There are certain things God won’t say to us, but there are also certain things that He is constantly saying to us: “I love you!” is one of them.

11 A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Yesterday, we began a conversation about hearing God and what He would say to us. Today, let’s continue using excerpts from the book, Hearing God, by Peter Lord.

“Some well-meaning Christians tell us that ‘many things are necessary’ to grow spiritually. But we must remember that it was the Lord Jesus Christ who said, ‘only one thing is necessary.’” (See Luke 10:41-42).

That “one thing” is to hear the Lord Jesus speak to us. If we hear Him, then He will lead us in the next thing to do or say, and it will always be right, even if things get messy or end badly. He is leading and we need to trust Him.

If we do the “one thing,” these are some of the things we can expect to hear God speak to us:

• His words (John 6:63)
• Peace (John 14:27)
• Joy (John 15:11)
• Faith (Romans 10:17)
• Love (Romans 5:5)
• Guidance (John 16:12-13)
• Wisdom (James 1:5)
• Mercy (Hebrews 4:15-16)
• Assurance of Forgiveness (Psalm 103:10-12)
• Your needs met (Philippians 4:19)
• Comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
• Instructions (Psalm 32:8)
• Protection from evil (1 Cor. 10:13)
• God’s love for you (John 14:21)
• Revelation from God (John 16:14-15)
• Correction (Hebrews 12:6)
• Assurance of Salvation (Romans 8:16)

Many have perceived God in the past as:

• Boss
• Judge
• Distant father
• Critical parent

Jesus portrayed God as:

• Loving Father
• Caring Shepherd

Two of my favorite quotes from this book are:

“In my experience walking with God, He has done very little shouting and no threatening at all.
If you feel threatened or fearful, it’s safe to say that it is not God talking to you.”

“God is love and it seems that’s the only force He is going to use with us.”
*Excerpts from Hearing God (pp 14-79) by Peter Lord

There are lots of gold nuggets in here! Ask the Lord which one He wants you to take with you today. He will use it to settle your heart and mind with His peace. Enjoy His intimacy today!

Abba, just knowing that I can trust You makes the day easier. I don’t have to please You, but I want to. I don’t have to earn Your approval, but I want to live in a way that is approving. I don’t have to worry about offending You, yet I watch what I say and do so that I don’t offend others. Knowing You love me is all I need, Lord. Amen.