Listening to God’s Word is not a passive act, but an intentional skill that must be developed and practiced. Jesus emphasized that how you listen matters—those who truly hear and respond to His teaching will be given more understanding, while those who ignore or only superficially listen will lose even what they think they know. God holds each person accountable for the truth they receive, and He desires that you not only hear but also obey, so that you may experience His blessing and deeper insight. Take time today to quiet distractions, open your heart, and ask God to help you listen well, for He promises to reward those who do. [09:03]
Luke 8:18 (ESV):
"Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away."
Reflection:
What is one practical step you can take today to remove distractions and intentionally listen for God’s voice in your life?
When Jesus comes into your life, He brings His light, and you are called to let that light shine for others to see. God never gives you His truth just for your own benefit; He wants you to be a beacon, showing others the way to Him. Hiding your faith or blending in with the world defeats the purpose of the light you’ve received. Even if you feel inadequate or fear rejection, remember that your testimony—how Jesus saved you—is powerful and needed. God has prepared people around you who need to see and hear the difference Christ makes, so don’t hide your light; let it shine boldly and trust God with the results. [16:44]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV):
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection:
Who is one person you can intentionally share your faith or testimony with this week, and what step will you take to let your light shine to them?
When you receive Christ, you are adopted into God’s family, gaining a new identity, relationship, inheritance, and security. You are no longer a fearful slave but a beloved child who can call God “Abba, Father.” This adoption is immediate and permanent—nothing can separate you from His love, and you cannot be “unadopted.” Spiritual relationships in Christ often become deeper and more enduring than even biological ties, and you are welcomed into a family where you belong, are loved, and are never alone. Embrace your place in God’s family and let that truth shape your confidence and relationships. [31:22]
Romans 8:15-17 (ESV):
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."
Reflection:
How does knowing you are fully adopted and secure in God’s family change the way you view yourself and relate to others today?
Storms are a part of life, even when you are following Jesus and right where He wants you to be. His presence does not mean the absence of trouble, but it does mean you are never alone. When the disciples faced a fierce storm, Jesus was in the boat with them, and at His word, the storm was calmed. The key to peace is not the absence of storms, but knowing who is with you in the midst of them. No storm can separate you from God’s love, and He uses these times to grow your faith and reveal His power. When you face trouble, turn to Jesus first, trust His promises, and let His presence bring you peace. [45:50]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV):
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection:
What storm or challenge are you facing right now, and how can you intentionally invite Jesus into that situation and rest in His presence today?
When storms come, your first response may be fear, but faith and fear cannot rule your heart at the same time. Where you fix your focus during the storm reveals whether you are walking in faith or being overwhelmed by fear. If you keep your eyes on Jesus—the One who is in your boat—you can experience His perfect peace, even when circumstances are uncertain. God uses storms to change your future, deepen your testimony, and draw you closer to Him. Submit yourself to His mighty hand, pray through the trial, and trust that He will bring you through with a greater story of His faithfulness. [51:05]
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV):
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."
Reflection:
What is one fear you need to surrender to God today, and how can you shift your focus from the problem to the person of Jesus in the midst of your trial?
Today began with a reminder to entrust each day to the Lord, recognizing that God is moving in powerful ways, even in our nation. We celebrated stories of revival and baptism, emphasizing that God is raising up a new generation and calling all of us to be part of His work. The heart of the teaching focused on the importance of listening—not just hearing, but truly listening to God’s Word and responding in obedience. Jesus taught that listening is a skill that must be developed, and that our spiritual growth is directly tied to how we listen and act on what we hear.
We explored the reasons people often fail to listen: personal biases, assuming we already know the message, distractions, underestimating the importance of the message, and resisting conviction. God holds us accountable for the truth we receive, and He desires that we not only receive His light but also share it with others. Our testimony is meant to shine, not be hidden, and we are responsible for helping others find their way to Christ.
We also looked at the profound truth of spiritual adoption. When we receive Christ, we are adopted into God’s family, gaining a new identity, relationship, inheritance, and security. This spiritual kinship can be even deeper than biological ties, offering a sense of belonging and love that transcends earthly relationships.
Finally, we considered the storms of life. Even when we are in the center of God’s will, storms will come. Jesus’ presence does not guarantee the absence of trouble, but it does guarantee that we are never alone. The story of Jesus calming the storm reminded us that peace is not found in the absence of storms, but in knowing who is in the boat with us. Storms reveal where our faith truly lies and are opportunities for growth, deeper trust, and a greater testimony.
Luke 8:16-25 (ESV) — 16 “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. 18 Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”
19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”
22 One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, 23 and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. 24 And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”
James 1:22-25 (ESV) — 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 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. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 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.
Romans 8:14-17 (ESV) — 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
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