Word 4 U 2day/Are You Listening?

[ladylovesJesus]

Are You Listening?

'Pay attention to how you hear' Luke 8:18

Most people love the sound of their own voice but it has been said that he who speaks much is much mistaken. James 1:19 says we 'should be quick to listen and slow to speak.'

Surf through the book of Proverbs and you'll discover why: 'Answering before listening is both stupid and rude' (18:13); 'Simpletons only learn the hard way, but the wise learn by listening' (21:11);' Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights' (18:15 all TM).

We may have the ability to hear but the art of listening is an important skill to develop, and the reason we need to develop this skill the most is found in Proverbs 3:5, 'Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all'.

Three things you need to know about listening:

1) Listening doesn't happen naturally; it is a conscious choice. Choose today to improve your listening skills. Stop talking and start listening out for God's voice.

2) Listening may appear easy but it is often hard work. Don't panic if after 5 minutes you haven't heard God at all, it can take time to know God's voice. Enjoy the journey of discovery.

3) True listening requires you give another person your attention and possibly change your attitudes as you listen. 'Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do' (Romans 12:2 NLT). Are you listening?

written by Bob Gass

 

[HisFollower]

Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking against thee by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the LORD. And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not. And when this cometh to pass, then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.
(Ezek 33:30-33)