THURSDAY

John 10:1-5; 15:26-27

In a world that is literally awash with electronic signals and messages, without the ability to tune into a particular frequency or broadcast, we would have little hope of making much sense of it all, much less finding the particular information or guidance we are seeking. In his conversation with his disciples in the upper room, Jesus gives them some insights into how to tune in and recognize his voice in the midst of all the others that are speaking. In today’s passages in particular, Jesus says that his sheep recognize his voice and don’t follow the voice of a stranger. He then reminds us that when the Spirit comes, the Spirit will testify about him. You can read on in chapter 16 about how the Spirit does this, but what is key here is that you can recognize that it is the Spirit speaking to you if it sounds like Jesus. If what you are sensing does not sound like Jesus, then it is not the Spirit—you are tuned into a different channel. As you reflect on the way God speaks to you, consider the following:

• What would it look like to use the question, “Does that ring true as a sentiment that Jesus taught or embodied?” as a way of discerning if God was leading in a particular way?

• Can you think of times when religious justifications are used for ways of relating to people that clearly do not sound like Jesus? How do you relate to these?

• Are there areas in your own life where you are experiencing tensions between what you may be practicing or committed to in some way and the teaching or practice of Jesus? If so, how are you relating to that?

• What are some things we can do that will keep our focus primarily on Jesus so that we can better discern between what the leading of the Spirit is and other stations or signals bleeding into what we are hearing?

Take a few moments to share with God what is on your heart as you reflect on today’s passages and/or other things or people who have come to mind as you have been thinking about all this.