December 21: John 9-11

Listening

Scripture: John (NIV) 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Observation: As the relationships with an earthly parent progresses through many levels, so the relationship with our Heavenly Father progresses/grows through many levels. I see the first level described in the Bible as a Shepherd and sheep. Before one can be sent as a servant, one has to first learn to recognize the voice of the Master. The emphasis on being a sheep is to recognize His voice and follow.

Application: Before I can listen to understand what God is saying to me, I must first learn to recognize His voice. Using SOAP as an outline helps me focus on the Bible as God’s primary avenue of speaking to me and to listen to what He is saying personally to me. The more I understand the Bible, the more I am able to recognize His voice when He speaks through other means. If what I am hearing goes contrary to what God has said in His word, I can rest assured that it is not His voice.

Prayer: Lord, I am so glad that you speak to me! What a special privilege it is to hear your voice. Keep speaking till I learn to listen carefully to every word. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!