James 1:19

Yesterday we looked at the various ways people approach God's Word. If you assessed how you listen to His instructions and determined there's room for improvement, be encouraged-that realization is the first step toward becoming more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Now, commit to . . .

• Listen carefully. By an act of your will, choose to listen purposefully when you read the Bible or hear it preached. Decide to "pray without ceasing" as you go through your day (1 Thess. 5:17).

• Resist all outside clutter. One of Satan's strategies is to get our minds so occupied with peripheral concerns that we compromise our reliance upon Christ. So much of what we deem important plummets down the priority scale when held against the light of truth.

• Evaluate your life against what you're hearing in Scripture. This means taking the initiative to hold up your life against the standard of God's truth-and agreeing to making any necessary changes.

• Apply the truths that the Holy Spirit impresses upon your heart. This is a decision you make-one that indicates just how serious you are about walking with Jesus Christ. God will honor your stepping out in faith, and you'll see that He can be fully trusted.

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Listening to what the Word of God says is important, but life transformation won't happen unless you personally apply its teachings. Strive to obey Scripture and the Lord's leading every time. When you do, He takes responsibility for the results, and you will find Him trustworthy.