PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 6:46-49
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice.” (Luke 6:47)
Notice the three steps in the life of a Jesus follower.
First we come to him, then we listen to him, then we do what he says.
Jesus is not physically with us, but he promised to be with us by his Spirit.
Jesus is with me in Spirit, but I still need to take steps to be with him.
That is, to drop what I am doing and pay attention, be still and be with.
I can do that alone, or with others, but either way I need to listen.
Jesus showed us how we can hear God by his Spirit through the bible.
We can come to Jesus through prayer, and hear him through the bible.
Many people do these things… but do they put them into practice?
What did you put into practice from your devotions this past week?
What did you put into practice from the sermon you heard last week?
Coming and hearing is not enough; he calls us to do what he did, to live like he lived.
Going to church does not make me a Jesus follower, neither does reading the bible.
Next time you do these things, look for something to put into practice… and do it!
PRAYER
Lord, what can I put into practice from today’s reading? I guess looking for something to put into practice is a step in the right direction; help me to do it!
Lord help me put your teachings to work! Thank you for teaching us so clearly that all we need to do is obey and live it out – help us with that obedience!
A good foundation is critical – a foundation based on trust/faith in Jesus – it the basis from which I an act and do, teach and preach. But it’s not for show: nice words but no follow through! I can be fearful – that is when my trust is tested. Yet when I look back I see how God is faithful – I’m not on slippery soil or quick sand. Jesus through the HS is faithful. Help me to walk the talk (the HS nudging)- not like a boss who once told us: do as I say – not necessarily what I do – because he admitted to his own hypocrisy. I respected him for his honesty – I think we all did – and we did try harder to do as he said – and we noticed he tried harder too! Lord, help me to follow more diligently each day that I may grow in step with you!
Word and deed. Indeed.
What foundation is my life built upon? The issues all come from the heart. And from there we can see the truthfulness of one’s desire by the practice. Words can not replace deeds. What are my choices? I can only produce good fruit if my foundation is built upon the Lord – the firm foundation.
1 How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he has said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
2 “Fear not, I am with you; O be not dismayed,
for I am your God, and will still give you aid.
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
3 “When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
for I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
and sanctify to you the deepest distress.
4 “When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be your supply.
The flames shall not hurt you. I only design
your dross to consume, and your gold to refine.
5 “The soul that on Jesus still leans for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes.
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!”