Fresh Ears

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Here is this week's Yearly Cycle Update.

The other day I was scribing a passage of scripture from Leviticus about the Firstfruits offerings that the people were to bring. And God told the people their offerings needed to be fresh ears of grain. The phrase "Fresh Ears," kept coming back to me.

We have been talking lately about understanding God's grace and cherishing others. First, we must develop the understanding that God cherishes us, meaning that he never stops doing good for us, even when we don't deserve it. Then we must make this the new standard in our lives and walk in this with other people... We must cherish others. This means no more retaliating, withdrawing our presence, avoiding people, or giving them the silent treatment.  It means being solely focused on being a blessing whether people deserve it or not. 

This standard becomes what we use to navigate our lives with, especially when faced with obstacles and challenges. There have been studies done where people were dropped off in the wilderness with no navigation and told to find their way out. The natural tendency in these situations is to continually go in circles. People make biases decisions, especially when faced with obstacles, that cause them to keep going in circles. 

Think of cherishing like true north on a compass, when faced with obstacles and challenges, especially in relationships with others our standard or true north is to keep cherishing because it is the way out that keeps us free of vicious cycles. 

But how do we practically cherish others? I believe it starts with a decision in the heart, to continually do good. Then we can approach every conversation with FRESH EARS, meaning ears that let go of the past, and truly listen with the intent to understand. When we listen to understand it leads to knowing what to do to cherish. God has fresh ears for us, his ears are always attentive to our prayers, and we can cherish others by having fresh ears with them as well. 

I am praying for you. 

Daniel