Good morning! Today is Thursday, September 25, 2025. How we shine reveals how well we listen and apply. Some shine brightly, many shine dimly, and others not at all. The challenge for today is to consider how carefully you listen. Let’s dive in!
Today's Reading:
Ezra 2,3; Luke 8
Scripture
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they think they have will be taken from them.” (Luke 8:16-17)
Observation
Our actions always reveal our relationship with Christ—just as light cannot remain hidden. Jesus calls the truth of His Word “light” and challenges us not only to hear it but also to live it out. God’s desire is that we bear fruit, experience His best, and walk in His blessing. Yet this often requires facing hard truths and making hard choices to align with Jesus. He reminds us that everything hidden will eventually be revealed. That’s why He urges us to listen carefully. What God speaks will come to pass—and He says it all out of love for His children.
Application
We all learned selective hearing as kids—ignoring “clean your room” while perking up at “let’s go out for ice cream.” As adults, we often do the same with God’s Word. We highlight the blessings but skim past the directives. Jesus reminds us that how we listen matters. If we receive His Word with humility and obey it, He will entrust us with even more truth. But if we ignore it, even what we thought we had will fade away. Today, I want to ask myself honestly: Am I listening carefully to Him—or tuning Him out? How about you?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for speaking truth in love. Forgive me for the times I’ve chosen selective hearing with Your Word. Help me to listen carefully, obey fully, and let my light shine so others can see You in me. Amen.
—Aaron Cordeiro