(August 15, 2020)
Does God speak to you? Does He even want to speak to you? Will it be an audible voice if and when He does? The answers to the above are (in this order), probably, yes, and probably not. Let me explain. I do believe God wants to speak to you, and maybe He has already. More than likely, He would not be speaking audibly, but that is not to say He won’t.
How does God speak to His people today? Many times it is through His Word. Often it is through the men and women of God in your life. Yes, it is through the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers God has given the church to build, strengthen, serve, perfect and unify His people (see Ephesians 4:11-12). Sometimes, it is a still, small voice in our hearts. Maybe, during a time of prayer. Maybe, it is during a time of worship or singing. Maybe, it could be in a dream or a vision. Or perhaps, it is a thought that seems to come out of the blue.
Can we position ourselves to hear Him more often or more clearly? Absolutely yes! Clear out some of the clutter in your life! Cut back on the “entertainment”, movies, music, social media, books, etc. Schedule some quiet time. Yes, I said quiet time. Turn off the media. Push away from the table. Push the plate away. In other words, fast. When you fast, pray. When you pray, read your Bible. When you read your Bible, pause and meditate on what you just read. Respond in prayer to what you just read. You will find that God will speak to you especially during those times. And, next time you are in church, you will hear His voice more clearly during those times of worship. Then, when the man or woman of God steps forward to teach or preach, you will hear His voice through their ministry.
One thing to keep in mind, if you are ever unsure if what you are hearing, feeling or thinking is His voice, know this, He will never contradict His Word. He will never lead you astray. He will never ask you to do something wrong. Will He ever go against your traditions? Possibly, especially, if your traditions are not based on scriptural principles. Remember what Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.” (Mark 7:9). Don’t let your traditions keep you from obeying God’s voice.
Let me leave you with these words from John 10:27, My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Jesus is calling. Listen.
Pastor V