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[0:00] The 29th of May. Are you listening? Revelation 2.7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

[0:11] Do you find that very often, when you're speaking to someone, you realise that they're not really listening to you? Preachers can get that feeling as they look at their congregation. If only one could read the people's thoughts, no doubt some would be thinking of their Sunday lunch, or what shopping they need to do on Monday morning, or even what the person in the seat in front of them is wearing.

[0:34] They may be hearing the preacher, but they are not listening. As we might say to children, when we want them to take on board what we're saying, focus. Many a preacher would like to say that too.

[0:47] When Jesus sent messages to the churches, we read about in Revelation 2 and 3, he had a very serious message for them. Some of praise, some of warning, some of sharp criticism.

[1:00] To every one of the churches he said, Are you listening to me? He who has an ear, let him hear. This message applies to us as well. When we read the Air Bible, we can very easily forget all about what we have just been reading.

[1:16] We were not really listening to what God was saying to us. If we become good listeners of God's word, then we will become good doers of God's word, and that is pleasing to God.

[1:28] The Bible says we are blessed when we listen to God's wisdom, so pay attention. And a prayer. Dear Lord Jesus, you know all about us, and you know that our thoughts often wander when we read the Bible or hear your word preached.

[1:44]  Help us to listen attentively. Amen.