they were highly committed to a process and confident they would see results soon. He used the word process three times in a short interview and as he did my ears perked up. Soon the Canucks were winning again, and Vigneault’s critics were silenced. Under his leadership they went on to win the Presidents’ Trophy in 2011, finishing with the best regular season record in the whole NHL.

We all like results. Who wants to work hard at any project without seeing good results? But the Canucks coach emphasized the process more than the outcomes. As we took time to think about our process of leading people in listening to God we realized that four things consistently guide our work. Whether it is a day retreat or a season of training people, these guidelines define our process:

- We welcome people personally.

- We create an atmosphere of expectancy by telling stories of how others have heard God’s voice and providing teaching on listening to God.

- We make space for people to slow down and listen.

- We provide listening tools to help people practice a lifestyle of listening to God.

You may have noticed the first letters in those four key words spell WEST, which is where we live and where the Canucks play.

Listening To God At Work Around Us

What am I working towards?

Every home and business has a culture and flavour that makes it unique. Have you discovered yours? Do you have a process you are following?

Date: __________________

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love” (Ephesians 4:16, NLT).

Bob

Steve Klassen

The last day of June 1994 was the happiest day of my life.

I was out in a large field behind Redeemer College in Hamilton, Ontario reading a page from Thomas Kelly’s A Testament of Devotion that grabbed my heart early that morning. The impact was immediate and tangible—I felt light and free as I read Kelly’s ideas on listening to God.

The day unfolded a little differently than expected, but that was fine because reading Kelly had prepared me to chill out and relax. His emphasis on God being active lifted something off my shoulders. I was joyful and ready to listen. So when I was asked on the spot to lead a group of young adults into Toronto I agreed with a smile.

All day long in Toronto I was aware of God’s encouraging presence. The mood from my early morning experience did not depart. I was light and free and downright happy.

At midnight the whole group was worshiping and praying for the city in a downtown park. I was playing my trumpet and Gareth was leading us on guitar. I was talking to God under my breath, thanking him for how the day was going, when I noticed a man watching us from a distance. My eyes fixed on him. Then I began to get an impression that I was meant to chat with him. As I listened the idea that went through my mind was something like this: “Steve, if you go over and talk with that guy he is going to respond to me. He is ready to respond.”

I put down my trumpet, walked over and introduced myself. At once it became clear this was an encounter guided by God. To my amazement, Bob had just prayed, “God, if you are out there, then get that guy to put down his trumpet and come talk to me.” Bob was ready to take his life. In anger he had just thrown out everything in his home that reminded him of God, except his worship music that still soothed him when he was feeling suicidal. When he heard us worshiping in the park it again touched him and opened his heart. We had an amazing visit that ended with Bob asking if we were involved in any services in the city on Sunday morning. I told him I was preaching in Kitchener, Ontario. Sure enough Sunday morning Bob showed up at the church and our friendship took off. I flew into Toronto several times a year at that time and was usually greeted by Bob. He took me wherever I needed to go and our friendship deepened. We often looked back at the night we met with amazement. About three years later I got a phone call from Bob with the invitation to be his best man at his wedding!

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

Is listening light and free?

Sometimes we get so preoccupied with striving to do something for God that we don’t hear him saying that he wants to do something through us. Is listening to God a burden for you or a joy? Jesus promised his yoke was easy and his burden light.

Date: __________________

“ You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you” (Psalm 86:5).

I Am Just

Evy Klassen

I was sitting with my spiritual director, processing why I struggle receiving blessings and good gifts from God. After a time of silence I confessed I don’t believe God is just. And because he isn’t doing a good job, I have put myself in charge of determining justice. Since others suffer and struggle, I need to as well. Since others don’t have, I need to refuse God’s provision. I then took this belief and brought it before I AM. This is what came to mind:

I AM JUST, FEROCIOUSLY JUST. I DEVOUR INJUSTICE.

Then I realized that what I see is a drop in the bucket, not eternity. It is as though I spit in the face of God when I slander myself and refuse to receive the good gifts God gives. I then spoke out, “ YOU are the King of justice. I repent of trying to wear that crown.” Demoting myself does nothing to solve injustice. If I believe that I am chosen, I will more readily be able to help others embrace that as well. My job then is to ask, “How can I participate with the One who is just?

Steve and I have some friends who love to provide rest for us. From time to time they spoil us by using their points to fly us to destinations to get away from the busyness of life. This year they flew us to Hawaii. As we were flying over the Pacific I started reading a novel set in the 1930’s in the Ukraine. It describes the horrible conditions in the land and the desperate acts of people who were starving. I quickly realized this book would do nothing to help me enjoy a vacation. But I kept on reading. When we arrived in Maui I was surprised to discover we were staying a few doors down from the resort my family visited in 1976 when I was 11. One morning I went for a jog through the resort. As I did so, I was overcome with the realization that my dad, who had suffered the brutal murder of his father during the Stalin era in the Ukraine, had brought his family to Hawaii. The Ukraine with its rich soil should have been fertile in the 30’s, but because of an unjust and cruel dictator, the people were starving. Only now is it beginning to recover as great people and organizations are working hard together. My dad too devoted his years in Canada to providing aid and supporting national workers for the advancement of the gospel in the former Soviet Union. If my dad who had lived through so much could receive the blessing of a Hawaiian vacation, why couldn’t I? My heart was then reminded to continue my father’s legacy of generosity and to simply say to God, “Thank you.”

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

Do I know the One who is just?

Spend some time pondering the Scripture at the bottom of this page. What are your thoughts?

Date: __________________

“‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight, ’ declares the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

True Or False?

Evy Klassen

As I was nearing my 40th birthday, I remember being filled with self-doubt. I assumed that the many accusations and critical thoughts I felt toward myself were what God thought of me. For my birthday, I received cards with some very affirming and kind words. I was suddenly at a crossroads. Either my negative thoughts were true, or the words written by others to me were true. They were opposed to each other, so they couldn’t both be right. I spoke out my choice to believe that the words written in the cards were true. I suggested to God that if he wanted me to believe otherwise, he should tell me, and that until I heard differently, I would believe that these affirming words were from him.

That decision altered my lifelong pattern of dismissing affirmation from others. Instead, I began to learn to say thank you.

The Scriptures are full of words that express God’s heart for us. God says, “I have called you by name, you are mine. I knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. I rejoice over you with singing. You are my beloved sons and daughters.”

We’ve noticed that people who have spent time intentionally listening to God are often coming away with the same experience—they are hearing a message of intimate love. God is telling them he loves them and as they hear him they are able to let go of the accusing and condemning thoughts. “I love you. Those accusing thoughts are not from me. You are beautiful. You make me smile. You are my beloved, my delight.”

As I learn to receive these words of affirmation for myself, I am also learning to speak life-giving words to others. I too can be a messenger like those who wrote in my birthday cards, a messenger that brings good news, which speaks the truth, the message from God to each one of us, “I love you.”

Listening To God In Community

What words am I receiving?

What words have been spoken or written to you that have given you life? Do you believe them? Do they contradict what you tend to believe about yourself? Take some time to breathe in the truth of the Scripture below.

Date: __________________

“I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me” (Song of Songs 7:10).

Listening Tools

Experiencing Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina, the ancient method of praying the Scripture, has become a favorite tool for us as a couple when we want to enjoy the Bible together. When we get a chance to get away on an extended date, Steve will often bring a psalm or a story from Scripture.

Over the years, we've introduced Lectio Divina to our children and to a group of families that we meet with on a bi-monthly basis. Our time together has been christened, Soup Sunday. As well, when groups and individuals come through the MARK Centre we offer complimentary listening experiences which take the form of Lectio Divina. When we did some marriage counseling with a young couple, we encouraged them to incorporate Lectio into their dating life as a married couple.

Listening to Scripture together in community often brings a richness to the Word of God that we would miss if we listened only on our own. Insights that children come up with are often profound. Strangers can listen together and be encouraged and enriched on their journeys by hearing from each other. Every meeting of the MARK Centre Board begins with a listening experience from Scripture. For us, Scripture comes alive and the impact of one session stays with us, sometimes for years.

You don't have to be a Bible scholar to be able to lead a group with Lectio Divina. The purpose is not exegesis or intense study, but rather to savor the Word of God like sucking a hard candy. It’s not about debating or trying to figure everything out. Sometimes more questions than answers emerge, which perhaps only get answered over time. It is about allowing the Word of God to come alive in your life today and to bear fruit that will remain.

A friend going on vacation recently asked Steve for some favourite passages he has used with groups over the years. Here are some of the stories Steve sent to him. Start with this list or any of your favourite passages.

Gospel Stories: Mark 1:35-39; Mark 10:46-52; John 2:1-11; Luke 10:38-42

Psalms: 1; 23; 37:1-11; 84; 131; 139:1-18

Old Testament Stories: I Samuel 3:1-21; I Kings 19:9b-13a

Listening To God Through Scripture

Lectio Divina

Receiving and savoring the Word

INVITATIONS FROM GOD

“Speak Lord, your servant is listening” (I Sam 3:10).

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9).

“Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good and your soul will delight in the richest of fare”

(Isaiah 55:2).

PURPOSE

- This prayerful reading of Scripture is meant to be an experience of hearing and receiving words from God in the here and now.

- Lectio Divina has been compared to feasting on the Word.

- This is one way of letting “the word of Christ dwell in you richly...” (Col 3:16).

PRACTICE

- In a quiet setting, read the passage out loud at least twice.

- Pay attention to the word or phrase that grabs you.

- In silence, allow God to use that word or phrase to speak to your heart.

- Don’t try to figure out the whole passage, enjoy and savor what God is saying to you.

- What is the word or phrase stirring up in your heart? Write down your ideas.

- Read the passage out loud again. Pause for another minute of silence while you ponder the question: “Since what I have been meditating on is true, then what is my response?”

- If you are in a group, give opportunity to talk to each other about what God is saying to each of you.

Experiencing Spiritual Direction

We have been learning from a wide variety of people who are paying attention to God’s activity and discerning how to respond. Some refer to this practice as spiritual direction. Many authors have written about this worldwide movement and three pillars of the practice have been commonly identified. They still ring true today and guide our work:

1. God is always working

2. Responding to God is never sheer guesswork

3. Each soul is unique

For some, spiritual direction is most meaningful as a monthly practice. They go to be with their spiritual director for an hour of paying attention together. The director is usually well trained and experienced in helping individuals to listen and identify how God is at work in and around them.

For others, though they don’t engage in a formal monthly practice, the principles of this spiritual direction movement are becoming part of their lifestyle. They are learning to tune into God’s presence and activity in their lives.

Two questions have become our favorites as we listen to God at work around us:

1. What is God doing?

2. How am I responding?

We’ve noticed what happens to people when God’s activity becomes the focus rather than their own human efforts. Hope for the future increases as people realize that God is at work. Peace comes to anxious hearts as people reflect on God’s care for them. Again and again people recognize that God has been working far more than they have given him credit for until they take time to reflect.

Listening To God At Work Around Us

Spiritual Direction

Focusing on God’s activity and our response

INVITATIONS FROM GOD

“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him” (Isaiah 64:4).

“I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths” (Proverbs 4:11).

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come

in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

PURPOSE

- To become aware of the activity of God in and around you.

- To respond to God’s presence and initiatives.

PRACTICE

As a director

- Become a listener— “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue” (Proverbs 17:27-28).

- Ask questions linked with what you are hearing rather than trying to fix things and give answers.

As one being directed

- Pay attention to what has been happening lately, in you, around you, through you. Where and how have you noticed God working in your life? Is he inviting you to something?

- Notice your responses. What has brought you life and what has been difficult? When have you felt God’s pleasure and peace?

Experiencing Examen

There’s a great easy-reading book that we came upon called Sleeping with Bread by Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn and Matthew Linn (Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1995). The title comes from a time after World War II when the rescued orphaned children living in a refugee camp were given bread to hold on to at night so they could sleep in peace, knowing they would be able to eat again in the morning. The subtitle of the book is Holding What Gives You Life.

In this book, the authors explain a prayer exercise that St. Ignatius made popular in the 16th century called Examen, which is the Latin word for “exam” or “test.” In the Examen, we are instructed to daily ask ourselves two questions: “What was my consolation today?” and “What was my desolation?” Or, in another way, “What drew me toward God?” and “What distanced me from God?”

The authors of Sleeping With Bread go on to explain that,

“As we do this Examen process every day, a pattern emerges... Agnes Sanford referred to the pattern as our ‘sealed orders’ from God. By this she meant that it is as if before we were born, each of us talked over with God the special purpose of our time on earth. Throughout our lives each of us discovers more and more deeply our unique sealed orders, a way that only we are gifted to give and receive love” (pp.20-21).

We keep going back to the quote from Howard Thurman: “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

What makes you come alive? What are you holding onto that gives you life?

Listening To God Through Our Hearts

Examen

Listening to what brings life to your heart

INVITATIONS FROM GOD

“Come to me with your ears wide open, listen and you will find life” (Isaiah 55:3a, NLT).

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... And be thankful” (Col.3:15).

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

PURPOSE

- To discover more and more our unique identity and how we best give and receive love.

- To notice the accumulation of “insignificant moments” which form a pattern and give us direction in life.

- To become “fully alive.” Because man fully alive is the glory of God (St. Irenaeus).

PRACTICE

- Take some time to reflect on your day or week with gratitude. As you do, ask yourself the two types of questions from the Examen: “For what am I most grateful?” and “For what am I least grateful?”; “What gave me the most life?” and “What drained me the most?” This can be done alone or in community.

- Try to understand what it was about the event or situation that gave or took life from you.

- Journal your findings and share them with a friend you trust.

- As you ask these questions over time, you may notice a pattern emerging that helps you identify who God created you to be and how God is present to you in day to day life.

Experiencing Silence & Solitude

Silence is a rare and precious thing these days. Noises of all kinds accompany us most of the time. Who knows how much this has affected us? We are finding that getting away from the noise and busyness of life to solitary places is proving beneficial. These retreats don’t need to be long; a few minutes could be the place to start.

It is naturally in creation that many are experiencing God in refreshing ways. Simply observing the majesty of nature can be a profound experience of hearing God’s voice. Retreats typically take place near lakes, by oceans, or in the mountains for good reason. In Mark 1:35-39 Jesus found a “solitary place”, somewhere clearly out in nature far away from people. The beauty of creation restores us. The silence of nature calms us.

Silence alone can be incredibly effective in slowing us down and opening our hearts and minds to encountering God. Sometimes human facilitators and/or a listening guide of some kind can also help. Silent retreats have become a regular part of our work and those who attend them are thrilled with the benefits. Often specific words or memorable encounters with God from these retreats stay with people for years and even decades.

The Silent Prayer tool on the following page is one exercise that you may want to use. Like many listening aids, it will appeal to some more than others. If it helps you connect with God, then use it. If not, don’t worry. Somehow we need to incorporate more silence into our times of prayer—which for many still amounts to requesting things from God and includes very little silence or listening.

Listening To God In Silence And Solitude

Silent Prayer

An exercise in letting go

INVITATIONS FROM GOD

“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7).

“I have stilled and quieted my soul” (Psalm 131:2).

PURPOSE

- Being still before the Lord for a few minutes could help you listen throughout your day.

- Letting go of concerns as we are still before God brings peace. Holding on to concerns and burdens brings anxiety.

- Being silent can bring an awareness of God’s active presence and keep us from unhealthy self-absorption.

PRACTICE

- Find a quiet place and sit comfortably (20 minutes is a suggested time).

- Review a few Scriptures (like those above) that invite you to silence.

- Be absolutely still and quiet, aware of the presence of God with you.

- Choose a current meaningful word/phrase that helps you worship God. It might be “Abba Father” or “Loving Provider” or something else.

- As various thoughts come to mind, and they probably will, let them go one by one. Surrender the issue or concern, and as you do, recite the word/phrase you have chosen.

- If it helps you, think about putting each concern or issue into a boat that is moving down a river. As distracting thoughts come to mind, don’t stop and analyze them, just let them go.

Experiencing Community

We are often amazed at the richness and the variety of the insights that unfold as people listen to God together. The uniqueness of each person is celebrated as people listen to God and then speak to each other about the impact of what God is saying. The strength of listening together benefits everyone.

When I (Steve) was in New Delhi, India in 2010 with one hundred discipleship program leaders from all over Asia, I was blown away by the benefits of listening to God in community. As one precious leader listened and was encountered by God, the inspiration quickly multiplied through us all.

Sometimes we don’t listen that well to the community God has placed around us and the results are telling. Our pride can get in the way. Listening in community requires humility.

A wide community of listeners from history continues to inspire as we read and reread their stories. The legacies of men and women who listened and followed their Creator centuries ago live on.

We listen in community in many different ways. God speaks through leadership structures, yet he also speaks regularly outside of them. As we serve together in local churches and mission organizations, we are constantly listening for God’s direction. But God is not limited to the gatherings of believers or the structures we create. When we submit to the leaders God has placed over us, we enable ourselves to better listen for God’s guidance. The voice of God can come through a beggar sitting on the roadside, just as surely as it can come through a preacher. The community through whom God speaks is diverse.

Listening To God In Community

Listening In Community

Enjoying and discerning God’s voice together

INVITATIONS FROM GOD

“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts... they form one body” (I Cor. 12:12).

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matt. 18:20).

“But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort”

(I Cor. 14:3).

“He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love” (Ephesians 4:16, NLT).

PURPOSE

- You are part of an amazing worldwide community of people called the body of Christ. God speaks to you through the precious people in your life. As you hear God speaking through people you are enriched.

- You benefit through the shared wisdom that comes as you listen in community. As you walk in humility, listening in community to people that do not only think as you do, safeguards you from going astray

- You have something to contribute. God uses ordinary people and invites us into partnership to bless others by building up, encouraging and comforting those around us. God uses you to speak to others around you.

PRACTICE

- Recognize that God speaks to you through those around you. The Orchestrator is regularly bringing people in and out of your life. Are you listening?

- Dare to be transparent with those around you. Ask for help so people can support you in your weaknesses.

- Submit to the people God has placed in leadership over you. You will always be in submission in one way or another as long as you live on this earth.

My Rule For Life

Follow Jesus around the Scriptures—be an observer

Watch how he looks

Watch how he touches

Watch how he is present to people

Watch how he prays and takes time out

Let him look at you

Let him touch you

Let him hold you

Let him heal you

Let him be present to you

Then become the look

Become the touch

Become the presence

Doreen Kostynuik

Used with the author’s permission.

How Do I Know If God’s Talking To Me?

In tuning in to my inner voice I didn’t audibly hear “voices,” rather I just monitored the random unconnected images, notions, and thoughts that floated through my head. Becoming aware of them I’d check them out using the following criteria. It’s by no means a complete list, but for me it was an essential tool for discernment. I considered my random unconnected thoughts from God if they were:

peaceful, consistent, loving, patient, uplifting, instructive, comforting, clear, kind, welcoming of scrutiny, seldom needing to be responded to in a hurry.

I put them down as coming from myself rather than the spiritual realms if they:

- were in a logical processed outcome of things I’d learned or deduced

- appealed to my ego

- varied all the time depending on the information

- I’d received would eventually make me look good in front of others

However, if the spontaneous thoughts were along these lines, I ascribed them to the spiritual realms, but not the heavenly ones.

- an accusation, confusing, promoted fear and panic

- rejected scrutiny, produced guilt

- created anxiety and generally unsettled me

- were pushy, urgent, wanting to be done in a hurry—a driving compulsion to “do it now.”

I’m human. I often get it wrong, but this was part of the exercise: to better discern where the messages were coming from before I acted on them. They didn’t only occur when I was still. I could be walking, half asleep, deeply engrossed in something, or quite distracted and then slowly or suddenly become aware of a picture, phrase, scene, song lyric, snatch of conversation that seemed lodged uppermost in my consciousness.

Back in civilization, the spiritual realm sometimes becomes clear to me through “coincidences,” remarkable synchronicity, the same thought or idea coming from a variety of unrelated sources. Occasionally I simply get a deep intuitive sense that a particular course of action is right, though on the surface it might appear quite illogical. It was such a perception that took me to the mountains.

I didn’t do this alone. I constantly asked for help and guidance so that I could clearly discern The Voice. I also tried to judge my spiritual progress not by how I felt, but by how I acted.

Adapted and used with the author’s permission, from Appendix One of Paul Hawker’s Soul Quest (Kelowna: Northstone, 2006).

Laughter Came From Every Brick

Just these two words He spoke

Changed my life,

“Enjoy Me.”

What a burden I thought I was to carry—

A crucifix, as did He.

Love once said to me “I know a song,

Would you like to hear it?”

And laughter came from every brick in the street

and from every pore

in the sky.

After a night of prayer, He

Changed my life when

He sang

“Enjoy Me.”

Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

From Daniel Ladinsky’s Love Poems From God: Twelve Sacred Voices from the East and West (New York: Penguin, 2002), p.276.

God The Initiator

“The sooner we stop thinking that we are the energetic operators of religion and discover that God is at work, as the Aggressor, the Invader, the Initiator, so much the sooner do we discover that our task is to call people to be still and know, listen, hearken in quiet invitation to the promptings of the Divine. Our task is to encourage others first to let go, to cease striving, to give over this fevered effort of the self-sufficient religionist trying to please an external deity. Count on God knocking on the doors of time. God is the Seeker, and not we alone... I am persuaded that religious people do not with sufficient seriousness count on God as an active factor in the affairs of the world. “Behold I stand at the door and knock,” but too many well-intentioned people are so preoccupied with the clatter of effort to do something for God that they don’t hear Him asking that He might do something through them.”

From Thomas R. Kelly’s classic, A Testament of Devotion (San Francisco: Harper, 1941, p.59).

Benefits Of Listening

The Benefits Of Listening To God

In the Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20), Jesus gave us a metaphor to help us see what really happens as people listen and hear words from God. Jesus suggested that words from God are like seeds being planted in people’s hearts. The word or message God is speaking takes root and grows into something amazing. It will probably start small, just like a seed, but the fruit will be significant. A little impression received by an open heart could change the whole course of one’s life. History demonstrates this again and again.

What is the impact of listening to the voice of God over time? What does the fruit look like? In his book, Under the Unpredictable Plant (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1992), Eugene Peterson suggests “The contemplative life generates and releases an enormous amount of energy into the world—the enlivening energy of God’s grace rather than the enervating frenzy of our pride.” (p.115).

On September 10th, 1946 a young woman was on a short retreat when she developed a conviction that God wanted her to serve the poor of India. For the rest of her life Mother Teresa looked back to that day as “inspiration day.” Who knows what could happen in your life as you take time to listen?

As we’ve watched people listen to God over time and asked them about the impact of listening, they are pointing us to tangible and amazing benefits. Here are some single words people use to describe the benefits of listening to God:

Clarity, Direction, Purpose

Identity, Confidence, Wisdom

Restoration, Freedom, Peace

Perseverance, Energy, Strength

As you browse over that list of benefits wouldn’t you agree that if people are experiencing these things they are probably inspiring those around them to listen to God as well? People who have clarity, direction and purpose are contagious.

As you experience the benefits of listening, those around you will be touched. Jesus’ metaphor of words and messages from God growing in your heart like seeds does not stop with you. It is organic. It grows and spreads. It overflows. By nature, listening to God and the benefits thereof will multiply. Just as fire begets fire, listening spreads as people listen and others watch what happens. Just as life begets life, listening multiplies through people who are hearing God’s voice and sharing their experiences with others.

What benefits of listening am I experiencing?

By now you probably understand why embracing and multiplying a lifestyle of listening to God is becoming our passion. We want to see more and more people listening and hearing God and inspiring others in the same direction. We’ve had a taste of the potential for some to inspire others and we are absolutely hooked. Our plan for the decades to come is expressed most simply in our overriding goal:

We want to serve thousands who will inspire millions to embrace a lifestyle of listening to God.

Take time to identify some of the benefits of listening that you are experiencing, and try to find single words to describe them. As you look back in this journal, is there a story you would like to pass on to us? Who knows, but it might end up in our next book!

steve@markcentre.org | evy@markcentre.org

“But the seed planted in the good earth represents those who hear the Word, embrace it, and produce a harvest beyond their wildest dreams” (Mark 4:20, The Message).

Index of Stories

LISTENING TO GOD THROUGH SCRIPTURE

Your Ears Will Hear — Steve

Luke 10:2 — Steve

Good Things — Steve

The Sound Of The Trumpet — Steve

Life — Evy

Do Whatever He Tells You — Steve

I Love My Job — Steve

Paths — Evy

I Don’t Hear God’s Voice — Steve

Small Seeds — Steve

Trust — Evy

Do Not Fret — Steve

Watch With Me — Lori

Listening Tool, Lectio Divina

LISTENING TO GOD AT WORK AROUND US

El Roi — Evy

My Provider — Evy

An Amazing Ring — Ken

Surprises — Steve

Acapulco Anyone? — Steve

The Wardrobe — Evy

Go Confidently — Steve

Resources From Unexpected Places — Steve

Goat’s Milk — Evy

My Defender — Steve

Little Coincidences — Steve

Undeniable Synchronicity — Steve

Our Process — Steve

Listening Tool, Spiritual Direction

LISTENING TO GOD THROUGH OUR HEART

Let Me Guide Your Heart — Evy

Fears — Evy

Help — Evy

Lunch Duty — Evy

Step By Step — A Friend

Decision Time — Evy

Wait Till Your Husband Gets Home — Evy

Ravines — Evy

Walter — Dan

Chaos — Evy

At The Gym — Randy

Jinthanna — Karen

Bob — Steve

Listening Tool, Examen

LISTENING TO GOD IN SILENCE AND SOLITUDE

Strength From Solitude — Steve

Waiting — Steve

Intimacy — Steve

The Throne Room — Evy

Why Are You In Such A Hurry? — Steve

Weakness — Evy

Healing Words — Evy

The Noise Of Performance — Steve

This Is Not The Life I Ordered — Evy

Today — Evy

Slowing Down — Evy

Rest — Evy

I Am Just — Evy

Listening Tool, Silent Prayer

LISTENING TO GOD IN COMMUNITY

A Bag Of Books Or A Bag Of Tools? — Erik

Turning Point — Steve

Courage — Evy

A Tool Belt — Steve

Chicken Soup — Evy

God Is Important — Steve

Hope — Reg

Doctors — Evy

The Rock Wall — Steve

My Heritage — Steve

Encouraging Voices — Steve

Bitter Hosts — Evy

True Or False? — Evy

Listening Tool, Listening In Community

Index of Questions

What’s keeping me from hearing God?

How can I participate with the God who sees?

How is God guiding my heart?

Where can I go to find solitude?

What is my unique contribution?

Where am I heading?

Remember when?

What am I afraid of?

What is God teaching me through waiting?

Who inspires me?

Am I open to receive something good from God?

Does God care about the details of my life?

Do I need help?

Am I receiving the intimate love of God?

Who are my heroes and heroines?

How is Scripture guiding my life?

What has surprised me lately?

What gives me life and what drains me?

Is something bugging me?

Is there a picture God has given me?

What is my greatest struggle?

How is God providing rest for me?

Am I open to receive God's intimate care?

Am I enjoying the journey?

How do you want to provide for me?

What is God saying to me through Scripture?

Is God orchestrating something here?

What’s in my heart?

When I become silent and still, what do I hear?

What do you think of me?

How is God coming to me?

Is God on my side?

Who did God create me to be?

Am I hanging on to words or actions that have wounded me?

Is God present even in my anguish? Where?

How is the Shepherd guiding me?

When has God provided in unexpected ways?

Am I asking for help?

Am I receiving significance from God?

Who is God using to guide me?

Have I memorized a portion of the Bible?

Has God met me through curious encounters?

Is God confirming my steps?

Are there longings I am waiting for?

Am I a part of something significant?

Is there a word growing in me like a seed?

Am I being defensive?

Am I free?

What is the next thing for me to do?

What heritage has God given me?

Do I believe something about God that isn’t true?

Am I paying attention?

Is God prompting me to do something?

What is captivating my gaze?

Am I hearing encouraging messages?

Am I anxious?

Do I believe God is active in my life?

How is God using me to love my neighbour?

What does rest look like for me?

Am I saying yes and no from a peaceful centre?

Am I open to seeing through God’s eyes today?

What am I working towards?

Is listening light and free?

Do I know the One who is just?

What words am I receiving?

Table of Contents

Your Ears Will Hear

Foreword

Welcome

A God Who Speaks

Five Ways You Will Hear

A Journal For Listening

Listening Tools

Benefits Of Listening

Index of Stories

Index of Questions