Day 10
John 10:14-15
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Before I can accurately discern the voice of God, I must get to know the person of God. As I grow in intimacy with God, I should be able to hear him more clearly, but how does this practically work? Jesus depicts himself as both the shepherd and the gate. Jesus is the one gate because only through him do we have access to God (John 14:6). But to stop there, at that place of salvation, would rob you of the full experience of Jesus as both gate and shepherd. Jesus gives you access to God but also leads you by teaching you how to navigate the presence of God once you get there. This is key. Just because you enter the door of God’s presence doesn’t mean you know your way around. Jesus teaches us how to handle our new life in Christ by guiding us like a shepherd. He understands precisely how to speak to you because he knows you intimately and calls you by name. To know the voice of God, I must know the character of God. This only happens through spending time in His word. Encounters are great, but the Spirit of God primarily reveals who God is through the word of God. This is not about breadth. It’s about depth. You cannot follow the voice of God if you don’t recognize it, and it will be challenging to recognize the voice of someone you haven’t spent much QUALITY time with. So, I must study the scriptures diligently to hear God clearly. The key is not just time. It’s intentional, focused, and consistent time. Why? Because other voices distract from God’s voice, including your own. But the more time you spend in the presence of God through the word of God, the more the Spirit will bring that word to life in your heart. This will allow you not only to know but also TRUST where your shepherd is leading you.
Next Steps
Read John chapter 10 and take notes, making observations and asking questions as you read.
Mediate on 1 or 2 verses that stood out to you. Focus on what they reveal about God and how the Spirit is inviting you to respond. Find a helpful guide to biblical meditation here.
Write down whatever the Holy Spirit puts on your heart.
Reflection Questions
Think of the time you remember clearly hearing the voice of God about something. How did you know it was God?
What are the recognizable patterns in how you hear God’s voice? Do you always confirm what you believe you heard with the scripture?
How can I eliminate all other voices that may try to drown out the voice of God?
Prayer Points
Lord, since you are the shepherd, allow me to be a sheep and sincerely follow when I hear your voice (John 10:3)
God, give me the spirit discernment so I don’t just hear what you’re saying, but I understand what you mean and how you would have me respond with wisdom.
Lord, let me grow in my knowledge of you so I can recognize more quickly and consistently when you are speaking to me
