Every month, I guest post at several popular sites. For your reading convenience, I’m gathering them into an October 2020 guest post sampler.

The Importance of Listening Well

If you watched the presidential candidate debates this week, you know that interruption was a big problem on all sides. Many people from both sides of the political aisle have expressed their frustration at the level of interruption and the lack of listening skills. We can all learn from this negative example about the importance of listening well, regardless of our political leanings.

When people feel like they are being heard well by a good listener, they feel appreciated and respected. They will even open up more, because they sense the person is trustworthy. When they don’t feel like the other person is listening well, they get defensive, going into attack mode or shutting down. They stop listening when they aren’t listened to well. That’s why learning to listen well is so important; it keeps the door open to relationships.

In our fast-paced society, the art of listening well has faded. Yet I feel that God has brought this important virtue to our national and worldwide attention through a negative example this week. Sometimes we learn best from the hardest things in life. So, let’s not miss the opportunity to learn something positive from the negative example we saw.

First and foremost, let’s admit that we’ve all failed at listening well at some point in time. Let’s confess that we all have something to learn, rather than pointing fingers at others who lack listening skills. In this way, we can humble ourselves to receive teaching from the Lord.

Here’s a scripture to guide us in learning to listen well:

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 NLT

Let’s break this scripture into its three parts to gain a well-rounded view of listening well:

Be quick to listen.

Listening is the first directive of these three parts. We ALL must be QUICK to listen. It needs to be our top priority when interacting with others, especially with those who do not yet know the Lord, so we keep the relational door open.

Listening shows that we care. It is acknowledging that the speaker is made in the image of God and dearly loved by our Lord. Listening goes beyond common courtesy because it requires us to pause, focus intently on someone else and process their point of view. It doesn’t mean that we have to agree – but it does mean that we took the time to carefully consider their perspective.

Be slow to speak.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying that God gave us one mouth and two ears for a reason, because we should listen at least twice as much as we talk. Being quick to speak equals interrupting, which is rude and self-centered. Quick to speak means you are reacting rather than responding.

The Bible instructs us to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), and this is nearly impossible to do well if we are quick to speak. Speaking the truth in love requires a time commitment. That time needs to be spent in listening, processing and considering a respectful response. It’s better to take time to prepare a considerate response than to fly off the handle and apologize later, after the damage has already been done.

Be slow to get angry.

Oh, how we need this counsel from God in our culture today! We will be slow to listen and quick to speak when we are angry. But if we ask the Holy Spirit to give us the fruit of self-control, he can help us learn to respond with grace and love instead of firing back in anger.

Since our God is slow to get angry himself (Ex. 34:6), he wants us to follow his example. I have learned that it takes practice to refrain from reacting in anger. Let’s start practicing today – let’s not wait for another triggering moment to occur. Practice letting the little annoyances go by surrendering them immediately in prayer to God. In that way, you’ll be building your self-control muscle so it’s ready for bigger challenges.

As Christians, we need to lead the way in listening to others, speaking the truth in love and being slow to get angry. Let’s start a revival of this lost art for the benefit of all, and reverse the negative example we saw this week.

Here’s a prayer to encourage you today:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for being so slow to get angry with me.

You are always available to listen to me.

When you speak to me, it’s a beautiful gift.

I praise you for modeling the art of listening well to me.

Help me learn to listen to others much more than I speak.

Give me opportunities to practice self-control rather than reacting.

I want to learn the art of speaking the truth in love.

With your help, I can grow better at listening well every day.

Teach me, Jesus, to listen to others as lovingly as you did.

I believe you can help me become a much better listener.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Christian meditation can help you when you feel angry and reactive. Want to learn more? Check out my book, Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus.

This post originally appeared on Woman 2 Woman Ministries.

How to Grow Deeper Faith

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7 NLT

Do you want deeper faith in God? All of us, whether new to our faith or seasoned in it, need to grow in faith day by day. These two verses hold several basic truths for us to remember and meditate on regularly so we can keep growing in faith. Let’s break them down one by one.

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord

Do you remember what it was like when you made a decision to follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior? When did your faith became personal and real? It’s good to reflect back on that moment or period in your life, and rejoice in God’s goodness to you. This reflection will keep you connected to the story of your growth.

you must continue to follow him.

It’s human nature to stray from the path God wants us to walk. We need daily reminders to keep on track instead of going our own way. The best way to do this is to read God’s Word every day and meditate on it throughout the day. When you are intentional about following God every day, your faith will grow.

Let your roots grow down into him

As a gardener, I know that my plants are only as strong and healthy as their root systems are. Though unseen, the roots are essential for growth. This concept is true for us as well. Our souls are unseen to others, yet need constant nourishment to make our thoughts, words, and actions fruitful for God. Your roots grow strong the more time you spend with God, so be sure to follow him closely in Bible study and prayer.

and let your lives be built on him. 

The Bible tells us to build our lives upon the rock of God’s truth (Luke 6:47-49), so when the storms of life arise, we can stand firm. As you study and meditate on Jesus’ teachings, you will build a strong foundation of faith, from which everything else can grow. May all your decisions center on God’s will rather than your own, so your life revolves around God instead of yourself.

Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught

Who first taught you about God? Who is teaching you now? It’s essential for spiritual growth to have other wise, godly people sharing their perspectives and testimonies with you. This will enhance and enrich your study of God’s Word and help your faith grow. By listening to sermons, videos and podcasts, and by reading solid material written by Christian authors, your faith will continue to grow stronger. Also, it’s important to regularly meet with other Christians to gain real-life wisdom and be held accountable.

and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Why will you experience thankfulness after all this investment? Because the best life possible is with Jesus. He gives us the love, joy and peace we’re seeking when our faith is strong and healthy. May your faith continue to grow stronger as you intentionally pursue time with God and immerse yourself in the truths of his Word.

This post originally appeared on Woman 2 Woman Ministries.

Trusting God in Changing Seasons

For everything there is a season,
    a time for every activity under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT

The first and last cosmos flowers bloomed in my garden yesterday. They must have “known” that a frost warning was in effect overnight. These lovely flowers reflect God’s glory as his creation slowly goes to sleep this fall.

On my prayer walk, I contemplated the brief nature of autumn, my favorite season. Leaves burst into bright colors, but only for a few weeks. A day of wind and rain can bring most of them down. The whole landscape changes as the trees shed their leaves, and it happens so quickly.

As I breathed in the scent of drying leaves, I thought about this: We expect the changing seasons. They are no surprise to us. Fall has come every year, and it will continue. It’s a change that’s on God’s appointed schedule.

This change is expected, but other changes aren’t, and they are so jarring. The sudden medical diagnosis that leaves you reeling. A marriage problem you didn’t see coming. A prodigal child abruptly leaves home, three appliances go out in one week, or you are rear-ended or side-swiped. These changes can alter our lives’ landscapes, especially when we didn’t see them coming.

We must remember: God is in control of all our changing seasons. The ones we expect and the ones that blindside us.

We can trust God to be our anchor in the seasons that blow us around like so many autumn leaves. He is like the steady oak tree that stands firm, year after year, towering in majesty over the other trees.

Since God appoints everything for a certain time, you can trust him fully. He knows exactly when the next season of life is coming, and exactly how long it will last. By choosing to trust him when the seasons of life change, your faith will grow.

This post originally appeared on Woman 2 Woman Ministries.

God Is Your Comfort

Prefer to listen? Here’s the podcast episode:

Do you need some comfort that lasts longer than a warm blanket, a hot cup of coffee or tea, or a hug from a loved one?

God is your ultimate source of comfort. His comfort will sink into your spirit as you meditate deeply on these comfort-themed verses…

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 NLT

When you face darkness or danger, God’s comfort is a protection for you. He walks right beside you in your suffering.

Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.

Psalm 119:50 NLT

Which promise of God is reviving you today? The book of Psalms is full of God’s promises. Choose one to help you through your troubles today.

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.

Psalm 119:76 NIV

In which struggle can God’s unconditional love bless and comfort you? Meditate on this verse as often as needed, to receive God’s love over and over.

I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear?

Isaiah 51:12 NLT

If people are opposing you, take comfort in knowing that God is the Mighty One over all. He is the one who will exact perfect justice someday.

He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed.

Isaiah 61:1 NLT

Suffering from a broken heart? The freedom God provides gives you hope and comfort. He does not overlook your hurt, but promises redemption.

As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

Isaiah 66:13 ESV

God comforts us with the same kind of tender loving care a mother has for her baby. Picture God holding you in his arms when you need comfort.

I will turn their mourning into joy. I will comfort them and exchange their sorrow for rejoicing.

Jeremiah 31:13 NLT

If you are suffering from grief, God promises a day of rejoicing to comfort you. Cling to the hope in this verse.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.

2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT

Your troubles have great purpose. They will help others who are suffering in the same way that you are. Trust that God will use your trial for ultimate good.

For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:5 NLT

Feeling mocked or belittled for your faith? Turn to God for this promise of comfort, and rejoice that you have God on your side.

Which one of these verses brings you the most comfort today? Make it your meditation verse for the next few weeks, and experience more of God’s comfort in your daily life.

This post originally appeared on Woman 2 Woman Ministries.

Set Your Mind on Things Above

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2 NIV)

As I write this devotion, we are in the thick of election season in the United States. If you focus on the headlines, your anxiety is sure to rise. Negativity runs rampant in the news.

But the headlines don’t have to dictate your thoughts.

In this challenging time, we have many choices. Not only choices about how to cast our votes, but choices about our thoughts, words, and actions…

Gain encouragement in my devotion for Devotable HERE.

October 2020 Guest Post Sampler

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