Afternoon Moment
This reflection is drawn from one of the classical daily devotionals that millions of believers have trusted through the years, including me. Its timeless wisdom continues to help Christians discern God’s voice in a world filled with noise and distraction.
The following article, “The Real Thing,” is written by Dr. Charles F. Stanley and taken from his beloved devotional, Into His Presence. It is shared here exactly as originally written.
The Real Thing
Scripture Reading: John 14:1–17
Key Verse: Psalm 25:5 — Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You, I wait all the day.
The most potent hearing aid known to man is the Holy Bible. It is the standard of truth against which you can test every message that comes your way.
Making a decision on an issue important to you can be extremely difficult. Sometimes it may seem as if you are hearing two or more voices, all of which make seemingly good points but also tug you in different directions. In these times, you must learn to discern the voice of God.
You can apply several principles to what you’re hearing to gauge whether it is of God, but the most basic is whether the message conflicts with Scripture. God won’t tell you to do something that counters what He already has recorded for all mankind.
Therefore, the best way to know God’s voice is to get to know Him. Spend time in His Word and soak in His truths. You must know God’s Word before you can differentiate God’s instructions from the messages that Satan or your flesh is sending you.
Do you know how investigators are trained to recognize counterfeit money? They don’t spend all of their time trying to keep up with the latest technological advances in creating false money. Instead, they first and foremost diligently study the original, the real thing. Then, held against the standard, the fake stuff stands out.
I want to know You better, Lord—and in so doing, learn to walk in Your will and Your ways.
— Charles F. Stanley, Into His Presence
Reflection
Dr. Stanley’s simple yet insightful illustration reminds us that spiritual discernment begins not with chasing every new teaching or voice, but with studying the original—God’s Word. Just as experts on currency master the authentic so they can spot the false, believers must immerse themselves in Scripture until the true sound of the Shepherd’s voice becomes unmistakable.
When we truly know God’s Word, confusion fades. Competing voices lose their grip. The Holy Spirit brings quiet assurance where uncertainty once lived. Truth becomes less something we debate and more someone we know—Christ Himself, the living Word.
In a culture full of persuasive ideas, spiritual imitations, and moral counterfeits, this daily practice of “knowing the real thing” is not optional—it’s essential. Jesus’ words in John 14 remind us that the Spirit of Truth dwells within us to guide, convict, and comfort. As we spend time in Scripture, prayer, and obedience, we grow attuned to His presence, able to distinguish the eternal from the artificial.
Today, as you reflect on this teaching, take a few minutes to open your Bible, read Psalm 25, and pray that same request David prayed: “Lead me in Your truth and teach me.” The Lord will honor that prayer—because He still delights to guide those who seek His voice with a sincere heart.
Related Reading: Crossway: “How to Discern God’s Voice Through Scripture”
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