Welcome Confident Heart Online Study and Encouragement for Today friends!! If you’re new here, welcome!
On Sunday, I started an online study of my book, A Confident Heart and I’d love to have you join us! (Click here for more details).
One of the first things I learned, when it came to overcoming self-doubts and living in the security of God’s promises , is that we have to recognize and listen to God’s voice. It’s also the topic of my P31 devotion today. Here’s a little more about where my “listening to God” story came to a turning point. At the end I share “How to Discern God’s Voice” and a give-away.
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I sat on looking out the window, wondering what the future held. My excitement, mixed with the fear of getting over-committed, ignited a rapid firing of thoughts: What would I say yes or no to? What was God calling me to do? How would I figure out His plans and purpose for my schedule?
Wondering and worrying wasn’t getting me anywhere, so I wrote questions in a notebook: “Lord, what should I say yes to? Where do You want me to spend my time? Will You please show me Your plans for me this coming year?”
I wanted a sneak peek into God’s calendar so I could adjust mine. Instead, I sensed Him telling me not to worry about tomorrow but to live each day in the hear and now. {And He even spelled it that way.}
I did okay when it came to obeying God in the obvious things. It was selfless acts of obedience that challenged me most. But that day, I made a commitment to live in the “hear” and now.
A few weeks after, I noticed my husband’s side of the closet was a mess. Immediately I thought about how J.J. enjoys “order” although it’s not his natural inclination. Then I sensed God whispering, “One way you could really love J.J. would be to organize his side of the closet.”
I wish I could say I obeyed. Instead, I argued: “He’s a grown man; he can organize his own side of the closet. I have two kids, two dogs and myself to keep up with. Have you seen our garage and attic, Lord?”
“Did you hear Me? Are you going to obey Me now?” God’s Spirit nudged.
How did I know it was God? you might ask. Well, I knew it wasn’t my idea.
Just that week I’d read the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, and recognized myself in the third servant. He hadn’t been entrusted with much so he buried his talent in the ground. I always assumed since he wasn’t faithful with it because he thought his Master wouldn’t notice.
Sometimes I saw my role as a wife, mom and friend as “average” one-talent kind of assignments. Plenty of people have the same responsibilities, I thought. Without realizing it, I let myself slip into being selfish and impatient here and there. But God wanted my willingness in every area of my life – hear and now – acting on His promptings throughout my day.
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 (NIV) And the more we listen to and obey God, the more familiar His voice becomes.
Obedience means exchanging our will for His.
So, why does God wants moment-by-moment, day-by-day obedience? Because He loves us and wants us to trust Him.
God is so patient as we learn to trust Him. And we discover over time that it’s in our relationship with Him, we find the purpose, direction and meaning we’re looking for. When we live in the “hear and now” our calling and our calendar begin to reflect our love for Him, and His love for us — not our need for fulfillment or the desire for others’ approval and acceptance.
Dear Jesus, am I living and listening the way You want me to? Sometimes I fall into the trap of waiting for a better tomorrow or an easier assignment so that I can be faithful. Help me trust You. I want to but sometimes I’m afraid. Give me courage to listen and follow You with all my heart! Amen
PS. I reorganized JJ’s side of the closet ,and I’m almost sure I heard God chuckle and felt the warmth of His smile. May He smile on you today as you commit to live in the hear and now – acting on what you hear and living it out now.
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Discerning God’s Voice
Here are a few questions we can ask. When I sense God speaking, whether it be through scripture, an impression on my heart, circumstances or through His spirit in me, I always look for Biblical consistency:
- Is it consistent with God’s Word and God’s ways?
- Is it consistent with wise Biblical counsel I’ve sought?
- Is it consistent with God’s leading through doors He’s opened and closed?
- Is there a consistent theme I’m seeing in my life or hearing during my personal Bible study time, through sermons, Christian songs, conversations, etc?
Recognizing God’s ways and God’s will comes as we spend more and more time in His word. All of us have different things that draw us closer to Jesus, and here is one practical thing that helps me: watching the Gospel of John movie on DVD. It makes Jesus, His words, the people and the stories He lived in come to life in a powerful way. After watching it, when I read my Bible I can see Him and hear Him. Which makes me want to spend more and more time with Him, which helps me know Him and recognize His voice more clearly.
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So, what is one thing you could do to become more familiar with God’s voice?
Let me know by clicking “Share Your Thoughts” below and you’ll be entered to win my “Listening to God” gift pack which includes a copy of the Gospel of John movie on DVD, my book A Confident Heart and my message on CD, Rest Assured: How to Rest, Be Renewed & Remain in God’s Promises and Plans .
Also, if you want to join my online study, please click here for more details. I just found a deal this week for those who can’t afford the book and shipping. Amazon has the Ebook for $8.99 and they offer FREE Kindle for your PC software! So, you only have to pay $8.99 and the book downloads onto your computer! Email [email protected] if you want more details about that deal!
(If you are reading this post in an email, click here to return to my website to enter your comment into the drawing.)
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Thank you for your obedience in this work! Your work IS touching many women’s lives, helping them grow just a little bit closer in their personal relationship w/Jesus. Briefly: God has been doing a work in my life over the past several years (& now I realize it has been that long) preparing me for different battles I’ve confronted in my life lately. And Praise Jesus, I feel as I have been better equipped to handle them w/the knowing I have the full strength & love of Him w/me. I too struggle w/the enemy trying to make me believe that what God has been speaking to me is not really God’s voice, but my own creation. I am learning how to discern this & of course I LOVE how in so many areas of my life (chuch, bible study, devotionals, web studies, reading, etc.) I run across people like you being obedient to God’s desires & teaching/speaking on this subject!
Thank You Jesus for being SO ALIVE & ever-present in my life!!!!!
I have a nudge to post some reflection from my devotional time this morning so….
“My heart has heard you say,”come and talk with me” and my heart replies, “Lord, I am coming”! Psalm27:8
“when you look for me wholeheartedly you will find me” Jeremiah 29:13
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” Matthew 6:30-34
Renee says it best when she says “live blessed girl! God want that for you!” Its a hard one to really grasp and realize that I do deserve to “live” blessed. I always want to bless others, which I feel I’m called to do, but that I also need to take in the moments that He is blessing me and soak in His blessing. I’m so quick to pass it over because I think I’m not worthy and that is not what God wants me to do. He wants me to feel His love and blessings and be joyous from them.
Jennifer, I love these verses. Thanks for sharing them! Is this from The Message version of the Bible?
I have such a hard time giving over control… Which is funny because I don’t have the control God does. I am so very tired from trying to control everything and not trusting God with my everything. Thank you so very much for writing this book, Renee. I feel like you are writing my every hurt and pain and I can’t wait to get where you are in trusting and laying everything down for the Lord. Why do I have to be so stubborn? Thanks!
“so don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today”
Matthew 6:30-34
I have been where you are now…. Knowing that God has control and praying to Him for whatever the situation was that I was in. Telling myself that I was turning to Him and I know that He is in control, that whatever is will is will be. BUT the biggest thing for me was realizing that I wasn’t really letting Him have control, I was still trying to hang on to it. So I just simply starting praying asking for Him to take the control and for me to let go completely. Our human nature sometimes gets in the way, doesn’t it? 🙂 But I have learned that even though the situation my be the same, putting it at the feet of Jesus has given me peace. A calm peace knowing He is there walking through it with me. PS I think it’s more fear that being stubborn.
I pray Lord that You will take control for Tobi, that she can learn to lean on You. It’s so hard Father to let go of that control and to give it ALL to you. Our fear keeps us from putting all our faith into trusting that You really do have it. Help her Lord to know that You got this and that she can let go. Please Jesus fill her with your peace, surround her so much that she can’t help but feel your presence! In your glorious name ~Amen
For me, it is being disciplined to spend more time reading His Word. It’s difficult for me to put the “to dos” on the back burner, instead of my Bible reading. I know that if I was more in tune with God and His Word, I would be more able to hear His voice.
I realized for the first time this morning(during the time I set aside) that through my life I have placed my trust in “mere men”. Typically that mere (wo)man was me, I was convinced I could do it on my own. (Isn’t that what the world tells us?) But in all the times I trusted myself and came to the end of MY capability to do anything, that is where Jesus met me and said, “Here’s the path. . .follow me” I ignored it for a long time and consequence followed.(‘Cursed is the one, who places his trust in “mere men”) FINALLY, while I still fail alot, I’m beginning to get it. I will trust the LORD, and He will bless me(HE PROMISES)
Jer. 17:5-7
I have a story to tell . .
I have just begun this study and love what I have read. I am trying to read thru some of the many postings and they are all so encouraging!! God is an amazing God… I KNOW that, however I feel I have lost touch with him.. I do still see his many blessing in my life, however I feel so discouraged with my health. I have had some issues for quite sometime and I have been praying and fasting (recently). I feel a bit scared and as much as Satan wants to tell me that these issues are serious, I can’t imagine God’s plan for me would be sickness and to take me from my family (3 children). I get up early each morning to read the word and keep prayign for a sign from God that I will be ok, but I feel so overwhelmed and discouraged that I am not sensing HIS presence. I am so reluctant to be sharing this today, but I would love prayer!!
Thanks, Jody
The one thing that I do to hear God’s voice is take a step back from my own voice and just listen to where He is guiding me. One day as I was driving somewhere, I had a lot on my mind and thinking about all these things that had to be done. My mind was overwhelmed and my mind was nowhere near the Bible or God’s truths. Just then, in my car, He showed up and told me that I didn’t need to worry about all of that stuff right now and a sense of calm flowed through me. It was amazing. He will speak to us if we let Him and stop crowding our minds with other things of the world.
I am so excited to begin this journey to A Confident Heart and share in fellowship with others in this study. Thank you, Renee for your encouragement and hard work on sharing God’s truths with us and leading us to a stronger relationship with our Father.
Prayers and God’s Blessings,
Leslie
Renee,
For me, being still is the thing I need to do more. Just listening for Him. God is so good to speak through friends, through nature, through books and articles that He places in front of us. I tend to stay busy, because I feel like that is the “right’ thing to do. But, deep inside I know that “being still” brings more results. I love Ex. 14:14…..The Lord will fight for you. You need only be still.
I love you, friend. Thank you for allowing God to use to remind me to shhhhhhhhh and listen!
Praying for you,
Tammy
As I read the b devotional I laughed because I used to be one of those ladies that would say wait you can’t be talking to me. I have learned that he is and I will listen and follow. I ran for a long time and when things got ready crazy I would go back and listen and read the word and realize that yes Elaine he truly is talking to you. When I finally understood His hand was on the wheel and let him drive life got much easier. I still have trials but Jesus it’s always with me. PTL
I get up early in the morning when the house is still. That is my “me time” with the Lord. He speaks to me through his word, Christian TV, a friend, family and sometimes even my enemies. I know that the Lord wants what is best for me. I just have to take the time to listen. I have been encouraged by your comments. Be Bless.
Hi, I don’t have any tips–I’m still learning to hear God’s voice. That’s why I want to be entered in the contest for the “Listening to God” gift pack. And I would love to see the Gospel of John movie also. I’ve GOT to learn to read faster !! so I can read ALL the posts !! I’m enjoying every minute.
I am giving up an extra hour of sleep so that I can spend time just sitting in His presence, not petitioning Him concerning my needs or wants but simply sitting at His feet and listening for His voice in the early morning.
I know that God speaks to me in many ways. This past week-end, I had a “melt-down” wondering if my husband still loves me, and if so, why is he not here with me and being a daily part of my life. My husband suffers from depression and he has trouble being around people, even me. Expectations that he perceives that people have but that he can’t meet bother him a lot. So he has found work in another state that he can do when he can function enough to do it.
God reminded me this morning when I got up of the story of the demon possessed man in Mark 5. When I read that story, God showed me how Jesus delivered this man from the demons tormenting him and how Jesus told him to go back to his family “and tell them how much the Lord had done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” I am waiting for the day that God restores my husband to be the mighty man of God that he has been called to be.
And immediately prior to that story is the story of Jesus calming the storm that he and his disciples were in on their trip to get to the “other side” where the man was. God has calmed my storm of impatience and doubt and assured me that he is in the boat with me and capable of healing my husband.
God Word is powerful….we just don’t utilize it enough.
I’m 26 yrs. old and have always known that God was with me, I have always had a “conscience” about the things that I do in life-though I didn’t always make the best choices. I think that “little voice” we hear-sometimes called “having a gut feeling” is the Lord guiding and directing us. God is an awesome God, and I know He is working with me, and answering many of the prayers I have sent up to Him in the past month. It’s no coincidence that I ended up here reading Renee Swope’s blog today-which I have never done since I joined P31, I usually just read the daily devotions that are in my email. But, the Lord led me here. I thank Him for ordering my steps, being with me, never leaving me when I turned my back on Him. The Lord knows that I want Him to draw me nearer to Him-Just A Closer Walk with Thee!!!! I think we hear God’s voice when we pray, read the Word of God, and when we ask Him direct us-to give us wisdom, and discernment to carry out His will and the plans He has for us. God bless each and every one, and continue to grow in the Lord 🙂
“Be Still and Know that I am God”,,,,,,,mother said that to me last week, when I was struggling, and now several women have said it here…..Thank you Lord for speaking!!
Include more time for listening in my morning quiet time
I’ve learned from experience the more I process my pain the more I gain. I gain knowledge, understanding and wisdom. It’s like God takes a giant Q-tip and cleans out my ears the more I clean out my heart.
It’s hard to take steps based on faith. I’m learning to obey small things he asks me to do which builds confidence. I pray constantly to not miss anything he is telling me.
Spend time reading God’s Word, praying and writing it all down, then spend an equal amount of time just listening for the answers and write them down too (ensure they are are consistent with God’s Word!).
Also, ASK God to help you become more familiar with His voice…ask for concrete, tangible ways of practicing.
Lastly, be open all day long to His whisper in the form of signs (through people, songs, words, objects), consistent with HIs Word and consistent with your prayer requests.
He does AMAZING things when you ASK for them!!
I am hoping to hear God’s voice … that’s all I want to write at this time.
I know that God has been speaking to me for years about listening to Him. I have gone through seasons of my life of where I’ve been more attentive to His voice than at other times. On one particular season of my life, I was struggling with intense spiritual warfare. I was actively reading my Bible, praying, and worshipping with other believers regularly. I was also involved in a “Celebration of Discipline” Bible Study by Richard Foster. THis particular week we were discussing and reading about the discipline of listening to God. I knew that I had struggled to listen to God and truly hear His voice. I was praying one particular day and I went to church and entered into a small classroom to pray. When I turned on the light and looked in the classroom, there was nothing there but a chalk board and some chairs. On the chalkboard was the word “LISTEN” in all capital letters and written all the way across the chalk board. I knew at that point that God was speaking to me!! That particular period of time in my life was when I was a stay-at-home mom. Now, my children are 17 and 11 and I am trying to find a job in the school system in order to teach since I recently graduated with Elementary Education. I desire to hear God speaking to me in these busy times of life just like the simpler times of life. Getting alone and really listening to God speak is such a challenge these days. How do you find time in your busy schedule to truly listen to God. I realize that it’s not just sitting down for an hour or so and wall-ah, you hear the voice of God, even though it can be that way. I realize that listening to God’s voice is a moment by moment discipline. I have learned some of this but I want to go deeper in hearing God’s voice step by step.