Day 1: Conversation Kick Backs

Bible Reading: Mark 4:1-20; Proverbs 4:1-6

Happy new month, family! 

I really believe that we’re going to have a great time studying the Book of Galatians together over the next six days! Today though, we’ll lay a foundation before getting into that.

Which of these do you typically fall guilty of, when you have a contrary opinion in a conversation?

A.     Not waiting for the other speaker to end what they’re saying; you just interrupt and barge in with your thoughts

B.     Waiting for the other speaker to end what they’re saying before speaking, but you really weren’t listening again- you’re were just arranging your points in your head and trying to identify loopholes

*  Why are you checking for another option? Check the above two and be honest!

Well, maybe we should actually be living in a third option, but if we’d be honest, it’s usually unlikely or unnatural:

C.     Deliberately hearing through, to see the light from the other side and allowing it correct and change us

If we don’t get deliberate about having a right attitude towards God’s word, its so easy to take up one of the first two options in our conversations with God’s word.

If we’ll be honest, God’s word doesn’t always come the way we want. It is sometimes a conversation we don’t agree with. It is sometimes grace that’s too good to be true. It’s sometimes responsibility that seems way beyond us. It’s sometimes promises that tear our minds. It’s sometimes a hope way too audacious. 

We really must not slip into the tendency of sitting across the table ready to wield out our opinion over God’s word, whether subtly or aggressively. You probably might not use words like that and it might sound so wrong to admit that you don’t agree with God’s word- but really, do you? 

Is it really your standard of truth? Does it really bring you to a place of absolute surrender and humility? Do you brush over it like an opinion or receive it deeply like your source of life?

My task today is really simple: I simply want to encourage you about the kind of person you should be when it comes to God’s word:

Receive God’s word
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21 NKJV

So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. James 1:21 NLT

Rediscover your wonder
When Jesus had finished saying all these things, the crowds were utterly amazed at his teaching Matthew 7:28 ISV

Refresh your knowledge
Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth Proverbs 4:5 NKJV

Renew your passion and desire
As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:1-2 NKJV

Refocus your life: 
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 NKJV

Galatians is one of the most foundational Epistles of Christian doctrine. Over the next few days, as we hit off this intriguing trip to Galatia, I really encourage you to lean in and engage the conversation with a deep sense of honour for God’s word.

So let’s check- what option do you pick as you hear God’s word inviting you to a conversation?

A.       Not waiting for the other speaker to end what they’re saying; you just interrupt and barge in with your thoughts

B.       Waiting for the other speaker to end what they’re saying before speaking, but you really weren’t listening again- you’re were just arranging your points in your head and looking out for loopholes.

C.       Deliberately hearing through, to see the light from the other side and allowing it correct and change you

Let me be your examiner:

A B or C? What choice do you make? Fill out your answer in the comments section. Your time starts now !

Bests,
Tolulope Moody