June 18, 2024 – Are You Really Listening?

Are You Really Listening?
June 18, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 15:5-8
A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    Just as important as using the proper words and tone of voice when talking with someone is being a careful listener. I’ve seen children, and even some adults, put their fingers in their ears and go “lalala, lalala,” while someone is talking, as if visibly and audibly telling them, “I am not listening.” Sometimes, adults are a bit more subtle. While a person is talking to us, we look everywhere but at them, as if to convey, “What you are saying is not important.” Yet another poor listening skill is only partially listening to what a person has to say. As someone shares something meaningful, we only hear parts of it, then fill in the blanks and twist it in our minds to remember something completely different. Then, when we don’t seem to understand each other, we wonder why.

    It’s crucial to have not only good speaking skills but also good listening skills. When people come to share their hearts, we need to hear more than words. They may be looking for someone to trust and confide in, and all we see is someone doing a lot of talking. It might be that God brought them to you and needs you to listen and help. Then again, it may be that God has brought this brother or sister in Christ around to help you in an area where you are struggling. Instead of accepting their gesture with love, we get defensive about our private struggles. In our verses, it says if we will listen, fathers give instruction, and “The lips of the wise disperse knowledge.”

    Today’s verses also tell us God loves to listen to us. It says, “the prayer of the upright is his delight.” He is listening to every word, and enjoying the time spent with just you.

    Listening, just like reading and writing, is a skill that requires development. Are you currently attentive to your own heart?

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

    How can we practice listening? Experts suggest that if you’re uncertain about someone’s statement, repeat it back to them in the form of a question. Let’s listen to God, and when in doubt, ask Him.

Are you listening to other?
Are you listening to yourself?
Are you listening to God?

 

 

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: June 18, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Job 37 – Job 42
  Proverbs 15:5 – 8

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  1 Chron. 17-19
  John 20