For several weeks many of us have been writing about following Christ and acts of kindness. 80 people were spared being left in freezing temperatures for three days.
Candice Payne used her personal American Express card to get homeless people off the streets during record-setting freeze in Chicago.
Matthew 11:15 seems common sense, but it is describing how to hear/listen and understand.
We must be willing to hear and exempt our mind from prejudice. We cannot attempt to interpret according to our limited understanding.
We should seek to understand the Gospel and endeavor to experience and practice it just as it is stated.
We should listen to the Word because it is pure, plain, and the living Word of God.
God created the earth and all things on and in it. All things on the planet produce sound waves. Our ears were made to hear the subtlest of tones.
Process
When we read the Word out loud or to ourselves, we hear the sounds and interpret the words. The key is to listen for the meaning of what God is saying to us, and not rely on our (own) interpretation. As we listen intently, we begin to understand the truth God is sharing with us. And, through these truths, we begin to align our actions to become more Christlike.
The more frequently we read the Word of God, the deeper it is planted into our hearts. Once it is planted in our hearts, the more readily available it becomes when making daily decisions, large and small.
As the Scripture says, anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand. As we become equipped with the Word as our guiding principles, we gain wisdom. Wisdom is the product of listening to the Word for understanding. Wisdom, in turn, develops our faith, and our faith covers us in the Word of God and leads us to salvation and eternal life.
I am holding to the task of Resolving and Acting on the resolve to become a stronger Christian in the face of everyday life in 2019. Join me. Each step we take should bring us closer to Christ.
It’s important to learn the Word so your relationship becomes more vivid. God speaks to us in many ways, but I find it most comforting when He teaches me through the Word. Memorize a daily devotional scripture each day and watch it strengthen your faith and emotional stamina.
Our hope is embedded in our trusting the Word of God. Our Lord does not lie or withhold the promises He made to us. Stand fast and be patient. The blessing is coming in the form that will advance us into His kingdom.
Standing still and repeating mishaps is not an option for Christians. God provided clear access to Him through prayer. I plan to minimally reduce two of Satan’s shackles, fear and worry. Join me this year. Seek God’s peace in 2019. Not my resolution, my resolve for the year. Putting in the effort, loving the result.
Love does no harm. The Holy Spirit resides in us. We are love. Therefore, we should do no harm.
Light breaks through the darkness. Love breaks through hate. A soft voice is louder than a high volume pitch. An act of kindness changes the atmosphere.
The term ’Neighbor’ is figurative describing all people in your sphere. All people are your neighbors.
Our command is to love all people. There are no exceptions. Jesus did not categorize people to exclude them.
We can make a difference. It is time we overcome the hate that is blanketing the planet. We can change the world through the daily demonstration of the Holy Spirit who indwells us.