Brother V. E. Howard is remembered for many reasons. His name is on many of the songs in our songbooks. We enjoyed him being in our home many times, and we were in his, also. But among other reasons is because of the fine radio work he was able to produce. He is also remembered for saying, “ARE YOU LISTENING?” This caught the attention of his audience and caused them to listen more closely. We all could profit by being encouraged to listen more closely to the Lord in His inspired Word (II Tim. 3:16-17). This is the way faith is built in our life. Paul said, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Some think of faith as being one’s opinion or thinking as a guide for life. However, there is no “faith” where there is no evidence in the Word of God. And, James reminds us that we are not saved by “faith alone” but by doing the will of God (Jas. 2:24, 26). Though many teach to the contrary, God is right, and men are deceiving the masses. Again Paul wrote, “God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4). We ask today, “ARE YOU LISTENING?”
Confidence, assurance, and trust are obtained from the hearing and putting into practice the Word of God. Though Paul was a prisoner at Rome, his confidence in the Gospel did not wane! “And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him” (Acts 28:30-31). He also had confidence in his brethren! He said, “I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things” (II Cor. 7:16). The apostle John also had confidence in God! “Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God” (I Jn. 3:21). And further, John had confidence in prayer! “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us” (I Jn. 5:14).
These blessings can bless and sustain us in every hour, if we will claim then as did the early church! We can continue to sing “Trust and Obey,” “Blessed Assurance,” and “Be not dismayed whate’er betide”!