Day 245- Thankful for the Voice of God

This morning our pastor talked about hearing the voice of God. Some people today mock those who think it’s possible to hear God’s voice. Others think it’s something that only existed in the past in the days of prophets like Moses, Isaiah, and Jeremiah.

But Jesus, the Son of God, said:

“My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me.” John 10:27

He doesn’t say they “sometimes” hear His voice nor that they only hear His voice when they are walking close to Him. He says they “hear (His) voice.” And, He also says that they follow Him.

Those of you who have a family member who has selective hearing know that someone can tell them something when they’re right at the table, and the next day, when it’s time to do whatever was talked about, they say, “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Could it be that we, as God’s sheep, have selective hearing?

Could it be that we sit right at the same table with the Good Shepherd, daydreaming and distracted instead of engaging with Him in conversation and talking with Him about all of our concerns and the thoughts that are going through our minds?

Could it be that He speaks through our conscience?

Could it be that that Scripture which we dismissed as “Oh, He couldn’t really mean that,” (been there done that) was really Him trying to speak a word of caution?

Could it be that the red flags that go up in our minds and hearts are warnings from Him? Why would we write them off as just products of our own mental capabilities if we believe that God truly loves us?

When we feel strongly in our hearts that we should show someone kindness or pray for someone, we need to follow Him in obedience. When we just know that we should forgive that person who hurt us, but we fight that idea, we are arguing with the Voice of our Good Shepherd to our own hurt.

The Apostle John records the words of Jesus speaking to His followers about the Holy Spirit:

“He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.” John 16:15 NKJV

It sounds like Jesus is telling His followers that the Holy Spirit will speak the words of God to us, doesn’t it?  We need to listen.

He even says that the Spirit will speak to the unsaved:

“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” John 16:8 NKJV

Is that you?  Believe and turn from sin to God.  Put your faith in Jesus, who paid the penalty for your sin.

God is still speaking to us through His Spirit and through His Word today. His Spirit will never speak anything that disagrees with His Word.

So, we need to learn His Word and ask His Spirit to teach us.  Then we need to listen and obey Him.

“Teach me Your way, Yahweh, and I will live by Your truth. Give me an undivided mind to fear Your name.” Psalm 86:11 HCSB

Today I am thankful for the voice of God.

I am thankful that His Spirit speaks to us words that are in agreement with His written and Living Word.

I am thankful that He guides us in the way we should go.

I am thankful that He warns us of danger.

I am thankful that He speaks words of caution to keep us safe.

 

What about you?  Are you thankful for the voice of God?  Are you one of His Sheep?  Have you ever experienced being so distracted by everything around you that you did not realize that God was speaking to you?  Have you turned from your sins to accept Jesus’ forgiveness?

Do You Want to Hear Jesus?

Photo credit:  Daniel Burka on Unsplash