Pay attention. Part 3

"Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life"   Proverbs 4:23    CSB

In our series, we are looking at the subject of paying attention, something we all need to improve on. This flags up four areas that need some attention:

CONCENTRATION   It goes without saying that to concentrate, we need to pay attention. When we try reading our bibles or doing some study, we begin to notice how loud the TV or Radio are. We can turn it off but if someone else is watching or listening, it may be rather rude to do so. The only solution would be to find a better place where you can concentrate, even if this is the car.

FOCUS   Without a focus we're heading nowhere. Determine what you need to do and arrange things that make it possible. When we have a goal, it's easier to reach towards it.

MEDITATE   When you read scripture, pray or when God gives you a Word, don't rush away to put it into action. Weigh it, in other words meditate on what you have seen or heard until you're satisfied about what you should do. Don't be hasty.

INTERNALISATION   When we 'pay attention' we need to internalise what we are hearing or seeing. Once this is inside of us, it can bubble away until the right time arrives. Internalising also helps our foundation in Jesus and helps guard our hearts and mouths from speaking out what we shouldn't. The heart has time to process and assess the way forward.

The heart is an important organ - physically we need to take care of it so that we can be in good health. Alternatively, we need to nurture the spiritual side of our hearts as well. Don't forget what Jesus told us: 'For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart' Matthew 12:34. Derek Prince comments on this verse, 'When the heart is filled, it overflows through the mouth; and that overflow tells us the real condition of the heart.' Strong words indeed, that help us and others realise the state that we are in. This is why we need to 'pay attention' to the heart.

At this moment, you may be challenged. This is the Holy Spirit pinpointing an area that requires some attention. Thank God that He does!

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