“Hold loosely to the things of this life, so that if God requires them of you, it will be easy to let them go.” Corrie Ten Boom
I love this valuable, yet difficult, piece of advice. I have had experience with this first hand and it was far from easy which tells me I had a mighty grip on things!. I had certain visions and dreams for my children that I had determined would be the right path for them. In addition, I had attached my worth and value to their ‘performance.’ When my firstborn went down the path of drugs I entered into battle with myself over attempting to control her life. This refusal to ‘let go and let God be God’ lasted six years into this eight year nightmare. It wasn’t until year six that I finally died to the vision and dreams I had for her. Little did I know the powerful manner in which God was going to use my daughter. When I finally let go and ‘left her classroom of learning’ for which God had enrolled her, I was able to claim the peace of God apart from my circumstances.
‘If we will die to the vision that is in our heart, and allow the Lord to have everything in our lives, He will not only give us that thing that He promised, but it will be better than we could have ever imagined in our own minds.’ Seven Keys, p. 222. Our daughter’s life is so different than what Bruce and I had ever planned but her life carries such a powerful hope and testimony for others.
Today is her birthday and my thankfulness for her life is parallel by my overwhelming gratitude for God’s faithfulness. We cannot know what God is going to do in the lives of our children but we can know that everything He brings into their life is to develop them for His purposes. Once we really enter into Jesus Christ we own His peace, His sustenance and His deliverance. Therefore, ‘Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.’ It is through the last part of this verse that we can accomplish the first part of this verse.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Our Desires
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.” Prov. 37:3-5
A great deal has been said and written on this passage. Many take one line from this beautiful passage and lift it to the Father as an entitlement. ‘You said this…so give it to me!’ Our Father will apply this passage to each of our lives based upon certain realities. We must put our desires to the test with four basic questions. Does my desire align with God’s will? Is my desire good for me? Is my motivation for this desire pure and good? Will God’s purpose and plan for my life be accomplished from this desire?
I have told the story many times of how I secretly mounted a debt of thousands of dollars many years ago. At the time, Bruce had an opportunity for his company to win a bid in Australia which would provide a chunk of money. I prayed and prayed that this bid would be won which would give our household the money to pay off this secret debt but would require our family moving there. I was in such despair about my secret I lost sight of what was good for the whole of the family. God gave me a ‘divine rejection’ by the company not winning the bid. Within one year the company who did win the bid was displaced and the people were sent back to the states without much future. God was well aware that not only was this not His will but my motivation for this desire was nowhere near pure. He knew this would not serve as a means for accomplishing the purpose He had for me and my family.
I will never forget how fortunate I was to receive God’s divine rejection.
A great deal has been said and written on this passage. Many take one line from this beautiful passage and lift it to the Father as an entitlement. ‘You said this…so give it to me!’ Our Father will apply this passage to each of our lives based upon certain realities. We must put our desires to the test with four basic questions. Does my desire align with God’s will? Is my desire good for me? Is my motivation for this desire pure and good? Will God’s purpose and plan for my life be accomplished from this desire?
I have told the story many times of how I secretly mounted a debt of thousands of dollars many years ago. At the time, Bruce had an opportunity for his company to win a bid in Australia which would provide a chunk of money. I prayed and prayed that this bid would be won which would give our household the money to pay off this secret debt but would require our family moving there. I was in such despair about my secret I lost sight of what was good for the whole of the family. God gave me a ‘divine rejection’ by the company not winning the bid. Within one year the company who did win the bid was displaced and the people were sent back to the states without much future. God was well aware that not only was this not His will but my motivation for this desire was nowhere near pure. He knew this would not serve as a means for accomplishing the purpose He had for me and my family.
I will never forget how fortunate I was to receive God’s divine rejection.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Grace to the Humble
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6.
The word resist is to oppose and stand firm against somebody or something. With that definition at the base of this small verse we see that God doesn’t remove Himself from someone who has a humility problem. We see that instead God engages in opposition to that person standing firm in action.
Pride is one of the most destructive heart attitudes in our lives. It invades without warning and derails God’s plans and purposes for our lives. Pride leads to self-deception – ‘Your fierceness has deceived you, the pride of your heart…Though you make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there, says the Lord.’ Jer. 49:16. Pride will make a person foolish – ‘Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.’ Prov. 26:12. Pride will hinder a person from coming to God – ‘The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.’ Psalm 10:4.
Pride must be constantly checked at the door leaving it behind when entering into fellowship with God. We can be aligned with God’s will but still have a sense of unconfessed pride in certain areas of our lives. Unconfessed pride is an area in our lives that we are unwilling to totally surrender. This unwillingness to surrender is basically telling God, ‘I cannot let go of this …. I must do it this way… I know best!’ God will seek out and remove the areas of pride for which we hold on too tightly. He knows that any element of pride will lead to sin and create a barrier between His heart and the heart of His child.
In Christianity the meaning of grace is the infinite love, mercy, favor, and goodwill shown to humankind by God. The verse is simple and clear: We can receive God’s opposition or we can receive this beautiful condition of grace.
The word resist is to oppose and stand firm against somebody or something. With that definition at the base of this small verse we see that God doesn’t remove Himself from someone who has a humility problem. We see that instead God engages in opposition to that person standing firm in action.
Pride is one of the most destructive heart attitudes in our lives. It invades without warning and derails God’s plans and purposes for our lives. Pride leads to self-deception – ‘Your fierceness has deceived you, the pride of your heart…Though you make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there, says the Lord.’ Jer. 49:16. Pride will make a person foolish – ‘Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.’ Prov. 26:12. Pride will hinder a person from coming to God – ‘The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.’ Psalm 10:4.
Pride must be constantly checked at the door leaving it behind when entering into fellowship with God. We can be aligned with God’s will but still have a sense of unconfessed pride in certain areas of our lives. Unconfessed pride is an area in our lives that we are unwilling to totally surrender. This unwillingness to surrender is basically telling God, ‘I cannot let go of this …. I must do it this way… I know best!’ God will seek out and remove the areas of pride for which we hold on too tightly. He knows that any element of pride will lead to sin and create a barrier between His heart and the heart of His child.
In Christianity the meaning of grace is the infinite love, mercy, favor, and goodwill shown to humankind by God. The verse is simple and clear: We can receive God’s opposition or we can receive this beautiful condition of grace.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Ministers In Wait
“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” Hebrews 6:12
This verse is one of the cornerstones of how I align my faith, God’s will and my obedience. I have been fortunate enough to have several members of my family who have exemplified the walk of a Christian that so closely matched the walk of Christ. Although Christ was the only perfect man who walked the earth, my family members had/have the desire to walk righteously in His footsteps.
Their faith and patience in what had been revealed to them by God was their anchor. They displayed a passion in knowing God’s will and an immovable faith in waiting for it to happen. These are the attributes for which I desire most in my own Christian life. This morning my Bible Study stated: “If God appoints, He anoints. If God calls, He equips. And what God orders, He pays for. We can trust that if God calls us to do something difficult on behalf of His kingdom, our loving Father will supply us with all we need to accomplish His will in our lives – if we are humbly following Him.” Seven Keys, p. 212.
An inheritance by definition is something to be considered for the future – not the present. Many times throughout the Bible, God’s chosen ones did not receive the promises of God until decades had passed, if they were alive to see them at all. Their ability to receive what had been revealed did not play a part in their obedience. They understood that the revelation was for the good and purposes of the Kingdom – not necessarily the world.
God will be faithful in showing us His will, His ways and His timing. We must wait upon the LORD and not run ahead of Him. I have been given glimpses of a ministry which He has slowly unfolded over the past 3 years. I now know that God had to work on me for me to be effective in this women’s ministry. God knew where He wanted to take this ministry and needed to develop my character to prepare me for this ministry. ‘God’s primary intent in the life of the believer is to call leaders and to test every area of their lives in preparation for ministry.’ Seven Keys, p. 206.
Every believer is a minister in training. Look for your calling!
This verse is one of the cornerstones of how I align my faith, God’s will and my obedience. I have been fortunate enough to have several members of my family who have exemplified the walk of a Christian that so closely matched the walk of Christ. Although Christ was the only perfect man who walked the earth, my family members had/have the desire to walk righteously in His footsteps.
Their faith and patience in what had been revealed to them by God was their anchor. They displayed a passion in knowing God’s will and an immovable faith in waiting for it to happen. These are the attributes for which I desire most in my own Christian life. This morning my Bible Study stated: “If God appoints, He anoints. If God calls, He equips. And what God orders, He pays for. We can trust that if God calls us to do something difficult on behalf of His kingdom, our loving Father will supply us with all we need to accomplish His will in our lives – if we are humbly following Him.” Seven Keys, p. 212.
An inheritance by definition is something to be considered for the future – not the present. Many times throughout the Bible, God’s chosen ones did not receive the promises of God until decades had passed, if they were alive to see them at all. Their ability to receive what had been revealed did not play a part in their obedience. They understood that the revelation was for the good and purposes of the Kingdom – not necessarily the world.
God will be faithful in showing us His will, His ways and His timing. We must wait upon the LORD and not run ahead of Him. I have been given glimpses of a ministry which He has slowly unfolded over the past 3 years. I now know that God had to work on me for me to be effective in this women’s ministry. God knew where He wanted to take this ministry and needed to develop my character to prepare me for this ministry. ‘God’s primary intent in the life of the believer is to call leaders and to test every area of their lives in preparation for ministry.’ Seven Keys, p. 206.
Every believer is a minister in training. Look for your calling!
Monday, April 25, 2011
We Know In Part
“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law.” Deut. 29:29
It can be tough to hear and recognize the voice and will of God. I am gaining wonderful insights from my Bible Study regarding the ways in hearing God’s voice. It is neither a formula nor a recipe but rather direction in discerning what God is saying and ways to look for confirmation. This morning I am studying in detail one of the seven keys for hearing God’s voice – personal prophesy. This is the way God impresses His will for us through realization and revelation in our minds. It will always be confirmed through Scripture and prayer along with others ways.
There are three characteristics that make up personal prophesy. These revelations or impressions from God are partial, progressive and sometimes conditional.
‘…we know in part and we prophesy in part.’ 1 Co. 13:9. Personal prophesy is partial in the fact that we are only given the knowledge from God in certain areas in our lives or a certain season. If we were given in full the knowledge of our future we would run ahead and take matters into our own hands based on what we knew. We know from the Bible God doesn’t want us to focus on tomorrow. ‘Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.’ Matthew 6:34.
‘The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.’ Psalm 119:130. Personal prophesy is progressive in the fact that it builds one revelation upon another over the course of our lives. It builds God’s truth upon truth in guiding our steps if we are obedient in walking out what He reveals. ‘For this reason, time is often the greatest trial of faith for believing the promises of the LORD given to us.’ Seven Keys to Hearing God’s Voice, p. 191.
‘But now your kingdom shall not continue…because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.’ 1 Sa. 13:14. The final characteristic of personal prophesy (revelations from God) is the fact that some are conditional. These conditional prophesies are based upon our responses to them or in our behavior believing them. When the LORD reveals something in our lives we must move ahead in belief and walk it out in our behavior as if it has come to pass. These prophesies can be canceled, altered, withdrawn or reversed if we do not have the faith to receive them. ‘For prophesy of this kind to come to pass requires the proper faith and action on the part of the person receiving the word.’ Seven Keys, p. 191.
We must walk out 1 Co. 13:12b until we reach our Heavenly home – ‘Now I know in part; then I shall know fully…’
It can be tough to hear and recognize the voice and will of God. I am gaining wonderful insights from my Bible Study regarding the ways in hearing God’s voice. It is neither a formula nor a recipe but rather direction in discerning what God is saying and ways to look for confirmation. This morning I am studying in detail one of the seven keys for hearing God’s voice – personal prophesy. This is the way God impresses His will for us through realization and revelation in our minds. It will always be confirmed through Scripture and prayer along with others ways.
There are three characteristics that make up personal prophesy. These revelations or impressions from God are partial, progressive and sometimes conditional.
‘…we know in part and we prophesy in part.’ 1 Co. 13:9. Personal prophesy is partial in the fact that we are only given the knowledge from God in certain areas in our lives or a certain season. If we were given in full the knowledge of our future we would run ahead and take matters into our own hands based on what we knew. We know from the Bible God doesn’t want us to focus on tomorrow. ‘Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.’ Matthew 6:34.
‘The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.’ Psalm 119:130. Personal prophesy is progressive in the fact that it builds one revelation upon another over the course of our lives. It builds God’s truth upon truth in guiding our steps if we are obedient in walking out what He reveals. ‘For this reason, time is often the greatest trial of faith for believing the promises of the LORD given to us.’ Seven Keys to Hearing God’s Voice, p. 191.
‘But now your kingdom shall not continue…because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.’ 1 Sa. 13:14. The final characteristic of personal prophesy (revelations from God) is the fact that some are conditional. These conditional prophesies are based upon our responses to them or in our behavior believing them. When the LORD reveals something in our lives we must move ahead in belief and walk it out in our behavior as if it has come to pass. These prophesies can be canceled, altered, withdrawn or reversed if we do not have the faith to receive them. ‘For prophesy of this kind to come to pass requires the proper faith and action on the part of the person receiving the word.’ Seven Keys, p. 191.
We must walk out 1 Co. 13:12b until we reach our Heavenly home – ‘Now I know in part; then I shall know fully…’
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Sealed In Love
“He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put His spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Co. 1:21-22
One of my all-time favorite gifts when I was a little girl was a stationery set given to me by my parents. It included a box of decorated pages with matching envelopes. What made this set so special was the colorful stick of wax and the stamp with a ‘B’ impressed on the bottom. I would heat up the end of the wax and allow it to puddle where the envelope flap and envelope met. Then with gentle and precise pressure I would lower the stamp into the liquid sealing the envelope with my initial. The wax would harden securing the contents giving me confidence that my message would remain secure.
With tomorrow being Easter I cannot help but to draw the parallel of the shedding of Christ’s blood for each of us. His life on earth was one of always being in the shadow of the cross. Every moment was a teaching and serving moment as He knew His ministry on earth would be short. He lived sacrificially and with urgency, each day facing new fires. The heat of His life being under the inevitability of His death set up a tale of love and redemption – the most beautiful love story ever lived.
His sacrifice for each of us was marked with a crimson puddle at the base of the cross. We are now covered with Christ and sealed by His crimson mark. No one can remove our standing in Christ for the work on the cross was complete and the seal will remain unbroken. Only One is worthy!
'And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation”…In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain…to him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Rev. 5:9, 12.
“…and the elders fell down and worshipped.” Rev. 5:14
One of my all-time favorite gifts when I was a little girl was a stationery set given to me by my parents. It included a box of decorated pages with matching envelopes. What made this set so special was the colorful stick of wax and the stamp with a ‘B’ impressed on the bottom. I would heat up the end of the wax and allow it to puddle where the envelope flap and envelope met. Then with gentle and precise pressure I would lower the stamp into the liquid sealing the envelope with my initial. The wax would harden securing the contents giving me confidence that my message would remain secure.
With tomorrow being Easter I cannot help but to draw the parallel of the shedding of Christ’s blood for each of us. His life on earth was one of always being in the shadow of the cross. Every moment was a teaching and serving moment as He knew His ministry on earth would be short. He lived sacrificially and with urgency, each day facing new fires. The heat of His life being under the inevitability of His death set up a tale of love and redemption – the most beautiful love story ever lived.
His sacrifice for each of us was marked with a crimson puddle at the base of the cross. We are now covered with Christ and sealed by His crimson mark. No one can remove our standing in Christ for the work on the cross was complete and the seal will remain unbroken. Only One is worthy!
'And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation”…In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain…to him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” Rev. 5:9, 12.
“…and the elders fell down and worshipped.” Rev. 5:14
Friday, April 22, 2011
Prowler Beware!
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…” 1 Peter 5:8-9
Many of us own alarm systems to protect our home and give us a sense of peace. We pay a monthly fee to have a monitoring company to alert us when our home has been compromised. We place a high priority on protection, peace and security when it comes to our earthly belongings.
Do we give our spiritual home, our heart, the same priority and consideration? Do we set sensors in our lives to detect when the danger of sin and evil are lurking at the perimeter of our heart? Do we leave the windows of our mind open through which ‘the prowler’ can enter? We must guard and protect our hearts and minds through building our own monitoring system. We must set in place spiritual checks and balances in approaching our lives and decisions. Christ has placed within us the ultimate monitoring system – the Holy Spirit. The more closely we walk with Christ allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us, the more aware we will become when sin is approaching.
Setting up the alarm system is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
1) Get into the Word and get to know His character and truths.
2) Go to God in prayer daily so He can reveal what you read.
3) Lean on the leadings of the Holy Spirit instead of our own guidance and interpretation.
Through these steps we develop an alarm system that will never fail us. Through the self-discipline of steps 1 and 2 we align ourselves to receive step 3. By leaving the doors to our hearts and the windows to our mind open we invite sin and complications in our lives. So batten down the hatch!
Prowler beware!
Many of us own alarm systems to protect our home and give us a sense of peace. We pay a monthly fee to have a monitoring company to alert us when our home has been compromised. We place a high priority on protection, peace and security when it comes to our earthly belongings.
Do we give our spiritual home, our heart, the same priority and consideration? Do we set sensors in our lives to detect when the danger of sin and evil are lurking at the perimeter of our heart? Do we leave the windows of our mind open through which ‘the prowler’ can enter? We must guard and protect our hearts and minds through building our own monitoring system. We must set in place spiritual checks and balances in approaching our lives and decisions. Christ has placed within us the ultimate monitoring system – the Holy Spirit. The more closely we walk with Christ allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us, the more aware we will become when sin is approaching.
Setting up the alarm system is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
1) Get into the Word and get to know His character and truths.
2) Go to God in prayer daily so He can reveal what you read.
3) Lean on the leadings of the Holy Spirit instead of our own guidance and interpretation.
Through these steps we develop an alarm system that will never fail us. Through the self-discipline of steps 1 and 2 we align ourselves to receive step 3. By leaving the doors to our hearts and the windows to our mind open we invite sin and complications in our lives. So batten down the hatch!
Prowler beware!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Help Me Believe!
“We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large.” Numbers 13:27
“How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?” Numbers 13:11b
Moses commissioned a group of men to secretly go into the land of Canaan where God had led them through the wilderness. This was the promised land for which God had talked about consistently in the wilderness. He had revealed His will and led them to the border. The men were told to search the land and confirm that it was flowing with the blessings God had promised. They even returned with fruit from the land as a sign of prosperity and confirmation. But the Israelites came back with something greater than God’s word – their fear. This fear eventually kept them from feasting on the glorious promise and blessings of Yahweh!
Some days we are no better than the disbelieving Israelites who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, failing to receive God’s best. We feel that God had led us to something but then our faith is replaced with fear and our doubt becomes paramount. When my daughter relapsed a while back my fear came back with such a vengeance my heart was no longer at peace. Having to intentionally focus on His past faithfulness, I returned to peace in my heart and again experienced the ‘fruit of knowledge’ that God did save and God would save. But, sometimes the testing of our faith is at hand and we must rehearse and remember the miraculous workings of the Lord in other trials.
‘There are some, however, who get to the point of testing or waiting, and they begin to doubt or complain. This attitude may put God’s plan into a holding pattern until they repent for their lack of faith and their complaining. Sadly there are many people who have heard God’s word, they have determined His will, and they have begun looking for His way, but in the time of waiting and testing, they lost faith and began complaining. Like the children of Israel, they had to go around and around the wilderness mountain until they came to the place of confidence in God’s goodness, and until they stopped complaining and began praising their heavenly Father.’ Seven Keys To Hearing God’s Voice, p. 167.
On days when we doubt, and we all will have those days, we can lift the prayer of Mark 9:24, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’
“How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?” Numbers 13:11b
Moses commissioned a group of men to secretly go into the land of Canaan where God had led them through the wilderness. This was the promised land for which God had talked about consistently in the wilderness. He had revealed His will and led them to the border. The men were told to search the land and confirm that it was flowing with the blessings God had promised. They even returned with fruit from the land as a sign of prosperity and confirmation. But the Israelites came back with something greater than God’s word – their fear. This fear eventually kept them from feasting on the glorious promise and blessings of Yahweh!
Some days we are no better than the disbelieving Israelites who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, failing to receive God’s best. We feel that God had led us to something but then our faith is replaced with fear and our doubt becomes paramount. When my daughter relapsed a while back my fear came back with such a vengeance my heart was no longer at peace. Having to intentionally focus on His past faithfulness, I returned to peace in my heart and again experienced the ‘fruit of knowledge’ that God did save and God would save. But, sometimes the testing of our faith is at hand and we must rehearse and remember the miraculous workings of the Lord in other trials.
‘There are some, however, who get to the point of testing or waiting, and they begin to doubt or complain. This attitude may put God’s plan into a holding pattern until they repent for their lack of faith and their complaining. Sadly there are many people who have heard God’s word, they have determined His will, and they have begun looking for His way, but in the time of waiting and testing, they lost faith and began complaining. Like the children of Israel, they had to go around and around the wilderness mountain until they came to the place of confidence in God’s goodness, and until they stopped complaining and began praising their heavenly Father.’ Seven Keys To Hearing God’s Voice, p. 167.
On days when we doubt, and we all will have those days, we can lift the prayer of Mark 9:24, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!’
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
All These Things...
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
This is one of my favorite verses but this morning it swells with new revelation. Seven Keys to Hearing God’s Voice by Craig Von Buseck is a wonderful study on recognizing the guidance of God in our lives. This topic is one of the most talked about concerns from Christians – ‘How do I know I am hearing the voice of God?’
My study supports the idea that God has two types of wills for our lives – a general will which is clearly stated in Scripture and a specific will targeted to our individual lives. Through the continually process of studying the Bible we become crystal clear regarding God’s commandments and requirements of living a righteous life. He doesn’t mince words regarding the rules of His kingdom and how to live holy. We seek the answer of His ways and we find His blueprint. The more we know Him the easier it will be to know the individual will He has purposed for us.
Five years ago, I intentionally began digging into the Bible, using instructional studies to help me gain more clarity. I began widening my prayer life to include a greater awareness of who He was and could be in my life. The more I came to know Him in general ways the more clearly I could see the individual ways He was calling me to grow. There were many things missing in my life regarding my Christian walk. Since I have come to know Him in more general ways, He has ‘added unto me’ amazing guidance and divine awareness of His presence. His general will has become a foundation for which to build His specific will for my life.
To know His will generally is to find His will specifically.
This is one of my favorite verses but this morning it swells with new revelation. Seven Keys to Hearing God’s Voice by Craig Von Buseck is a wonderful study on recognizing the guidance of God in our lives. This topic is one of the most talked about concerns from Christians – ‘How do I know I am hearing the voice of God?’
My study supports the idea that God has two types of wills for our lives – a general will which is clearly stated in Scripture and a specific will targeted to our individual lives. Through the continually process of studying the Bible we become crystal clear regarding God’s commandments and requirements of living a righteous life. He doesn’t mince words regarding the rules of His kingdom and how to live holy. We seek the answer of His ways and we find His blueprint. The more we know Him the easier it will be to know the individual will He has purposed for us.
Five years ago, I intentionally began digging into the Bible, using instructional studies to help me gain more clarity. I began widening my prayer life to include a greater awareness of who He was and could be in my life. The more I came to know Him in general ways the more clearly I could see the individual ways He was calling me to grow. There were many things missing in my life regarding my Christian walk. Since I have come to know Him in more general ways, He has ‘added unto me’ amazing guidance and divine awareness of His presence. His general will has become a foundation for which to build His specific will for my life.
To know His will generally is to find His will specifically.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Rejoice In The Lord!
“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings – what kinds of things happened to me…In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” 2 Tim 3:10-12
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:4-7
This is the progression of the life of a Christian. We choose to accept God as our Lord and Savior. We choose to walk in His ways, His will and His timing. We pursue deeper faith and more intimacy with Christ to enrich our lives as a Christian. As Paul stated in 2 Timothy, when we make Christ the center of our lives we will endure suffering of all types. It is through this suffering that God answers our prayers for deeper intimacy with Him and strengthens our faith. Faith cannot emerge without the challenges of trials.
Through these trials we discover the peace of God that cannot be discerned without the heartbreaks in life. We can rejoice in the knowledge that the Lord is near to us as we walk through our ‘shadows in the valley’, and can lay down our fears and anxieties. He has promised that as we choose Him for deeper intimacy, He will transcend peace over pain and faith over fear. ‘You can expect peace and joy to become a part of your daily life when you a Christian – but just like all the other benefits of the kingdom of God, these attributes come at a price - the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. Heaven knows how to put a proper price on its goods.’ Seven Keys to Hearing God’s Voice, p. 146.
Five years ago, when God called me to come to the waters and drink daily with Him, He was preparing me for five years in the dark valley. Through it all, God carried and covered me with the peace that only He can provide. I would choose every trial I have endured in my life again for fear that I would not have the faith in and fellowship with Christ that emerged from those trials.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:4-7
This is the progression of the life of a Christian. We choose to accept God as our Lord and Savior. We choose to walk in His ways, His will and His timing. We pursue deeper faith and more intimacy with Christ to enrich our lives as a Christian. As Paul stated in 2 Timothy, when we make Christ the center of our lives we will endure suffering of all types. It is through this suffering that God answers our prayers for deeper intimacy with Him and strengthens our faith. Faith cannot emerge without the challenges of trials.
Through these trials we discover the peace of God that cannot be discerned without the heartbreaks in life. We can rejoice in the knowledge that the Lord is near to us as we walk through our ‘shadows in the valley’, and can lay down our fears and anxieties. He has promised that as we choose Him for deeper intimacy, He will transcend peace over pain and faith over fear. ‘You can expect peace and joy to become a part of your daily life when you a Christian – but just like all the other benefits of the kingdom of God, these attributes come at a price - the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. Heaven knows how to put a proper price on its goods.’ Seven Keys to Hearing God’s Voice, p. 146.
Five years ago, when God called me to come to the waters and drink daily with Him, He was preparing me for five years in the dark valley. Through it all, God carried and covered me with the peace that only He can provide. I would choose every trial I have endured in my life again for fear that I would not have the faith in and fellowship with Christ that emerged from those trials.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Level Ground
“God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.” Acts 15:8-9
In the church of Antioch there arose serious debate regarding the Gentiles’ standing in Christ since they were not circumcised. The debate centered around the belief on the part of some Jewish leaders that for the ‘unclean’ to receive grace and salvation they must be circumcised. Paul and Barnabas came upon the scene to correct this erroneous requirement. ‘There is serious deliberation and honest debate, but at the end of the day the message is clear. Nothing can, or should, be added to the finished work of Christ on the cross. So it was in the first century and so it is now. We are saved by grace and grace alone.’ Women of Faith Study Bible, p. 1819.
Since the first century, some believer’s have treated new converts to Christ with this same spiritual elitism. New believers come to Christ with a new found passion to serve Him, only to be discouraged many times by people of faith as they set impossible expectations for these new believers. Man-made requirements and prerequisites set up standards for grace that were never intended. The work on the cross was enough for each of us and all of us…no matter what we come to the cross dragging behind us. That is grace.
As Christians we must not place our own standards of Christianity onto others, but recognize that the ground is level at the base of the cross. ‘We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.’ 2 Co 6:3.
In the church of Antioch there arose serious debate regarding the Gentiles’ standing in Christ since they were not circumcised. The debate centered around the belief on the part of some Jewish leaders that for the ‘unclean’ to receive grace and salvation they must be circumcised. Paul and Barnabas came upon the scene to correct this erroneous requirement. ‘There is serious deliberation and honest debate, but at the end of the day the message is clear. Nothing can, or should, be added to the finished work of Christ on the cross. So it was in the first century and so it is now. We are saved by grace and grace alone.’ Women of Faith Study Bible, p. 1819.
Since the first century, some believer’s have treated new converts to Christ with this same spiritual elitism. New believers come to Christ with a new found passion to serve Him, only to be discouraged many times by people of faith as they set impossible expectations for these new believers. Man-made requirements and prerequisites set up standards for grace that were never intended. The work on the cross was enough for each of us and all of us…no matter what we come to the cross dragging behind us. That is grace.
As Christians we must not place our own standards of Christianity onto others, but recognize that the ground is level at the base of the cross. ‘We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.’ 2 Co 6:3.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
No Man Is An Island...
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." Hebrews 13:7.
Boy do I miss my grandmother! Her faith served as the gap between my faith and God. She nursed me along in my faith and exemplified a way of living for which to pursue. When I consider the outcome of her life I consider her as one of the greatest spiritual giants for whom I have ever known. I felt the enormity of her absence this morning.
Somewhere in the corners of my heart, I believe that God is placing in me a desire for a spiritual mentor. One who is humble in spirit, faithful in walking with God and sincere in living it out in every aspect of her life. He has placed a passion in me for a woman who I have had but lost. In the middle of the night I awoke to the words in my mind, ‘No man is an island.’ It seemed odd that I heard these random words but this morning my Bible Study was on Seeking Godly Counsel. This sentence jumped out like a neon sign – ‘NO ONE IS AN ISLAND TO THEMSELVES IN CHRIST.’
We must lean in to the urgings of the Holy Spirit which will be confirmed in other ways. I have thought of the possibility over the past six months of a spiritual mentor. God knew when the time was right to impress it upon my heart only to follow up with words on the paper. I knew intuitively and instantly when reading those words that these were the words from the God I serve. My thoughts drifted to the foregone blessings that could have been mine with Grandmother serving in this role as I become more intimate with Christ. I had to remind myself that God lifted this to my heart in His timing and not my own.
Through God’s whisper in the night I will hold true to this next step for which He is leading. He will be faithful and reveal this precious godly counsel for whom I desire. Over the past five years my teachers have been my sufferings but now I will be shown someone who can shepherd me. ‘…your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:20b, 21.
It is essential in our Christian walk to posture ourselves spiritually to see God in our surroundings, to hear God in our silence and to sense God in our spirits. These are some of the ways of intimate fellowship between the Father and the child.
Boy do I miss my grandmother! Her faith served as the gap between my faith and God. She nursed me along in my faith and exemplified a way of living for which to pursue. When I consider the outcome of her life I consider her as one of the greatest spiritual giants for whom I have ever known. I felt the enormity of her absence this morning.
Somewhere in the corners of my heart, I believe that God is placing in me a desire for a spiritual mentor. One who is humble in spirit, faithful in walking with God and sincere in living it out in every aspect of her life. He has placed a passion in me for a woman who I have had but lost. In the middle of the night I awoke to the words in my mind, ‘No man is an island.’ It seemed odd that I heard these random words but this morning my Bible Study was on Seeking Godly Counsel. This sentence jumped out like a neon sign – ‘NO ONE IS AN ISLAND TO THEMSELVES IN CHRIST.’
We must lean in to the urgings of the Holy Spirit which will be confirmed in other ways. I have thought of the possibility over the past six months of a spiritual mentor. God knew when the time was right to impress it upon my heart only to follow up with words on the paper. I knew intuitively and instantly when reading those words that these were the words from the God I serve. My thoughts drifted to the foregone blessings that could have been mine with Grandmother serving in this role as I become more intimate with Christ. I had to remind myself that God lifted this to my heart in His timing and not my own.
Through God’s whisper in the night I will hold true to this next step for which He is leading. He will be faithful and reveal this precious godly counsel for whom I desire. Over the past five years my teachers have been my sufferings but now I will be shown someone who can shepherd me. ‘…your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:20b, 21.
It is essential in our Christian walk to posture ourselves spiritually to see God in our surroundings, to hear God in our silence and to sense God in our spirits. These are some of the ways of intimate fellowship between the Father and the child.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Who Am I?
“Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel, and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak like this to me?” 1 Samuel 9:21. “Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said, ‘Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? O Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign LORD?” 2 Samuel 7:18.
These are two verses from two different men upon realizing what God was accomplishing in their lives. The two things that these men have in common are that they not only hear what God has in store for their lives but they are beyond words for the blessings for which they are receiving from God. There is no doubt in their mind to whom the glory is to be given.
I know this feeling of complete astonishment and awe as to the things that God is accomplishing in my own family. I am forever aware of my shortcomings and the shortcomings of my family which were created from the Fall of man. With this awareness I am in constant awe that despite these shortcomings the Sovereign God of the universe still chooses me and pursues me with His love. He continues to bless me apart from what I deserve. His way of dealing with me is based on His relentless and unconditional love.
Just as He loves me apart from my sins, we must love and trust Him apart from our circumstances. We can always expect God’s best for every situation in our lives. His foundation is love so anything He brings to us comes wrapped in this love. We need not fear this King of Glory but come to His feet humbly and receive what we do not deserve but He freely gives…Himself.
Who am I, O Sovereign LORD?
These are two verses from two different men upon realizing what God was accomplishing in their lives. The two things that these men have in common are that they not only hear what God has in store for their lives but they are beyond words for the blessings for which they are receiving from God. There is no doubt in their mind to whom the glory is to be given.
I know this feeling of complete astonishment and awe as to the things that God is accomplishing in my own family. I am forever aware of my shortcomings and the shortcomings of my family which were created from the Fall of man. With this awareness I am in constant awe that despite these shortcomings the Sovereign God of the universe still chooses me and pursues me with His love. He continues to bless me apart from what I deserve. His way of dealing with me is based on His relentless and unconditional love.
Just as He loves me apart from my sins, we must love and trust Him apart from our circumstances. We can always expect God’s best for every situation in our lives. His foundation is love so anything He brings to us comes wrapped in this love. We need not fear this King of Glory but come to His feet humbly and receive what we do not deserve but He freely gives…Himself.
Who am I, O Sovereign LORD?
Monday, April 11, 2011
Speaking My Language
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them…a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language.” Acts 2: 4, 6
Following the Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon more than 100 disciples enabling them to carry the message of Christ throughout the world. Many people were there from many different parts of the region who spoke different languages. The Holy Spirit’s indwelling enabled different languages to be instantly spoken and understood.
Spiritually speaking we also can speak the heart languages through the Holy Spirit enabling others to understand the message of hope and God’s faithfulness. I see this theory come to reality in my Griefshare group. There is a bond between us that only can be felt, communicated and understood through the shared pain of losing a loved one. With the Holy Spirit in our midst there is a clear understanding of the message between all of us.
I have a language I can speak in another ‘region’ of my life which involves the heartbreak and challenges of drug addiction. That is a language that can only be spoken in the hearts of those who have walked that nightmare. Each of us will experience the shared communication between ourselves and others as circumstances mandate different adversities. We can each minister to the other with the conduit of the Holy Spirit enabling truth and understanding between the Body of Christ. This is our promise once we have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. His Spirit will indwell, enable and provide understanding in our search for interpretation.
We all carry within us the power of the Lord and ministries of healing as we reach out to others. As a group linked by similar adversities we come together and in bewilderment understand the journey of each other’s pain as we 'speak each other's language.'
Following the Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon more than 100 disciples enabling them to carry the message of Christ throughout the world. Many people were there from many different parts of the region who spoke different languages. The Holy Spirit’s indwelling enabled different languages to be instantly spoken and understood.
Spiritually speaking we also can speak the heart languages through the Holy Spirit enabling others to understand the message of hope and God’s faithfulness. I see this theory come to reality in my Griefshare group. There is a bond between us that only can be felt, communicated and understood through the shared pain of losing a loved one. With the Holy Spirit in our midst there is a clear understanding of the message between all of us.
I have a language I can speak in another ‘region’ of my life which involves the heartbreak and challenges of drug addiction. That is a language that can only be spoken in the hearts of those who have walked that nightmare. Each of us will experience the shared communication between ourselves and others as circumstances mandate different adversities. We can each minister to the other with the conduit of the Holy Spirit enabling truth and understanding between the Body of Christ. This is our promise once we have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. His Spirit will indwell, enable and provide understanding in our search for interpretation.
We all carry within us the power of the Lord and ministries of healing as we reach out to others. As a group linked by similar adversities we come together and in bewilderment understand the journey of each other’s pain as we 'speak each other's language.'
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Inferior Wisdom
“When I came to you brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God…I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom but on God’s power.” 1 Co. 2:1-5.
As many of you know I facilitate Griefshare at our church. This group is where grieving and hurting people gather together in hopes of comfort and healing. It is a group of weary travelers looking for the answer to navigate through the waters of heartbreak. This particular session is rough as the majority of the people in our group are parents who have lost a child.
Last night was a rough night in our group as the heaviness of broken heartedness seemed to drape over the entire room. Upon arriving home, I was wrestling with the fear that I couldn’t be an effective teacher with this group since my losses were a sibling, father and father-in-law. I was fearful that I would come across with a lack of credibility and authenticity due to a lack of true understanding. Just as God promises, His word will lead and guide us through the waters of life which is what occurred this morning.
In my ‘Jesus time’ He lifted this beautiful passage which brought freedom to my fears and stillness to my trembling. I associated 'superior wisdom' to the wisdom I could only obtain through losing a child. He assured me through this passage that any confidence we can have in our testimony is in the confidence of the power of the Holy Spirit instead of our circumstances and experiences. Our message to everyone that testifies to the love and heart of God will be communicated if we will trust in the power of the Holy Spirit instead of ourselves. The removal of one’s self agenda, self focus and self confidence will ensure that the flow of the Holy Spirit can power through our words directly into the hearts of others.
‘Now if the ministry that brought death…came with glory…will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious…Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.’ 2 Cor. 3:7, 8, 17.
As many of you know I facilitate Griefshare at our church. This group is where grieving and hurting people gather together in hopes of comfort and healing. It is a group of weary travelers looking for the answer to navigate through the waters of heartbreak. This particular session is rough as the majority of the people in our group are parents who have lost a child.
Last night was a rough night in our group as the heaviness of broken heartedness seemed to drape over the entire room. Upon arriving home, I was wrestling with the fear that I couldn’t be an effective teacher with this group since my losses were a sibling, father and father-in-law. I was fearful that I would come across with a lack of credibility and authenticity due to a lack of true understanding. Just as God promises, His word will lead and guide us through the waters of life which is what occurred this morning.
In my ‘Jesus time’ He lifted this beautiful passage which brought freedom to my fears and stillness to my trembling. I associated 'superior wisdom' to the wisdom I could only obtain through losing a child. He assured me through this passage that any confidence we can have in our testimony is in the confidence of the power of the Holy Spirit instead of our circumstances and experiences. Our message to everyone that testifies to the love and heart of God will be communicated if we will trust in the power of the Holy Spirit instead of ourselves. The removal of one’s self agenda, self focus and self confidence will ensure that the flow of the Holy Spirit can power through our words directly into the hearts of others.
‘Now if the ministry that brought death…came with glory…will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious…Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.’ 2 Cor. 3:7, 8, 17.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Great Adventure
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105.
I read the most beautiful explanation of a vision experienced by the author of my Bible Study. The vision he had was one of the Lord instructing Him to cross over the Niagara River on flat stones that were placed two to three feet apart only a few feet away from the edge of the falls. The man was extremely nervous moving from stone to stone because they were placed far enough apart to where a small leap was required. After cautiously leaping from one to another his courage was built up to the point of losing respect for the danger of the task. At that point he says that God surrounded him with total darkness except for the stone for which he was standing. He still heard the raging waters surrounding him and felt the splash on his face. At that point he reminded the Lord that He was trying to complete the task he was given and he now didn’t have the ability to move ahead. The Lord spoke to him:
‘My child, Jesus Christ is the Rock that you are standing on, and the Holy Spirit is giving you the light for the place where you are. As long as you stay in the light, standing on the Rock, you will be safe. Don’t move from where you are until I light up the next stone. You cannot leap into the darkness, hoping to land on a solid place. If you try to move forward in your own strength you will miss the rock, fall into the river, and be carried over the falls to disaster. In my time I will provide the light for your path.’
This image will forever be burned upon my heart. It is the spiritual picture story for this verse as I meditate on decisions I face in my own life. There have been many times when my heart has led my feet off of the stone that is lit up. Accompanying those detours have been times I have waded in the dark waters trying to find the lighted path. I have leapt into the darkness by relying on my own strength only to miss the rock. We cannot move ahead of God’s guidance out of our own pride, impatience or sinful choices. With each decision we must ask ourselves, ‘Are my feet moving when they should be still?'
We must wait upon the Rock and in the light of the Holy Spirit until we can move ahead confidently and obediently. He is faithful and will show us the way.
I read the most beautiful explanation of a vision experienced by the author of my Bible Study. The vision he had was one of the Lord instructing Him to cross over the Niagara River on flat stones that were placed two to three feet apart only a few feet away from the edge of the falls. The man was extremely nervous moving from stone to stone because they were placed far enough apart to where a small leap was required. After cautiously leaping from one to another his courage was built up to the point of losing respect for the danger of the task. At that point he says that God surrounded him with total darkness except for the stone for which he was standing. He still heard the raging waters surrounding him and felt the splash on his face. At that point he reminded the Lord that He was trying to complete the task he was given and he now didn’t have the ability to move ahead. The Lord spoke to him:
‘My child, Jesus Christ is the Rock that you are standing on, and the Holy Spirit is giving you the light for the place where you are. As long as you stay in the light, standing on the Rock, you will be safe. Don’t move from where you are until I light up the next stone. You cannot leap into the darkness, hoping to land on a solid place. If you try to move forward in your own strength you will miss the rock, fall into the river, and be carried over the falls to disaster. In my time I will provide the light for your path.’
This image will forever be burned upon my heart. It is the spiritual picture story for this verse as I meditate on decisions I face in my own life. There have been many times when my heart has led my feet off of the stone that is lit up. Accompanying those detours have been times I have waded in the dark waters trying to find the lighted path. I have leapt into the darkness by relying on my own strength only to miss the rock. We cannot move ahead of God’s guidance out of our own pride, impatience or sinful choices. With each decision we must ask ourselves, ‘Are my feet moving when they should be still?'
We must wait upon the Rock and in the light of the Holy Spirit until we can move ahead confidently and obediently. He is faithful and will show us the way.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Stepping Stones
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days says the LORD: I will put my laws into their minds. And I will write them upon their hearts. And I will be their God. And they shall be my people.” Hebrews 8:10-11.
Most Christians have an intense passion to hear God speaking into their own lives. Whether we are seeking encouragement, God’s wisdom on a matter or God’s guidance in a major life decision hearing from God seems to sometimes present a challenge. I am presently doing a Bible Study called The Seven Keys to Hearing God’s Voice. What is clear from the onset is that there are specific and intentional manners in which God speaks and confirms His message. Some answers will be instant and some will have to be mined for like gems. The seven steps in which God gives us to hear His word and know His mind are listed below.
1- Scripture – ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
2- The Holy Spirit’s Speaking to Our Heart – ‘When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.’ John 15:26.
3- Godly Counsel – ‘But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.’ 1 Co. 12:7.
4- The Peace of God – ‘Let the peace of God rule in your hearts,’ Col. 3:15
5- Personal Prophecy – ‘Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully;’ 1 Thess. 5:19-21.
6- Confirmation – ‘By the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed.’ Matt. 18:16.
7- Circumstances/Timing – “Blessed are all who wait for him. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:18, 20-21.
The more we incorporate every step into our lives and develop a heart of humility to hear Him we will begin to recognize His voice.
Most Christians have an intense passion to hear God speaking into their own lives. Whether we are seeking encouragement, God’s wisdom on a matter or God’s guidance in a major life decision hearing from God seems to sometimes present a challenge. I am presently doing a Bible Study called The Seven Keys to Hearing God’s Voice. What is clear from the onset is that there are specific and intentional manners in which God speaks and confirms His message. Some answers will be instant and some will have to be mined for like gems. The seven steps in which God gives us to hear His word and know His mind are listed below.
1- Scripture – ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.’ 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
2- The Holy Spirit’s Speaking to Our Heart – ‘When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.’ John 15:26.
3- Godly Counsel – ‘But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.’ 1 Co. 12:7.
4- The Peace of God – ‘Let the peace of God rule in your hearts,’ Col. 3:15
5- Personal Prophecy – ‘Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully;’ 1 Thess. 5:19-21.
6- Confirmation – ‘By the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed.’ Matt. 18:16.
7- Circumstances/Timing – “Blessed are all who wait for him. Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Isaiah 30:18, 20-21.
The more we incorporate every step into our lives and develop a heart of humility to hear Him we will begin to recognize His voice.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Talking To Strangers
“And the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for the sheep do not know the voice of strangers.” John 10:4-5.
There is nothing more frustrating than going to an event or performance only to have someone around us talking, whispering or basically frustrating our experience. Hard as we may try, it seems we tend to focus more easily on the whispers and distractions around us than the booming performance ahead of us.
We are told in the Bible that if we are truly following Christ we will not follow these whispers or strangers. These strangers to the children of God may manifest in three different whispers – the whisper of our own flesh, the whisper of Satan or the whispers of the world. These whispers have the potential to drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit if we do not discipline ourselves in pursuing our Shepherd. We can only drown out these distractions through spending time with God, learning who He is through Scripture and praying for the discernment to recognize His voice.
Recognizing His voice becomes possible through the fellowship with Him. When I was in a crowd as a child ten mothers could be talking but my mother’s voice was recognizable above all others. Her voice crowded out the others as I associated it with the comfort I received from her. After I was grown and away from my mother I could still hear the impressions on my heart of her wisdom, her expectations and her guidance. Our Father will lead us if we pursue fellowship with Him and understand how He communicates with us. If we keep our eyes and focus upon the performance of the Lord we will be able to hush all of the whispers which swirl around us and follow the wisdom of the Master.
There is nothing more frustrating than going to an event or performance only to have someone around us talking, whispering or basically frustrating our experience. Hard as we may try, it seems we tend to focus more easily on the whispers and distractions around us than the booming performance ahead of us.
We are told in the Bible that if we are truly following Christ we will not follow these whispers or strangers. These strangers to the children of God may manifest in three different whispers – the whisper of our own flesh, the whisper of Satan or the whispers of the world. These whispers have the potential to drown out the voice of the Holy Spirit if we do not discipline ourselves in pursuing our Shepherd. We can only drown out these distractions through spending time with God, learning who He is through Scripture and praying for the discernment to recognize His voice.
Recognizing His voice becomes possible through the fellowship with Him. When I was in a crowd as a child ten mothers could be talking but my mother’s voice was recognizable above all others. Her voice crowded out the others as I associated it with the comfort I received from her. After I was grown and away from my mother I could still hear the impressions on my heart of her wisdom, her expectations and her guidance. Our Father will lead us if we pursue fellowship with Him and understand how He communicates with us. If we keep our eyes and focus upon the performance of the Lord we will be able to hush all of the whispers which swirl around us and follow the wisdom of the Master.
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