THURSDAY June 15, 2017
Be Attentive to the Scriptures
Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. - Nehemiah 8:3
Imagine, Ezra shared the Scriptures from morning to midday! The people were attentive to the Scriptures for six long hours. Notice the respect and attention they gave to the Word of God. When I visited the churches in South Africa, the people had services that also lasted six hours. They worshiped, prayed, and read the Scriptures the entire time. The people gave themselves to the Lord the whole day––think about that.
Yet, many people in American congregations struggle to worship and pay attention to much shorter services in our churches. When God speaks to us through His Word we need to listen. Jesus said in Luke 11:28: “…blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”The Word of God should be in our hearts and minds. The Word cleanses and renews our minds (Psalm 119:9; Romans 12:1-2).
We must make the time to communicate with God. Being alone with God should never be dependent on whether we have the time. It is necessary to sit down and really study, not just skim over the chapters and verses. Then we will be able to fully comprehend what God is saying to us. As we feed on the Word of God, the Lord will speak to us in the morning and throughout the rest of our day––fully and completely.
We must not only read God’s Word, but memorize Scripture. If we do not how are you going to defend ourselves against Satan, and his wiles? We cannot! No wonder the church is so carnal, and not walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Seriously, we need to pay close attention to the condition of our lives and heed God’s Word.
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
~1 Timothy 4:16~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!