January 8, 2012 (Genesis 20-22; Luke 8 )
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “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.” Luke 8:18 NLT
Observation: To pay attention to God’s word is required to grow in grace. Jesus clearly warns us to take heed of how we hear His word. We must not only hear the word, but we must become doers of the word. As we listen and apply God’s word to our lives He provides more and more understanding. When we fail to listen and apply His word, even the understanding we think we have will be taken away. Everyone that hears God’s word is growing, those that listen carefully stronger, and those that listen carelessly weaker.
Application: I know many people that go to church every Sunday. They hear the pastor preach a sermon from God’s word, yet many of these people seem to grow weaker, week after week, rather than stronger. When we hear God’s word and then fail to apply its truth to our lives on a daily basis we end up growing weaker instead of stronger. We must rid ourselves of anything that hinders us from applying God’s truth to our lives. When God’s word falls among thorns the cares and pleasures of life crowd out the gospel message and prevent one from ever growing into spiritual maturity.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your word that provides truth for all to hear. Help me apply the truth You’ve revealed to me and be ever growing in the grace You’ve provided. Help me take heed how I hear! Protect me from false doctrine that seeks to lead me astray. Show me plainly real truth that can be trusted and counted on in times of need. By Your word and the steady application of it in my life grow me stronger, in Jesus name, Amen!