Being Taught and Having Learned

In one of our classes, I remember our teacher showed us this comic strip to contrast what is being taught and having learned.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

James 1:22 (NIV)

In our lives, let us not just diligently read our Bibles but also apply what we learned from His Word in our lives.

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Holy Pause. Heartily Listen.

Pause.

We are often distracted by our surroundings today and forget to pause and listen to God. Whenever we find ourselves entrapped by overwhelming problems, we rant at God for the awkward or painful situations we find ourselves in, and yet we neglect to actually spend intimate solitude with Him.

A Holy Pause flavored with a fervent prayer and deep listening to God’s Word is the best means to cultivate an intimate solitude with God. It is a great avenue for spiritual transformation, but may also cause spiritual waywardness if we don’t prepare ourselves. To achieve the former, it is important to pause and listen to God’s Word. No wonder why Solomon wrote,

“Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you.” (Proverbs 22:17-19, NLT)

Heartily Listening to God’s Word is a vital step in achieving spiritual transformation and a holy pause, its prerequisite. Change begins where the stubborn heart ends – when one starts to listen, change starts to happen. God speaks to those who have time to pause and listen.

Listen.

 

More than words

“If you care little for [people’s] feelings, it comes out in your speech.

If we intentionally fill our hearts with love and respect, it overflows into our speech.” – Mandy Houk

 

“Whatever is in your heart determines what you say.”- Matthew 12:34 NLT

 

 

Your words set the tone in your relationships. So, digest God’s Word first.

 

The Belt of Truth

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth…

—Ephesians 6:11, 14 (ESV)

The Whole Armor of God is composed of many pieces, one of which is The Belt of Truth.

The Belt of Truth not only holds the other of pieces of the armor together and keeps us safe from harm, but also symbolizes our knowledge on God’s Word and how much of it do we hide in our hearts.

Simply speaking, we need to READ our Bible diligently and most importantly OBEY it. May we always be equipped with God’s Word and firmly fastened in the Truth.

 

Inch by Inch…

Having a hard time praying and reading God’s Word? 

The best way to begin with something is by starting it.

Start reading and praying!