Knowing the Voice It’s amazing how many different breeds of animals come with very specific natural instincts and abilities to serve a unique purpose. Dogs, especially have a wide variety of inbred aptitudes that can make them very useful. There are aggressive, herder, hunter, protective, and lap dogs that all naturally respond differently in certain scenarios. While they are naturally gifted to perform in amazing ways, though, it isn’t until they learn to listen to the voice of a trainer that their abilities are put to good use. Natural aggression can just be dangerous until a voice brings restraint and direction to it. Without the perspective of a shepherd or rancher, the gifted herder won’t know the purpose for its urges to nip at heels and move larger creatures. The voice of restraint and release for the hunting dog directs his instincts to be much more than random running around discovering hidden prey. And, the beloved lap dog will quickly fall out of favor without adhering to that voice bringing direction to the timing and placement of their bodily functions. What is done in response to the voice that is heard determines whether or not each dog’s potential is fulfilled. For each of us there is a very unique and well-designed plan to develop and utilize the specific gifts we’ve been given. Left on our own we may undertake a lot of running around doing what feels right, and maybe even accomplish a thing or two. However, it isn’t until we get to know and respond to the voice of our Creator that His plan can bring purpose to our design. With so many other voices sounding off, including our own, determining which one is His and learning to follow its leading can be the challenge of a lifetime that is never really met. So often His voice will be speaking something that is in conflict with what makes sense to us. Trusting His voice and faithfully following its leading, though, is the only way to realize the fulfilled meaning and purpose for our life. To make this possible we’ve been given both His Word and Spirit to inform and reveal of His will so that His voice will be familiar when spoken. Time spent in the Word and praying in the Spirit are sure to yield an ability to know and follow the voice that will lead into the safest and most fulfilling purpose for our life. Notes The voice of the Spirit is ever speaking even when we’re in front on our own path - correction Isaiah 30:21 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” God’s expressed vision brings guidance Psalms 32:8 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. God’s plan – our best/safest Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In order to follow, must identify the right voice John 10:1-5 1 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” How to know? The Word The Spirit God's expressed will fulfilled Matthew 5:17 17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. Matthew 5:20 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Anger/Murder Lust/Adultery Divorce/Adultery Oaths/Simple yes or no Retaliation/Giving Love/Enemies The world’s voices impose to conform / God’s transforms to His will Romans 12:2 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. The humble – those who align their will with His/do His will Psalms 25:9-10 9 The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. The Spirit The Spirit will provide a guiding voice for those who know and follow it John 16:13 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. The Spirit’s voice will not conform to the body’s Romans 8:13-15 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” With prayer in the Spirit – established confidence in knowing His voice Jude 1:20 20 But you, dear friends, must build up your lives ever more strongly upon the foundation of our holy faith, learning to pray in the power and strength of the Holy Spirit. Following His voice produces fruitful life Colossians 1:9-10 9 Since we first heard about you, we’ve kept you always in our prayers that you would receive the perfect knowledge of God’s pleasure over your lives, making you reservoirs of every kind of wisdom and spiritual understanding. 10 We pray that you would walk in the ways of true righteousness, pleasing God in every good thing you do. Then you’ll become fruit-bearing branches, yielding to his life, and maturing in the rich experience of knowing God in his fullness! God’s voice continually compelling to willingly follow His plan Philippians 2:13 13 For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants. Overview: The voice of the Father is continually spoken to bring direction and guidance. Hearing and following the right voice is critical. We’ve been given the Word and the Spirit to help discern the right voice. Already have God’s voice clearly speaking His will through His Word. With every response to His Word there is established recognition with His voice. The Spirit guides to knowing the voice on the inside. The Spirit’s voice doesn’t follow after the body’s. The Father’s voice can be continually heard and followed to the safest and best purpose. Prayer: Your voice, Father, is the one that I long to not only hear, but follow to the very best for my life. Your every Word is my direction and most appreciated guidance. Fill me by Your Spirit with a passion to identify, understand and complete Your perfect will for my life. Declarations: I am loved and cared for with a plan for my life by my Creator and Redeemer that is prosperous and blessed. There is a voice continually speaking guidance and direction to me whether I turn to the right or left. I only listen to and follow the voice of the Shepherd, ignoring and running from other voices of strangers. By following the voice that has already spoken through the Word I am made to know and follow that same voice alone. The Spirit of truth abides in me, teaching and guiding as I am ever utilizing this gift in its fullness. My will and ability are continually directed by God’s voice to His good pleasure.