Listening Builds Trust

Today me and my wife spent the day listening to each other. Over coffee and cake, we had a pleasant afternoon revealing how we feel without judging or being defensive. Listening builds trust (B. Tracy).

Some tips I learned from Brian Tracy:
1. Do not cut the other person's sentence, instead pause after he/she speaks before you reply. This way the person you are talking to knows that you are thinking about what was said. And you actually get to sink in what was expressed to your heart and mind.
2. Ask Questions. To clarify by asking who, what, when, and where helps in getting the message right. It also signals the one you are listening to your genuinely being attentive.
3. Paraphrase. In your own words, tell the person what you have understood. Through this, he/she is convinced that you understand the explanation or the narration.

The ratio of listening to speaking should be 2:1, since we have 2 ears and 1 mouth. This way, we care, we learn and we gain wisdom.

Is our listening to others sincere? How much time do we spend listening to God?
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Musicians at the Front line

I just came from a Music Ministry workshop. One of the worship leaders exhorted us that in actual battles in the medieval, the ones who are at the frontlines are the drumbeaters, trumpet players, and other musicians. The music helps uplift the warriors' spirits and makes them more courageous. It also intimidates the enemy, making the other side nervous.
These musicians at the frontline do not have a weapon at hand while being attacked. They are very heroic and sacrificial in their duty that they are willing to risk their lives just to be able to rouse the bravery of their army.

Like the frontliners in war, music ministers are also vulnerable to the attacks of pride, disunity, and jealousy. There is a need to strengthen our spiritual armor (Eph 6) as we serve Him, so we can ward off these attacks and be shielded by our faith.

No wonder that in spiritual battle, music is a very powerful tool to remind us of the strength of God and give us courage to fight the enemy. Indeed, singing is twice praying (St. Augustine).



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Praying for Healing

Recently, a number of those who are close to me have been admitted to the hospital.  I pray for their healing whether from at home, at work, or being with the person and being able to lay hands on him/her for a pray-over.  A good friend shared to me, "What doctors do is only the physical healing part. There is a need to be able to pray for the spiritual and emotional healing too.  Many of our physical ailments are triggered by our spiritual and emotional problems." 
We know that many of those who are depressed result to alcohol, excessive smoking, over-eating and even drugs.  Some skip their meals because of worry.  Our emotional problems are also rooted in our lack of spiritual nourishment.  If we don't pray, our sense hope is low and we easily give up or easily get angry and frustrated.
Therefore, having a healthy spiritual life can lead to good physical health.
As we pray over our sick, we also pray for the healing of their souls and their hearts.  We pray that they find peace and happiness in their situation.  Healing through repentance and forgiveness is something we long for those we pray for.
Lord, we call upon your mighty power to heal the sick, especially the people close to us. May you touch them  physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Amen.