Thursday, July 24, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Philemon

I’ve learned that when I start hearing something over and over again, God is speaking to me. Recently I’ve been hearing, “be still, and listen to God.”

Yesterday, I asked God, “Please speak to your servant” (1 Samuel 3:10) and sat quietly for two minutes. But then my puppy, Tucker, started sighing and making noises because he wanted my attention. I called him to come, but he refused and looked so adorable. How could I possibly listen to God with all of Tucker’s sighing?

I went to him and started petting him. As he quieted down, I started to laugh. I realized I am a lot like Tucker. I want what I want, and I want it now. I don’t always obey my Master. Sometimes, I even grumble and complain when I don't get my way. 

In the midst of my laughter, I realized God was speaking to me through his Holy Spirit, who lives in us to provide comfort, encouragement, and guidance. It’s our job to listen and let him lead us. 

Galatians 5:25
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

God uses his Holy Spirit to lead us because he wants what's best for us. He can see the whole picture of our lives and knows what we need, even before we do. 

God doesn’t call us to obey him because he is a strict task master who wants us to be miserable. He is our loving Daddy, who uses the Holy Spirit to give us peace, wisdom, and clarity.

When we trust God’s heart and respond to the Spirit’s voice, obedience becomes less about duty and more about relationship.

Frequently the Holy Spirit calls us to wait and let him work. It’s easy to try to fix things ourselves or think he isn’t working, but this quickly gets us off track and leads to disobedience. As we learn to listen and obey his promptings, he takes the load for us. 

Can you imagine what God could accomplish if we all lived aligned with his Holy Spirit's guidance? Through us, he could change the world!

Questions: 
How does the Holy Spirit speak to you?

Why do you think it’s important to obey the Holy Spirit?

What happens when we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading?

Next Steps: 
Take five minutes a day in a quiet place and ask God to speak to his servant.

Let the Holy Spirit lead you by obeying him.

Prayer: 
God, I praise and worship you. You are my perfect and loving Daddy. I trust you. Help me to believe, listen, and follow your lead today. I surrender all my burdens and worries to you. Forgive me when I grumble and complain. I can not wait to see the amazing things you will accomplish today. I love and adore 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 Marsha Raymond, an Oregon attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.