The State of the Culture, 2024 - The Honest Broker blog referenced in the episode (this is a non-faith based publication).  Also, one of the most viral blog posts on the internet in 2024. 

How Online Media Deforms Christian Disciples - A blog discussing similar ideas

The Rise of Hyperpleasures - An article discussing similar ideas that David referenced in episode

Practicing The Way - A nonprofit organization that produces beautiful resources to help Christian learn how to practice spiritual disciplines. See their resources on Fasting, Sabbath, and Solitude. 

This is an ancient Latin phrase, first used by St. Benedict in the sixth century. It means “spiritual reading.” It’s a way of reading Scripture slowly and prayerfully, listening for God’s word to you.

While you do not need to follow this four-step process, there are four movements to Lectio Divina that you may find helpful. The 4 steps are lectio, meditatio, oratio, and contemplatio: don’t worry, we’re just going to use simple english for the rest of our time together. Here’s how it works: 

1. Read — A passage of your choice, slowly and prayerfully. Pay special attention to any words or phrases or ideas that jump out to you, or that move you emotionally or deeply resonate.
2. Reflect — Reread the passage again, slowly. This time, pause over the word(s) or phrase(s) that were highlighted to you during your first reading. Meditate on them. Turn them over in your mind. Savor them.
3. Respond — Pray your impressions back to God. You can use your own words or simply pray the text directly to God.
4. Rest — Take a few minutes in silence to breathe deeply and rest in God’s loving word to you.

So, one more time. Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest. 

Today, we’re going to take a few minutes to practice this. We invite you each day, as we release a new episode, to find somewhere quiet, and distraction free to spend a few minutes praying through the verse. 

We will read each verse to you, each day, but of course we invite you to read them in your copy of God’s word. 

So again, here’s today’s passage John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” 

In John 10:27, Jesus speaks to us using the beautiful metaphor of sheep and a shepherd. He says that His sheep are characterized by three key actions: they listen to His voice, He knows them, and they follow Him.

Listening is a crucial component of our relationship with God. It means being attentive to His voice, whether it's through prayer, Scripture, or those gentle nudges of the Holy Spirit. When we listen, we open our hearts to the wisdom and guidance of our Good Shepherd.

The knowing mentioned here is not merely cognitive knowledge but a deep, intimate relationship. It's God recognizing our innermost being, our fears, desires, and dreams. He knows us completely, and this knowing is the foundation of our trust in Him.

Lastly, we are called to follow. Following Jesus is the natural response to hearing His voice and being known by Him. When we follow, we are led on a path of purpose, love, and transformation.

As Dallas Willard once said, "Hearing God is the most vital and the most basic act of our entire spiritual lives." This act of listening to God's voice is not reserved for a select few; it's an invitation extended to all of us, regardless of our backgrounds or circumstances. This passage from John 10:27 reminds us that, by listening to Christ's voice, being known by Him, and following Him, we are actively allowing the kingdom of heaven to take root within us.

Now, let's engage in the practice of Lectio Divina, using English words for each stage: Read, Reflect, Respond, and Rest.

Let's read the verse again. "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."

Reflect: Consider how you have been listening to Christ's voice in your life. How have you experienced His knowing and guidance? In what ways have you followed Him?

Respond: In prayer, express your gratitude for the privilege of being known by Christ and ask for His guidance in following Him more closely.

Rest: Spend a few moments in silent contemplation, allowing the message of this verse to resonate within your heart. Let it inspire you to be a faithful sheep of the Good Shepherd.

The Ridge Sunday Audio!

Good God by David Baggett and Jerry Walls is mentioned in this episode. 

Stream Part 1 of our conversation here!

To connect with us online reach out via social media @theridgecc or shoot us a quick email at info@theridge.cc

Click or Tap here to access The Ridge Sunday Audio

Pastor George Dirling serves at First Baptist Church of McCaysville, Georgia. To learn more about their church click or tap here.