Passing by a tree lot on the way to church one Sunday, I was surprised at how crammed the parking lot was with vehicles. It wasn’t even 8:30 a.m. yet people were vying for a parking spot bringing traffic to a near stop. I must confess I couldn’t help but wondered how many would make it to church that morning. As quickly as that negative thought entered my mind I repented and asked the Lord to forgive me for my attitude. Who was I to judge anyone? We all have something that can easily distract and draw us away from our relationship with the Lord if we aren’t careful. Something that is for sale if we aren’t careful to guard it, to protect it.
As I thought back to that day, the Lord reminded me how easily someone can be to be drawn away from Him. That when we take our eyes off of Him, we become vulnerable and open a way for the enemy to take territory from us if we aren’t careful. Just as we have to take time and nurture our relationships with family and friends, we must also take time nurture our relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus gave up everything just so we could have an opportunity to become sons and daughters of God. He died that we could live. To nurture such a valuable, precious relationship, we need to spend quality time with Him and not only seek Him, but listen when He speaks. Reading the Bible is important. It’s how we learn about everything that God wants us to know. Prayer is important. It’s how we communicate with Him. But listening is the most important thing we can do to get to know Him. To grow our relationship with Him.
But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.
Proverbs 1:33
To dwell safely and be secure without fear of evil…isn’t it worth taking the time to listen? God bless.
Blog With Marie 
I hadn’t thought about the act of to God as being equal to Bible study and prayer, but it is! Blessings.
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Blessings to you as well!
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Sorry, Marie. I meant to say the act of listening to God.
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Lol. No worries! Thanks for the clarification. I think I must have read it into the sentence. Ever do something like that? 😁
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Taking time to nigiri our relationship with Him is so important. Reading His word and prayer yes, but most important of all is listening to God – I so agree with you.
Blessings Marie.
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Thank you. Blessings!
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Great word!!
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Thank you!
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Jean,
I really liked this blog. It particularly spoke to me about fixing my eyes on Jesus and listening to Him!
I get so caught up in everything to do with the election that I get away from what’s most important.
Thanks for reminding me!
Melissa
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So glad you enjoyed it. It was all God.
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This is a great post. You have highlighted something many haven’t been taught.
It reminded me, prayer is conversational. In a healthy conversation and relationships, there are times of listening and times of sharing. Without a back and forth it is a one-sided monologue. I believe healthy prayer includes sharing our thoughts, concerns, and questions with God but we must incorporate listening too. If we don’t allow time for listening, can we intimately know the Father’s heart?
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Thank you. It’s all God. Amen, we have to definitely allow time for listening. Something I need to do better with. God bless!
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