PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Reading the Bible is a key way we listen to God.
The Word is alive and well.
It may be ancient text but the words and lessons and truths are still very applicable to our lives.
In Deuteronomy 8:3b NLT, Moses wrote, “…people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
Deuteronomy was written in 1406 BC, and Jesus quoted this verse in Matthew 4:4 — after an almost 1500 year gap.
Here we are, 2000 years later and the words still hold true.
And in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT, it says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
With all that said, listening to God begins in His word.
But how many of us like to hear ourselves talk?
We have our own ideas and we love to share our opinions.
But sometimes, it’s better to just stop talking.
This was a prayer I had on the way to work the other day: “Holy Spirit, please teach me how to shut up.”
Seriously y’all — Too often, I need some spiritual duct tape over my mouth.
Romans 10:17 ESV says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
We can’t hear if we’re always talking.
And if we want to grow in our faith, we’ve got to shut up and listen!
Two of my biggest pet peeves in the world are 1) being interrupted and 2) being talked over.
It annoys me because I feel like I’m not being heard.
And yet, if I’m honest with myself, I do the very same thing to God.
When I read His word by skimming, or I have to re-read a verse five times because I’m distracted by my own thoughts…
I can’t hear when I’m not listening!
Reading the Bible is meant to be invigorating and inspiring!
Every word is meant to be savored.
It’s a message ordained and orchestrated by God for me and for you.
And it’s timeless!
Isaiah 40:8 ESV says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Certainly it existed well before us and it will continue on well after us.
There are so many who would love to have the privilege we have of reading God’s Word.
Seriously — I think we have about 7 or 8 copies of the Bible in our house, not to mention access to BibleGateway.com and other scripture resources.
We are so blessed, but too busy to stop, read, and listen.
But He’s waiting.
He’s already written the ultimate love letter to mankind.
It’s up to us to pick it up, read it, listen to what God says, and through it, know Him better.
Today, as you pray, praise God for loving us so much that He gave us a way to hear Him and know Him.
Ask Him to help you focus and listen to what He has to say so you can apply it to your life.
