CityLight Church’s One Year Bible Reading Plan
Thursday, March 17th, 2016
Numbers 26:1-51
Luke 2:36-52
Psalm 60:1-12
Proverbs 11:15
For full text click here: http://bit.ly/1oeWZHb
Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished… – Lk 2:46-47
Listening is more powerful than speaking. Even Jesus, the Son of God, did not simply go into the temple and stand up to preach right away. He listened and asked questions; He “grew and became strong in spirit” (v 40). When we listen, we understand others. When we listen, we grow!
First, this principle applies to our relationships with other people (Men: this especially applies to you!). It is foolishness to enter into any conversation assuming you know everything. It is wisdom to listen first before speaking, assuming there may be more at stake than you can immediately discern.
Second, this principle applies to our relationship with God. When was the last time you listened in prayer? How often do you simply leave open space for God to speak to you, with no agenda at all? Prayer should be so much more than reciting our laundry list of concerns and petitions to God. When we listen, we honor Him in a way that is impossible to employ while speaking. God cannot fill space if we don’t leave it open!
Listen first, and speak second. Be slow to judge, and quick to hear people out. Listen more, and talk less!
Prayer:
Father, help me to listen more. I want to listen to other people more, and I want to listen to You most! I know that when I make time to listen, You will be faithful to speak, in Jesus’ name!
Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-76-respect-your-elders/
See commentary from this day in 2015: http://intelligentcharismatic.com/day-76-serving-god/
© Michael D. White, 2016. All rights reserved.