Our Scripture reading today is Luke 8:17-18.
Verse 18, "Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have."
Our admonition today is centered around the importance of our preparation before hearing the Word of God. Hearing is not limited to the physical hearing of someone reading or preaching the Bible. Our mind and heart need to be clear in order that we might take in all that God has for us.
"In his sermon titled Heedful Hearing, Charles Spurgeon suggested some ways to heedfully hear the word of God: Hear attentively, retentively. Hear believingly, obediently. Hear candidly, honestly. Hear devoutly, sincerely. Hear earnestly, spiritually. Hear feelingly, sensitively. Hear gratefully, prayerfully."
The goal in hearing the Word of God is application. How can I apply this Bible message to my life? How can I apply what I am reading from the Word of God this morning". James 1:22, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."