Wednesday, August 16, 2017

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?

Family Activity – 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.



Prayer ~ 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.

[Recycled from August 16, 2013]
Happy Birthday, Michelle!

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 32-34

© 2017 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

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