(Learn To Distinguish The Voice Of God From Others)
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
TO THE BIBLE: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
(John 10:27 NIV)
LET’S TALK
“I think God wants me to lay hands on our Pastor,” Brother Charles said to two other care group leaders soberly. “That’s contrary to what Hebrews 7:7 says,” Brother John pointed out to him. “Yeah, but it was God’s instruction to me!” Charles maintained. “No, Charles, God’s Word never contradicts itself. You misunderstood what the Holy Spirit was telling you.” Jane said, “God would rather have us intercede on Pastor’s behalf instead, as the Word said to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:25, 2 Thessalonians 3:1 and Hebrews 13:18.”
Many wonder if it’s possible to hear God speak in a world where there’re so many voices. The words of the Master in John 10:2-5 clarify this. The Lord Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). The key is understanding God’s Word. The more you study the Word, the more you recognise and know the voice of God, because God and His Word are one. He speaks through His Word. Everything He tells you, every direction or guidance you receive from Him, always sides up with His Word. Through meditation on His Word, His voice becomes clearer to you, even in the midst of all the noise and distractions.
If you’ve previously found it difficult to recognise God’s voice, the solution is simple: spend more time studying the Word! Colossians 3:16 says,“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom….” Proverbs 4:20-21 NIV says,“My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart.” If you keep God’s Word in your heart, you’ll always hear the Word in your heart and recognise when He speaks to you. In addition, pray in the spirit often; pray in tongues. This helps to condition your spirit to discern God’s voice, visions and promptings.
Go Deeper: 1 Samuel 3:9-10; Isaiah 30:21 CEV
Speak: Dear Father, your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. My spirit is conditioned to receive supernatural ideas, visions and promptings. I’m sensitive and conditioned to know and walk in your perfect will for my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen..
Daily Bible Reading: ONE YEAR Matthew 6:1-18, Genesis 18-19
TWO YEAR Acts 7:33-42, Nehemiah 11
Act: Study God’s Word in John 10:2-5 and, for the next 15 minutes, speak fervidly in tongues. As you do, the Lord will drop instructions in your spirit consistent with His Word, then go ahead and do them.