BREAKING OUT OF THE CAGE: HEARING GOD’S VOICE
In this episode of Make the Word Alive, Pastor Jo Anne Ramsay and Pastor Brian Rogers discuss the many voices competing for our attention and the importance of learning to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd.
Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27 NKJV). When we listen to the wrong voices, we can be led away from God’s truth. But when we stay close to Him, we become more attentive to His still, small voice.
STAY CLOSE TO THE SHEPHERD
Pastor Brian shares the prayer, “Lord, keep me close and clean.” He explains that hearing God’s voice requires us to draw near to Him and lean in rather than allowing the noise around us to drown Him out.
God speaks through His Word, and the Holy Spirit helps us understand what He is teaching us. One of the practical prayers encouraged in this episode is: “Holy Spirit, what are You trying to teach me? What are You trying to show me?”
THE WORD OF GOD IS OUR SWORD
When we face spiritual battles, we are not called to fight only in the natural. Ephesians 6:17 tells us to take “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” God’s Word brings truth and light into situations where darkness and confusion are trying to influence us.
Knowing God’s Word also helps us recognize voices that contradict His truth and choose the narrow path that leads to life.
WHAT WE LISTEN TO AFFECTS WHAT WE SPEAK
One of the key statements in the conversation is, “What I’m listening to is how I speak.” What we continually listen to can influence what comes out of our mouths. The episode challenges us to examine whether we are speaking from fear and emotion or from what God’s Word says.
When the Holy Spirit brings conviction, we can repent, receive His correction, and allow God to renew our thinking and our words.
BREAK FREE FROM PEOPLE’S LABELS
The conversation also addresses the labels people place on us based on our appearance, age, achievements, possessions, or status. These voices do not determine who we are.
Our identity is in Christ. When we know who we are in Him, we do not have to allow people’s opinions to control the direction of our lives or pull us away from God’s purpose.
LISTEN TO THE SHEPHERD
There will always be competing voices, but we can choose which one we follow. By staying close to God, remaining in His Word, listening to the Holy Spirit, and allowing Him to guide and correct us, we can learn to recognize His voice.
We were not made to be controlled by the noise around us. We were made to be led by the Shepherd.
