Reading: Psalm 25:8-15
Hearing from God requires a certain heart for Him. As we make our way through this reading, we find that God will answer those who are open to Him in different ways. He guides the humble, leads those who obey, is a friend to those who fear Him, etc. When we come to God with our own ideas and agendas, we cut off communication with Him since we are so in tune with ourselves, rather than Him. Hearing His direction, and feeling His presence in our lives takes some clearing of our own hearts and minds. We need to be willing to be open to Him and His direction in order to hear it.
What is something in your life that may be hindering you from fully hearing God?
How can you take the time to hear Him today?
Reading: Mark 7:1-30
Having a heart to hear God's direction takes letting go of tradition sometimes. As a church, really assessing traditions and rituals can be tough and can even tear apart the membership, but we read here that it should never take priority over God's Word and way. The problem with tradition and ritual in this case was the heart of the religious leaders who tried to hold it over the disciples' and Jesus' head. Jesus sure handles this view by stating that they are not as important as the bottom line. When they get in the way of really caring about people and reaching people for Christ.
We see a true heart from the woman who comes, asking for healing for her daughter, and really proves that her recognition of Jesus is through faith. Because of her faith and heart, Jesus heals her daughter instantly. The difference between this woman and the religious leaders is their hearts.
What traditions may be getting in the way of doing outreach for Christ in your life?
Where is your heart when it comes to genuine relationship and work for God? Focused on the traditions and rituals, or on the needs of people?
Reading: Exodus 33:7-34:35
Opening ourselves to God creates an amazing structure to our daily walk with Him. Though the road isn't easy, we can find ourselves walking alongside Him and hanging on His every word. We see the close relationship Moses has built up with the Lord, as he goes to Him to speak as you would to a friend. Moses gets all of his plans for the people from God and refuses to listen elsewhere. Though Moses' face is visibly radiating after he talks to the Lord, we too can have bright lives in listening to God's plans for us. When we give up ourselves and the plans we make to follow the ones that God has for us, we have brighter futures and a more fulfilling life. We're never promised an easier life, but we are promised to have God next to us every step of the way. Getting our plans and dreams from God will lead us down better paths and make us much more happy in the end.
What plans do you have for your life? What kind of hand does God have in those plans?
What do you do to make sure God is apart of your planning?
Hearing God's plans and direction in life takes having a heart and mind open to Him and His Words. We need to make sure we are receptive to His calling, rather than trying to do life our own way. It is possible to do it ourselves, but it is sure a heck of a lot harder and less fulfilling. True direction and fulfillment come from giving up your plans to God and allowing Him to guide your steps. Consider God's way over your own sometime. Hearing Him becomes easier the more open you become with Him.
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