Tag: hear and do
Day 2–Blessed to hear and apply!
Scripture reading for February 10: James 1:22-25 “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
We as responders must be continually listening and applying what we already know with the new information we are receiving as we respond to each incident. We listen to the incident 911 dispatcher’s instructions and directions. We act by following the directions to the incident scene after procuring the needed equipment and tools. On the scene, we report new information that may help others respond with needed skills or other equipment. If there is a person in distress, we ask questions to determine how to best help that person in the most timely manner.
As faith responders who are learning to follow Jesus through the leading of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, listening and hearing are critical to success. We can hear but not listen, resulting in our knowing information but failing to act on that information. God’s Word says we deceive ourselves when we do not apply the instructions or corrections God gives us. If we lack wisdom on applying God’s Word, James tells us we must ask God in faith for help and He will generously give what we need. (James 1:5-6) But if we ask for wisdom and receive it, we should act on it not just hear the words. That is unbelief and not faith. Procrastination and fear of failure often hinder us from acting.
As we are with Jesus through the Holy Spirit indwelling us, we can have wisdom and new insight as needed. The perfect law of love for God and love for others will motivate us to always seek loving responses to meet the needs we face.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the perfect law of love expressed to us in the death of Jesus Christ and Your Gift of the Holy Spirit. We have liberty to love others and trust You for the wisdom and direction needed through Your Word and Holy Spirit. Amen.
“My beloved brothers (and sisters)”
Scripture reading for March 30th: James 1, Psalm 64, Proverbs 2
James 1:19-22 “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted Word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets, but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
Humility, obedience, and integrity are marks of those who follow Jesus Christ and love His Word. James was the half-brother of Jesus and was chosen to be the pastor of the Jerusalem church. He addressed the believers as ‘my beloved brothers’, a sign of humble respect. He shared godly instruction with the church that is written down for us today as well. Hearing requires focus and a quiet and calm spirit. Anger tends to hinder our ability to hear. As we receive God’s Word, faith comes by hearing. We must humbly listen in order to apply and obey. James likens our hearing as looking into a mirror and then forgetting what we look like. We must concentrate intently with a quiet spirit and receive the Word as a seed that can find good soil and grow, producing corresponding actions. True faith always produces good works.
Psalm 64:10 “Let the righteous rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him! Let all the upright in heart exult!”
Prayer: Holy Father, I rejoice in the Word of Truth You have given to Your ‘beloved’ people. Help me to hear and receive Your Word like seed. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to understand and apply all Your Truth to my life. Forgive me when I have looked into Your Word like that mirror, and then immediately forgot what You had said about my identity and new character in Your Son Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 2:21-22 “For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it, but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out of it.”
Compassion for the hurting widow!
Scripture reading for March 19th: Deuteronomy 6-9, Luke 7
Key Scriptures: Luke 7:12-15 “As He drew near to the gate of the town, behold a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Do not weep.” Then He came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.”
As God had commanded His people in the Old Testament law, Jesus was caring and compassionate towards a widow. This widow had lost her only son and would be left without support. The funeral procession was passing by and Jesus reached out and touched the bier containing the body. He spoke to the body of the man and commanded him to arise. To the amazement of all (except Jesus), the young man arose and began to speak!
Faith Confession and prayer: Lord, thank You for Your demonstrated compassion for the hurting and for orphans and widows. Fill me with Your heart of love and compassion and use me to bring life and restoration. Multiply Your kingdom!
Deuteronomy 7:12-13 “And because you listen to theses rules and keep and do them, the Lord your God will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love that He swore to your fathers. He will love you and bless you, and multiply you.”