A husband confided to a friend that his wife talked to herself a lot. The friend said, "So does my wife, but she doesn't know it, she thinks I'm listening!" Many husbands have been known not to be good listeners. It is often the case that we all have a problem hearing spiritual messages.

When we have the opportunity to hear the word of God we should do so knowing that God has made available to us the gift of salvation. "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift if from above, coming down from the Father of lights..." (James 1:17-19). Looking for something valuable usually adds zest to the search. How precious indeed is the teaching of scripture, more to be desired than all the riches of this earth. To know God's way and to learn of His beloved Son and the promise of life through Him, should turn us all into searchers of the word.

When we hear the word of God our attitude if of the utmost importance. "Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger..." (James 1:19-20). Let us be eager to receive God's correction and instruction for our life. What an advantage it would be to us if we were to refrain from speaking long enough to listen to our Creator. If we would but unclutter our minds and hearts, so that the His enduring word could settle within us.

When we hear the word of God we should do so in humility and repentance. "In humility receive the word implanted which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21). If we knew as God knows of the danger of sin and what it means to partake of the iniquity that is in the world, we would hate it as He does and flee from all appearances of it and hasten to His holy throne.

When we hear the word of God we should make it our aim to follow through with what we have heard. "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves" (James 1:22-25). Every word of God that falls upon our ears should be followed up with the desire to do as we have heard. We will find a blessing in what we do, if it is God's bidding.

For a free non-denominational Bible correspondence course call 830-833-4884 or email bcc@moment.net

Church News: The Blanco Church of Christ will have a potluck following our morning services on March 21. Readings from the Gospels and prayer on Friday mornings at 6:30 a.m. at the Blanco Church of Christ fellowship hall. Donuts and coffee will be served. You are invited to join us.