July 8, 2025

BE SENSITIVE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas. That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.

Acts 16:6-10 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

In this passage, Paul, Silas, and Timothy are on their missionary journey, eager to take the gospel to new places—including Asia. But then we read something intriguing: “The Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time.”

The Bible doesn’t give us all the details. We don’t know how the Spirit prevented them—whether it was through circumstances, a prophetic word, a vision, or simply an inner check in their spirit. But it’s clear: the Holy Spirit said, “Not now.”

Next, when they tried to go to Bithynia, “the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.” Again, they were blocked. Instead, they ended up in Troas, where God made His plan clear: Paul had a vision in the night of a man from Macedonia pleading, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!”

What does this teach us?

Sometimes the Holy Spirit directs us by blocking our plans as much as by giving us new ones. He may close one door to open the right one. Paul and his team had to stay sensitive enough to know when the Spirit was saying “Stop” and when He was saying “Go.”

This is still true today. Sometimes God uses circumstances, other times a word of prophecy, a vision, or an inner nudge. There’s no magic formula for always knowing the difference between God’s “No” and the enemy’s hindrance. That’s why we must live in daily sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

Remember: not every closed door is a defeat—sometimes it’s divine redirection.

Developing Spiritual Sensitivity

Here are three ways to sharpen your spiritual hearing so you can know when to stop and when to go:

1. Stay daily in God’s Word

The Bible is God’s revealed will. The more you know His Word, the more you know His ways.

2. Remove known sin

Unconfessed sin blocks your spiritual ears. The same voice that corrects us is the voice that directs us.

3. Pray in the Spirit daily

Develop a life of prayer that goes beyond your understanding. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a spiritual prayer language and use it to build up your spirit. Invite Him to lead your prayers.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, I need Your guidance every day. Teach me to recognize Your voice above every other voice. Show me when to stop and when to go. Correct me when I am wrong, and direct me into all that You have for me. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”