with ears, with heart, with conviction // 2011.08.22

Click here to read this day's Bible readings.

It's inspiring how Paul spoke of the Church of the Thessalonians: "For our Gospel did not come to you in word alone, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with much conviction."

It's amazing how the Thessalonians not only listened to the God's word with their ears, but with their hearts and everything in them, and with much conviction! Their lives tell us that following God isn't impossible, and should push us to persevere with ours as well.

But Jesus also warns us what happens to those who listen only with their ears, and act as if they have nothing to do with God, even harming others as they do so. Jesus has three words for them... "Woe to you".

How about you? How do you listen to God's word? Or have you even taken time to hear it?