0:03 We are walking. Yes. Walking in the 0:11 spirit. Walking in the spirit. 0:18 Welcome to the Walking in the Spirit podcast. Today we continue our series titled Hearing God. This devotional series is based on the book written by Dr. Mary Banks, who has poured her heart into sharing profound truths about recognizing and responding to God's voice. Day one, the depths of hearing. In today's episode, we'll explore what it truly means to hear God and how understanding his voice can transform our walk with him. Let's begin with John 10:27. My sheep hear my voice and I know them 0:48 and they follow me. This scripture reminds us that hearing God isn't just a privilege. It's a promise. It's the foundation for navigating life in a world filled with uncertainty. Hearing God can happen in several ways, and Dr. Banks highlights two key aspects in her book, Reema and Logos. Remma is the spoken word of God, the personal direct messages he communicates to us. Logos, on the other hand, is the written word, the Bible, which serves as the foundation and boundary for all that God reveals. 1:18 Consider Peter's vision in Acts 10, where God spoke through a combination of vision and voice. Let's listen into his encounter. Acts 10:es 9-16. On the tomorrow, as they went on their journey and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour. Blessed are you, O Lord, God of all creation. And he became very hungry, and would have eaten. But while they made ready, he fell into a trance, and saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto 1:48 him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth, wherein were all manner of 4-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter, kill, and eat. But Peter said, "Not so, Lord, for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." And the voice spake unto him again the second time, "What God hath cleansed that call not thou common." 2:19 This was done thrice, and the vessel was received up again into heaven. As you heard Peter's vision from the Lord, you would have realized that hearing God wasn't just about hearing words. It was about perceiving God's purpose and intention for saying something. It was clear that Peter heard God's instruction to eat because he gave a logical response. I don't eat anything common or unclean. However, Peter did not understand the depths of what God was trying to convey. This unpacks a powerful lesson for us 2:49 all. The Bible, which is the written word of God, is alive and active, and only the Holy Spirit can bring its truth to life in our hearts. So, how do we position ourselves to hear? Immerse yourself in scripture. God's Rama word will always align with his logos word. By knowing scripture, you can discern his voice and judge prophecy. Use the word to judge the things you believe God is saying to you. Do they fall within the boundaries of what God has revealed about his 3:19 nature, his eternal plan, or his intentions towards mankind? Cultivate communion with the Holy Spirit. Study the word with the Holy Spirit as your guide, inviting him to reveal its deeper truths. Only the spirit of God can illuminate the word to your level of understanding, bringing clarity to its mysteries and making sense of what you're reading in terms that you can understand. Obey what you hear. As Dr. Banks explains, true hearing involves obedience. Abraham heard God's instruction to leave his nation and embark on a 3:49 pilgrimage to a foreign country. He obeyed what he heard, and God started an entire nation through his lineage and used this same lineage to bring forth his Messiah, Jesus. Abraham's obedience to God's voice didn't just bless him. It became a blessing for all nations today. Reflect on this question. How are you engaging with God's voice? Are you listening for his words, diving into scripture, and walking in obedience to what you hear? And as you do this, remember God hears us. Genesis reminds us that 4:19 God not only hears our prayers, but agrees with them when they align with his will. Isn't that beautiful? This mutual relationship of hearing and responding deepens our fellowship with him. Take time this week to read a passage of scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal its truth to you. Spend quiet moments in prayer inviting God to speak. Reflect on an area of obedience in your life. Is there something God has been asking you to do? If so, take that step. Let's pray together. 4:49 Lord, thank you for speaking to us through your word and your spirit. Help us to be vessels who not only hear but obey. Open our hearts to your spoken word and deepen our understanding of your written word. Teach us to walk in step with your voice and let your will be done in our lives. In Jesus' name, amen. Thank you for joining me on this episode of the Walking in the Spirit podcast. This series, Hearing God, is based on the book by Dr. Mary 5:19 Banks, and it's filled with life-changing insights for your spiritual walk. For more resources or to connect with Dr. Banks. Check out the show notes for links to her book and ways to stay in touch. Be sure to subscribe and share this podcast with a friend. Until next time, keep walking in the spirit and listening for God's voice. We are walking. Yes. Walking in the 5:43 spirit. Walking in the spirit.
