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

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

He humbled you, causing you to hunger … to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3

I’ve been reading The Discerner: Hearing, Confirming and Acting on Prophetic Revelation by James Goll. (I have not finished it yet, but one third into it, I’d say it’s really good.)

In my view, the need for discernment is the critical skill or “intelligence” believers need today, especially if you’re a leader.

Chapter Three is about hearing the voice of God. In order to hear, we must position ourselves to actually listen. 

“Everything the Spirit says or does guides us into a fuller revelation of the Father’s heart.” (The Discerner, p. 56)

Listening is something I need to get better at. Maybe you do too. We live in such a noisy, busy and distracted culture. 

But the words of God are the source of life, and in order to be fed, we have to actually hear His voice, and in order to hear, we must invest the time and effort to listen. 

“Be still and know that I am God” the Psalmist instructs us in Psalm 46:10. This is simple and clear to do, but not always easy.

Goll points out from the Deuteronomy 8:3 passage that “Our receptivity to God’s truth involves humility, hunger, being fed, and understanding the truth” (The Discerner, page 59)

Because of his great love for us, the Lord will actively humble us in order to stir up hunger for His voice. 

To hear his voice requires His presence, and that comes from cultivating intimacy. 

Intimacy means that we give Jesus the attention of our minds and the agreement of our hearts. 

Jesus promises to speak to us when we invite him into our lives. More so, he promises to dwell with us. 

 â€œBehold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20

My prayer for you today dear friend, is that you may listen for, and hear, and receive today’s words of life from the voice of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.