In what ways can we cultivate a heart attentive to God's voice? Hearing but Not Heeding—Mark 8:18 “Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?” What Jesus Exposes • Physical senses alone are not enough; the issue is the heart behind the senses. • Forgetfulness of God’s past works dulls present perception. • Spiritual deafness is a choice, not a limitation imposed by God. Cultivating an Attentive Heart • Invite Scripture to Search You – Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God… lead me in the everlasting way.” – Daily reading that asks, “Where am I resisting truth?” – Keep a journal of verses the Spirit highlights; return and obey them. • Clear the Noise – Mark 1:35—Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray; follow His pattern. – Designate tech-free time each day to sit quietly before the Lord. – Replace background media with worship or silence to tune spiritual ears. • Respond Immediately in Obedience – John 10:27 “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” – Write a simple action step for each insight God gives. – Delayed obedience hardens hearing (Hebrews 3:7-8). • Confess and Forsake Sin Quickly – Isaiah 59:2 “Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God.” – Keep short accounts—confession restores clarity. – Ask trusted believers for accountability. • Remember His Faithfulness – Deuteronomy 8:2—Israel was told, “Remember the whole way the LORD your God has led you.” – Record answered prayers; review them during seasons of dryness. – Testimonies fuel fresh expectancy to hear God again. • Nurture Humble Teachability – James 1:21-22 “Receive with meekness the implanted word… be doers of the word.” – Approach Bible study asking, “What must change in me?” not merely, “What do I learn?” – Welcome correction from mature believers; God often speaks through His people. • Practice Spiritual Disciplines Consistently – Fasting heightens sensitivity (Acts 13:2). – Memorization stores God’s voice inside you (Psalm 119:11). – Corporate worship aligns personal hearing with the wider body. Putting It Together 1. Open Scripture expecting God to speak. 2. Quiet competing voices. 3. Obey promptly what you hear. 4. Keep sin confessed. 5. Rehearse God’s past works. 6. Stay humble and teachable. 7. Persevere in the disciplines. Jesus’ question in Mark 8:18 still searches us today. Choose to let Him heal your spiritual sight and hearing, and you will discern His voice with growing clarity. |
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