Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – The Mind – Mark 4:24-25 – Consider Carefully What You Hear – Growing As Disciples
“Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you–and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” Mark 4:24-25 (NIV)
Hearing
What do you hear? That sounds like an unusual question to me. I will rephrase my question. What are you allowing yourself to hear? That doesn’t help me much. Do you think I have control of what my ears hear? That’s exactly my point. You do have control over what you allow your ears to hear. I want you to carefully consider what you allow your ears to hear. I want you to monitor everything that comes into your heart and mind through your ears. I want you to place a guard over your ears. Why is that important? That’s a very good question that I will let you answer.
What I hear will either help or hinder me. The words that come into my mind will either build me up or tear me down. The words that I listen to will either strengthen or weaken me. The words that I consider will either increase my faith or cause me to doubt. I am facing a battle over my heart and mind. That battle over my heart and mind will be won or lost based on the words that I allow myself to think. I can listen to all that the world wants to say to me. I can live my life according to the principles, patterns and practices of the world or I can live my life according to your will and your ways. If it is my hope and desire to live my life according to your will and ways, then I must carefully consider your word. That’s right. Only as I carefully consider your word will I grow in the understanding that you want to give to me. That is also right.
How will you place a guard over your mind? I will closely monitor all that I am allowing my ears to hear. I will withdraw my heart and mind from all that the world wants to say to me. I will not accept the principles, patterns and practices the world has to offer to me. Will that be enough to protect your heart and mind? No, I must also to meet with you in your word. I must listen carefully to all that you have to say to me. Then I will grow in understanding. Then I will come to know you. Then I will be able to know your will and walk in your ways. Yes, you will.
Lord, for too long I have allowed junk filled words to come into my heart and mind. Help me to guard what I hear. Instead, I will listen attentively to your word so you can change my heart and transform my mind as you give me understanding. Amen
Key Question… How are you making yourself available to hear what will help you in your walk with the Lord?
Living It Out… Listen attentively to God’s word so you will be able to hear and apply what He is saying to you.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will be given more understanding as you hear and apply God’s word to your life?
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has given you understanding as you have listened to Him.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you listen carefully to the Lord so you can understand all that He is saying to you.
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