Look and Listen Attentively

Read Proverbs 19  

The man said to me, "Son of man, see with your eyes, hear with your ears, and give attention to all that I am going to show you; for you have been brought here in order to show it to you. Declare to the house of Israel all that you see." Ezekiel 40:4   

Pay attention to what you see and hear the Lord telling you. In this passage from Ezekiel, God is telling Ezekiel to focus his attention on a vision of measurements of the Temple while the Jews were still in captivity in Babylon. How often do you pay close attention to details of something that is more than a thousand miles away? I'm sort of details person--measure twice, cut once. I'm convinced that I see more variety in colors than most people--the sky may be gray--but it is really 16 shades of gray. Details-details. God wants us to pay attention to details--maybe not different hues of the sky, but details in His word--what He is trying to tell us. Listen closely--and keep your eyes focused on Him. 

Training Tip - Gather your family together and then turn on the radio and TV with the volume turned up high.  Try to get your family's attention telling them something special--like those who are listening will get a special treat, like ice cream. Turn off the radio and television. Talk about how we can be easily distracted by noises and we need focus our attention on what is important--God, parents, and teachers. Now with the radio and TV off, whisper your instructions again about those who are listening get a special treat. Have them signal you if they are paying attention and hear you. Then follow through with a special family treat. 

Lord, help us to not only pay attention, but to hear You and obey.