Hearing verses Knowing. Morning Devotions From the Edges –

Hearing verses Knowing

Morning Devotions From the Edges

Prepared by Pastor Calvin Cook – August 23, 2024

Scripture focus – John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

I know I have spoken on this subject before, but as followers of Jesus I am urged to consider what it means to hear from God. All to often we lean in on the phrase “God spoke to me” in some form or fashion. I know in my own life I have said the words “This is what I am hearing from God”, then sharing what I feel I have heard from God. I recently have dealt with the idea of this and what God is telling me to do or is it what I am telling God, I want God to do. We all want the best, want what we want, when we want it, and how we want it. However, I do not think that phrase from the Lord’s Prayer “thy will be done” fits into this idea or mind set.

I recently re-nigged on a decision and a commitment I had made because I came to realize that the decision I had made did not bring resolution to a problem but just would have got me deeper into a situation I was trying to get out of and avoid. The voice I heard in the original part was not from God and I was listening to what I heard and leaning on an idea that this might be God.

Friends we need to be sure that the voice and direction we follow is truly God and not evil, or self, or anything else. In the Gospel of John – chapter 10 is great instruction on how we sheep should be responding to the Shepperd. Are we? Are we hearing, following, and knowing with great certainty that the voices we hear are from God and not from a million other places where our mind takes our heart to.

We need to be sure! First that it is truly God speaking! Secondly that we are listening to the direction that God desires us for us. Do you desire to be a good and faithful Follower of Jesus- if so listen and hear the great Sheppherd speaking to you this day.