All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. —Nehemiah 8:3
As I sat in the auditorium, I faced the pastor with my eyes fixed on him. My posture suggested I was absorbing everything he was saying. Suddenly I heard everybody laughing and clapping. Surprised, I looked about. The preacher had apparently said something humorous, but I had no clue what it might have been. From all appearances I had been listening carefully, but in reality my mind was far away.
It’s possible to hear what is being said but not listen, to watch but not see, to be present and yet absent. In such a condition, we may miss important messages meant for us.
As Ezra read God’s instructions to the people of Judah, “All the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law” (Neh. 8:3). Their attention to the explanation produced understanding (v. 8), which resulted in their repentance and revival. In another situation in Samaria, Philip, after persecution of the believers broke out in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1), reached out to the Samaritan people. The crowd not only observed the miraculous signs he did, but they also “paid close attention to what he said” (v. 6). “So there was great joy in that city” (v. 8).
The mind can be like a wandering adventurer that misses a lot of excitement close by. Nothing deserves more attention than words that help us discover the joy and wonder of our Father in heaven. —Lawrence Darmani
Lord, our minds are so prone to distraction. Help us to be present in the moment, especially when listening to those who instruct us in Your ways.
The receiving of the Word consists in two parts: attention of the mind and intention of the will. William Ames
INSIGHT: On one occasion, many of Jesus’s followers rejected His teaching because they found it “hard” and “no longer followed him” (John 6:60, 66). Jesus then challenged the Twelve and asked if they too would reject His teaching. Responding, Peter affirmed they still would follow, for “You have the words of eternal life” (v. 68). Sim Kay Tee
For each person that speaks, each personally know what they mean and believe to get across to others.
ReplyDeleteYet not one person truly knows what the others hear.
So I can trust this and be at rest in Father and Son
That Father knows, and will allow as has the free choice given to us all, not just one.
That is to believe to receive and see. And one will if beleif to God is real. One stands no matter what advertises here on earth happen to them as John 16:33 tells me and all who believe will have adversities. Fro the enemy hates believers, not fakers in beleif to God. For he is King at Faking beleif to God