Today's Reading: Jeremiah 34 and 35
Have you ever had a conversation where you kind of
hear the words, but they don't quite click? That's the difference between
listening and receiving.
Our verse today is like a gentle nudge from God,
reminding us to truly pay attention. Listening to Him involves focusing on His
voice, whether it's through the Bible, prayer, someone speaking His truth, or
the subtle impressions of the Holy Spirit on your heart. It's like perking up
your ears and engaging your mind fully.
But there's more to it than just hearing. Receiving
means taking what God says and applying it to your life. It's like opening your
arms to a gift, letting His words change your beliefs, your outlook, and even
your actions. It's a deeper level of connection, where you don't just hear the
message, you live it.
To grow spiritually, every believer needs two things: “The
Word OF God” and “A Word FROM God.” The difference may seem subtle, but the
reality is that we all need the Lord to personalize His message to us with a
voice that speaks directly into an area of our spiritual life. The Word of God
– the Bible – is the foundation, the big picture - God's overall message for
humanity, His character, and the path He wants us on. It provides a framework
for understanding. "A word from
God” is the Holy Spirit impressing upon you and highlighting specific parts of
the Word of God for your current situation. It helps you apply the big picture
to your own life.
In Jeremiah 35, God asks, "Will you not receive
instruction and listen to my words?" He's saying both are important! We
need to be attentive listeners, but also open-hearted receivers. It's when we
truly take in His message that it can truly transform us.
So, on your faith journey, remember – listening and receiving go hand in hand. By truly opening yourself up to God's voice, you can build a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Him, and experience the amazing changes He can bring to your life. May you open our heart to both hearing God's word and receiving His guidance for a transformed life.
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