
About this episode
How does God actually guide His people?
In this reflection on Psalm 32, John Ortberg explores one of Scripture's most comforting promises:
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go."
Drawing on insights from Dallas Willard and the story of Peter in the book of Acts, John explains the difference between mechanical control and personal guidance—and why God desires relationship more than coercion.
This episode explores:
- Psalm 32 and God's guidance
- Mechanical vs. personal guidance
- Learning to recognize God's voice
- The Holy Spirit and spiritual discernment
- Peter's vision in Acts 10
- Why discovered truth often changes us more than presented truth
Scriptures:
- Psalm 32
- Acts 10
#Psalm32 #JohnOrtberg #DallasWillard #Guidance #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #HolySpirit #Discernment
📚 Today's Resources:
Dallas Willard, Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God
George MacDonald, Thomas Wingfold, Curate
Gary Wills, Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words that Remade America
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00:00 Learning to Be Guided by God
00:53 Psalm 32 & Forgiveness
01:57 Oliver Cromwell's Humility Challenge
02:44 "I Will Instruct You"
03:11 Mechanical vs. Personal Guidance
04:11 How God Leads His People
05:16 Don't Be Like a Horse or Mule
05:59 Asking, "Is This Thought From God?"
06:20 The Holy Spirit Works Through Wondering
07:04 Peter's Vision & Cornelius
08:08 Truth Presented vs. Truth Discovered
09:00 Why Wrestling Deepens Faith
09:59 John's Grandfather's Poem: Retrospect
11:18 "I Think I'll Be a Boy Again"
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