Dear Faith Family,

On Sunday, we began to answer the question: How do we recognize God's voice? Like most questions in our faith, the answer is not a formula but rather familiarity. The kind of familiarity that stems from and fosters an intimate relationship.

Dallas Willard contends that the only way for you and me to learn to recognize our heavenly Father's voice with confidence and clarity is through experience. Through you and me, learning to distinguish the voice of God with others.

There is one Good Shepherd, and we are--each of us--a part of his one flock (see Jn. 10:1-16). Some in the flock have been following the Good Shepherd's voice for a while longer than others. They recognize the distinct characteristics of his voice in contrast to the other voices and noises that fill the ears. And so, they can help us other sheep distinguish the Good Shepherd's voice as well.

What does that mean for you and me, and our faith family? Well, three things:

First, that each of us should be actively listening to for the Good Shepherd's voice. Some of us do this regularly, normally, almost instinctively (like well-cared-for sheep!). Others are new to the flock and need some help knowing which voice is the one to listen to. And still, others are perhaps too content with letting someone else listen for us. Whatever way you'd describe yourself, the rhythmic practice of Lectio Divina is meant to help become and remain familiar with the Good Shepherd's voice.

Second, for those who are more familiar with the distinctive characteristics of God's voice, we should be actively helping our fellow sheep recognize his voice. While it is true and good that those who regularly and normatively talk to God usually don't talk a lot about their talking, we need to recognize our responsibility in the flock. We need to be more vulnerable in our meekness, willing to share about our conversations with God for the sake of others.

Lastly, for those less familiar or confident in distinguishing God's voice from the many other voices filling our ears, we should be actively asking the more familiar to listen to us. We need to be willing to share what the voices we are hearing sound like and our saying with those who can help us discern their source. Unless we are willing to talk it out with others, we'll struggle to grow in the natural process of learning to recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd.

If Hearing God is going to be normative, we need to be active listeners and talkers. Sharing with humility and courage what we know and experience regarding the voice of God. So this week, and the next, and the next; commit to making a habit of talking about your listening with those in your Gospel Community, in your DNA Group*, or brothers and sisters outside of our faith family. And in doing so, let us build one another up to "the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to full-grown humanity," and the glory of our Father.

Love you faith family. God bless.

*If you are interested in learning more about DNA Groups, let me know.