Preparing your Heart

Choosing to Listen -- Be an active listener. Anticipate that God will speak to you through His Word. The word “hear” in its full Biblical sense, implies attention and application of the things that you have learned. It means listening and then doing what God’s Word requires.

Jesus told a parable (a story) about obedience. . .

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.  (Matthew 7:24-29 NIV)

Choosing to Obey --

"If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15 NIV)

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me." (John 14:21 NIV)

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

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6 NIV)

A relationship with God and obedience go hand in hand!