Week 3 Hearing God’s Guidance November 11-15

God has given us a compass, the Holy Spirit, who lives inside of us to give us guidance and direction every day of our lives. God’s guidance often comes through subtle nudges and impressions, requiring believers to cultivate intimacy and trust in Him. In Acts, Luke tells the story of how God sovereignly speaks and acts through ordinary people to bring about His plan of salvation. We need to stay in step with the Holy Spirit, trust God’s wisdom and guidance, and be open to His leading in our interactions with others, as these moments can lead to significant spiritual transformations.

 

Day 1       Acts 8:26-40

Reflect: What questions does this story spark for you? Why do you think Philip heard so clearly? How do you know where and when the Spirit is leading? 

Apply:   What would you say prevents you from hearing and responding the way Philip did? Is God currently calling you into something uncertain and unsure? Are you hesitating?  

Pray:     Lord, give me the willingness to follow wherever Your Spirit leads even if it leads me into uncertain circumstances. Let Your words be clear and my obedience be pleasing to You.

 

Day 2      Acts 10:1-8

Reflect: Do you think there are requirements to hear from the Lord, and if so, how would you describe them? What were the underlying reasons God wanted Cornelius to see Peter? 

Apply:  How does the Lord most often guide you? Have you ever received a vision from Him? How has His guidance for you also impacted other people in your life? 

Pray:    Heavenly Father, fill me with Your powerful Holy Spirit and enable me to hear what You are saying to me through Your Word.

 

Day 3      Acts 13:1-5

Reflect: Why do spiritual disciples and practices put us in a better position to hear from the Lord? What is the significance of the men laying hands on Barnabas and Saul?  

Apply: How are you participating in the practices of worshipping, praying and fasting? Have any of these helped you to hear God’s voice? Pick one of these disciplines to practice this week. 

Pray:   Father God, move in my heart through Your Holy Spirit; strengthen me through prayer and fasting so that I may know Your will for me, for my life.

 

Day 4      Proverbs 1:24-33

Reflect: What does the passage say about those who reject God’s wise counsel and guidance? What are the consequences of doing so? What are the blessings of listening and obeying?

Apply:   When have you ignored God’s wisdom and guidance? What resulted? Describe what it means to fear the Lord and how it impacts our ability to hear and be open to His leading.

Pray:     God, thank You for the work that You have done in my life. Yet, I need greater understanding and discernment. I pray that I would grow in wisdom, knowledge, and discernment.

 

Day 5     Psalm 32:8-9

Reflect: What is God revealing to you? What does the warning and imagery mean in verse 9? Do you more often run to God for His guidance or do you try to handle things yourself?

Apply:   When was the last time you sought the Lord for His help and guidance? Is self-sufficiency something you struggle with? When and why do you think it is frowned upon by God?

Pray:     Jesus, keep me alert to Your instructions, show me the path I should go, and guide me with Your eye. May I never stray from Your perfect path, and may my life be a godly witness to others and a blessing to You.

 

Put it into Practice

Prayer is the cornerstone of seeking God’s guidance, and His Word provides wisdom and discernment. This week, immerse yourself in prayer, asking God to provide guidance on all your practical decisions and any moral dilemmas you may be facing. Ask Him to point you to specific verses in Scripture to guide you in His will.