Mark 3-4, Psalm 96
Mark 4:24-25 (NLT)
“Then he added, ‘Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given—and you will receive even more. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.’”
In Mark 4:24–25, Jesus instructed His disciples and the crowd further about listening to His teaching. Christ told them to pay close attention to what they heard because the measure they used would be measured to them—and even more would be given to them. Those who receive and respond to the Lord's truth will be given greater understanding, while those who do not truly receive what they hear can lose even the limited understanding they have.
When I first read these verses, I thought about the Holy Spirit's guidance for me in 2022 to start reading the Bible through a yearly program. I was sporadically attending a faith-filled, full-Gospel church, but not regularly. At the end of 2022, I decided to join the church I was attending. I went to the New Members class and was water baptized in February 2023. Although I know the Lord had been in my life since I was six years old and I was baptized as an infant, I consider this water baptism my born-again date because it was my first public declaration of faith as an adult.
But reading wasn't enough, even though I joined another year-long Bible reading program. I was reading the words, but I wasn't learning more about Father-God. I was again guided in November 2023 to start writing about what I was learning and how it might apply to my life, since that's the way I learn things best. Now that I'm in the fifth year of a Bible reading program, these verses ring so true for me. The more I read the Lord's words, the more I understand them and the more peace and happiness I experience in my life. I learn new things every year, and I know that reading the Bible through a year-long program is something I will continue to do for the rest of my life.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One whose words help us know and understand Him more deeply—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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