god's voice - Thoughts About God

I Have Much to Say to You

Devotionals — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 08:01:11 +0000

“I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you.” John 16:12-14

When I first trusted Jesus as my Savior and asked Him to be Lord of my life, He began to transform my life beyond what I thought possible — rebuilding my life’s foundation and values on God’s word. The Spirit of God guided me and spoke to my heart. Jesus became more real to me. I was changing so rapidly I thought, “Oh my goodness, at this rate I should be perfect in about 10 years!” Ha! (Yes, my naivety still makes me laugh out loud!)

What I didn’t realize is that getting to know and follow Jesus is a life long journey. The Lord always has much more to say to us. At every stage of growth and maturity, there are things we cannot yet bear. Thankfully, He continues to lead us into all truth if we allow Him. As we respond to the Spirit of truth and apply/obey what He shows us, then He reveals more.

Are our hearts willingly surrendered and ready to embrace truth? Do we have ears to hear what the Spirit wants to say to us? Or do we close ourselves off when we don’t want to hear what He says or obey or align our lives with His truth?

I have never heard God’s voice audibly, but He speaks to my innermost being through His Word by His Spirit. I thank God He speaks. The Lord promises that His sheep hear His voice. Are we truly listening?

Father God, thank you that you speak. You promise to lead us into all truth. Oh, Lord, please give us ears to hear you and hearts that are responsive to you. Help us be willing to surrender, to let you lead and willingly embrace your will over our own. Open our eyes that we might see you and our ears that we might hear you. Help us hear the much more you have to say to us…. In Jesus’ powerful and precious Name, AMEN!

By Donna Mitchell
Used by Permission

Competing Voices

Devotionals — Sun, 24 Jul 2022 08:03:39 +0000

“Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice?” Proverbs 8:1

Two voices compete for our attention. One entices with dubious promises:

“The woman Folly is loud;
she is seductive and knows nothing.

‘Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!’
And to him who lacks sense she says,

‘Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.’”
Proverbs 9:13,16-17

Wisdom, on the other hand, accurately describes reality:

“Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;
I open my lips to speak what is right.
My mouth speaks what is true,
for my lips detest wickedness.” Proverbs 8:6-7

The two voices in Proverbs — wisdom and folly — represent two pathways in life. Over and over, Proverbs contrasts wisdom and wise people with folly and fools.

In my mind, I see neon signs flashing on the route of folly: “Free!” “It feels good!” “Satisfaction guaranteed.” Folly tells us to live for the moment, seek pleasure, and choose instant gratification.

At first glance, the narrow path of wisdom doesn’t look appealing. Wisdom demands hard work, patience, and self-denial. Yet experience teaches us that the pain of discipline is so much lighter than the pain of regret.

When we read Proverbs in light of the cross, we realize that Jesus also described these two paths.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matthew 7:13-14).

The idea of two voices calling out — wisdom and folly — and two paths to walk — righteousness or wickedness — was familiar to Jesus’ audience. But Jesus shocked His listeners when He said, “

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Many voices battle for our attention, but only Jesus speaks the words of life (John 6:63,68; 1 John 1:1). Jesus is wisdom from God and our righteousness (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Are you walking on the path that is Jesus?

Heavenly Father, I want to hear Your voice and walk in Your way. Thank You for Jesus. He is my righteousness and my path. Amen.

By Suzanne Benner
Used by Permission

I Hear God’s Voice

Thoughts_About_God — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 09:01:25 +0000

“Papa, I can hear God’s voice in the wind...”

That statement came from my 6 year old grandson. We were on a walk crossing the grassy hills leading down to the beach on the Washington coast. The path was not clear, and we had to avoid watery patches, so we were zig-zagging along. It was really windy when my grandson said, “Papa I can hear God’s voice in the wind… and he says he will help us find our way.” What wonderful thoughts innocently offered by a child!

First, that we can hear God’s voice in his creation. Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” God can be seen, and understood through the wonder and beauty of His creation, whether through the rushing wind, the rolling waves or the rustling grasses.

Second, that God will help us find our way. For my grandson, wandering through the tall grass and small sand dunes on a windy day was causing some level of distress. Somehow in his grasp of the situation, he was not so confident in his papa’s sense of direction, but knew that God somehow had us in his sight. It is a comforting thought to know this. Luke 12:6-7 reminds us that God indeed looks after us. “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

As you walk through this day, listen for God’s voice and be confident that he knows where you are right now and can show you the way! We just have to listen and be willing to follow where He leads!

by Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

Comments: If you don’t see our response form, please go to https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/mike-woodard_hear-gods-voice/

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

The post I Hear God’s Voice appeared first on Thoughts About God.

god's voice - Thoughts About God

I Have Much to Say to You

Further Reading

Competing Voices

FURTHER READING

I Hear God’s Voice