Chapter 3: Tuning In – Recognizing and Obeying the Voice of God
God is always speaking to His children. When we quiet ourselves before Him and become intentional about hearing His voice, He reveals His will, His guidance, and His love. Obedience begins with knowing His voice.
Opening Prayer and Acknowledgment
Good morning, saints. I’m so glad to be with you again. God is good, and He is worthy of all praise. Let us begin with prayer.
Heavenly Father,
Forgive us of our sins. As I speak today, let every listener be edified, inspired, and encouraged. May Your Word bring revelation knowledge and stir a deeper desire to know You personally. We declare this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Hearing God’s Voice and Knowing His Leading
Yesterday, we focused on identifying and discerning the voice of God. Many people say, “Let the Spirit be your guide,” but we must remember that not every spirit is of God (1 John 4:1). Demonic and deceptive spirits exist, and they often try to mimic the voice of God. This is why discernment is crucial.
We shared testimonies of people crying out to God—even unbelievers—in desperate situations. Many of them experienced divine deliverance because of God’s abundant mercy. That’s the kind of God we serve.
Let’s consider Gideon (Judges 6–7). He didn’t come from a wealthy or influential family, and he didn’t think highly of himself. Yet, God called him a “mighty man of valor” and chose him to deliver Israel from the Midianites.
Gideon desired assurance that he was truly hearing from God. He asked for a sign—a fleece wet with dew while the ground was dry, and then the reverse. God answered both times, giving Gideon the confidence he needed to proceed. God met Gideon where he was, just as He often meets us in our moments of uncertainty.
Meditation Prepares the Heart to Hear
As believers, we are called to go further in our walk with God. Philippians 4:8 instructs us:
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
When we meditate on these things, our minds become uncluttered. Peace replaces chaos, and clarity replaces confusion. It is in that stillness that we often hear God most clearly. Sometimes, He speaks during the mundane—while mowing the lawn, driving, or walking quietly. God desires to communicate with us always, not just in crisis.
Obedience in the Everyday
Some believe hearing from God is reserved for prophets or leaders. While the fivefold ministry is indeed a gift to the Church (Ephesians 4:11), we must understand that God desires to speak to all His children.
In the Old Testament, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies—and only once a year (Leviticus 16). A rope and bells were tied to his garment in case he died in the presence of the Lord. But since the veil was torn at Christ’s death (Matthew 27:51), we now have direct access to God.
Jesus said in John 10:27:
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
The more time we spend with God and His Word, the easier it becomes to recognize His voice. Just as a radio must be tuned to the right frequency, our spiritual ears must be attuned to God’s voice. And once we lock into that frequency, divine communication flows freely.
Often, God’s instructions are simple. He may nudge you to bless your spouse or call a friend. And when you obey, you’ll find confirmation that it was indeed God speaking. This ongoing communication builds intimacy and trust with our Heavenly Father.
The Power of Daily Confession and Repentance
James 4:8 reminds us:
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Before I begin each day—and before I go to bed—I ask God to forgive me. It clears the spiritual slate. Revelation 12:10 tells us that the accuser of the brethren accuses us day and night. But when we walk in daily repentance, the enemy has no foothold.
Coming to God with a pure heart isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. You cannot come to God only when you need something, treating Him like a vending machine. Nor can we “pimp” God with empty promises, claiming we’ll change only if He gets us out of trouble.
God, in His mercy, may still deliver us. But He desires genuine repentance and relationship. Even in moments of insincerity, He may intervene—knowing that a true transformation may come later as we remember His goodness.
Walking in Alignment with God
When we draw near to God, we begin to align our hearts, desires, priorities, and behaviors with His will. This alignment allows us to walk in obedience. We don’t follow God just for blessings—we follow Him because of who He is.
He desires to lead, guide, and speak to you daily. When you begin tuning in, discerning, and obeying His voice, you’ll experience a deeper walk with Him. You’ll discover that obedience isn’t burdensome—it’s a blessing.
Closing Thought
God’s voice is near. Draw close, stay pure, and listen with expectation. Obedience to His voice will change your life.
Key Takeaways
-
God speaks to us personally, not just through prophets or leaders.
John 10:27 – “My sheep hear My voice…” -
Discernment is vital—many voices compete for your attention.
1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” -
God meets us where we are—just like He did with Gideon.
Judges 6:36–40 -
Meditating on God’s Word creates a clear space to hear Him.
Philippians 4:8 -
Daily repentance silences the accuser and keeps your heart aligned.
James 4:8; Revelation 12:10 -
Hearing and obeying God leads to an intimate relationship and divine direction.
James 1:22 – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only…”
Conclusion:
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Tune in, obey, and walk in the blessings that follow. He is always speaking—are you listening?
From The Daily Word with Pastor KBN: The Benefits Of Obedience (Part 3), Mar 19, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-daily-word-with-pastor-kbn/id1800872165?i=1000699770002&r=551
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