"God Is Speaking, But Are We Listening?

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES

(Jeremiah 33:3) “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

(Isaiah 30:21) “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.”

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

PROLOGUE

Over the years, people have asked me questions like, “What are the various ways God communicates with you, and how can you be sure it is His voice you are hearing?” In response, I always emphasize that God is eager to communicate with us; however, it is crucial to cultivate a heart willing to listen and spend time with Him in solitude, prayer, and studying His Word.

I tell them that hearing God’s voice usually involves quieting the chaos of our busy lives and dedicating time to God’s Holy Word. The Holy Bible is God's message to us, and understanding His message requires knowing His Word.

The question before us is, “How can we live a successful life rich in meaning and purpose if we struggle to hear and recognize God’s voice? The answer to that question can be found in John 10:27, where the Holy Bible states, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

To truly understand and embrace the things about God, we must be able to hear His voice. The truth is, “God is speaking, but are we listening, and is our heart receptive and open to hear His voice? Does that voice align with His Holy Word? Does it line up with scripture?"

In John 14:16, the Lord Jesus makes a powerful declaration about the role of the Holy Spirit, indicating that He will send a Comforter to be with His followers for all eternity.

This Comforter, also known as the Holy Spirit, is referred to as the Paraclete, a Greek term meaning "one called alongside to help." This title underscores the intimate, supportive relationship the Holy Spirit maintains with believers, offering reassurance that they will never be left alone in their spiritual journey.

Jesus states in John 16:13, "When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come."

This verse highlights the active role of the Holy Spirit as a divine messenger who conveys God’s truth to His people. It emphasizes that the Holy Spirit does not act independently but works in perfect harmony with the Father and the Son, revealing God's plans and insights to help believers understand His purpose for their lives.

In conclusion, the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in understanding God’s voice, and He is present in the heart of every believer to guide, comfort, and empower believers to keep their minds aligned with what has been revealed in Scripture, so that God’s purpose and will can be fulfilled in their lives.

"CULTIVATING A LISTENING HEART."

Developing a listening heart is essential to understanding God's purpose and will in our Christian journey. It involves maintaining a committed prayer life and studying God’s Holy Word on a daily basis.

The more time we spend in His presence through prayer, meditation, and studying His Word, the stronger and more resilient we will become in our Christian walk.

This message focuses on hearing God’s voice and cultivating a heart receptive to His guidance. We can reflect on several thoughtful questions to strengthen our relationship with God and deepen our ability to listen for His voice. These questions can help us become more attuned to His presence and better understand His will for us.

1. Am I genuinely receptive to listening to His voice?

2. Has my heart become hardened by past hurts or disappointments?

3. Am I too busy to listen to His guidance?

4. Am I assuming I know enough to navigate life on my own?

5. How does God's Word impact me, and what kind of influence does it have on my life?

"GOD IS SPEAKING, BUT ARE WE LISTENING?"

Psalms 25:9 beautifully illustrates God's compassionate guidance for those who are humble and have an open heart. In His infinite wisdom, He leads them along the paths of righteousness, sharing more profound truths and insights about His will and purpose.

(Psalms 25:9) “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”

One way God provides guidance is through His Holy Word, which offers wisdom, encouragement, and direction to those seeking to follow His ways. If you genuinely want to hear God’s voice, it’s essential to spend time in His Word and let His word to dwell in you.