========================================================================
  THE INWARD CONVERSATION OF CHRIST WITH THE FAITHFUL SOUL
  by Thomas a Kempis
========================================================================

Summary: The sermon encourages believers to prioritize listening to
God's inner voice over the distractions of the world for true peace and
happiness.

Topics: "Inner Life", "Spiritual Growth"
Scripture References: 1 Kings 19:12, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 85:8, John 10:27, Colossians 3:2

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the importance of listening to the Lord
speaking within us, highlighting the blessings that come from receiving
divine consolation and wisdom. He encourages focusing on the eternal
truths taught within, rather than being distracted by the noise of the
world. Kempis urges believers to close off their senses to external
influences and instead seek to understand the mysteries of God, cutting
off hindrances from the world to draw closer to Him and find true
happiness.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

I WILL hear what the Lord God will speak in me."[24]

Blessed is the soul who hears the Lord speaking within her, who receives
the word of consolation from His lips. Blessed are the ears that catch
the accents of divine whispering, and pay no heed to the murmurings of
this world. Blessed indeed are the ears that listen, not to the voice
which sounds without, but to the truth which teaches within. Blessed are
the eyes which are closed to exterior things and are fixed upon those
which are interior. Blessed are they who penetrate inwardly, who try
daily to prepare themselves more and more to understand mysteries.
Blessed are they who long to give their time to God, and who cut
themselves off from the hindrances of the world.

Consider these things, my soul, and close the door of your senses, so
that you can hear what the Lord your God speaks within you. "I am your
salvation," says your Beloved. "I am your peace and your life. Remain
with Me and you will find peace. Dismiss all passing things and seek the
eternal. What are all temporal things but snares? And what help will all
creatures be able to give you if you are deserted by the Creator?" Leave
all these things, therefore, and make yourself pleasing and faithful to
your Creator so that you may attain to true happiness.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-a-kempis/the-inward-conversation-of-christ-with-the-faithful-soul/
========================================================================