Derek shares on the importance of knowing the Holy Spirit as a Person, the third Person of the Godhead. Jesus referred to Him as “He,” not “it,” and talked about the role He would play in our lives when He came. Paul spoke about the importance of the Holy Spirit when he said that as many as are led by the Holy Spirit are sons of God. The word “sons” implies maturity, which is what God expects of us.

Derek continues this study today by looking at the importance of meditating on God’s Word. As you meditate on it day and night, doing all that is written in it, your way will be made prosperous and you will have good success. Derek puts it this way: Think God’s Word, speak God’s Word, and act God’s Word. A very important lesson!

Today’s Derek focuses on the importance of keeping our eyes on Jesus. We must see Him as our example and not let anything deter us from attaining the goal set before us—to complete this life as God wants. Jesus, as the Author and Finisher of our faith, is our righteousness, our example of suffering, and our resurrection. As we walk through this life, it is imperative that we keep our focus on Him.

Derek begins today’s study with a basic principle which is: If you want God’s best, want God’s best. Want it—settle for nothing less! Derek uses the example of Jacob and Esau to show how God feels about the one who strives after His blessings. The other is described as “godless” as he despised his birthright.

In today’s study Derek points out that God wants us all to be fruitful, and He has provided all that we need through our knowledge of Him. Provision comes through knowing Jesus Christ and appropriating the promises of God’s Word.

Today Derek begins a study confronting us with a decision: Do we want God’s best in our lives or are we willing to settle for second best? In Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, there were four types of soil, only one of which produced lasting results. That was the good soil. We must aim to be good soil, for what we achieve will depend on the response of our heart.

Can confirmation of God’s directions come through fellow believers, our pastors or our parents? Derek feels sure that these people are set in positions of authority in our lives and thus can speak into our lives to bring confirmation of God’s will. Are you prepared to listen to others?

“How can I be sure I am really hearing God’s voice and it’s not my own thoughts or the voice of the enemy?” Listen and find out the answers to that question as Derek shares three important ways to know with certainty that you are hearing from God.

Using examples from the lives of Moses, Elijah and Jeremiah, Derek illustrates how God picked the time and the place to meet with them. It behooves us to get away to a place of quiet stillness so we can focus wholly on hearing from God. Often God speaks in a gentle whisper.

Derek gets very practical today, as he points out four requirements for hearing God’s voice. To determine these points, he turns to the book of Proverbs to bring out undivided attention, humility, open-ended time and quietness. What can you learn from these steps?