One of my favorite moments of raising our two children was when they finally started to recognize our voices. This of course happens long before they are able to reply back with “Hi, Daddy” but there is no doubt that they know who is calling them.

Recognizing a familiar voice is a powerful thing. Whether it’s your children, a longtime friend that you haven’t seen in a while or the calming voice of your spouse at the end of a long day. Just hearing that familiar voice makes all the difference.

Discerning God’s voice makes all the difference as well…

God’s voice stills you, Satan’s voice rushes you.

God’s voice leads you, Satan’s voice pushes you.

God’s voice reassures you, Satan’s voice frightens you.

God’s voice enlightens you, Satan’s voice confuses you.

God’s voice encourages you, Satan’s voice discourages you.

God’s voice comforts you, Satan’s voice worries you.

God’s voice calms you, Satan’s voice obsesses you.

God’s voice convicts you, Satan’s voice condemns you.

In John 10, Jesus says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

May you hear only the Father’s voice this week.