RE Verse reading–Acts 11:1-26 (day two) “I was in the town of Joppa praying…” Peter begins his “orderly” explanation of his dramatic and controversial decision by noting his first activity. There is no hint of bragging or absolutizing his decision simply because “I prayed about it.” Others may use that phrase to avoid criticisms, but Peter simply states that while talking to God, God talked back! While we might be surprised or even a little skeptical if a friend reported that to us, Peter offers it without apology. Praying was his normal routine. Hearing from the Spirit was as well (Acts 11:12). What is your normal routine? Does it involve praying…and hearing? Unless you plan times to pray, you won’t have time to hear. Make praying and hearing your first activity this week.
Guest Blogger: Josh Vaughan – Minister to Young Marrieds & Yes, Lord! Community Ministries
Yes it does… praying and hearing that is.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
Even in Jeremiah God says plainly, ….”But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people; and you will walk in all the way which I command you, that it may be well with you.’
What an amazing offer from an amazing God. Yet, along the way it seems we have forgotten this. If you confess hearing from the Lord today, even religious leaders will call you evil, deceived, “false”, arrogant, etc. I have even been told by a religious leader, “I only hear from the Lord on special occasions.”…. as horribly scary as that is… I would like to just give my testimony that the scriptures do not put that forth as the best path.
For those who are hungry, there is more. We can indeed hear His voice…. daily… even hourly… and He can indeed be our God/Lord. Just because most do not believe this/pursue this does not mean that you can’t.
A big hinderance, it seems to me, is that people get “religious” and try to come to God on their own merit. Thus the attitude above that God would only speak to “special (in their own eyes) people.” Blessed is the one who realizes they come to God not own their own merit… but by Jesus and His merit. Thank you, Father. May you forever be praised!!