Are You Listening?

Doing something for you, bringing something to you— that’s not what you’re after. Being religious, acting pious— that’s not what you’re asking for. You’ve opened my ears so I can listen.
Psalm 40:6 The Message

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone when all of a sudden, you realize you have no idea what they're saying? Their voice didn't change. They're speaking the same language. They're following the line of their story, but somewhere along the line, you stopped listening. It's all in how you hear. Yes, there IS a difference. Jesus said so. Look...

Turn to Luke 8, starting in verse 11. 
    The seed is God’s word. 
12 The seeds that fell on the footpath represent those who hear the message, only to have the devil come and take it away from their hearts and prevent them from believing and being saved. 

13 The seeds on the rocky soil represent those who hear the message and receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they believe for a while, then they fall away when they face temptation. 

14 The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity. 

15 And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

How you hear is SO important. Jesus went on to say in verse 18, So pay attention to how you hear. To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what they think they understand will be taken away from them.

Can you hear Him now? Are you listening?

Prayer:

Father,
           I tremble at the thought of the consequences of a hardened heart that refuses to hear You. Forgive us for those times we have ignored Your voice and gone our own way. Father, by Your mercy and Your unfailing Grace, please give us a listening ear and a servant's heart to hear and obey Your voice. Teach us, Father, we pray. In Jesus' Name. Amen