Hearing God Through the YearSample

God’s Voice in Their Souls

“No prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.” 2 Peter 1:21 (NRSV)

With very little exception, the form in which “men and women [were] moved by the Holy Spirit [and] spoke from God” (we call this inspiration) was nothing more than thoughts and perceptions of the distinctive character that these people had come, through experience, to recognize as the voice of God in their own souls. The thoughts and perceptions were still their thoughts and perceptions. It could not be otherwise. But the thoughts and perceptions bore within themselves the unmistakable stamp of divine quality, spirit, intent and origination. Peter would have known and experienced this process and seems to have thought it important to tell us.

PRAYER: Thank God for Scripture writers like Peter who recognized the distinctive character of God’s voice in their thoughts and perceptions. Who are the contemporary prophets in your life who speak God's truth to you? Thank God for them! Ask God to help you offer words and encouragement to others that ring with divine quality, spirit, intent and origination.