What steps can we take to better recognize Jesus' guidance daily? He Spoke, Yet They Misunderstood John 10:6 records, “Jesus spoke to them using this illustration, but they did not understand what He was telling them.” The crowd had just heard the Shepherd/Sheep picture, yet failed to catch His point. Their confusion warns us: it is possible to be near Jesus’ words and still miss His guidance. How do we avoid that? Tuning Our Ears to the Shepherd – John 10:4 – 5, 27 remind us that His sheep “know His voice” and “follow Him.” – Recognition grows through relationship, not mere information. Step 1 — Immerse Yourself in His Word – Daily reading positions the heart to recognize familiar tones of the Shepherd. – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Practical tip: read aloud; the spoken Word trains your ear as much as your mind. Step 2 — Cultivate a Listening Heart – Isaiah 30:21: “Your ears will hear this command behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” – Set pockets of silence during the day; invite Him to speak before you speak. Step 3 — Test Every Impression by Scripture – The Shepherd never contradicts His written voice. – Acts 17:11 shows Bereans examining “the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” Step 4 — Obey Promptly and Fully – Hebrews 3:7–8 cautions: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” – Quick obedience keeps the heart soft and the channel clear. Step 5 — Walk in the Spirit – Romans 8:14: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” – Ask Him to fill and lead you each morning; dependence keeps the signal strong. Step 6 — Remain in the Flock – Sheep are safest—and hear best—when gathered. – Faithful church involvement provides counsel, confirmation, and protection from “stranger” voices. Step 7 — Keep a Record of Guidance – Write down verses, nudges, and confirmed directions. – Reviewing past leadings builds confidence in present decisions. Step 8 — Trust, Don’t Lean – Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” – Leaning on understanding muffles His guidance; trusting opens the ear. Step 9 — Rely on the Helper – John 14:26: “The Advocate…the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.” – Pray, “Holy Spirit, remind me of Jesus’ words today,” expecting real-time prompts. Putting It All Together Stay in the Word, quiet your heart, measure everything by Scripture, obey at once, walk in the Spirit, stay with the flock, jot down His nudges, trust rather than lean, and rely on the Helper. Follow these steps and the confusion of John 10:6 turns into the clarity of John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” |
    |