Welcome to the Paul Tripp podcast, where pastor and best-selling author Dr. Paul David Tripp connects the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life.

Today, we'll be listening to an episode of Paul Tripp's Wednesday's Word podcast, where I read aloud Paul's popular Wednesday's Word

Devotional. If you'd like to subscribe to this podcast channel, search for Paul Tripp's Wednesday's Word

wherever you listen to podcasts. Here's this week's Wednesday's Word podcast. Welcome to Paul Tripp's Wednesday's Word podcast.

I'm Dalton, a member of the Paul Tripp Ministries team.

Join me each week as I read aloud Paul's popular Wednesday's Word devotional.

You can subscribe to our email list to receive this devotional straight to your inbox each week.

Or you can read online at paultrip.com slash Wednesday or on Facebook, Instagram,

and the Paul Tripp app. This week, as we continue to sharpen our skills as evangelists,

Paul wants us to consider how we can be better listeners in our conversations with unbelieving

neighbors and loved ones. Here's this week's Wednesday's Word. How can you shine as a brighter light in your neighborhood this year?

We're examining that question in this Wednesday's Word series to kick off 2024.

First, we need to get out of the

Christian ghetto. That doesn't mean forsaking church or being less involved in your Christian circles.

It just means actively looking for opportunities to be increasingly involved in your neighborhood.

Where and when are the regular gatherings of the people in your community? How can you get involved so that

you are present, publicly visible, and giving yourself opportunities to come into routine contact

with the people God has placed around you? Second, you need to pray for eyes to see people as people.

Don't view and treat people as functions or pieces to assist you in creating a stress-free and enjoyable day.

Remember that your neighbors, baristas, bus drivers, and shop owners are human beings created in the image of God,

with a heart, an eternal destiny, a story, a desire to be loved, legitimate fears and concerns, and hopes and dreams.

And then pray for ears to listen for entry gates.

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