God Is Speaking

Stay close to the shepherd January 11, 2025

Scripture

“My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand.”— John 10:27–28

Devotional Thought

God is not distant. He is not silent.The question isn’t whether God is speaking — it’s whether I’m positioned to listen.

Fasting doesn’t turn up God’s volume; it turns down the noise in me.The constant pull of notifications, opinions, urgency, and expectations can drown out the gentle voice of the Shepherd. When I fast, I’m confronted with how loud my inner world has been — and how little space I’ve given God to speak.

God’s voice isn’t rushed. It’s relational. It’s familiar.

Jesus says His sheep hear His voice because they belong to Him. Listening isn’t about technique — it’s about intimacy. The more time I spend with Him, the easier it becomes to recognize His voice over all the others.

Reflect

• What distractions have been the loudest in my life lately — not just externally, but internally?

• What might God be trying to say that I’ve been too busy to hear?

• If God’s voice is loving and guiding, why do I sometimes resist slowing down to listen?

  
  

Respond (Prayer)

“Lord, quiet every competing voice within me. Silence my fears, my rush, and my need to control.Teach me to recognize Your voice and trust it enough to follow. Amen.”

⏰ Time Today – Love That Lifts

Sit in silence for 5 minutes. No phone. No music. Just listen.

Then ask God one question:

“Lord, who needs encouragement from me today?”

When you sense an answer:

• Send the text

• Make the call

• Offer the prayer

Listening to God positions you to lift someone else.When we hear Him clearly, we love others more intentionally.