File: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940410.txt ------------------------------------------------------- OUR DAILY BREAD Sunday, April 10, 1994 --------------- Read: 2 Peter 1:16-21 HEARING GOD All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 The first morning I heard the mockingbird practicing his bagful of imitations outside my window, I was thrilled by the beauty of his songs. Gradually, however, I began to take this early morning songster for granted. One day as I awoke, it dawned on me that I no longer appreciated my regular visitor. It wasn't the mockingbird's fault. He was still there. His beautiful song hadn't changed, but I was no longer listening for it. As believers in Christ, we may have a similar experience hearing God speak to us in His Word. When we are first saved, the Scriptures, with their soul-stirring instruction and vital spiritual food, are deeply satisfying. As time goes on, however, we routinely read those same portions over and over in a manner that no longer speaks to us. Our spiritual senses grow dull and lethargic, and God's exhilarating Word becomes commonplace to us. But then, what joy we feel when a passage reveals an exciting truth, and once again we "hear" the Lord! Are you reading the Scriptures out of a tired sense of duty? Or do you still possess the fresh expectancy you had when you first believed? Today, when you read God's Word, listen closely for His voice. Author: Richard W. De Haan I scanned the Scriptures thoughtlessly-- My haste had closed my ear; Then prayerfully I read once more-- This time my heart could hear. Gustafson THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: ------------------- Without a heart for God, we cannot hear His Word. THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 22-24 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written permission must be obtained from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598-7221 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------