Listening to God's Voice: A Journey of Faith

Mar 08, 2024

Devotional

Day 1: Hearing and Following the Voice of God Daily

God desires for us to listen for His voice each day, trusting that He knows us intimately and wants to guide us in every step, even in the ordinary moments. When we quiet ourselves and ask, “Lord, what do you want me to do today?” we open ourselves to divine appointments and unexpected adventures that reveal His personal love and power. The Holy Spirit teaches us to hear God not just in church or through others, but in the quietness of our own hearts, wherever we are. As we learn to tune in to His leading, we discover that He is always close—especially to the broken and those in need—and He delights in partnering with us as we step out in faith, even when we don’t know the outcome. [02:02]

John 10:27 (NKJV)
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally quiet your heart today to listen for God’s voice, and how will you respond if He prompts you to do something unexpected?

Day 2: God’s Perspective Is Greater—Trusting His Guidance

There are moments in life when we feel lost in the clouds, unable to see the way forward, but God’s perspective is always higher and clearer than ours. He calls us to trust His voice above all others, even above our own thoughts and fears, because He sees what we cannot. Just as the pilotless passengers had to rely completely on the voice guiding them to safety, we too must learn to listen and obey God’s direction, knowing He will bring us home safely if we follow Him. The cross is our landmark, and as we keep our eyes on Jesus, we find our way through confusion and uncertainty into the place of peace and purpose He has prepared for us. [08:10]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.”

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel “in the clouds” or unsure of the next step, and how can you choose to trust and listen for God’s voice above your own today?

Day 3: Creative Partnership with the Holy Spirit

God created us to be creative, and He invites us to partner with Him in new and unexpected ways—whether through art, music, conversation, or acts of kindness. When we step out and do something new with the Holy Spirit, even something as simple as baking a cake or painting a picture, we create space for God to move and speak to others through us. He delights in using our creativity to reach people’s hearts, often in ways we could never have planned or understood. Don’t be afraid to try something new with God, to play “hot and cold” with the Holy Spirit, and to trust that even small acts of obedience can have a profound impact in someone’s life. [20:52]

Exodus 31:3-5 (NKJV)
“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.”

Reflection: What is one creative act—big or small—that you can intentionally do with God today, inviting Him to use it for His glory and someone else’s good?

Day 4: Eyes Open to Opportunities—Bringing Jesus into Everyday Life

God calls us to walk through life with our eyes and hearts wide open, noticing the people and opportunities around us where He is already at work. Like Paul in Athens, we are to look beyond the surface, seeing spiritual hunger in unexpected places and responding with love, creativity, and the good news of Jesus. Instead of shrinking back or judging, we are invited to engage, to connect, and to bring the presence of Christ into every sphere—our workplaces, neighborhoods, and even casual conversations. The Holy Spirit wants to loosen our necks and open our eyes so we can see where He is moving and join Him in bringing hope and light to those searching for meaning. [15:59]

Acts 17:22-27 (NKJV)
“Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.’”

Reflection: Who is one person or place you often overlook that God might be inviting you to notice and engage with today, bringing the love and message of Jesus in a fresh way?

Day 5: Stepping Out in Faith—No More Complacency or Compromise

God is calling us to throw off complacency, prayerlessness, and compromise, and to step out in wholehearted faith, knowing that He has chosen us and desires to set our hearts on fire for Him. He wants to remove every blockage—whether in our ears, mouths, or feet—so that we can hear Him clearly, speak boldly, and go wherever He leads. The Lord is personal and powerful, ready to forgive, heal, and deliver, and He invites us to rebuild the altar of our lives with fresh surrender and obedience. Today is the day to give Him your whole heart, to let Him scoop up every hidden weight, and to walk in the freedom and purpose He has for you. [45:38]

Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 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.”

Reflection: What is one area of complacency or compromise you sense God asking you to surrender today, and how will you step out in faith to respond to His call?

Sermon Summary

God is both powerful and personal, intimately involved in every detail of our lives. Even those who seem far from faith—like family members who call themselves atheists—are not beyond His reach. He is always at work, shaking the ground beneath their feet, drawing them closer. From my own journey, coming to Christ as an unchurched teenager, I learned early on to simply ask God each day, “What do you want me to do today?” and to listen for His voice. The Holy Spirit desires a direct, living relationship with each of us, not mediated only through church structures or routines, but cultivated in the quietness of our hearts and the ordinariness of our days.

God’s voice is our lifeline, especially when we feel lost or surrounded by uncertainty. Like the story of the lawyer in the airplane, we must learn to tune out the noise of our own thoughts and the confusion of the world, and instead listen for the clear, guiding voice of the Lord. He sees what we cannot, and He alone can bring us safely home. This is not just about hearing, but about responding—stepping out in faith, creating with God, and doing new things in partnership with Him.

Paul’s example in Acts 17 shows us how to engage the world around us with open eyes and open hearts. He didn’t shrink back from the unfamiliar or the spiritually hungry, but looked for points of connection, even quoting local poets to reveal the truth of Christ. We are called to do the same: to see the spiritual hunger in those around us, to be present in our communities, and to bring Jesus into every conversation and context.

Creativity is a powerful way to partner with God. Whether it’s baking a cake, painting, or simply starting a new conversation, God invites us to do things with Him, not just for Him. Sometimes, He will ask us to step out in ways that feel random or uncomfortable, but obedience opens doors for His presence and power to be revealed. Even when we don’t understand the full picture, God’s perspective is greater, and He uses our willingness to bless others in ways we may never anticipate.

Ultimately, God is calling us to deeper intimacy and greater freedom. He wants to unclog our ears, loosen our tongues, and set our feet in motion for His purposes. He is ready to forgive, to heal, and to empower us to live creatively and courageously for His kingdom. Each day is an invitation to listen, to respond, and to create with the One who chose us first.

Key Takeaways

1. Hearing God’s Voice Is Foundational God desires a direct, personal relationship with each of us, where we learn to recognize and respond to His voice in the everyday moments of life. This isn’t reserved for the spiritually elite or those with a church background; it’s available to all who will ask, “What do you want me to do today?” and listen with expectation. The Holy Spirit is eager to teach us, even before we are shaped by religious routines. [02:02]
2. God’s Perspective Surpasses Our Own When we feel lost or overwhelmed, God sees what we cannot. Like the air traffic controller guiding the lawyer through the clouds, God’s voice is the only one that can truly lead us to safety. We must learn to trust His perspective above our own instincts or the voices around us, especially when the way forward is unclear. [08:10]
3. Creativity Is a Spiritual Practice We are made in the image of a creative God, and He invites us to partner with Him in new and unexpected ways. Whether through art, conversation, or acts of service, creativity becomes a way to hear and obey the Holy Spirit. Even small, seemingly insignificant acts—like baking a cake or painting a picture—can become powerful when done in step with God. [20:52]
4. Obedience Opens Doors for God’s Power Stepping out in faith, even when it feels awkward or uncertain, allows God to move in and through us. Sometimes, God will give us a word or prompt that doesn’t make sense in the moment, but our willingness to obey can be the key to someone else’s breakthrough. Mistakes are rare and can be lovingly corrected, but the greater risk is remaining stagnant by refusing to try. [29:10]
5. Intimacy with God Leads to Freedom and Purpose God wants to remove every barrier—whether in our hearing, our speaking, or our willingness to move—so that we can live fully for Him. As we surrender our hearts, He forgives, heals, and empowers us to walk in newness of life. Our identity as the “reason He came” gives us confidence to step out, create, and serve with boldness and joy.

** [35:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Personal Introduction and Family
[02:02] - Learning to Hear God’s Voice
[03:28] - Following the Spirit’s Promptings
[04:59] - Divine Appointments and God’s Pursuit
[08:10] - The Story of the Lawyer and the Voice
[10:20] - Doing Life With Jesus, Not Just Knowing About Him
[11:26] - Paul in Athens: Distress and Engagement
[13:16] - The Newness of Jesus in Our Generation
[14:39] - Open Doors and Spiritual Hunger
[15:59] - Seeing Opportunity in Spiritual Curiosity
[19:52] - Created to Create: Partnering With God
[20:52] - Everyday Creativity and God’s Anointing
[29:10] - Obedience, Risk, and the Power of a Word
[34:39] - Correction, Growth, and Knowing God
[35:31] - Prayer for Unblocking Ears, Mouths, and Feet
[45:38] - Surrender, Forgiveness, and New Life
[46:39] - Thanksgiving and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 17:16-28 (NKJV)

> 16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.
> 17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there.
> 18 Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection.
> 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak?
> 20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.”
> 21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.
> 22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious;
> 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:
> 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.
> 25 Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.
> 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings,
> 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;
> 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’

Observation Questions

What did Paul notice about the city of Athens that deeply affected him? (Acts 17:16)
How did Paul choose to engage with the people in Athens—where did he go and who did he talk to? (Acts 17:17)
In the sermon, what was the significance of the “unknown God” altar that Paul found? [15:59]
According to the sermon, what are some examples of “creative” ways God might invite us to partner with Him in everyday life? [20:52]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul was “greatly distressed” by the idols in Athens, and how did that shape his approach to the people there? (Acts 17:16-17)
The speaker described learning to ask God, “What do you want me to do today?” and then listening for His voice. What does this reveal about the kind of relationship God wants with us? [02:02]
The sermon compared God’s guidance to the voice of an air traffic controller leading a lost pilot to safety. What does this analogy teach about trusting God’s perspective over our own? [08:10]
How does the idea of “doing things with God, not just for God” challenge the way we usually think about serving or being creative? [10:20]

Application Questions

The speaker shared how she started each day by asking God, “What do you want me to do today?” What would it look like for you to make this a daily habit? Is there anything that might get in the way? [02:02]
Think about a time when you felt God nudging you to do something that didn’t make sense at the time. Did you respond? What happened, and what did you learn from it? [29:10]
The sermon encouraged us to see spiritual hunger in people around us—even those who seem far from faith. Who in your life might be spiritually hungry, and how could you be more present or start a conversation with them? [15:59]
The speaker talked about partnering with God in creative ways, even in small things like baking a cake or painting. What is one ordinary activity in your week where you could intentionally invite God to join you? [20:52]
Sometimes, God asks us to step out in ways that feel random or uncomfortable. Is there something you sense God might be prompting you to do right now that feels risky? What would it take to obey? [29:10]
The sermon mentioned that God wants to “unclog our ears, loosen our tongues, and set our feet in motion.” Which of these areas—hearing, speaking, or moving—do you feel most stuck in? What is one step you could take this week to grow in that area? [35:31]
The speaker said, “You are the reason He came.” How does believing that God is both powerful and personal change the way you see yourself and your purpose? [36:41]

Close in prayer, asking God to help each person listen for His voice, respond in faith, and partner with Him creatively in the week ahead.

Sermon Clips

36s

#TrustGodsPerspective

“A man from the nearest airport gets on the radio to them and he says to them, I will bring you home safe, but only if you listen to my voice. And he says, you can't listen to the voice in your head. You will be so disorientated and you don't even know it. But four miles through the other side of these clouds, you're about to go into a mountain and you need to listen to me because I can see you from where I am. You cannot see where you are. I can. This is a word for somebody this morning. The Lord's perspective is so much greater than yours.”

22s

#LiveTheWordInAction

“Not just to know the word, not just to know Jesus, but to actually do things with Jesus is really important because there's a lot of people who sit in pews and they know the Lord and they read the word, but they don't do anything with him. And so it doesn't cement the word. It doesn't live it out in as much of a public way as it could be.”

27s

#ServeWithIntentionalLove

“You are in the marketplace day by day. You are around people day by day, you know, and that whole thing, God brings me back to 15 years old. Lord, what do you want me to do today? What do you want me to say today? Who do you want me to talk to today? Who am I opening my house to today? Who am I cooking for today? You know, this is the thing he wants us to really begin to do great. He wants me to. to do it more. He's really compelling me to do it more in these days.”

27s

#JesusIsNewToThisGeneration

“Do you know Jesus is new to this generation? Jesus is new. When I go out on the streets and I talk to people about Jesus, they haven't got a clue. They have not had any glimpses of him through their education system like we were. Anybody under the age of really kind of mid -30s have had no input unless they've been gloriously related to one of you lot? Isn't that sad?”

31s

#OpenDoorsOfOpportunity

“I want to declare to you today, your schools are open. I want to declare to you that there's open doors in every sphere of influence in Cardiff and the surrounding areas. Nothing is off limits to you. I want you to hear that the river has already gone before you and has made a way for you. He's opening up doors of conversation. He's opening up doors of opportunity in all kinds of spaces. It's awesome what God is doing. This is the most incredible time to be alive and be part of the body of Christ.”

32s

#CreatedToCreateWithGod

“We're born to create because God is creative. Don't sit there and say, I'm not creative. I'm an accountant. If anyone can be creative with figures, accountants can. No, we all, sorry. Sorry, I didn't mean to say that. But you know, like we're all supposed to be creating. When was the last time you created something with God? When was the last time you created something, did something new by the unction of the Holy Spirit? Have a think about it.”

54s

#InviteGodIntoEveryMoment

“God can anoint food. I'm telling you, there is some stuff. God, I have cooked, I've cooked, if my husband was here right now, I have cooked some terrible meals. And I've cooked some really good ones... but when it needs to be good I'm telling you it's good and there's something God just comes into that kitchen with me and we cook together and we process that thing together we do it together and in the same way when you're at work and you're doing the tedious stuff maybe some of you have got jobs that you really thoroughly hate but God's asking for an invitation to come in and to and create moments where you can see something and bring it to somebody else's attention and create a conversation around that and to bring people's awareness to Jesus.”

32s

#GoodnessBeyondLabels

“Everything good comes from God there are some good songs out there that we may not ascribe to being Christian songs have a think about it I've used many songs I bet we could come up with a whole playlist right now of songs that may not have the name of Jesus in but they have got goodness in them they've got something of the kingdom in them don't you worry don't you worry child that'll preach heaven's got a plan for you don't you worry don't you worry child.”

46s

#CreateWithIntentionalFaith

“So I'm a bit random but that's how that's that's what I felt the lord giving you today is have your eyes open look around you see who's in the room bring the new partner with the lord intentionally do things new like today i when i was painting this one i don't usually use sponges but it was a sponge and i thought you know what i've never used sponges for clouds so i purposely i intentionally will do something new that i've never done before and and and the holy spirit's kind like just saying yeah just do this just do that and do it color by color don't get over the top and like expect everything at once if it's just a color if it's just the smallest of movements if it's just one word just deliver that and see what the lord will do amen.”

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Listening to God's Voice: A Journey of Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Hearing and Following the Voice of God Daily

Day 2: God’s Perspective Is Greater—Trusting His Guidance

Day 3: Creative Partnership with the Holy Spirit

Day 4: Eyes Open to Opportunities—Bringing Jesus into Everyday Life

Day 5: Stepping Out in Faith—No More Complacency or Compromise

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Listening to God's Voice: A Journey of Faith

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