August 08, 2019: SOAP #3535:  Jeremiah 1-2; John 10

Scripture: John (NIV) 10:2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 … the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 … his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 … 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, … 27 My sheep listen to my voice; …

Observation:   When the conviction of the Holy Spirit begins working in a person’s heart, they become aware that God is calling them.  Their response to His “voice” is the beginning of a new life.  Continuing to recognize that “voice” and responding is the determining factor in one’s spiritual growth.

In the early church, there were very few copies of the Old Testament and they were kept in the temple and synagogues.  The individual homes did not have written scriptures.  Listening and hearing was more important than reading.

Today, many believers have their own copy of the Bible; they can read God’s Word.  But it is still vital that they learn to recognize God’s voice.

Application:  It is in hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking in my heart that I come to understand how the written Word is to be applied in my heart.  Until I understand how the written Word applies to me personally, it remains just so many words on a page in a book.

As I learn to hear God speak to me personally when I read the Bible, I become familiar with His voice and can recognize it at other times during my day.  God loves to hear our voice as we talk to Him; but even more He loves that we hear His voice when He talks to us!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, one of your favorite songs that you love to sing: “And she walks with me; and he talks with me; And they tell me I am their own.  And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.”  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!