The Word Centered Life – Day 19 – Luke 8-16-18 – Take Care Then How You Hear – Growing As Disciples
“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.” Luke 8:16-18 (ESV)
Are You Listening?
I am asking that question of your right now. What question are you asking me? Are you listening? I think so. I would say that I am. I think I am listening to you. What does your listening to me, require of you? If I want to hear from you, I must quiet myself before you. I must remove myself from the noise and busyness and distractions of this world. If I want to hear from you, I must calm myself before you. I must slow down, take a deep breath and rest in your presence. It is you who has said that you will make me lie down in green pastures, beside still waters. It is in this kind of environment that you will make me able to hear from you. It is in this kind of environment that you want me to drink deeply of all you have for me. In this kind of environment, you will make me able to hear all you have to say to me. That is true. That is correct. What else? If I want to hear from you, I must seek you with all my heart. It is you who has said that I will find you when I seek you with all my heart. Hearing from you will require my sharp focus. Hearing from you real require my full attention. Hearing from you will require an all-in effort on my part. That is also true. That is also correct.
What will you do as you come into my presence? What will you do as you quiet yourself before me? What will you do as you seek me with all your heart? I will meet with you in your word. I will hear all that you have to say to me. I will allow you to use your word to set me on fire for you. I will allow you to use your word to cause me to shine brightly for you in the darkness of this world. Yes, I will do this for you. Yes, I will do this in you. Yes, I will do this through you, as you carefully listen to me. You are listening to me and that is very good. Thank you, Lord.
Lord, I will be very careful how I hear. I will not allow your word to go in one ear and out the other. My hearing of your word will be demonstrated by my putting it into daily practice. Use your word to set me on fire, so I can shine brightly for you in the world. Amen
Key Question… How has hearing and putting God’s word into practice helped you to shine brightly for Him?
Living It Out… Listen carefully to God’s word so that you will be able to put it into practice.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that you will shine brightly for God as you hear and put His word into practice.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are being very careful to listen to God’s word.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you consider carefully how you hear God’s word so you can shine brightly for Him.
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