Listen to What You Hear
Have you ever thought about the difference between hearing and listening? Did you know there was a difference? To “listen” means that we are paying attention to the sound, thoughtful and considerate attention to the sound. To “hear” refers to perceiving something with our ears, kind of like seeing with our ears. In life today there are literally thousands of noises a day that compete for our attention. There are so many different noises and sounds that most of us do not pay attention to most of them. The television can be on, the phone ringing, and everyone in my house talking at once and I can still tune most of it out. It is not that I am not hearing the noise, but I am not listening to it.
God gave us ears to hear the beauty of sound and He gave us the ability to listen so that the sound can be understood. When both hearing and listening work together, we have an understanding of the purpose of the sound. You can hear music but not listen to the words. When both music and lyrics are understood, the beauty and meaning of the whole song is revealed to you. You can hear the words of a person speaking to you, but if you truly listen to the person, you will better understand their heart and the meaning behind their words. The same principle holds true with God’s Word. We can hear the Word preached, taught and read. We can read the Word ourselves and hear our own voices speak it. But, when we really listen to God’s Word, then our understanding begins to change. So many times, people leave church after having heard a sermon and not remember anything about it. When we are listening and giving consideration to what we are hearing, we will leave thinking about what we just heard. The next step is to start talking back to God, asking Him to open up more of our understanding.
Take time today and think about how much you hear versus how much you listen. How much are you missing of what God has for you? Is He talking to you but you are not paying attention? Take your Bible and read today’s chapter in Isaiah. Instead of just reading the words and hearing them in your head, pray the Holy Spirit will give you the power to listen and to understand the message God has for you. When the Word of God truly becomes His voice in your life, then your hearing and listening will open up a new world of understanding for you. Your life will change. But it all begins with understanding the difference between hearing and listening–start listening to God today.
When I read this it caused me to stop and ask myself that every question, what am I hearing and listening to from day to day? I would challenge us all to stop and ask ourselves that very question, write down our answer then strive to be better and do better for His glory. We should all have a desire to have a deeper understanding of His voice in our lives, to lead and guide us in the paths of righteousness. Proverbs 8:14 says, Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. In a study Bible I read it goes on to say just after that verse, He really doesn’t “have” Counsel, but, in fact, He “is” Counsel. Think on that today, what a powerful statement. He is! He is everything we could ever ask for, He is our constant, He is our strength, He is faithful, He is Alpha and Omega, He is The Beginning and The End. He is incredible, He is! Hallelujah. Listen to what you hear. . .
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 8:13-21
The Last Word
One day during a university philosophy class, a student made some inflammatory remarks about the professor’s views. To the surprise of the other students, the teacher thanked him and moved on to another comment. When he was asked later why he didn’t respond to the student, he said, “I’m practicing the discipline of not having to have the last word.”
This teacher loved and honored God, and he wanted to embody a humble spirit as he reflected this love. His words remind me of another Teacher—this one from long ago, who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. Although not addressing how to handle an angry person, he said that when we approach the Lord we should guard our steps and “be more ready to hear” rather than being quick with our mouths and hasty in our hearts. By doing so we acknowledge that God is the Lord and we are those whom He has created (Ecclesiastes 5:1–2).
How do you approach God? If you sense that your attitude could use some adjustment, why not spend some time considering the majesty and greatness of the Lord? When we ponder His unending wisdom, power, and presence, we can feel awed by His overflowing love for us. With this posture of humility, we too need not have the last word.
Lord God, I want to honor You and I bow before You now in silence. Teach me how to pray and how to listen. Amen.
When I read this it blessed me. We are all guilty at one point or another in our lives of wanting to have the last word weather that be towards others or towards God but I am reminded of the scripture that says, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). It’s so important that we humble ourselves in moments when we feel we deserve the last word and remember that sometimes silence is more powerful than having the last word. Allow God to mold you into His image. Meaningful silence is always better than meaningless words.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
God means for Good
One of my favorite Bible stories is the story of Joseph. Joseph was one of twelve brothers, all born to Jacob (Israel). From these brothers came the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people. God had a plan from the beginning to raise up a nation of His people, a people set apart to be holy and dedicated to Him. The fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come from this line of people. But early on, attempts would be made to thwart this plan. One such attempt came in the life of Joseph. Jealousy and selfishness led his brothers to sell him to a foreign people where Joseph would eventually end up as a prisoner in Egypt. But God’s hand was upon Joseph and through the years of his captivity he found much favor with his superiors, being entrusted ultimately with governing the land of Egypt. But the day would come when the family would be reunited. How would Joseph receive his brothers who had done such an evil thing to him so many years earlier?
The brothers were afraid that Joseph would avenge their wrongdoing, but instead he forgave them. Verse 20 sums it up: what they meant for evil against Joseph, God meant for good so that many would be saved. God had a plan and that plan was carried out through Joseph. If Joseph had not been in Egypt, the famine that engulfed the land would have killed the entire family. Joseph was the one who would make sure there was enough grain to sustain the land. It was God’s plan to spare this family. They were to become His chosen people. It was God’s plan to use Joseph. It was God’s plan to work for good the evil that Joseph had endured. For us today, God has a plan. Regardless of the evil that comes against us, God can work it together for good. Look to the Lord and ask Him to work all things together for good.
When I read this I was reminded of Romans 8:28, all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. No matter what your facing in this moment just know weather it be understood now or much later, there will come a time when you will be able to reflect back and know that God meant it for your good. There have been painful experiences in my past where I didn’t understand why God was allowing me to go through what I was going through and sometimes months even years past I had an “ah ha” moment where I understood the why, even if it was to be able to relate to the pain someone else was facing, to be in that moment to then lead someone to Christ, there are many many scenarios as to why and it’s different for each and every one of us. God got me through those times. We can all reflect back on our past and see where God brought us through it for the better. The key is to praise God even in the valleys and know with confidence He will get you through victoriously. Keep the faith! Hallelujah . . .
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Romans 8:25-28
It’s in the Attitude
Regina drove home from work discouraged and tired. The day had started with tragic news in a text message from a friend, then spiraled downward in meetings with co-workers who refused to work with any of her ideas. As Regina was talking to the Lord, she thought it best to put the stress of the day aside and made a surprise visit with flowers to an elderly friend at a care center. Her spirits lifted as Maria shared how good the Lord was to her. She said, “I have my own bed and a chair, three meals a day, and help from the nurses here. And occasionally God sends a cardinal to my window just because He knows I love them and He loves me.”
Attitude. Perspective. As the saying goes, “Life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we react to it.” The people James wrote to were scattered because of persecution, and he asked them to consider their perspective about difficulties. He challenged them with these words: “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2).
We are each on our own journey of learning to trust God with hard circumstances. The kind of joy-filled perspective James talked about comes as we learn to see that God can use struggles to produce maturity in our faith.
Lord, please change my attitude about hard times. Bring about joy, perseverance, and maturity in me. Amen.
When I read this devotion I was reminded of the scripture that says, for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust, but it doesn’t just stop there, as children of God we have hope, despite the unjust happenings in our lives, we are never alone, He said in His word that He would give us another comforter, that he may abide with us for ever. Always remember, no matter what you are facing, God can bring times of growth out of our times of heartache. Look beyond the pain and sorrow and remember there is always sunshine after the rain and there is always something to be thankful for, hold on, keep the faith. If God brings you to it, He will see you through it.
Have a wonderful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is James 1:1-12
Be a Blessing
Joseph brings his family to Egypt and introduces his father to Pharaoh. Pharaoh is the head guy…he is the President, the Commander in Chief, the main man. In contrast, Jacob is a wanderer, a sojourner, the father of shepherds and a very old man who had to leave his homeland because he and his family would have died of starvation from the famine. But what do the scriptures say two times: “Jacob blessed Pharaoh.” How does that happen? How does the empty bless the full? How does the lesser bless the greater? How does the poor possess more than the rich? How does the average overrule the superior? The answer….GOD.
God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. God reveals His will and His blessings to the childlike. God empowers every day people to fulfill abundant promises without money, without cost and without titles. The prayers and praises of the saints have higher ratings and rewards than the most powerful, self sufficient persons on earth.
We have our logic all mixed up down here. If we really understood the ways of the Lord, we would not be held down by gravity or be lifted up with pride. When we fix our eyes on the things that matter, we understand that Jacob’s evil years of pilgrimage have an eternal value that weighs more than this nameless Pharaoh who lived a life of luxury on earth.
Do you bless others? You are a child of God, just like Jacob. He blessed Pharaoh because of his position in the heavenlies. He blesses Pharaoh because Jacob knew what being blessed really meant. Jacob blessed Pharaoh and today, his life still blesses me. Jacob has done more for me than Pharaoh because Jacob’s family brought to us the greatest blessing of all…Jesus. When we really know Jesus, we truly understand what it is to be blessed so that we can freely bless others. Ask the Lord to use you to bless someone today.
There have been times when I have heard people say, what can I do, I don’t have wealth or any power to make a difference but today’s devotion brings to light a very powerful point. When we truly know Jesus, we understand what it is to be blessed and to bless. It’s not about how much money you have in your bank account, what your status quo is or what position of power you hold, God doesn’t look on any of that to bless you, to use you to bless others or to create change, all He needs is a willing vessel He can poor into. Break down that wall today and allow God to use you right where you are to bless others. God uses ordinary people to carry out His extraordinary plan and if your not so ordinary then allow God to use what you have been blessed with to bless others and to create change for the good and to further His kingdom. All our circumstances are unique in this life but as children of God we should all have one purpose, to win souls to further His kingdom, everlasting life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:16-17).
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 11:25-31
All Day With God
Brother Lawrence (1614–1691) felt intimately close to God as he humbly scrubbed pots and pans in the monastery kitchen. Certainly Brother Lawrence practiced specific times of devotional prayer. But what he found more life-transforming was prayer during the workday. In his devotional classic Practicing the Presence of God, he says, “It is a great delusion to think our times of prayer ought to differ from other times. We are as strictly obliged to cleave to God by action in the time of action as by prayer in the season of prayer.” In short, he advocated that we “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).
That’s a helpful reminder, because sometimes we tend to compartmentalize our lives. Perhaps we pray only during church worship, small-group Bible study, family devotions, and personal quiet times. But what about during our workday? To pray on the job does not mean we have to fall to our knees with clasped hands and pray aloud. But it does mean that work decisions and relationships can be brought to God throughout the day.
Wherever we are and whatever we’re doing, God wants to be a part of it. When prayer enters every aspect of our lives, who knows what God might do for His glory!
Let’s always keep the prayer lines open,
Knowing God is always there;
For we upon His name may call
Anytime and anywhere. Amen!
This blessed me so much, there are times I get so busy during the day I’ve found myself talking with God as I’m doing the dishes, laundry, vacuuming, cooking dinner, driving in the car and the list goes on but I’ve come to realize that as today’s devotion says, true prayer is a way of life, not an emergency detour! No matter what you have on your to do list today, include Him in it, talk to Him, visit with Him, make time for Him. That’s all He wants, to be included in your day, in your life. It’s amazing how He adds joy and purpose to those moments when you include Him. He is incredible. Happy Moments, Praise God. Difficult Moments, Seek God. Quiet Moments, Worship God. Painful Moments, Trust God. Every Moment, Thank God and Pray without ceasing.
Make today beautiful!
Today’s Reading is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18
John’s Doubts
John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus. Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1, he was prophesied as the messenger who would prepare the way for the Messiah. He was the one anointed in his mother’s womb and filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41), and appointed by God to bear witness of Jesus, the Son of God. John the Baptist was the one who baptized Jesus and witnessed the Holy Spirit’s descent upon Him like a dove (John 1:32). This same John the Baptist is now wondering if this Jesus is the real Messiah. Should he look for someone else? What happened to John? What went wrong with his faith?
The Messiah was expected to come to earth and to set up His kingdom. Jesus, therefore, was the long-awaited King of the Jews. Everyone who believed in Him fully expected the prophecies of His earthly reign to be fulfilled in their day. But Jesus would answer John’s question showing a much different purpose for His coming than what John and the Jewish people expected. Jesus sent back the message that, “The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Matthew 11:5). Jesus did not come the first time to set up His kingdom; He humbled Himself and died on a cross for our sins. He came as the final sacrifice. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. So John’s expectations were not met, thus, he began to question (or doubt) if Jesus was the true Messiah.
How often do we put Jesus in our box and look to Him to meet our expectations? What happens when Jesus does not meet us the way we think He should? It is in those moments that our faith is tested the most. As humans, we tend to have very short memories. We forget so quickly how real the Lord has been to us, only to experience those moments when we wonder if He was ever real at all. Pray that your faith is strengthened in times of testing. Pray that you do not forget all that Jesus has done in your life. Pray that you never doubt that He is the true Son of God.
Sometimes we have to experience things we don’t understand just so God can bring us to the place where He needs us to be. Never doubt the season He has you in. When I read today’s devotion I was reminded of this scripture, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done (Luke 22:42). Embrace His plans and lay down your own.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 3:5-7
By the Spirit’s Power
What do you do when there is a mountain in your way? The story of Dashrath Manjhi can inspire us. When his wife died because he was unable to get her to the hospital to receive urgent medical care, Manjhi did what seemed impossible. He spent twenty-two years chiseling a massive gap in a mountain so other villagers could get to the local hospital to receive the medical care they needed. Before he died, the government of India celebrated him for his achievement.
Rebuilding the temple must have looked impossible to Zerubbabel, one of the leaders of Israel who returned from exile. The people were discouraged, faced opposition from their enemies, and lacked resources or a big army. But God sent Zechariah to remind Zerubbabel that the task would take something more powerful than military strength, individual power, or man-made resources. It would take the Spirit’s power (Zechariah 4:6). With the assurance of divine aid, Zerubbabel trusted that God would level any mountain of difficulty that stood in the way of rebuilding the temple and restoring the community (v. 7).
What do we do when there is a “mountain” before us? We have two options: rely on our own strength or trust the Spirit’s power. When we trust His power, He will either level the mountain or give us the strength and endurance to climb over it.
When I read this it challenged me to ask myself that very question, what do I do when there is a mountain before me? Do I go to God and put my faith in Him, do I trust that something good can come from this mountain or do I complain, get frustrated or even angry because this mountain was not part of “my plan”? There is so much truth and power in today’s devotion, if we can only grasp the truth behind it, when we trust His power, not our own, He will either level the mountain or give us strength and endurance to climb over it. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Hebrews 13:5). He will never leave thee nor tasks thee, what more can we ask for, no matter what your facing, He is there. Make the best out of every situation you face. You have a choice every single day, you choose to feel blessed, grateful, thankful and happy. What will you choose today while facing your mountain?
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Zechariah 4:1-7
The Power of Prayer
One day, when I was deeply concerned about the welfare of one close to me, I found encouragement in part of the Old Testament story of Samuel, a wise leader of the Israelites. As I read how Samuel interceded for God’s people as they faced trouble, I strengthened my resolve to pray for the one I loved.
The Israelites faced the threat of the Philistines, who had previously defeated them when God’s people didn’t trust in Him (see 1 Samuel 4). After repenting of their sins, they heard that the Philistines were about to attack. This time, however, they asked Samuel to continue praying for them (7:8), and the Lord answered clearly by throwing their enemy into confusion (v. 10). Though the Philistines may have been mightier than the Israelites, the Lord was the strongest of them all.
When we ache over the challenges facing those we love, and fear the situation won’t change, we may be tempted to believe that the Lord will not act. But we should never underestimate the power of prayer, for our loving God hears our pleas. We don’t know how He will move in response to our petitions, but we know that as our Father He longs for us to embrace His love and to trust in His faithfulness.
Do you have someone you can pray for today?
Father God, the way You hear and answer my prayers amazes me. Strengthen my faith, that I will always believe in Your goodness and love. Amen.
When I read this today one thought came to mind, Thank You God for everything in my life, the good and bad, some were blessings and some were lessons. Through every single thing I face, He is my strength. Allow Him today to strengthen your faith, even through the trials, He will never leave you nor forsake you. I want to share this quote with you, I pray it uplifts and encourages you as it did I. There’s no storm that God won’t carry you through. No bridge that God won’t help you cross. No battle that God won’t help you win. No heartache that God won’t help you let go of. He is SO much bigger than anything you will face today. Leave everything in His hands and embrace this day confidently knowing that He WILL take care of you. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). There is Power in prayer!
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is 1 Samuel 7:7-14
God’s Promise
Today’s verse is a promise that God made to Jacob. As Jacob lay asleep, the Lord stood over him and reaffirmed the promise that He had given his father, Isaac, and his grandfather, Abraham. The Lord told Jacob of how his descendants would be as the dust of the earth, scattered in all directions and blessed to be in God’s family. God kept His promise and the rest of the Old Testament tells the story of His people, a people known as the children of Israel. (Israel was the new name given to Jacob by God.)
The literal context of this verse is stated above but the spiritual context is applicable to us today. Did you know that the Lord has a promise for your life, even in this verse? How does something written so long ago become relevant to our lives now? Many people miss out on the Old Testament message because they see no relevance to our modern lives. But the Holy Spirit makes the message critically relevant to our lives right here and right now. The promise that God gave Jacob is also a promise that He gives us. Hebrews 13:5 says that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us. For Jacob, God had given him a specific promise about the nation of Israel, a nation yet to be born at the time of the encounter. What promise has God given you, or do you know? For starters, He promises to never leave you and that He will be with you and keep you wherever you go. God promises to always be with you. What an awesome promise!
Sometimes we just need to open the Bible and start reading. Maybe someone reading this right now needs to hear that God promises to always be with them. The Holy Spirit takes the Word of God and speaks to our hearts personally, a message just for us. The Bible is filled with stories and literal accounts of historical events, but in every story and every account, there is a personal message just for you. Please do not miss out on the spiritual message. You will find what you need if you seek for it: a promise, a confirmation, an answer. You will love the Bible stories, but when they become real to you in your life, and apply to you in some way today, your life will change and you will have an insatiable appetite for God’s Word.
When I read this devotion I couldn’t help but think about what I Love so much about God’s Word, it’s so very real in our lives and there isn’t any aspect of it that doesn’t relate in one way or another. What an incredible God we serve that he wouldn’t just create us and leave us to fend for ourselves but He left His word to lead and guide and direct us. All we have to do is be willing to open it, read it and apply it to our daily lives. How simple and yet so many don’t make time for God’s word, it sits idol with dust on it. If you were going to battle you wouldn’t leave your sword and shield behind, would you? All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17). What a mighty God we serve! Faithfulness!
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Psalm 119:105