It’s kind of an interesting admission on the part of Jesus that He shared there in John 16:12 with His closest followers. I’d be curious to know if you have it marked in your Bible.

He told them: “I still have many things to say to you...but you cannot bear them now.”

Who here likes to be teased with such ‘hidden info’ when told...”I know things but I can’t tell you now because you wouldn’t be able to handle it!”?

Paul said something similar in his first letter to the Corinthians (3:1-2) when he told them that he was unable to speak to them as ‘spiritual people’ ...but as ‘babies...because they were still carnal’. He goes on...I had to feed you ‘milk, and not solid food...because you were in no place to receive it; and even now...you are still not able because you are carnal’.

He then lists some examples of the carnal ‘fruit’ they were bearing, like envy and strife and petty divisions that existed among them (3). And for those who want to make this about: “Yeah, but see, they were ‘babes in Christ’ and still ‘saved’!”... you are missing the whole point here. Paul was not ‘cooing’ over these ‘babies’ but was rebuking them. In fact, you should jot down as a reference, 2 Cor. 12:20-21 because he calls them out again in his second letter with a stern warning. And while we are on this point that many like to hold up to justify being a ‘carnal Christian’, you might pair this text with Gal. 5:19-21, with added emphasis on vs. 21. And toss in Rom. 13:11-14 & Eph. 5:3-6 for good measure.

Where I’m going with all this today is to make the point that there are many things...that God desires to ‘reveal’ to us, to show us and yes...even ’speak’ into our lives. He really does communicate with His children as in He has a voice, and ‘His sheep hear it...and follow Him’ (John 10:27; Ps. 23:1-3). And I believe there are many sincere believers who would love nothing more...than to ‘hear from God’, even on a ‘personal level’ that pertains to pressing issues and concerns in their life.

I can assure you that our decision to uproot from Texas and move to one of the most expensive areas in the country was not in response to some ‘emotional whim’ after spending time with these grandsons of ours. As much as Kathy was ready to move to be closer to them, I was firm and unmoved and was not about to make such a ‘dumb decision’ based on emotions and desires. I knew deep within that there was no way I could make such a drastic decision...unless I knew...I had ‘heard from God’ on such a matter. And friends ...God spoke to my heart as clear as I am writing to you now at this moment. I knew His voice and He assured me the ‘time was now’ and that He would ‘make a way’. I can also promise you that ever since that early Sunday morning back in January of 2023 when I heard His prompting...I’ve yet to ever have a split-second of indecision, questioning, second-guessing myself on that decision. He has been faithful and truly ‘made a way’. We are ‘living the dream’ out here and there is nothing better like knowing you are 'smack dab' in the middle of God’s will.

So yes, God does ‘talk’ to us and wants to ‘lead/guide’ us (Rom. 8:14). And you might be shocked to discover how long... He has been trying to get your attention so He could do this very thing.

Here’s a ‘hint’ to better help you learn to recognize His voice, and even more importantly...begin to ‘do’ what He tells you to do. Remember Mary’s advice in John 2:5? (Do whatever He tells you to do!”)

We have to start with the ‘basics’; and if you remember those early days when you were helping raise a young toddler, how many times a day did you find yourself telling them: “No!”; or...’don’t touch that!’...or ‘get away from there, now!’. And let’s not forget, as tiresome and exhausting as that could be, it was an essential part of them learning to recognize your voice, and that you meant what you said. This was/is not some ‘power play’ for you to exert control over a young child that you love with all your life. It is for their safety that they need to learn and comply so they don’t kill themselves...by running into traffic, or sticking something metal in a plug socket, or pulling a pot of boiling water off the stove, etc. (we are getting a refresher course these says in all this with these two boys- IYKYK)

Care to guess where the Holy Spirit usually likes to start when first bringing us into a place of ‘submission’ to His leading? You’ll want to spend some extra time today reading through James 3:1-12. That’s the text having to do with this ‘tongue’ of ours. And I mean...please take some quality time with this passage. He likens our tongue as being our most ‘unruly member’ that can ‘set on fire the course of nature’(6). What a great word picture, also...is used comparing it to the small ‘bit’ on a horse that can steer it this way or that. It’s also compared to the small rudder on a ship that can pilot the large vessel in this direction or that direction. (2-4)

Do you really want to guess...how many times a day...the Holy Spirit is trying to ‘reign’ us in, and tells us to ‘hush’, or ‘don’t say that to them!’...or to keep your opinions to yourself, etc.? How many times has that ‘still quiet voice’ tried to convince you...that the world of social media did not need to read or hear what you had to say on any given ‘hot button’ topic that already had the world embroiled in arguing and divisive anger? (1 Kings 19:11-12)

Let us never forget that the Holy Spirit is first most concerned about ‘leading us to put to death all the fleshly deeds of our carnal nature’ (Rom. 8:13-14). And is it any shock to learn that one of those areas that we all need to ‘die to’...is ‘pride’? So the next time you get into a spat with your spouse, or adult kids, or co-workers or a close neighbor/friend...and you feel this overwhelming ‘need’ to get ‘the last word in’, to prove your point...that is nothing but pride working in you. And yes...you were ‘hearing from God’ when He told you to shut your mouth and bite your tongue and just let it die. Welcome to ‘Taking Up Your Cross-101’.

Hearing from God...has never been our problem. Doing what He tells us to do...usually is. Just maybe...if we’d start responding to Him in those ‘small areas’...He’ll begin to share more and reveal more...and even ‘do more’ in your life where you can walk in more peace, joy...and freedom. But you have to start with the basics. Now go read James 3 and meet me back here tomorrow. ;- )