Hearing God in Daily Life

"And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it'... "
(Isaiah 30:21 AMP)

A few month's ago, we talked about whether or not we can really know God's will for our lives. Well, I want to share a special testimony with you today about just that. 

Now, I sometimes hesitate to share personal testimonies because some people mistake them them for boasting.  But, if we never hear testimonies of real life Christians living for God in the 21st century, how will we learn practical ways to live out God's Word in our own lives? 

Is God Still Talking?

Dr. Charles Stanley

How can we hear God’s voice speaking into our lives? Take our online lesson to learn about listening to God

“Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you; O Israel, if you would listen to Me! “Let there be no strange god among you; Nor shall you worship any foreign god. “I, the LORD, am your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt; Open your mouth wide and I will fill it. “But My people did not listen to My voice, And Israel did not obey Me. “So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, To walk in their own devices. “Oh that My people would listen to Me, That Israel would walk in My ways! “I would quickly subdue their enemies And turn My hand against their adversaries. “Those who hate the LORD would pretend obedience to Him, And their time of punishment would be forever. “But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat, And with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” (Psalm 81:8-16)

Children have selective hearing, the ability to tune out an adult’s voice whenever they want. Either they are absorbed in their own activities and do not want to be disturbed, or they do not like what they are hearing so they ignore the voice. The adult is speaking, but you would never know it by the child’s response. At times we behave the same way toward our heavenly Father, don’t we?

Hearing From The Lord

In the bible we see how God spoke at various times to his people.
Notice that it was only various and not all the time.
When he spoke it was revelation that required His people to do something.
God now speaks to us through His son Jesus and he requires us to be
His servants wherever we are. He will be with us.
He will watch over us.
He will guide us.

Heb 1:1-2
1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,

2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Just Breathe: Healing from Sinus Cancer

AMAZING STORY

By Tim Smith
The 700 Club

CBN.com - Jacob Boger had severe headaches, watery eyes, and felt fatigued all the time. MRI tests showed a tumor in his nasal cavity, behind his eyes. A subsequent biopsy revealed even more… cancer. “I had ignored the symptoms for so long that the cancer had progressed through the 1st stage, the 2nd stage, and the 3rd stage. And by the time we did the biopsy, I was in the 4th stage, and given a less than 10% chance to live. The cancer was eating a hole in my skull and was heading toward my brain.”

Jacob needed immediate chemo and radiation. His doctor told him about the possible side effects. “’It’s going to make you sterile. Your saliva glands are going to be destroyed. Your taste buds are going to be destroyed. The radiation that’s going to go with this treatment is going to destroy your hair follicles. You’ll never have hair on the sides of your head again.’”

Jessica was Jacob’s girlfriend at the time. “And I remember that night. I was driving him home from a restaurant. And he told me, ‘The doctors told me that I won’t be able to have children.’ I remember that moment, a tear rolled down his cheek when he was in the car with me.”

This Is Your Day

"And Deborah said unto Barak, 'Up; for this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered Sisera into thine hand....'"

Judges 4: 14

King James Version

       This Is Your Day"

"Nobody makes a greater mistake than (she) who does nothing because (she) could only do a little."

Edmund Burke

What is the 'Sisera' in my life that I need to be delivered from?

Today, do I hear God telling me, "__(Your Name)____, up! I have delivered 'Sisera' into your hands?"

How to Hear from God Regularly

Whitney Hopler, Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer

Editor's note: This article was adapted from Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God, copyright 2012, 1999, 1993, and 1984 by Dallas Willard. Published by Formatio, a division of InterVarsity Press, Downer’s Grove, Ill., www.ivpress.com.

God is constantly speaking to people. But too often, they miss out on hearing God’s messages because they seek His guidance only occasionally – usually when they’re going through a crisis or facing a major decision. Then, with a dire need to hear from God, people become confused and frustrated when they don’t clearly hear what they should do.

It doesn’t have to be that way. God wants everyone to hear His messages clearly, and it’s possible to do so. The key is to forget about formulas and gimmicks for hearing from God, and to focus instead on developing the kind of relationship with God that will empower you to hear God speaking regularly. The closer you get to God, the more you can enjoy ongoing conversations with Him, and the more God will use those conversations to transform you into the person He wants you to become.

Here’s how you can hear from God regularly:

Expect to Hear His Voice

"The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice, and I know them and they follow Me." (John 10:27, The Amplified Bible)
So many believers are unsure of their ability to hear God or know His voice. They're always afraid that they won't be able to tell when the Spirit of God is talking to them.

What they don't realize is this: Hearing the voice of the Spirit is a privilege that the Bible says belongs to every believer (Rom. 8:14). All we have to do to exercise that privilege is to receive it by faith and put ourselves in a position to hear.

The Top 10 Bible Verses of 2012

What were the most-read Bible verses on Bible Gateway in 2012?

We’ve crunched the numbers to find out which parts of the Bible were the most heavily looked up and read last year. 

Here’s a countdown of the top ten most popular Bible verses of 2012, based on Bible Gateway visitor data:

10. Proverbs 3:6

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (KJV)

9. Psalm 23:4

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (NIV)

8. 1 Corinthians 13:4

“Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant….” (CEB)

7. Proverbs 3:5

“With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment.” (CEV)

God Has Something to Say

"The sheep listen to [the Shepherd's] voice and heed it, and he calls his own sheep by name and brings (leads) them out." (John 10:3, The Amplified Bible)
Don't ever be so afraid of making a mistake you miss out on the joy of acting on the voice of the Lord. Instead, trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit and let Him show you how. He'll begin by speaking to you about the little things in your life, and as you grow accustomed to hearing and obeying, He'll speak to you about weightier things.


That's how it happened with Gloria and me. When we first accepted Jesus as Lord, we didn't have any idea how to hear God. Our spirits weren't yet trained to distinguish His leading. But since the Bible promised we could do it, we began to approach our prayer time and Bible study time expecting to hear God's direction and He began to give it.

No More Surprises

Written by Kenneth Copeland   


"But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God" (1 Cor. 2:10).

God is not full of surprises. He's not an unpredictable being who likes to keep you guessing. Countless believers, however, have the idea He is.

"You just never know what God is going to do," they say. They base that idea on 1 Corinthians 2:9 which says, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." They interpret that scripture to mean that God is keeping secrets from His people.

But, praise God, He isn't!

In fact, verse 10 says He's given us His Spirit to reveal those secrets to us! He wants us to know everything that's on His heart.

Surprised By God

Our Daily Bread is hosted by Les Lamborn

READ: Ephesians 3:14-21

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. —Ephesians 3:20

After 10 years of renting in a charming location, we discovered that our landlord suddenly needed to sell the house. I asked God to change the circumstances and make it possible for my wife and me to stay in this place we’d made home, where we’d watched our children grow up. But God said no.

When it comes to my needs, I worry that I’m asking for the wrong thing or that I’m not worthy of the request I’m making. But God’s no doesn’t need to shake our faith when we’re grounded—surrounded I like to say—in His love. In Ephesians 3, Paul understood that those who know the love of Christ intimately (vv.16-17) can trust God to have a loving reason for saying no.

The Long Miles

Written by Gail Morris

Do you find it hard to hear God in the busyness of the day to day? Take today’s lesson “Listening to God” to help refocus your attention.

“After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters.” (Genesis 5:22)

One morning during my walk, I came across something that made me shake my head. I heard a noise behind me. It sounded like an engine, but not car-like. Through the darkness, I could only determine a vague outline of a moving object. While I kept my pace, the noise came closer. I glanced over my shoulder again and watched as a golf cart cruised by me.

A Letter From God

As you got up I watched and hoped you would talk
to me. Just a few words, such as thanking me for
something good in your life yesterday or last
week, would do.

But I noticed you were busy selecting the right
clothes for work. I waited again to hear from you.
When you ran around the house collecting papers,
I knew there would be a few minutes to stop and
say hello, but you never slowed down.

I wanted to tell you that I could help you
accomplish more than you ever dreamed possible
if you would just spend some of each day with me.
At one point you waited fifteen minutes in a chair
with nothing to do. I waited to hear from you.

LIFE OF GOD

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10 

JOHN 10:7-10

The Greek word translated "life" here is "zoe" and it means life in the absolute sense or life as God has it. Everyone who is breathing has life in the sense of physical existence, but only those who receive Jesus can experience life as God intended it to be. 

Jesus came to not only save us from the torment of eternal hell, but also to give us this "zoe" or God-kind of life in abundance. 

The life of God is not awaiting us in heaven, but is presently possessed by every born-again person in his spirit. We can release this "zoe" life and enjoy it now by losing our natural life and finding this supernatural life. 

Open to the Savior

If you would like to welcome Jesus Christ into your life, you can do so at any time, anywhere. Consider these important facts:

God loves you and seeks a personal relationship with you! "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." (Rev. 3:20)

The problem is: everyone has been born into this world spiritually dead because of sin. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 6:23)

Jesus will forgive us of all sin, assuring us of eternity in Heaven! "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

To receive Jesus, pray in this manner: Lord Jesus, I'm a sinner. Please come into my life and forgive me of all sin. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. Now, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me from this day forward. Thank You, Lord, for loving me! Amen.

http://www.jackhayford.org/articles1-443/OpentotheSavior

Arise My Daughter

Written by Barbara Alpert

Is it time to take a step of faith?

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. (Isaiah 60:1)  

My beloved daughter, it is time for you to arise and take your stance in the light of my Son. I, your heavenly Father, am calling you out of darkness. Arise from your affliction for my power within you is greater than your despondency. Healing, restoration, and freedom await but you must have faith. I beckon you to arise to the new things I seek to do within, for, and through you.    

Cleary, you do not perceive that your prison sentence, inner turmoil and suffering, is over. I, the Lord, have removed the chains that bound you. Your shackles are loose, and your prison doors are open. In your darkness, I heard your weeping and now I offer you my joy. Freedom and new life awaits but you must choose to come out of captivity. My precious one, it is time for you to step forward and partake in the new things I set before you. 

Hear God Through Your Dreams

Hear God Through Your Dreams (3-CD Set and Book) by Mark Virkler, Code: 9112

"The best teaching I have ever seen on interpreting dreams!" — Sid Roth "I will bless the Lord who has counseled me; Indeed my mind instructs me in the night" (Psalm 16:7 NAS). Do you often wake up feeling there was a significant message in your dream, but you're just not sure what it is? Like Daniel and Joseph, do you long to be able to help others understand their own dreams and recognize the message within them from their Heavenly Father? Wouldn't it be nice if you could receive mid-course corrections from the Lord while you sleep? Do you wish you could be receiving divine inspiration, creative solutions to problems, and direction from the Lord during that third of your life that you're "just" sleeping? This unique 3-CD series and Workbook will guide you in letting the Holy Spirit be your Teacher as you learn to interpret God's messages revealed through your dreams! (Includes 5 complete sessions on 3 CDs, plus workbook. Also, be sure to order Mark Virkler's book, Four Keys to Hearing God's Voice (see below). Mark Virkler and his wife, Patti, are the founders and directors of Communion With God Ministries and Christian Leadership University, an internet school. They have helped establish more than 150 church-centered schools. https://secure2.convio.net/srmv/site/Ecommerce?VIEW_PRODUCT=true&product_id=17302&store_id=1101&JServSessionIdr004=bym4igwh82.app220b

'God Hides His Face' - When it comes to prayer, don't hang up—hang on!

by Vernon C. Grounds

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Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn

Read: Psalm 77:1-15

Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? —Psalm 77:7

Bible in a Year:
Psalms 35-36; Acts 25

Does it ever seem as if you can’t get through to God in prayer? If so, you’re not alone. 

David Brainerd was a godly missionary to the North American Indians in colonial days. He kept a diary in which he recorded his spiritual mountain peaks as well as his valleys. At one point he wrote, “I lodge in a bundle of straw, my labor is hard and extremely difficult, and I have little appearance of success to comfort me. . . . But what makes all my difficulties grievous to be borne is that God hides His face from me.”

When it seems God isn’t listening, that He’s “forgotten to be gracious” (Psalm 77:9), what should you do?

* Recognize that your experience is not unique and doesn’t mean you are an outcast from God’s redeemed family.

* Seek out a fellow believer with whom you can share your feelings and ask for prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:25).

* Meditate on the truths of Scripture and what God has done for you in the past (Psalm 77:11-12).

* Keep on praying in faith to your great God, no matter how silent heaven may seem (Luke 18:1).

Remember, our God is “the God who does wonders”! (Psalm 77:14).

              And since He bids me seek His face,
              Believe His Word and trust His grace,
              I'll cast on Him my every care,
              And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer. — Walford 

When it comes to prayer, don't hang up — 

hang on!

http://odb.org/2001/07/24/god-hides-his-face/

The Joy of Soaking Prayer

Debbie Przybylski, Intercessors Arise International


“Jesus says, ‘Ask and you will receive’. We’re very good at the asking part but how about the ‘receiving’? If we are the ones who are dong all the talking, it’s a pretty one-way conversation. Soaking is the listening part of our conversation with Him. It’s laying aside time to lie down and receive from Him.” --CTF Ministries

“When we discipline ourselves to behold Jesus in every circumstance, a transformation occurs. We learn how to sit, wait and watch for Him every day. The Holy Spirit teaches us about face-to-face, personal adoration; it comes from a worship that flows from a place of rest. When we sit at Jesus’ feet and just be, as Mary did, we behold Him. Worship cannot come out of striving, but out of stillness. Spending time with God gives us a touch from Him - this touch is such a pleasure that it will cause a spirit of adoration to well up in us, and overflow.” --Graham Cooke

There is joy in the life of those who practice soaking prayer. It’s time to lay your burdens at the feet of Jesus. It’s time to find rest for your soul in 2007. It’s time to be still and know that He is God. It may take a little effort to quiet your racing thoughts, but it’s well worth the effort. Let Him lead you beside still waters. Take time to meditate on the following Scriptures:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3).

“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

How to Soak in God’s Presence

”When it comes to real devotion, come with nothing to do except to sit and learn how to wait, rest and be. Be still. Fill your mind with Jesus. Faith and stillness are sustenance for your spirit, so learn to focus on Jesus. When your mind wanders off, bring it back. Retrain it; it’s had years of having its own way. Renewing your spirit and your mind is exciting and has incredible fruit. Worship becomes natural for you, and the peace of God wells up in your heart. God’s perspective can be seen more quickly.” --Graham Cooke”

Find a quiet place - A peaceful environment helps you to become peaceful on the inside.

Listen to worship music - You may want to use quiet instrumental or quiet worship music. There is so much good soaking music available (www.soaking.net is an excellent resource).

Quiet down your busy thoughts - Initially your thoughts can be racing all over, but know that the Lord is with you. Turn your attention to Him. Wait for your thoughts to settle.

Invite the Holy Spirit to come and soak you in His presence - Surrender your mind, body and soul in prayer to the Holy Spirit. Humble yourself before Him.

Focus on the Lord’s presence - Open your heart to God. You are learning to abide in Him. You are learning to focus on Him and His presence.

Rest in faith and believe that God is working within you - It isn’t about what you can accomplish through your efforts; it’s about what God is doing in you.

Give time to soaking in God’s presence - The more time you can spend in His presence, the better. Start with 20 minutes in His presence. You will find as you do this, in a very short time you will want to spend more time in His presence.

Watch as God changes you - You will leave refreshed and full of the Holy Spirit. Your life will be different because God is changing you through soaking in His presence. You will have an impact on the world around you as you carry God’s presence with you wherever you go.

“Intimacy with God is the key to fruitfulness in every area of our lives. As we become more aware of His presence in us… so do other people. As we become more affected by His presence in us… so do those around us. By taking time in the secret place with God, we start to walk by the spirit in everyday life. We find that rather than striving to achieve things for God, He is building His kingdom through us.” --CTF Ministries

Begin today by soaking for at least 20 minutes in God’s presence. Go on the internet to www.soaking.net. This website offers free downloads of soaking music. I guarantee that you will be blessed by playing this soaking music. We used it during our month-long 24-7 House of Prayer in Spain. It was a favorite in the prayer room. If you don’t have a computer, put on any quiet worship music. Practice the above points and watch what God does. Soaking prayer will have a transforming effect in your life, and if you practice it regularly during 2007, it will have a transforming effect in your year.

“Soaking is a dedication: ‘God, this is time just for you.’ Soaking is an invitation: ‘God, do what you want to in me.’ Soaking is an expectation: ‘Thank you, Father, for what you are accomplishing as I rest in you.’ We come to Him like little children believing that He has good things for us. ‘If you then know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.” --CTF Ministries

Together in the Harvest,

Deb

This article first appeared on the Praying Pastors Blog of the National Pastors' Prayer Network. Used with permission.

Debbie Przybylski is the founder and director of Intercessors Arise International, a part of the ministry of the Elijah Company, Inc. The vision of Intercessors Arise International is to see thousands of intercessors from every nation released in strategic prayer for the furtherance of the Gospel worldwide. Contact Deb at deb@intercessorsarise.org

http://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-leadership/the-joy-of-soaking-prayer-1463841.html?ps=0