If you are a Christian, that proves that you have already heard the call of God. But there is a difference between hearing and listening.

How would you describe that difference?

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. —James 1:19–25 (NIV)

If you want to improve your hearing of God’s voice, there are a few things you need to do (according to James).

1.Yearn to learn

What does it mean to be “quick to listen and slow to speak”?
What does a teachable spirit look like?

2.Clear your ear

Verse 21 tells us to “get rid of all moral filth.” What does that mean?
How does sin hinder our hearing?

Is it fair to ask God for communication (or insight or guidance) in an area of your life that isn’t very clear when you are disobeying God in an area that he has made very clear.

3.Obey right away

When you receive a word from God and you don’t respond to it, what James says you are doing is deceiving yourself.

How are we deceiving ourselves?

Today when you hear his voice, 8 don’t harden your hearts. —Hebrews 3:7–8 (NLT)

How will you listen better to God’s voice this week?