Directions in life

"My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings"   Proverbs 4:20-23  

Solomon gives more wisdom in this chapter. Many people feel that he would have profited by following his own advice at times. Something that we all need to take on board, I think. We all need to practice what we preach. 

He tells us to listen properly showing good attending skills. We do this on a one to one with someone, by leaning forward slightly, and feeding back a little of their conversation, such as, 

'So, what you are saying is....' This lets the person know that you are listening to them. We need to remember what is said, especially in a counselling session, when a sermon is given or perhaps, a bible study. It is also essential that when we are reading our bible that, we take note of what God is showing us, because His word is good for instruction, teaching and direction.

Hearing clearly to what is being said is paramount to our daily walk with Jesus. If we only hear half of the word, we can make assumptions. When we listen we need to meditate on the word, in fact percolate it, until it is boiling away inside of us. So lock the words in by internalising them. They really are healthy for us. It is almost like God has used Solomon to write a prescription for us. God's word is life and healthy and wisdom is the best medicine going. It safeguards us from life-threatening evils.

Are you open to God's word or, are you too busy? If you are the latter, you need to re-arrange your lifestyle. God must come first. It helps us to guard our heart v23. Our soul is made up of our mind, will and emotions, therefore we need diligence to put this into practice. To be diligent, you must have an earnest and persistent application to an undertaking and this helps us be full of attentive care.

There are several requirements to aim for: You must listen, Read and Study your bible, Concentrate, attend, focus, meditate and internalise so that you are living in Jesus and He in you. When you live it, you will see it.

We'll look at the final part of Chapter 4 tomorrow

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

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