Do you hear your good friends?

Listen well, focus on their eyes and countenance as they speak. Hear em. Rephrase what you think you are hearing from them, and give them time to respond in order to correct, tweak or adjust it a bit. You want to hear, evaluate like a Berean, and grasp hold to all you’re supposed to grasp hold of. Is it all sound? Ask key questions to better understand their heart and motivation. What so -- what does it bring to mind that goes along with what they are saying? Every time bring something to em that will encourage, uplift, and help them. Intentionally add value to other people while you can. No throwaway days or moments, Sport. Every day you can live on the give rather than on the take. Be a plus, rather than a minus or a question mark kind of person. Bring something edifying to the table because you really love the Lord and them too. Sure, you can do this. 

What does it mean that we should be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19)?

Do you take the time away from all the distractions of life to hear from your Best Friend?

“The old adage is right: “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt.” How many relationships have been damaged or ruined because we were slow to listen and quick to speak? How many mistakes could have been avoided had we only listened instead of talked? We should be careful about the kinds of people we spend a lot of time listening to. Psalm 1 warns us not to listen to the foolish or the wicked. However, there are other people we should be quick to listen to:

• Elders because of their experience (Hebrews 13:17).
• Wise people because of their good advice (Proverbs 13:20).
• Godly people because they can represent God’s perspective on our situation (Psalm 141:5).
• Authorities because they represent the law (Romans 13:1).

Most of us are not naturally quick to listen, but we can train ourselves to be better listeners. Good listening is active. It engages with the speaker. It understands the speaker’s perspective, even if we disagree. When people feel heard, they are more willing to listen to our side. Being quick to listen actually opens the door to greater communication because listening shows respect, and when people feel respected, they are more likely to return that respect and listen to us. It is important for us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. God’s Word always shows us the best way, and when we follow it, we are blessed.”

What did Jesus mean when He said, “He who has ears to hear”?

Why did Jesus say, “He who has ears to hear” after some of His parables?

When is it necessary to rebuke another believer after you hear em?

What does it mean that “my sheep hear my voice” (John 10:27)?

How should you, or leaders or the church deal with gossip after hearing their lame message?

Does God really hear those who’ve gotten right with Him? Yes. Does he love all people and want to add value to them? Yes. Does he answer the prayers of a sinner.. you know, an unbeliever?

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him. — 1 John 5:14-15

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. — James 1:19

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. — James 1:22

Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. — Proverbs 19:20-21

I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. — John 5:25

He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." — Luke 11:28

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. — Acts 16:25

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry.. — Psalm 34:15

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. — Psalm 34:17

What does it mean to be a hearer, and then a doers of the Word in James 1:22?

Why is there so much gossip in schools, in businesses, and in the church? A town, a city and a nation would be so much better without any gossip!

What does the Bible say about hearing, talkin’ and listening some more -- you know about communication?

Listen to music that’s joyous and great, and if it has good lyrics then listen to that music as well. Should a Christian listen to secular music? How? 

How do I choose a Christian counselor or therapist to listen to me? Should I? 

How can I have God’s Word hidden in my heart (Psalm 119:11)?

How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. — 2 Samuel 7:22

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like [Moses] from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. — Deuteronomy 18:15

I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. — Psalm 55:16-17

O land, land, land, hear the word of the LORD. — Jeremiah 22:29

A bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" — Matthew 17:5

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. — Ephesians 4:29

"Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you — and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him." — Mark 4:24-25

Do you hear your Best Friend speak to your heart? 

Are you caught up in real rest, or in this worldly mess?

“If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest.” ― Corrie Ten Boom

If you focus on people they will sometimes let you down. Might not even want to let you down. I’ve done that before. Focus on this world-system or the circumstance of life, you won’t be impressed. Focus on Christ and enter His rest. Nicest spot to be.  

Never wanna forget her wise words, “Look without and grow distressed. Look within and be depressed. Look at Jesus and BE AT REST.” #emp-mine  

Looking without, Corrie really had good reason to feel distressed inside. She actually lived in  the  Ravensbrück KZ (Concentration camp) during World War Two. 

Corrie saw her sister and father—and many others—suffer unspeakable pain and then die at the hands of the Nazis in there. 

Looking within, she felt depressed as she saw the darkness of her own heart. Any of us can do that if we choose, but why opt for living inverted? 

But seeing the primary example of her dear godly sister Betsy, (Christ) who tended to live seein’ the bright side of everything (upbeat and pretty positive of mind) and was always so full of joy trusting God. Corrie remembered Betsy’s pattern of (a thankful, praising) lifestyle. 

Not sure, but I think it was the Apostle Paul who wrote (..cuz he spoke of our gaze and race) this here, “Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards; and now he sits in the place of honor by the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

The Bible also speaks of Abraham and how he, "did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform" Romans 4:20-21 

That word “waver” here used in this verse could also be translated "stagger." It would imply that this unwavering walk of Abraham took place with his eyes fixed on the Word -- on God’s promise. We too can do that!

I never want to let my friends or others down. Wanna live above reproach as a good example....yes, even when the trails of life or my old fleshly nature tells me to do otherwise.

"You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character, Because he trusts and takes refuge in You with hope and confident expectation." Isaiah 26:3 amp fish4souls.org

Maximize your time, your every moment in the will of God. Make the most of every opportunity for His glory. He’s been so faithful. 

My Rock and my fortress is there for you as well. Hey Sport, keep your eyes dead-bolted on. Lock on -- have your eyes fixed on Christ, the Prince of Peace daily. Yes, that will keep you moving forward spiritually, because the only way we will make it as Christians is by keeping our eyes on Jesus Christ.

Do you know the Lord yet? You can right now. Come as you are.. not to me, but to Him. Turn to, trust in, repent -- admit it and quit it if you've been into sinnin'. 

You are either moving towards your real riches or moving away from them, you and I and every one.. choose. To what or whom have you given your life to? What or who is your master passion here?  

You are either saved or lost, walking in the light, or in the dark.. freely forgiven or not yet. Jesus taught that you are either for him or against him, you are either gathering with him or scattering away. Who do you influence.. for good or for bad? Read some more (Blog)? 

Look away to Jesus -- it'll mean strength, victory and peace.

Man, when we take our focus off of Christ we can begin to sink. But why go down?

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” —Romans 8:29

It’s so easy to get distracted in our world today. So much with Social and Media flies at us daily, but when we change our main focus.. when we take our eyes off Jesus Christ and allow our minds and hearts to wander and be filled with doubt, fear, or anxiety… we can start to sink. Peter had a different focus at one point and he began to sink when walking on the water, remember? It happened, but he was rescued. 

So when that sinking starts to happen, here’s what we need to do: Look to, and cry out to Jesus. Perhaps you’ve done that before? 

But that’s exactly what Peter did after he stepped out of the boat and started walking across the water to Jesus…and then got all afraid inside while looking at the waves around him. 

And by the way, there’s nothing wrong with crying out to the Lord.

What is in us that makes us say, “I can fix this on my own – need no one else. I can get through this. I can control this”?

Actually, we can’t. We do need God. We each at times need to call out to the Lord. It takes humility and faith. 

Wat!? A man call out for help? Really? Do you mean a real man crying out? Yup! 

Some might say that’s totally a sign of weakness, but I think it’s a sign of great intelligence. In fact, I think it’s a sign of lame-stupidity when we forget to, or think we don’t even need God’s help.

The Bible tells us that “immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:31 NKJV).

It’s time to get the doubt…out. It’s time to reach out. 

Have you been struggling in a fierce bout?

It’s time to live in, not out of His will. It’s time to praise and shout. 

Sometimes people are tough on.. they critique Peter because he was so ambitious and impulsive. He was outspoken when others were too timid. But think about it… the New Testament in the Bible gives a lot of ink to Peter cuz he was a leader. He made many statements, far more than any of the others mentioned in the Gospels. His heart was to please the Lord. 

Also, Peter is the only one who had the courage to actually try walking on water. Not only that, he did really well at first. Have you or I walked on water before? I haven’t. So let’s give Pete some credit.

Like Peter, we can do wonderful things by faith when we’re looking to Jesus—seemingly impossible things. We can do exploits by faith in Jesus, as we walk close with our first-love. But when we get distracted away..when we take our eyes off Him, we’ll start sinking down. Not a good thing. 

Are you sinking downward right now? Do you feel empty, lonely, afraid, really insignificant, worthless, hopeless, neglected, or guilty, Do fear, anxiety and worry fill your thoughts today? I say pause and pray. Be candid – chat with God about it. You need to call out to the Lord. If you will call out to Him, He will reach out and rescue you. He will help you up again. But you have to ask for Christ’s help and call on His name.We can be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, we can enjoy His flow and His abundant life. When we are born again spiritually, we have all of the Holy Spirit, but does the Holy Spirit have all of you?

Don’t live beneath the privilege of righteousness in Jesus.. beneath doing the will of the Holy Spirit.. with His power, victory, and blessings ..for the glory of God the Father.

You and I each day can learn more and more on how to enjoy and walk in the life and flow of the Holy Spirit! We can know Jesus well and make Him well known.. in the Spirit’s strength. I want all of God in all of me, yes so free.. and that spells victory. What does the Bible say -- well, I could go on all day.

“..as your days, so shall your strength be.” Deut. 33:25 nkjv

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him…” 2 Chron. 16:9

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.” Psalm 46:1

“For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Isa. 30:15

"But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isa. 40:31

“The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.” Hab. 3:19

Jesus said, “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Mark 12:30-31

God is working in the earth by His Spirit today. The need? Repentance and saving faith unto regeneration first, then maturation and strength from the Word for world evangelization. 

True that – all cuz of His great love He's working. 

Facts: Did ya know that daily now there are over 80,000 people coming to Jesus Christ in salvation. In fact more Muslims have biblically come to faith in Christ in the last 50 years than in the last 1,500 years. It’s true! Yet of those more than 80,000 people only 6,000 of them are in the USA and in Western Europe. Many in the Western world sadly call themselves “Nones” wanting no faith at all.

People who are properly heavenly-minded; they are the ones who are of the most earthly good. Pray and obey.

http://kurtwvs.tumblr.com/post/160414036293/so-we-fix-our-eyes-not-on-what-is-seen-but-on

Let's firmly fix our eyes. No matter what is going on around us, our main focus is to remain the living word of God – Jesus Christ.

Purpose now to.. know Him well and make Him well known.

This is the victory that has overcome the world--it's our faith in Jesus Christ. 

Q. So should a victorious Christian even follow what is going on in the news? 

Well, the Bible talks a lot about believers warning people of what is coming to those outside of knowing Christ in a personal way, outside of the will of God the Father. It’s because God loves them so much ..all of us.. and He doesn’t want people suffering needlessly.

Be watching and wise. Be awake, alert, prayerful, discerning and on fire for Christ. Today.. be vigilant!

God says, “Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.“ 

“So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happenand to stand before the Son of Man.”  Luke 21:36

The men of Issachar back in the day had real wisdom to know what to do–what the people of Israel should apply. You can also know what to do. Take time in the Bible, and in getting real with the Lord in praying for your buds. Keep your eyes open. Their eyes were open, they loved the truth, were aware.. and making others aware.

“..the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;” 1 Chronicles 12:32  See context. 

I like  Proverbs 27:12 and Proverbs 22:3. 

Go read through all of Proverbs and see how many times God wants you to recognize danger and fools ahead of you that could impede, hamper and block your spiritual progress.

Sin is what stinks–it’s what’s made the swamp. Sin is the only thing God wants to take from our lives. Let’s together live for the word, preach the word in a non-preachy tactful way, and drain the swamp.

God, in his word tells us to watch and pray.. Not just watch but to believe when we pray. Not just believe and anything but in his son Jesus Christ who is the ultimate solution for all our needs. Twitter.com/kurtwvs