Saturday, December 6, 2025

The Living Word And The Listening Heart

Scriptures: Hebrews 4:12 (NIV) – “For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Isaiah 28:23 (NIV)“Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say.”

Message: The Word of God is described as “alive and active” that cuts through the layers of our being with precision and power.  Like a double-edged sword, it pierces deeply to reveal His Truths.  This is a transformative encounter with the living God, who speaks through His Word to shape us, convict us, and guide us.

In this season of my life, His Word has been as near to me as ever.  I “lean in” to give God my attention, and to quiet the noise of the world.  Like a patient farmer, His seed has been sown in my life anew and my intention has been to be open in my heart like never before.

The above verses and the Stephen Ministry training classes have been a welcome reminder to surrender to His Transformative Grace, to allow Him to refine, renew, and align my heart with His purposes in my life.

God’s Word is alive and His voice is calling.  Are we listening?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your living and active Word.  Let Your Word pierce through our defenses, transform our thoughts, and align our hearts with Your will.  During this Advent season, help us to be attentive to Your voice in our lives.  Shape us today as welean in” to You, the One who knows us and loves us.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Bette Hillman

Yesterday Home Calendar Tomorrow

Revised: November 05, 2025

Website is not an official outreach of Asbury United Methodist Church.
All Devotionals are provided by 
Asbury by way of Advent Booklets.

This is a private website that is a collection of 2025 Advent devotionals published by Asbury United Methodist Church

In a 2018 church meeting, the design and hosting of the 2018 Advent devotions website was accepted on a no cost basis to the church.  Since then, yearly Advent and Lent devotionals plus "Connection" and related websites have been made available in the same spirit.

  The church is free to reference this website at their discretion.  The WebMaster is sensitive to the wishes of the church and will continue to host them in a proper and timely manner.

Revised:  November 25, 2025