Ears to Hear: Seeking God in All Things

Description

The word "vocation" may conjure up images of clergy in black suits, bishops in pointed hats, and monks in long robes. But they're not the only ones with vocations-or calls-from God. Lay people, too, are called to serve God, and in this book, Edward S. Little invites us to recognize - and respond - to our own unique vocations. Ears to Hear takes readers on a journey through the Old Testament, showing the way God called ordinary people to service, and drawing parallels for ordinary people in the twenty-first century. The story of Abraham, who was called away from his homeland with no clear destination, exemplifies the insecurity of modern-day readers who may be called to abandon the security of their homes or their jobs to do God's will. The story of Moses, who was armed with a list of serious-and logical-objections to God's call, is a lesson for contemporary readers faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles to their vocations. In each of these stories, Little shows that God's call-in Old Testament days and now-is always accompanied with more than enough grace to answer it. Each chapter concludes with a set of discussion questions, making this an ideal book not only for individuals discerning God's call, but also for parish study groups. Edward S. Little, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana, has served as a priest in parishes in Indiana and California. Active in church mission affairs, Bishop Little has made several short-term trips to Uganda and serves as president of SOMA (Sharing of Ministries Abroad), an Anglican mission organization. He lives in South Bend, Indiana.

Edward S. Little, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana, has served as a priest in parishes in Indiana and California. Active in church mission affairs, Bishop Little has made several short-term trips to Uganda and serves as president of SOMA (Sharing of Ministries Abroad), an Anglican mission organization. He lives in South Bend, Indiana

"..offers good teaching, gentle wisdom, and vibrant invitation." - Byron Borger in Coalition for Christian Outreach Newsletter -- Byron Borger * Blurb from reviewer * "What does the world "vocation" mean to you? To many, it means a call to serve God in the Church, as a minister or priest. Clergy aren't the only ones with vocations - or calls - from God. Lay people, too, are called to God's service, and in this book Bishop Little invites all of us to recognize and respond to our own unique calls."--Anglican Book Centre, Spring 2004 * Blurb from reviewer * "Bishop Little's portraits of the call of God upon the lives of some of the greats of Scripture is poignant, perceptive, and to the point. They are a lesson to us in reading, marking, learning, and inwardly digesting the Scriptures, then faithfully interpreting them so they speak to each of us in today's rush and tumble world."--Richard Kew, 3/17/03 -- Richard Kew * Blurb from reviewer * "Bishop Little is doing something wonderful for the church--he is reclaiming the title of teaching bishop. Using personal examples, real people, and up-to-the-minute references, this exceptionally gifted stroyteller shows us how vital and dynamic the Bible continues to be. There is nothing canned, phony or dull on any page of this lively volume. Well-written, imaginative and easy to read, Ed Little's work will be a delight for both individuals and study groups."--Fleming Rutledge, Author of The Bible and the New York Times and the Battle for Middle-earth -- Fleming Rutledge * Blurb from reviewer * "There is much wisdom to think about in Ears to Hear" -Episcopal Life * Episcopal Life *