Thursday, February 11, 2016

DISCERN HIS VOICE

God will speak to the hearts of those who prepare themselves to hear, and conversely, those who do not so prepare themselves will hear nothing even though the word of God is falling upon their outer ears every Sunday.  A.W Tozer

I love the in depth conversations that Bible studies bring about.  Last night the question, “How do we know when God is speaking to us?” was discussed.  Hearing the thoughts of Godly women bring clarity.  The wisdom of others is insightful. 

So today I begin to dig deeper into the question. 

First we know that God’s voice can be heard through His word.  The word is God breathed.  The Old Testament being God’s word and the New Testament being the words of witness by the apostles.  If we ever have a question about anything we should go to the word and make sure that it is in sync with what God said.  God never says anything that contradicts scripture.  The Bible will let us know all we need to know. 

When we accept Jesus as our Lord and savior the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us.  It is through the Holy Spirit that we are able to understand Gods word and apply His wisdom to our lives.   Being led by the Holy Spirit daily, we can hear what the Lord is telling us.  The Holy Spirit is that still small voice that tells us when a friend needs us or gives us instructions that may seem odd.  It is when this voice speaks that we have a feeling that washes over us.  We can see things with our spiritual eyes instead of our physical eyes. 

Far be it from me to deny that spectacular experiences that occur or that they are, sometimes t least, given by God.  But … the still small voice- or the interior or inner voice, as it is also called-is the preferred and most valuable form of individualized communication for gods purposes.
Dallas Willard

Gods voice isn’t the voice of anxiety or unsettledness.  If the voice isn’t leading you to peace than it isn’t the Lords voice.  Gods desire for us is to be at rest.  When we are at this peace it is easier to hear from Him.  At times it is better to sleep on it, let God give us rest, then we can hear from Him more clearly.   We can’t rush God or expect God to speak when we need to hear.  He will speak to His sheep when He feels it necessary.

 The article, “7 Ways to Distinguish God’s Voice from the Circumstances of Life,” gives 7 steps to hear from God. They are:
o   Mirror your circumstances with the truth of Gods’ word
o   God uses people to confirm His voice
o   Recognize that God operates from a plan
o   Examine your circumstances in light of Gods overall plan
o   Don’t allow circumstances to keep you from hearing or obeying God
o   Ask God to show you His perspective on circumstances
o   God’s primary desire in speaking is for eternal purposes.

Priscilla Shirer gives us these points in the book “Discerning the Voice of God.”
o   Expect to hear Gods voice (Jeremiah 33:3)
o   Wait patiently for Him to speak (Habakkuk 2:3)
o   Plan to obey (exodus 19:5)
o   Listen for His voice (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2)
o   Have faith in His voice (faith is the final component necessary to hear from God and clearly discern his voice)
o   Have the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Deuteronomy 5:24)


We want to hear from God.  We want to follow the plan that He has for us and this requires us to listen intently.  To listen we must block out all the noisy distractions the world brings us. 

He may speak to you through a burning bush or He may whisper through the words of a friend, whatever the case when we seek Him first He will speak and we will identify that it is Lord.   Open your ears and you will hear!

Things don’t change when I talk to God; things change when God talks to me.  Bob Sorge

James 1:5New International Version (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you

John 10:27New International Version (NIV)
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.


http://www.ronedmondson.com/2015/04/7-ways-to-distinguish-gods-voice-from-the-circumstances-of-life.html 7 Ways to Distinguish God’s Voice from the Circumstances of Life (Ron Edmondson)


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