Our part? His word tells us what he wants us to know, and what we need to hear. Thus, the Bible instructs us to "put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Eph. But we must realize that His words never contradict what He’s said in Scripture. How Does God Speak? The Bible says, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness. God designed–and spoke them all into existence. Even at a loud sporting event or a party when it is hard to hear, we can pray to God in our minds and He hears us. The good ideas I credit to God, because after all, He is the source of every good and perfect gift. "The sower (God) sows the word. Open my eyes to your wisdom. None of us are cookie-cutter Christians. Our most hidden secrets are not secrets to Him. But I want to make it personal and learn the lesson first. The answer for me is absolutely not. All Rights Reserved. Through the intricate details and magnificent beauty of all that God has made, we can “hear” His voice. 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. In "The Adjustment Bureau," God's G-men carry out their duties on the periphery of the natural world where the curtain separating the here from there is as sheer as gossamer. He wrote: “You understand my thought afar off. Due to his great power and cunning, however, it could possibly go beyond this. Where? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 shows that God has revealed His will to us primarily through His Word. I want to receive from Him daily. However, a vocation it is the specific role God has given us to play in life and we should honor God with it as we use our renewed minds. Not so for the children of God, who are at peace with God (Romans 5:1, 8:1). If you’re wondering if God speaks to us through dreams and visions, the answer is yes. Could God speak to people in an audible voice? This means that we no longer are adding anything to Scripture; God has given us what we were meant to have in His Word and it has been written down for us as well. These words were not written for a few, select individuals who could jump through the right spiritual hoops (“For God so loved the world…”). Your sons and … He can do anything He wants. God often speaks to us through His Spirit, through prayer. Does that happen immediately? Primarily, God speaks to us through his written word (2 Timothy 3:16–17). He is our shepherd, our caretaker, our leader. When we are active and allowing God’s Spirit to move, He can give us pictures and speak to our minds and hearts. The Bible tells us, “He may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings” (Job 33:16). Open my eyes to your power. They’d prayed about it, and circumstances confirmed it: the local car dealership had just the color and model they wanted. Does it really make a difference when we expect God to speak to us through the Scriptures rather than waiting to hear a divine voice in our heads? One day I was standing all alone in my kitchen cutting up the potatoes for lunch. To be clear, I’m not saying that certain people have divine authority to speak into our lives. We don’t have to speak out loud in order to talk to Him. He meets us where we are." God can also “speak” to us through events—i.e., He can guide us through arranging our circumstances. Your ability to know if it is God truly speaking to your mind and spirit depends on how deep your relationship with God is. But the blessed Spirit does more than this; he will often direct the mind to the special subject of prayer. Yes, God does hear prayers that we say in our minds. Words from a speaker or Christian author have both challenged me and convicted me at times. God speaks through whatever or whomever he chooses, but never in disagreement with the Bible “For God does speak — now one way, now another — though no one perceives it” . God can speak through a whisper. As you can imagine, when asked, “How does God speak to us today,” my brain goes all over the place, always on the verge of shorting out. All rights reserved. “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by His Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe” Hebrews 1:1-2, NIV). When others claim to hear God through circumstances, I try to caution them to test their conclusions with other evidence. There is no indication in the Bible that God audibly dictated the words to be recorded in the biblical writings, so we should not be surprised that he speaks to our minds through them just as he spoke to the minds of those who wrote under his inspiration. My pulse, along with my blood pressure, dropped dangerously low. I want God to say, “Ridge, move here. Does God speak to all of us the same way? Of all the ways we may hope or long for him to speak, he promises only that he will guide us … Christian Discipleship 101; Christian Discipleship 201; Christian Discipleship 301 ; Christian Discipleship 401; How to hear the voice of God; … Worshipping through song is not only a way for us to communicate to Him and be in awe of who He is, but it can also assist us in helping us realize what God is trying to say to us. But I have heard God “speak” through the above ways–and in a few more. They belong to Him, and they recognize Him by the sound of His voice. Thoughts that go through one’s mind, are subjective experiences. King David understood how important our thoughts, motivations and the intents of our minds are to God. Romans 12:1-2 ESV / 5 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. Satan simply seeks to influence that nature in any way he can. Regardless of the way God chooses to reveal Himself or “speak” to us today, remember one truth. It’s when Scripture comes alive to us–because it is truly “God-breathed.”. Most of the time, He does it without them even knowing! First, while Satan cannot read our minds, he can influence our thoughts. It’s ”His-story”–written with love as God’s guide for life, “so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”. He dwells within us as our Counselor and points out to us what it is we should seek at the hands of God. The Holy Spirit In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faced a huge army of enemies who could have easily destroyed His people, but he did a strange thing. It states in scripture that God speaks to us in our minds and in our hearts through feelings, visions, ... that decision we are “like a new creation”) are given the Holy Spirit inside of us (aka the Comforter) to guide us. God does not speak ... own thoughts, God can put thoughts into our minds, and demons can too. Next, in my opinion it is borderline blasphemy to say that God can’t answer prayers and speak to our hearts through not only feelings, but in our minds and through scriptures as well. This is the reason that we created this video. But the Bible doesn’t always give me the answers for what I need. God is in the process of conforming our minds to think His thoughts (Romans 12:2). haha . I want God to say, “Ridge, move here. Did he “hear” God’s literal “Yes?” No, but through much prayer, seeking God’s Word, and talking to others, he felt God’s confirmation. Recently I was reading the story of Moses in the book of Exodus and I was impressed with how many times in the story it said, “The Lord spoke to him. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse ” Romans 1:20, NIV). Report after report confirms that an unbeliever who has never heard of Jesus dreams of Him–but doesn’t know who the “man” is–or what the dream means. James 1:14 tells us that ultimately, all temptation to sin comes from our own sinful nature. Often through a combination of fasting and prayer, our minds become clearer and our hearts are more sensitive to God. Then a messenger comes, shows a film about Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the one who has dreamed recognizes the man in his dream: It’s Jesus, the Son of God! Static muddles and clouds. Scary, to say the least. God will use the Christian community in our lives to speak His truth to our hearts. 10 Bible Verses about Our Minds. The Lord motivated him to do certain things.” It was almost like the Lord had a conversation with Moses and when it was time to move the people in the desert, the Lord said, “Moses it’s time to move.” Just that clearly! He speaks so many ways, including through miracles. I think that God still speaks in several ways. 6. How do we know if it is Him or not? Are you saying I am crazy? Do this. He comes right into our mind. How can we hear the voice of God in our own lives? A dream that seems more vivid than usual, or seems to answer a question you’ve had for a while. Read on. Through the words of Jesus in Scripture, we can “hear” God’s heart and God’s voice–and know what God is truly like. First…your question is not silly or … There have been occasions where I still had no clue what to do, but in faith I thanked God whenever and however He would answer. He [the Spirit] guides us in prayer; thus, he helps our infirmities. Praise brings me instantly to attention, like a sergeant’s command to his soldiers. The third way God speaks to us is through the Holy Spirit. 10. In fact, most of what I have to say is positive. We may not know how to pray, but God’s Word tells us His spirit makes intercession for us (Romans 8:26-27). I can’t answer questions that the Bible does not make clear. Their words may come as a warning, a blessing, or as a prophetic truth about our lives.Whether we choose to hear it or ignore it, depends on us. Can Loved Ones in Heaven Look Down on You? Bible verses about Our Minds. How? Many years ago, for a period of time, I was living in Yukon Territory, Canada, the land of the midnight sun and the great gold rush of 1898. But we must realize that His words never contradict what He’s said in Scripture. In other words, God’s Word puts us in a context where we can make the right decisions by hearing His voice through His Word. Worshipping through song. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. He dwells within us as our Counselor and points out to us what it is we should seek at the hands of God. God Speaks Through His Word. Our minds and even Satan are capable of producing great deception in such subjective areas. Is this a gift or is it something that I can learn to do? The truth is God is the Word and Jesus being the Word and every bit God, knows us and knows us well, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than … I want to receive from Him daily. Maybe it’s because in times of depression and difficult trials in the past, I would pour over David’s songs in Psalms, often singing them back to God with my own tunes. Through that accident, my husband felt God had a special purpose for his life. With a declaration that his eyes were on God, he sent in a choir of praise singers: “Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever’” (2 Chronicles 20:21, NIV). This passage plainly tells us the word of God is sufficient for meeting all our needs for instruction from God. God treats each of us as unique children. Spiritual Growth and Christian Living Resources. I recently took my first trip in an ambulance to the local ER–unfortunately as a patient. We may not know how to pray, but God’s Word tells us His spirit makes intercession for us (Romans 8:26, 27). We expect to hear from Him at church, but God doesn’t just speak on Sundays. God will speak to us more often as we learn to recognize His voice. Are these the only ways God speaks today? Billy Graham. Thus, the Bible instructs us to “put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 8:14-16). Does God speak to us: Via other humans that are obviously living a holier life then ourselves and He is thereby allowing us to hear Him through that example ? It’s the gospel: the good news of Jesus Christ. Statement 3: God speaks to us by his Son, through his Spirit in the Bible. These are the ones on the path where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan … Romans 12:2 ESV / 19 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful. Hearing His “audible” voice would no doubt cinch His reality in an awesome way. Instead of needing God to dictate to us what to do, we become increasingly able to “discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). As we interpret Scripture by other Scripture, we avoid the false logic and misinterpretations that sneak into our world. But He will usually confirm it in other ways. Often, God is using our dreams to speak with us because we have refused to spend quiet time in our days listening to his voice. He will never contradict His Word, and the message He gives will always bring glory to God. Does God speak to us in our dreams, and if He does how do we know that it was God? None of us are good in ourselves (Romans 3:10-12), but a good God has allowed evil on His Son, Jesus Christ, but for our benefit (John 3:16). God is in the process of conforming our minds to think His thoughts (Romans 12:2). They speak big words into my life. When? If someone claims, “God told me to go kill my neighbor!” would you believe him? We may not actually "hear" the voice of God, but He speaks to us in many ways. But does God still speak to us today? Several months later, he committed his life to full-time Christian service. I want to receive from Him daily. He speaks to us through our dreams and visions, as he did with Samuel and others. InFaith is moved by the call to reach locally and spread God’s kingdom right here in the United States—something we’ve been doing for the last 200 years. Will God confirm or affirm that truth in us? Because of that, God doesn’t “speak” the same way to all of us. I don’t know if God was speaking to me about something special, but the first thing I did was tell Him I was listening! God may use a friend, a teacher, a parent, or a preacher to convey His message of truth to us. Or was that only a Bible-thing? Consider this: The canon of Scripture is closed. In The Book of Acts God tells us ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people. 1. However, here are eight ways God often uses to communicate with us. You are hearing Him speak … God often speaks to us through His Spirit, through prayer. Times when I was afraid? God, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him. For several minutes my world looked like a spinning photo negative. 3 Ways Christians Can Lead the Way to Unity, Why "You Complete Me" Is a Dangerous Myth in Christian Relationships, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright © 2021, Crosswalk.com. Billy Graham says. How Does God Speak? Can anything keep us from hearing God? Did God quit speaking that way? A good friend once cautioned me about flirting with danger. The way the Lord speaks THROUGH our thoughts is to DIRECT them. If nothing else, life–and loved ones–suddenly became much more precious to me. We talk about confining on little computer … In other words, we can all expect and believe that God will speak to us through the Bible. God spoke about that as well. Does he desire to speak to us audibly, like he does to certain people in the Bible?” If so, Pastor John, how do we know if it’s God’s voice we’re hearing? And the way God works is one of those questions. The Bible does give us the mental and spiritual framework to make decisions based on our own thoughts and views that come about from the context that His Word creates. God speaks to people today through His Word, which will not return void (Isaiah 55:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Perhaps one of the ways I can sense God’s presence the most and “hear” His voice the best is when I am praising Him through music. The words and the notes bring a soothing comfort, excitement, and passion that open my ears and heart and lift my spirits immediately. While decades had passed since the days of golf fever, 22 carat gold nuggets could still be found if one knew where to look for them. And we much teach our children to do the same. Paul makes this very clear: ... necessary that we control our thoughts and discern where they come from, ­­ us, God, or demon spirits. No, we are all unique. I “heard” Jesus’ words to His disciples as they feared for their lives one stormy night: “Peace, be still!” and it was as if God was speaking to me, too (Luke 8:23-25). He promised Abraham a son. The first way God speaks to us is through his word, you can’t ignore the written word and expect to hear something else. Teacher Nicole Murray Students: 0 Students; Free. Yes.The REAL question, though, is not COULD He , but IS HE speaking to people in an audible voice?. Finally, I feel that it is a tool from Satan to deceive us into thinking that we do not need to pay attention to the feelings and promptings God gives us. This is something we should think about. The enemy uses the static of self-talk, cheap advice, societal pressures, social media, and busyness, which all make us strain to hear truth. And through planting and growing a garden, we “hear” about miracles of death and rebirth. That means, we can pray no matter where we are. I don’t mean to sound rude, but what do you mean? God’s word, more than anything else, should inform our answer. That “voice” does not belong to God. It is a totally objective experience where we have no involvement in what is being said, nor do we know what will be said. If we are not careful, the static in our hearts and minds will make it difficult to hear God’s voice, especially since he often speaks in tones that are still and small. If you're ever in a conversation with a friend and they say something that is consistent with Scripture and speaks directly to a situation you're in or something you've been wrestling through, that's the voice of God. Not always. But he does not promise to speak in the ways he has spoken before, or in new ways. Rather, I’m saying that as we fellowship with other believers, God often uses their words to give unique grace to us. This may simply refer, however, to the varied external temptations and testings by which he seeks to control or influence our minds through what we see, read, and hear. … Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:2, 23-24, emphasis added throughout). What Are "Signs and Wonders" of the End Times? By observing the ant’s strength to store up food all summer long, we learn about wisdom and industriousness. Course Levels. Graham, founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, says in his "My Answers" question-and-answer column on the organization's website that God can communicate in a variety of ways, including through prayer, the church community, and the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 says that all Scripture is “God-breathed.” His Word sometimes gives us a warning, a word of encouragement, or a lesson for life. Some may call it “God’s whispers,” while others say, “God’s still, small voice.” We are made in the image of God, and when we confess Jesus and follow Him as our Lord and Savior, His Spirit comes to live in us (John 14:17, 1 Corinthians 3:16). This would seem to be, and or always has been a way, God has spoken to individuals. When we’re tempted, that same Spirit warns and nudges us to do the right thing. 6 Scriptures for When You Lose Your Focus, 4 Things You Should Value More Than Safety and Comfort, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. I am going to say something positive here, and not just something negative. But I’ve never heard God through an angel’s message. If we look at our vocation as just a job to get through to supply wants, we conform to the world and fail to honor God with our minds. 6:11 NIV). The Bible warns about adding anything to the already written, God-breathed Word of God, or accepting any other messenger who claims to be superior to Jesus (Revelation 22:18-19;2 Corinthians 11:4). Nothing showed up. But what do these dreams mean? God “spoke” clearly. How Does God Speak to Us? Does God speak that way today? God Speaks In Prayer As you are praying God can speak to your mind and your spirit. 6:11 NIV). King David understood how important our thoughts, motivations and the intents of our minds are to God. God’s Spirit speaks to us through our conscience, helping to make the right decision. Is it only audibly? As the distractions fade, we can sense His leading in a new way. And they ignored other red flags as well. We were dating in high school and were both involved in what could have been a deadly accident, when a speeding pick-up hit our car broadside. Eucharisted October 14, 2009, 1:02pm #2. He’s a creative God. He once spoke through a donkey (Numbers 22:28). Second, I hear God speaking to me through His Word, the Bible. The Lord told him. Paul heard His voice on the way to Damascus. Does God speak to us in our minds? Nevertheless, God does speak to all of us without exception in a more direct way than we have yet mentioned. Each way I’ve shared that God may speak to us today meshes into the other. The Holy Spirit may give you specific guidance on your issue and lead you. The idea is to keep us on a predetermined track -- on a course we know nothing about and can do nothing to change. The sheep … Without it, you are a guaranteed casualty in the invisible war; with it, you are invincible. The bible shows us who God is and transforms us by renewing our minds. He told Noah to build an ark. Ephesians 6:16 speaks of the flaming arrows sent by the wicked one (Satan). Whether we respond better to thoughts, feelings or other means, that is the way God will try to communicate with us. Scripture tells us God has a voice. We can pray in our minds and He can hear us. “For God speaks in one way, and in two, though man does not perceive it. We want to be in touch. Jesus tells us that “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Jesus has a personal, one-on-one relationship with every single person who belongs to him. All these things may not sound to you like ways of ”hearing God’s voice,” but it’s possible to reduce God to our own image if we insist on Him acting or reacting a certain way. When we strain to see beyond our way and how we feel God should answer our prayers, we become open to His good, perfect, and just will. But Pharaoh wouldn’t listen. Find an InFaith camp. Thoughts that go through one’s mind, are subjective experiences. When we are active and allowing God’s Spirit to move, He can give us pictures and speak to our minds and hearts. God’s Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). God is speaking to us. Some claim He does, but usually that's not the case. What Is 'Sleep Divorce' and Is it Biblical? If you have a passion for the United States, we can apply your gifts and resources to places you have a heart for right here within our nation’s borders. Comparing us to sheep and He as the Shepherd, Jesus says inJohn 10:27, NKJV: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Why? Directing our thoughts is subjective and we have an active participation. Each way I’ve shared that God may speak to us today meshes into the other. How does God speak to us today? God uses frail, earthen vessels like us to speak God’s word to each other. 'Back To God' Reba McEntire And Lauren Daigle Official Lyric Video, 10 Things You Didn’t Know about the 10 Commandments, How to Know if You've Been Raised on False Teaching, For Such a Time as This - Crosswalk the Devotional - January 14, 10 Online Sins We're All Apparently Okay With. Support Option Ultrasound! When we are active and allowing God’s Spirit to move, He can give us pictures and speak to our minds and hearts. I think it does. That means God is whispering, and sometimes shouting, all through His Word, giving us instructions and principles for life. I’ve “heard” God speak to me numerous times through other people. The others? They couldn’t afford it on their income. One of the first things I usually ask God when circumstances change is: “God, is there something you want to teach me through this?” Yes, I know everything is “fodder” for writers. Does God Really Close Doors and Open Windows for Us? Do their words line up with Scripture? God even hears our prayers when we can’t even put them into words–times, for example, when our hearts are too burdened or confused even to speak. Jesus indicated, “My sheep hear My voice” (Jn. We put our hands together to stop us fiddling with the remote control for the telly/texting/doodling on a piece of paper. Because the sheep know who He is. If so, how? does god speak to us? Open my eyes to your inheritance. How can we say, "I did not know what I was doing?" By studying the heavens, we understand more of God’s greatness. No. Someone once told me they just knew God was telling them it was okay to buy a brand-new pickup. Is it only audibly? He uses instruments through which he seeks to speak and present his nefarious ideas and temptations. As our field staff sees and responds to the needs in each of their local communities, transformation is happening at a grassroots level and the movement of God’s kingdom is changing lives. Talk to that person.” So that every day becomes an adventure directed by the Spirit— to bring the kingdom of God into reality. God never violates His own Word or principles. His Word Shines Forth. How can we say that God does not speak to us in our hearts? Why then, can’t I hear God speak to me audibly, someone might ask? Today, if you want to hear God audibly speak, open the Word … 10:27). “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere” (James 3:17, NIV). Teacher Nicole Murray Students: 0 Students; Free. Saying amen is optional; it is a convention which just means 'so be it'; a bit like signing a letter 'Yours faithfully' to show that you have finished. In some cases, the speaker never spoke what the people say they “heard.” Many times, that may be the result of God’s Spirit speaking a personal “Rhema,” a living, breathing word of truth to our spirits. Through Moses, God used circumstances (plagues) to convince Egypt’s leader to release God’s people from slavery. I want God to say, “Ridge, move here. The Lord directed him. We are a part of the process while He gently steers us in the right direction. There are times when ideas pop into my mind totally unexpectedly–and sometimes directly after a plea for help from God. When it comes to actually hearing the voice of God, what does Scripture tell us? Drop us a line. The Bible says that God knows our thoughts before we speak (Psalm 139:4). Why do you suppose ten people can “hear” a sermon, but each person will walk away with a different truth that applies to him? Wrong attitudes, resentment, or unconfessed sins can create distance in our relationship with God. … Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:2, 23-24, emphasis added throughout). Scripture tells us: For God may speak in one way or another, yet man does not perceive it. He conversed with Adam in the first garden. But we must realize that His words never contradict what He’s said in Scripture. The Bible doesn’t tell me whether or not I should take a new job or what particular car I’m supposed to buy. The third way God speaks to us is through the Holy Spirit. It is a hidden way, by which He enters directly into our thoughts and desires. Do this. In the Gospel of Mark 4:14-20, the Parable of the Sower explains to us why it is that many do not hear the inner Voice of God that speaks within their hearts. Why then, can’t He speak through anyone at anytime or in any way He wants to? Do this. I once heard someone teach about “minding the checks” in your spirit. Hearing God speak THROUGH our minds is different than hearing the Lord through His still small voice, which is an experience that happens TO us. That way, we can discern what God’s good and perfect will is without God specifically and audibly speaking to us (Romans 12:2). They’re in file 13. I have no taped recordings to tell you what God sounds like. Sometimes while praying, God’s Spirit will remind us of a Scripture or a truth in His Word that we can directly apply to the situation. Directing our thoughts is subjective and we have an active participation. We may not know how to pray, but God’s Word tells us His spirit makes intercession for us (Romans 8:26-27). Without it, you are a guaranteed casualty in the invisible war; with it, you are invincible. I do think “hearing God speak” may mean different things to different people. Again, we may not hear God’s literal voice, but His Spirit confirms a certain direction or answer for us. The Holy Spirit opens our hearts to understand more and more of the truth contained in the revealed word of God (John 16:13-14). No matter our level of understanding, God does want to communicate with us through prayer and through the influence of the Holy Spirit. God speaks to His people every time we read the Word, hear it read, or preached (1 Thessalonians 2:13). But the blessed Spirit does more than this; he will often direct the mind to the special subject of prayer.