Summary: Learn to hear the voice of the shepherd when praying.

I am not the best at working on computers but over the years I have found one thing to be true. If you want to be sure of a download that keeps popping up on your computer go to the source. If you have a Windows based computer then go to Microsoft. Some computer hackers have disguised themselves as real people from Microsoft. You open your computer click on “What you think is a real” download and then you get a horrible virus.

John 10:3-4 “The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

Our prayers or lack thereof are like a virus. If you are praying, how do you know the difference between the voice of Jesus and the devil? He comes in the same way to deceive. If you are praying for an important decision in your life you need to know a number of things.

1. If this your first time praying or has it been awhile since you prayed? If it is ask that Jesus would stop all attacks and words from the evil one so you can listen to Him and Him alone.

2. Most of us are in to big of a hurry to wait and we just press “Download” We want our answers quick.

3. Listen very carefully to His voice (Your Spirit) The same Spirit in you if you are a believer is Jesus. He will not deceive you but Satan will. I have been praying and all of a sudden a bunch of ugly words will come into my thoughts on what to do (That IS NOT from God”). You may say no kidding but if you are not keenly aware of your surroundings you can take that as truth.

4. Immerse yourself in the word of God (The Bible) and get truth to match your prayers. Does it go in line with what the Lord has spoken to you?

Satan is smooth and the ultimate deceiver. When you pray do you know what to do when prompted to do something? Do you know if you are hearing from Jesus or Satan? Remember if you are unsure ask in the name of Jesus for all demonic activity to stop so you only hear the voice of Jesus. Satan does not have to listen to us but He has to listen to Jesus. Sometimes it takes many hours or days of prayer for an answer. If you are impatient and can’t wait then Satan will love to tell you what to do. Then you believe it is form God and you have downloaded the wrong information. It may even be information that will destroy you.

Over time our faith can get lukewarm and our senses are not as keen. Today please take an inventory of your prayer life. Five minutes of truly seeking God is better than 2 hours of wandering prayer just to pray. God desires out heart more than our actions. Ask the Lord to hinder the plans of the devil so you only hear from Him. Do this constantly as there is a war raging for your mind. That’s where everything starts. Be very careful as Satan is waiting for you to be impatient when asking. Please have the discipline to wait.

Try to encourage someone today.

Brad