ARE YOU LISTENING?
Daphne Powell
Today’s Scripture: “They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” Romans 2:15-16 ESV
Theme: God may use character and conscience to direct us.
DO YOU HEAR HIM
Jesus said to twelve men, “Follow Me”, and they did. Those twelve men were all different in occupations, marital status, income, faith and character. Jesus, through His teachings, showed them who He was and His character. Why are we any different? Do you hear Him talking to you, calling you, teaching you? He is our example. He takes us as we are and through Him, our character should grow as our faith does.
CALLED TO ACTION
Character and conscience are great, but what are we doing with the blessings? The Bible gives us direction through the twelve disciples. They took their blessings and character on the road. They went to faraway lands to tell non-believers about Jesus. They told of His character, promise, and sacrifice. Why are we any different? Who are you sharing His promise, sacrifice and character to? Have you heard Him say to you to serve, help a stranger, talk to the person standing in front of you in line? He calls us to action all the time; He is proud of His children.
NOT PERFECTION
As Christians who fall short and still sin, it is easy to doubt our characters sometimes. But the Lord does not ask for perfection. There is only one Man who walked the earth who was perfect: Jesus. So, extend yourself the grace that God gives us daily. Non-believers who want to know who Jesus is look at Christians to see an example. But we must be willing to share our testimony with others so they can see how Jesus has been our lawyer, doctor, protector, Teacher, Friend and Father. We must share that He is not looking for perfection but for us to have a close relationship with Him.
YOUR NEXT MOVE
So, are you listening? If you have not heard Him, be still. Find a quiet place for quiet moments with Him. Find your favorite chair and open the Bible and read His words. Turn on the radio and worship and sing to Him. Join a serving team or Life Group to be with other Christians to grow and fellowship. Whenever you choose to grow in character, you must make a move; Jesus will walk with you.
Make It Personal: These past few months, I have been faced with being still. And through that stillness I hear Him whispering to me. He doesn’t shout all the time, sometimes He whispers. It’s in those moments I really get to see how my character shines in His light. Believers and non-believers want to see who this Jesus is I am following.
Pray: Dear Lord, please help me to listen, learn and follow Your lead. You are my example, and I strive every day to glorify your name. Amen
Read: Romans 2, Romans 3:23, Romans 11:33, Psalm 36
Weekly Memory Verse: “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” Romans 2:13, ESV