New Vision Ministry

Hearing the Master's Voice

Details: Published: Tuesday, 06 December 2016 07:29

FOLLOWING THE MASTER – A Lenten Devotional

4th Day of Lent
February 13, 2016

Hearing the Master’s Voice

“And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant hearth’ (1 Samuel 3:10, KJV).

Samuel heard the Lord’s voice and made himself open and receptive to it. Just the same, when our Lord and Master gives indication to communicate with us, our response should ever be like Samuel's: “Speak Lord, thy servant heareth!” And this response from Samuel has inspired Frances Ridley Havergal to compose the beautiful hymn: “Master speak, thy servant heareth.”

Jesus taught: “My sheep know my voice...” and part of our spiritual growth is hearing that voice. And though many voices try to fill our minds, we can always recognize our Master’s voice for His words are never flattering, vengeful or harsh, but always encouraging and positive. His words are always of warning, counsel, comfort, direction, instruction and confirmation.

And as our Master speaks with us, it is wise for us to be obedient and follow what He says for hearing the Master’s voice and following through His instructions can spare us a lot of hurt and disappointment

The Lord is always willing to speak with us, therefore we should be always listening, not only in our prayer-chamber but all through our waking moments for He speaks to us in many different ways. Sometimes He speaks as the “still, small voice” and at other times by moving us through steps to what He wants to reveal to us.

Often, we do not hear His voice or sense His leading because we are busy doing things in our worldly way, hence it will be a blessing to us to always maintain a watchful and listening attitude.

How can we hear our Master’s voice? We hear our Master’s voice by conversing with Him regularly about matters that seem important to us whether about His Word or about our lives

Also, when we read His Word and meditate in it daily, and maintain an inner quietness, we are most likely to hear our Master’s voice.

Our hearing the Master’s voice does not necessarily mean that we will get answers at the same time that we talk with Him whether in our prayer-chamber or otherwise. It does not always work that way. There are times that we hear the “still, small voice” while yet in our prayer-chamber, but there are times when it comes later. And always it will be a blessing to His followers.

There are times when the Lord’s voice is clear and unmistakable and at other times it might be His leading or directing us on to something He wants us to do or say. Nevertheless, if our inward being is in tune with Him, our discernment will be sure. We will know.

Have you heard the Master’s voice lately? Can you discern where He is leading you?

SUGGESTED READINGS: 1 Samuel 3:10; Acts 9:6; John 10:27.

PRAYER: “Speak Lord, thy servant is listening. And help me, Lord, to be obedient to your commands. Amen.”

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Jesus, My Lord and Master, is always willing to communicate with me.