A couple of weeks ago, we did our family devotional and parked ourselves on a popular passage. One I probably listened to a hundred times and studied may be just as much. It's familiar and preached on often. We examined it verse by verse and discussed the meaning.
After reading, I was about to dismiss this passage because I "knew" it already. I heard it, read it, and could recite the verses from memory. It's like going to your favorite restaurant, eating a delectable savory dish, but now the entree is not as special anymore because you had it so many times. What once was a yummy surprise that made your mouth water just thinking about it turned into an average simple dish. I sat through our family discussion and leaned into the different perspectives my husband and kids were sharing. They each brought further insight that revealed layers of revelation. I continued to analyze the passage. I resolved to stay still until the Lord unveiled to me something fresh. I didn't want to miss anything. In my wait, the weighty words started to pop into my heart. Have you ever had the Pop Rocks candy before? It's tiny morsels of candy or sugar ☺ that sizzles and pops once it hits the saliva in your mouth. That's what this felt like. The word of God was sizzling and popping. The more I chewed, the more I craved. I was drooling for more. God was giving me new insight into verses I memorized years ago. I was able to see His words come alive with fresh eyes and listen to His words with fresh ears. My spirit received new daily "manna" to marinate on and digest.
Sometimes in the rush of doing the right thing, we miss the real thing. The right thing, we read the Bible but miss the real thing, the LIVING Word of God.
Give ear, and hear my voice;
give attention, and hear my speech.
Does he who plows for sowing plow continually?
Does he continually open and harrow his ground?
When he has leveled its surface,
does he not scatter dill, sow cumin,
and put in wheat in rows
and barley in its proper place,
and emmer as the border?
For he is rightly instructed;
his God teaches him. ~Isaiah 28:23-26
Let's plow, so we can sow the seeds and bring in the harvest as ones who listen and truly hear the instruction of our God. Let's be proactive and go after what God is speaking to us about in this hour. So much is happening in our culture today; it's critical we pay close attention to what the Holy Spirit is saying. A verse that spoke to you one way yesterday, a week ago, or even a year ago may have a different message today. Be on alert and be mindful of the voice of God.
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