Listen and Do

Alexa,

I was reading in the book of Ezekiel this morning during my daily Bible reading time; it was mostly kind of boring, however, in the middle of what I was reading I found something very important and wanted to share it with you.

In chapter 33, towards the end, it says this:

³¹ My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. ³² Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.

This reminded me of what it says in the New Testament in the book of James, chapter 1:

²²Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. ²³Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

I just wanted to tell you that throughout your life, God will be putting some very special people around you, people who He will use to teach you and guide you in your love and relationship with Him. You are a sharp girl, and you will know who they are. I want to ask you to do two things.

First of all, listen to them. Don't tune them out but take the time to really listen and think about what they are saying. God will help you to know what they are talking about and to understand what they mean.

But don't stop there. Allow what they are saying to change the way you think and to change the way you live. Put into practice the things they are trying to teach you. If you do this your life will be solid and the struggles and problems that do come your way will not be able to destroy you.

If you don't believe me (and I know you do!), then read the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:24-27. He also is talking about listening AND doing.

You're b-e-a-utiful, and I love you muchly!!!

Papa