Attentiveness

Read Proverbs 16

He who gives attention to the word will find good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20

 

Attentiveness is paying attention to other people’s needs and desires, respectfully listening to them, focusing on what they have to say—not on our own interests. It is also giving our full attention and contemplation to God’s Word. Jesus was very attentive to those around Him—and to God His Father. He said over and over that He came to do the will of His Father. He obviously listened to His Father—since He spoke what His Father wanted Him to say…and did what He wanted Him to do. Are you so focused—so attentive—on God that you do what He wants you to do and say what He wants you to say?

 

Training Tip – Children need to be taught to care about others. Being taught to share…beginning at about one-year of age, is a good point for them realize that the needs of others must be considered. It is hard for pre-school children to focus on others—their life is about “Me” and their own needs. By the time children are in about the first or second grade they can begin to empathize with others and understand that other people have needs and interests beyond themselves. So be an example to them—share and care with not only your children—but let them see that you care about others within your family, your circle of friends, your neighborhood, your community, and beyond. Put others first. That is scriptural. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves…from Philippians 2:3. By listening to others you’ll learn about their needs and then rely on God—on the Holy Spirit—to show you what to do and say.

 

Lord, sometimes I’m so caught up in my own life that I don’t hear what others are saying—what they need. Help me to listen and be attentive to others and to You.

 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

Cupcake Day! The world loves cupcakes!

 

No Frost Chocolate Cupcakes

Makes 24 cupcakes

1 cup chopped dates

½ cup chopped nuts

1 tsp baking soda

1 cup hot water

1 cup sugar

¾ cup coconut oil

1 Tbsp cocoa

½ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour

2 eggs

1 cup chocolate chips 

Mix soda and dates together, pour hot water over mixture and set aside.

Prepare cupcake pan by greasing it, or lining with paper cups.

Cream oil and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, date mixture, flour, and salt. Beat well for about 3 minutes. Add ½ cup chip. Mix. Pour batter evenly into cupcake pan. Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips and nuts on top. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. For an extra treat—frost with your favorite frosting or a swirl of canned whipped cream. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Michelle!

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.