Learning to Listen
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.
~ John 17:17 (NIV)
There are different ways to listen. We can listen passively. We can choose not to listen at all. Or, we can listen intently.
If you were going skydiving, you would listen very carefully to your instructor. You would listen when he or she tells you how to use the parachute, where the ripcord is located, and when to pull it. Why? Your life depends on it.
If you want to hear God speak to you from His Word, it comes down to how you listen. You need to listen as though your life depends on it, because it does.
If you want to be a true disciple of Jesus, then you need to slow down and learn to listen. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32).
Sometimes that verse is taken out of context. We hear people using it to describe all kinds of so-called truths they want to pass on to someone else. But this verse is very specific. It isn’t referring to just any truth; this is specific, absolute truth found exclusively in the pages of Scripture. The context is reading, studying, knowing, and living the Scriptures. That truth will set us free.
The truth we find in the Bible is the only absolute truth. Jesus prayed, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17) and said “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). This is the only absolute truth we can be certain of. And when we understand what God is saying in His Word, it sets us free.
If you want to be a disciple of Jesus, then you will carefully read, study, and live according to God’s Word.
Father, in the Name of Jesus, I thank You that You desire to speak to me every day—guiding me in spirit and in truth to obey Your Word and enjoy an abundant life. I thank You that You have called me Your friend and that I may come boldly to the throne of grace to find help whenever I have a need in my life.
Lord, Your Word says that when we draw near to You, You will draw near to us. So, I draw near to You today. I seek Your face, Your truth and Your word for my life. I want to know You more, hear You more and obey You more.
Your Word says Your sheep know Your voice and we will not follow the voice of a stranger. Help me to know Your voice and not be deceived by any other voice. Help me to guard my heart from the influences of this world and the people around me. Help me not to be deceived by the devil and his lies, but to view all thoughts and decisions through the lens of righteousness.
As I seek to hear You today for instruction, correction and guidance, help me to confirm Your voice through Your Word. You said if I ask for wisdom, You will give it to me liberally, so I am asking for wisdom in the Name of Jesus to hear You clearly and consistently today and every day.
Help me to feel confident in knowing that I hear Your voice.
I praise You and thank You for it, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
In Jesus,
Chaplain Kenny
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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Devotion © 2017 Harvest Christian Fellowship; all rights reserved.
If you want to hear God speak to you from His Word, it comes down to this.
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