Wednesday, July 2, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Galatians 4

It would be nice if God spoke to us in the clear, audible voice he used with Samuel, Moses, and some of the other Old Testament prophets. Certainly, if God spoke to us like that we would be sure to respond, right?

Unfortunately, I think we give ourselves more credit than we deserve. God speaks just as clearly today, but we either don’t pay attention or we choose to ignore or misunderstand the message. Amidst the noise of the world, God’s voice can get drowned out.

We must learn to be observant, to distinguish the voice or leadings of God from those voices around us. But how?

When disputing with the religious leaders, Jesus said that only true followers could hear his voice. The Pharisees, despite all of their religious fervor, were not true followers because they did not listen to Jesus and failed to follow him.

John 10:27
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

The voice of God is usually not loud. As followers of Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit working inside of us, gently nudging us to open our hearts and eyes.

For example, I recently felt the Holy Spirit convicting me of a sinful attitude I was harboring. He reminded me that, though I had been sinned against, I should not hold that bitterness in my heart.

How did I know this was the Holy Spirit? Because he spoke to me about my actions, not theirs. I can’t change what the other person did, but I can change how I allow that hurt to grow in my heart.

God’s Spirit is not here to condemn you - Christ took your punishment on the cross. The Holy Spirit reveals our sin so that we may become more like Jesus.

It is often in the stillness of prayer or during quiet moments in Scripture that we hear his voice. When we come with expectation and openness to his leading, we place ourselves in a posture of humility – one that allows the Holy Spirit to move freely in our hearts.

Questions:
What spiritual practices do you regularly engage in to hear from God? Have you ever experienced the leading of the Holy Spirit? Did you obey that voice?

Next Steps:
Intentionally set aside time every day (even 5 minutes is a good place to start) to turn off the noises around you and be still before the Lord. Bring your struggles to the Lord, and pray that he will speak to your spirit.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for speaking to your people. Thank you for the privilege of hearing your voice. Help me to be still before you and distinguish between the voices of the world, my own voice, and yours. Give me the courage to obey. Convict me of areas in which I am sinning against you. Help me become more like you. 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 Julie Mabus, a Whitehouse attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.