How can we discern God's messages in our daily lives like Ezekiel? Ezekiel 12:17—God Still Speaks “Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying,” (Ezekiel 12:17). The same God who addressed Ezekiel continues to communicate. His Word is literally true, fully reliable, and forever settled. Our task is to position ourselves to hear Him with the same clarity. Why Ezekiel Heard So Clearly • Relational closeness—he was already walking in covenant obedience. • Reverent fear—he treated every word from God as weighty and binding. • Undistracted attention—he listened first, spoke second. • Readiness to act—whatever God said, Ezekiel did (Ezekiel 12:7). • Spirit-empowered—“the Spirit entered into me” (Ezekiel 2:2). Principles for Discerning God’s Messages Today 1. Scripture First • “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). • God never contradicts His written Word; He expands and applies it. 2. Shepherd’s Voice Recognition • “My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). 3. Illumination by the Holy Spirit • “He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). 4. Renewed Mind • “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). 5. Community Confirmation • “Test all things; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). Practices That Tune the Ear of the Heart • Daily, unhurried Bible reading—let the Word set the agenda. • Memorization & meditation—store Scripture so the Spirit can echo it. • Quiet solitude—turn down cultural noise; give God uninterrupted space. • Worship—singing truth softens the heart to receive more truth. • Journaling—write impressions, then compare them with Scripture over time. • Fasting—removing legitimate comforts sharpens spiritual sensitivity. Testing What We Think We’ve Heard Ask: • Does it align with the clear teaching of the Bible? (Psalm 119:105) • Does it exalt Jesus Christ? (Hebrews 1:1-2) • Does it encourage righteousness, love, and humility? (Micah 6:8) • Is there consistent inner peace, not fleeting emotion? (Colossians 3:15) • Do mature believers, pastors, or elders see the same direction? (Proverbs 11:14) From Hearing to Obedience • Like Ezekiel, act promptly—delayed obedience dulls spiritual hearing (James 1:22). • Expect opposition; obedience often invites misunderstanding, yet God vindicates. • Rejoice that every step of faith deepens intimacy with the One who speaks. Living attentive to God’s Word turns ordinary days into a continuing dialogue with Him, just as Ezekiel experienced. |
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