Monday, July 21, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Hebrews 11
Today, we hear a lot about individual exceptionalism. Society tells us we can have our truth, and that we need not be burdened with any reality beyond that. The fact is, it’s easy to buy into this notion because it absolves us from any responsibility for anything we’ve decided is too difficult or beneath us. It skews our sense of right and wrong … because I’m living MY truth.
But what if MY truth conflicts with Jesus - the Truth, the Life, and the Way? In every area of our lives we must decide on which “truth” to follow or which voice to trust. And if we’re not careful, we will find ourselves overlooking the fruit that our soul desperately craves to be “exceptional” in our own right.
So, how do we discern when it is God’s voice we are hearing among so many others? First, we must believe the Holy Spirit lives in us. Jesus told the disciples, “I will send you the Advocate” (John 15:26).
Galatians 5:22-23
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
We can be sure it is the Holy Spirit because he prompts us toward doing what is right and taking the actions that will provide the fruit we desire - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Do you hear and obey, or do you let the world’s noise let you miss or ignore the prompting?
The voice of the Holy Spirit becomes increasingly clear when we intentionally listen for his voice. If we do not become good listeners, we’ll miss it. This starts by quieting our inner voice that’s trying to tell us how to be exceptional or, maybe, the voice that tells us it’s okay not to do the right thing because the cost is too great.
We must follow his leading. We can do this by practicing saying “yes” to smaller promptings. Before long, it will be easier to say “yes” to bigger promptings, and we’ll discover how much peace and joy we begin to experience.
We may not be exceptional, but when we let the Holy Spirit lead us, we will do exceptional things!
Questions:
Which voice(s) do you trust that have led you to immediate but fleeting satisfaction?
When are you most likely to hold on to “your truth”?
Next Steps:
The next time you receive conflicting information, stop and write down what will happen for each path. Consider which will bring immediate gratification and which will lead to deep, inner peace.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, our Lord, Creator, and King - thank you for allowing each of us to be a temple for your Holy Spirit. Give me a heart for obedience as you guide me in all areas of my life. Help me to be intentional about quieting my mind, and let my faith grow as I say “yes” to whatever you invite me to do. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Psalm 85:8
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people. But let them not return to their foolish ways.
This post was written by Nick Thomas, a Findlay attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.