Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- August 24, 2013
“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’” (Matthew 17:5).
What does it mean to listen well? Think of those you admire as good listeners. What are some of the traits they exhibit which mark them as excellent listeners? Perhaps it is their engaging eye contact, their warm conversation, or an empathetic ear. You feel understood and valued. Good listeners affirm what you say by repeating what you say with an illustration or an example from their life. They listen to learn, affirm, and instruct.
Those who learn good listening skills develop robust relationships. They embrace an “others first” way of thinking that places their own need to be heard down the priority list. Like a rare and exotic flower, they open themselves up in a beautiful way that invites you to smell the brilliant colors of their character. Indeed, good listeners are magnetic in the way they attract the good and the bad into their sphere of influence. If you are a good listener, be wise by investing in those who really want to change and follow after the Lord.
“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (Proverbs 1:5).
You can be assured that the Lord listens to you and the desires of your heart. He is not preoccupied with problems or people; you have His full attention. He is always available to hear your cry for wisdom, healing, and direction. The Almighty’s attention is focused on His children who come to Him by faith. His listening ear is near and dear.
“But God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer” (Psalm 66:19).
Furthermore, make it a daily habit to listen well to your heavenly Father’s heart. He sent His Son Jesus to teach us the truth about life and death, heaven and hell. We listen to the Lord Jesus because He was God speaking in the flesh. Why was the Almighty so pleased with His Son that He admonished us to listen to Him? Jesus modeled listening to His heavenly Father, so God gave Him the words to speak on His behalf. The Lord is pleased with good listeners. He gives discernment and insight into His solutions to human needs.
So listen well by first listening well to the Lord. He will instruct and teach you in the way you should go. Once you have heard from Him, humbly listen to others, discern their needs, then connect them to Christ and His ways. Indeed, good listeners lead others to love God and listen to His heart. Listen well, and watch God work!
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you” (Psalm 32:8).
Prayer: How can I be a good listener for Christ’s sake? What is God telling me to do today?
Related Readings: Job 15:8; Proverbs 4:10; Proverbs 19:20; Ecclesiastes 7:5; James 1:19
Taken from the August 24th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God” volume 2… http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a
Post/Tweet: Good listeners lead others to love God and listen to His heart. #goodlistener
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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God spoke to me through this devotional today. I am an active ‘listener’ and have sought God’s patience, direction, and guidance when listening to others. It is challenging because I had to accept that my role, in many relationships, is to listen…..and not be listened to. Once I accepted this as God’s path for me, I gave Him my frustration/resentment over not being listened to and it has opened up a new closeness between God and I because He ALWAYS listens!! Thank you so much for this devotional because God used it to affirm my ‘listening ear’.