Take Care How You Hear

This was the title of Matt's sermon yesterday. Comes from Luke 8:4-21 (v. 18 being the highlight). Very cool. He talked a lot about hearing the word of God rightly... and how it is so very important to prepare to hear the word of God... privately and publicly! Below are a few suggestions he offered to prepare yourself to hear God

A. Privately (Your personal quiet time)
1. Establish a time and place when you are most alert
2. Find a place where you are least distracted
3. Have a plan in place prior to opening the word
4. Schedule the time into your daily agenda
5. Pray for God to "open your eyes" when you read
6. Approach time with God expecting him to speak!

B. Publicly (corporate worship, etc...)
1. Go to bed the night before!
- "Saturday night life is Sunday morning dead!"
2. Go to the bathroom before the service starts
3. Turn off your phone!
4. Sit with your family/someone who will not distract you
5. Bring aid to help you stay focused (notebook for taking notes, mints, etc...)
6. Pray for God to speak to you, the congregation, and through the preacher
7. Come to church (or wherever) expecting God to speak!