A Friend: Shares & Listens

22 / Sun – Read John 15:15

Overview: A friend shares their deepest thoughts and feelings, and listens as you share yours. Jesus is such a friend and holds nothing back. We are called to do the same. Because that’s what friends do.

23 / Mon – Hearing vs listening  |  Read Matthew 13:18-23

Hearing is an automatic physical response when sound reaches the eardrum. But listening is different. It is a conscious, active effort to understand what is being heard. This is why Jesus said repeatedly, “whoever has ears, let them hear.” In this parable, what things kept those who heard God’s word from understanding and letting it settle deep into their souls? Have you experienced any of these times in your life? Did you recognize what was happening? What was the remedy?

24 / Tue – Refusing to listen  |  Read Jeremiah 29:10-13

Throughout the Old Testament, God spoke to His people. He declared His love and His good plans for them. All they had to do was trust Him and obey what He told them to do. Sometimes they did, but other times they did not. It was their rebellious ways that resulted in the consequences God allowed. Yet, when they called for mercy, He was quick to hear and restore them. Listening to God is just as important as asking Him to listen to you. How are you doing in this area?

25 / Wed – A calloused heart  |  Read Matthew 13:14-16

Jesus said a calloused heart prevents people from understanding what they hear and see. What are some things that might cause this heart condition? How can you prevent it from happening to you? How can you keep your heart soft and tender despite the hard blows life can deliver? Think about your natural reaction to difficult people and overwhelming problems. How can you prepare yourself in advance for these inevitable situations? Keeping your heart soft toward the Lord will help you hear and better understand His words.

26 / Thu – Then and now  |  Read Revelation 2 & 3 (pick one of the 7 messages this contains)

Churches are not perfect because the people in them are not. But what’s important is a willingness to listen and respond to what God says. Through John, the Lord Jesus sent individual messages to each of the 7 churches in Asia Minor – Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. All the messages ended with the words ‘whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Could any of his encouragements apply to you? Take them to heart. What about the warnings? Will you take those to heart also?

27 / Fri – Listening to the voice of God  |  Read John 9:1, 6-7, 34-41

This blind man couldn’t see Jesus, but he could hear him and trusted him enough to obey. The results changed his life. On the other hand, the religious leaders could see and hear Jesus, but most did not understand him or, if they did, rejected what he taught. These leaders had unlimited access to the scriptures, but were they listening to the voice of God? You also have access to the scriptures. When you have difficulty understanding what you read, ask the Holy Spirit to help you. He will.

28 / Sat – You want me to do what?!  |  Read Acts 9:1-18

Saul knew it was Jesus speaking to him, even though his companions heard but did not understand the voice. Later, God told Ananias to do something foolhardy: go see the worst persecutor of the church (Saul) and pray for him. Ananias was naturally reluctant and questioned if it was really the voice of the Lord speaking. Only later did he see the results of his obedience. What about you? Are you listening to what God may be directing you to do, even though it seems strange? You may be surprised at the impact of your obedience.