"This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
Joshua 1:8 NKJV
Yesterday, we looked at the Leading Role, today let's look at the opposite side - The Listening Role. Listening is quite a skill and one in which we have to perfect if, we are going to be something in life. Quite a few people, do not listen properly, they either hear what they want to hear or are distracted by things around them and only hear part of what is being said. Eve was like this in the garden; when in conversation with the serpent, she told him God had said that they must not eat the fruit of the tree and then she added, 'nor shall you touch it' (Genesis 3:3). God had not said the latter bit, Eve added this because she had not listened properly. We must beware of this.
As God told Joshua, we must read and meditate on the word daily. Meditate, means to make utterings to ourselves as we read the text. The Jews around the wall in Jerusalem
do this and also nod their heads, rocking their body. This is called 'Davening.' There is something about reading the word and under our breath, speaking the word out. It seems to fit into our minds much better.
We do have to be aware that whilst we are spending time in the Word, that there will be distractions - telephone ringing, knocks at the door, children demanding attention etc. etc. We therefore do need to discipline ourselves to this. Pick a time that is just yours.
When we are easily distracted, it may be useful to ensure we are wearing the full armour of God especially, the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17). In battle, the helmet was a protection for a soldier's brain and therefore it can help protect our mind and our thoughts, thus overcoming distraction and the tendency to drift off. We too need to fill our minds with God and His Word and then, meditate. Remember, when you are born again, you do not have the Armour of God on, you personally have to put this on as Paul says in Ephesians 6:11: 'Put on the whole armour of God that you be be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.' It is your responsibility to ensure that you are wearing it each day of your walk with God. It comes down to discipline and making it a regular habit.
When God speaks to you, write it down; don't rely on your memory and try to remember it later. You may get it wrong. Write it down straightaway and then meditate on it. Take note that God, told Joshua in the latter part of our text verse: 'For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.' (Joshua 1:8).
Therefore, it is your responsibility to do the same.
Copyright 2023 Grahame Howard.
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, CLICK HERE
Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle
Check it out
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B084G9S4FD/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave a message