Friday, July 25, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Jude

This week, we have learned about living and following the truth in Jesus rather than following our own truth or the lies of the world that the enemy wants us to believe. 

Once we accept Christ into our hearts, we receive an advocate, known as the Holy Spirit, who guides us along the path of righteousness – if we learn to listen for him. The more we listen, the more we can discern what is from God and what is from something apart from God. To do this, we must actively seek to listen and be obedient to what the Holy Spirit tells us. 

While this is all great news, it can still be very difficult to discern and understand what is God’s voice and what is of the world. What I have learned in my walk of faith is that the Holy Spirit will always lead to what is good and right. 

John 16:13-14
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me.”

For many years, I have struggled with an unhealthy, sinful addiction. I have prayed many times for God to take it away and help me overcome it. But still, I struggle. 

About a month ago, as I wrestled with self-condemnation, feeling like I would never beat my cravings and God was not going to help, I distinctly heard a firm, quiet voice in my head saying, “Here is what you are going to do.” 

The voice proceeded to tell me I was going to lead a Summer Group about how to overcome the very problem I was struggling with. I was led to excellent resources in the RightNow Media library to assist me. So far, in the middle of this 6-week Group, God is not only answering my prayers for the ability to defeat this sin but is doing the same for other men in my Group, too.

The thing to remember about hearing the voice of truth is that Jesus is always there, watching over us. The Holy Spirit is in constant contact with Jesus, relaying to us whatever he wants us to know, believe, and do.  

We just have to draw close and listen!

Questions: 
Do you struggle to discern what is God’s voice and what is not? When you aren’t sure whether you’re hearing from God or something else, ask yourself what the voice sounds like. Is it angry, questioning, loud? Or is it a voice of quiet, calm but firm reassurance? 

Do you apply yourself to staying in the Bible and drawing closer to Him?

Next Steps: 
Actively seek Jesus through prayer and reading the Bible more.

Practice intentionally listening for guidance from the Holy Spirit when in the midst of decisions or struggles.

Prayer:
Loving Father, you have been so good to me, providing me with everything I need to live the life you planned for me from the very beginning. Give me wisdom to actively seek your guidance through the Holy Spirit, knowing everything he tells me comes directly from you and is always what’s best for me. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ precious name, 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 Ned Miller, a Findlay attendee and regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.