Hearing God's Voice

Sometimes, I find myself longing for those moments when I can clearly hear God's voice without any doubts. Usually, these moments come during tough times when I'm pushed to my limits and Jesus leads me. This book has helped me document those moments and recognize the differences. Like Abraham, who didn't have smartphones or gadgets to capture those moments, I've learned to use symbols, like building altars, to remember encounters with God.

This is the beginning of my journaling journey, where God gave our family a vision for a business venture. Many opportunities are coming our way, not just for our family but for our entire extended family. It's crucial to listen to Jesus and make wise decisions.

Unlike before, I now hear God's voice not only in desperate moments but also in the blessings our family and business receive. My wife, Rose, questioned why we should embark on Leading Edge, a financial and accounting business venture when our mortgage is almost paid off and our daughter Janelle is finishing school. The answer lies in helping others. Our family, extended relatives, community, and even people worldwide have so many needs. Sadly, we can only do so much, and it breaks our hearts.

This is my first journal entry, inspired by Luke 4:1-13. It tells the story of Jesus being tempted by Satan after His baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Jesus prayed, and God's voice was heard saying, "You are my Son, whom I love; with you, I am well pleased" (Luke 3:21-22).

The good news starts with the Father reminding Jesus, "You are my Son, and I am well pleased." It all begins with a relationship. Before taking on a big mission, Jesus reminds me and my family of the relationship we have with God the Father through Jesus—we are His children. It's natural for children to ask their Father for things. If they ask for bread, would the Father give them a snake? Definitely not. And if a child asks for something harmful, would the Father give it to them? Of course not. God's voice tells us to ASK because, through Jesus, we are His sons and daughters. So, I pray that our business venture can relieve our family's financial burdens, help others, and expand God's kingdom.

But temptations and trials will come. In the Bible, it often happens that when we hear God's voice or encounter Him, we also face tests and trials. Satan doesn't let go easily. He tried to tempt Jesus three times, but he failed. The last verse in Luke 4:13 says, "And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time." That's why God's voice tells us to stay ALERT.

Satan's first tactic is to plant doubt about our relationship with Jesus and flood our minds with fear and worry. This usually happens when we're vulnerable. But Jesus always reminds us of our identity as the Father's children and uses Scripture to silence Satan. The voice of God within me tells me to ABIDE. Without Jesus, I can't do anything, as John 15:5 says. He is my Savior, King, older brother, beloved, friend, and without Him, I am powerless.

His presence is enough, just as Moses prayed, "If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here" (Exodus 33:15). His message to us is summed up in "AAA": Ask fervently, stay Alert, and Abide in Jesus. I can't wait for the next chapter. God bless.