Our
daily choices influence our spirituality (Proverbs 21:2). If we pursue
carnality in the flesh, in the world and through satanic venues, then our
spirit weakens and we also reap the results in our body, mind and emotions (Proverbs
14:12).
As
we come to Christ through salvation, we learn to follow the Spirit’s direction
for each moment of our day, and our spirit strengthens, which also affects our
body, mind and emotions (Proverbs 12:14).
The
choice is ours to live in God’s wisdom or as a fool. The wise listen to counsel
from God’s Word, but a fool despises God’s truth and does what is right in
his/her own eyes (Proverbs 12:15). Let us choose wisdom from God's counsel.
As
we follow His truth and not our own wisdom, we walk in His Kingdom. God will
never lead us contrary to His Word; so we never get a personal word directly
from God to do some action or use some word that is contrary to the scriptures.
Otherwise,
we will miss out on God’s best for our life. His direction comes to us through
His Spirit and His Word. As humans, our five senses come in very handy. Too
often, however, these same senses are a detriment to us.
We
spend too much time depending on our natural abilities, which hinder us from
trusting totally in God. Too often, we are too quick to speak and to express
anger; yet too slow to listen (James 1:19).
Silence,
in the deepest sense, is imperative for hearing the voice of God. We empty our
self of our self – our goals, will and desires - and we humbly wait on God. Silence
is the first step in seeking God’s will for our day one moment at a time.
We
perform our required duties for the day; but as we do, we do not make our own
plans. We wait on God to reveal His direction by His Spirit. The more silent we
are, the more we are also able to really hear the deep concerns of our Lord,
our friends and our family.
As
we earnestly enter our quiet place with the Lord, we sit at His feet and learn
from Him, as Mary did (Luke 10:39); we enjoy His presence as the little
children did (Matthew 19:14); and we receive His anointing as the apostles did (Mark
6:7).
Prayer:
Father
God, You designed life so that we can find satisfaction through the fruit of
our words, and You allow the consequences of our deeds to return to us (Proverbs
12:4). That means both our kind words and loving deeds, but also our angry
words and our cruel deeds. We reap what we sow (Proverbs 16:2).
Remind
us that when we listen intently, rather than with only one ear, we show more
compassion and patience, because we take the time to hear what You and others
are really saying. Help us to live in love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness,
goodness, meekness, self-control and faith so that we will reap the fruit of
Your Spirit.
Thought
for the Day:
As
we listen to Godly advice and accept a rebuke from a brother, in the end we will
reap wisdom and truth; we grow more silent in our prayer time, so that we can
enjoy God’s companionable silence, and we are in a better position to hear His
direction and instruction, and to follow the leading of His Spirit during each
moment of our day.
– Proverbs 19:20
