What steps can we take to ensure we heed God's words in our lives? Hearing the Warning and the Promise “ ‘And whoever does not listen to My words that the prophet speaks in My name, I Myself will call to account.’ ” — Deuteronomy 18:19 The verse is blunt: God’s words carry authority, consequence, and blessing. Listening is not optional; it is life-shaping. Clearing the Path: Preparing Our Hearts to Listen • Humble yourself before the Lord (Isaiah 66:2). • Confess known sin that dulls spiritual hearing (Psalm 32:5). • Ask the Spirit to illuminate Scripture (John 14:26). Seven Habits That Help Us Heed God’s Word 1. Daily Reading – Set aside unhurried time. Even ten focused minutes guard against drift (Psalm 1:2). 2. Memorization & Meditation – “I have hidden Your word in my heart…” (Psalm 119:11). Turn verses over in your mind during commutes or chores. 3. Obedient Response – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Act promptly on what you learn before excuses pile up. 4. Scripture-Shaped Prayer – Pray verses back to God, aligning your desires with His revealed will (1 John 5:14). 5. Christ-Centered Fellowship – Discuss the day’s reading with family or friends; mutual sharpening fights forgetfulness (Hebrews 10:24-25). 6. Testing Every Voice – Compare sermons, books, and impressions with the written Word (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1). God never contradicts Himself. 7. Continual Evaluation – Let the “living and active” word expose motives and course-correct attitudes (Hebrews 4:12). Living Illustrations From Scripture • Noah built the ark “according to all that God commanded him” (Genesis 6:22). Obedience preserved his family. • Josiah read the rediscovered Law, tore his robes, and reformed a nation (2 Kings 22–23). Hearing led to sweeping action. • Mary told the servants at Cana, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). Simple trust opened the door to Jesus’ first miracle. Encouragement to Stay the Course “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it” (Luke 11:28). “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). Heeding God’s words is not a burdensome duty but the solid foundation for a life that withstands every storm. Keep listening, keep doing, and the One who calls us to account will also uphold and reward us. |
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