Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.--Isaiah 55:2, ESV

Listening is something that most of us wish more people would practice. When others listen to us, we like it. We know that what we are saying is important to them; that we are important to them. 

We humans are speaking spirits, and we usually like to talk, especially about ourselves. When others listen to us, we are exerting power; influence. We usually feel more confident, because someone is validating us by listening.

If we view listening as a ministry, it can help us put more value on this essential skill. 

Listening to the right voices--God's, through His Word and worship, prayer and being quiet before Him; our spouses, then our children, then our other loved ones, and our leaders, is extremely valuable. 

Proper listening can save our lives, and others'. 

We can ask the LORD to help us have "ears to hear"--first, what His Spirit is saying by His Word in the Bible; by Bible-based preaching and teaching; by Word-based praise and worship; by fellowshipping with others who follow the Bible.

Also, by being quiet before Him and listening to what He speaks to our hearts (Sometimes we don't hear the words, we just I, by the help of His Spirit, what He is communicating.), we can understand the way of the LORD, and walk more in His perfect will, positively affecting our lives and many others'. 

And he (Jesus) said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.--Mark 4:9, ESV

When we stop thinking so much about what we want to say and determine to focus on others, it shows that we value them and what they have to say. (We are not obligated to listen to a lot of strife, nor to gossip, or slander or nasty stuff. I don't mean that.) It builds their confidence, and their trust, and their understanding of more of God's love.

By the LORD's help, let us all be better listeners, starting today!

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (309 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.