Mark 4:23-25 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

The choice you make to listen to God will affect you and others. God gives us hears to hear, but it is our responsibility to listen, and absorb, and learn the truths of the Gospel and God’s Word. Energy, effort, commitment, and depth of thought are involved in taking heed. Only those who seek will find. And they will be given even more. This is a great promise that those who listen and apply God’s truth will be given understanding of more truth, and their sphere of influence will expand. This is something we should be crying More! More! More! for. God delights in those who seek to hear and understand His Word. As God increases our understanding, he also increases our responsibility.

Warning – There are some who hear for a little bit, but when they stop listening, they lose even that which they had heard. Judas Iscariot is an example.

Here are some promises to those who seek God and His Word:

• Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
• 1 Peter 2:2-3 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.
• Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
• 1 Chronicles 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

The time you spend with God in church and in your devotions at home will be greatly rewarded if you are allowing the Word to change your life . God isn’t limited in wisdom and grace. God desires to administer more of each, but only to those who are listening and applying what He has already given.

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry