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?

Gift of Counsel

I remembered one of my children coming home from school one day, very upset, complaining about a particular teacher. "What does he know, anyway?" was their initial reaction.

Over the years, I have often thought about that question when I'm in some disagreement with the various people God has placed in my life for my own personal counsel and guidance. "What do they know anyway?" I am tempted to think.

Perhaps you have thought this way about a boss, or your spouse, or perhaps even your pastor? In those particular moments, the Holy Spirit has taught me to prayerfully meditate on the counsel of others, instead of immediately rejecting it. Proverbs 19:20, NKJV tells us to "Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days."

God's Way

"Why are you still sick? If God is your healer, then why aren't you healed?" Comments like this can cause distressful nights from well-meaning friends. Or you may have these questions yourself. The answer, I believe, lies in the power of the cross...in the process our old natures undergo as God prepares us for a truly victorious life.

As we advance in our spiritual life, the Holy Spirit searches our hearts for the dark "pockets" of our sin nature that have yet to die. King David spent an entire Psalm (38) describing how this affected his health. He also described the taunts of his family and friends who derided and avoided him when physically, he was in his darkest hour. This may be what you're going through now.

Many are the strong saints in the Lord who have had similar experiences in their lives. They also came to realize that it was not a time when God was not answering their prayer - indeed He was, but in a far greater way. He was changing them to be more like Him. How can you explain to the unenlightened what is happening to you inside? You can't. You can only take comfort in the knowledge that you are: "carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body...then death is working in us, but life in you" (2 Corinthians 4:10, 12, NKJV).

Was it God or the Devil? Discerning Satanic Hindrances

JENNIFER LECLAIRE

 

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Did God stop you or was it the devil? (istockphoto.com/tumpikuja)

I’ll admit it. There have been times when I thought the devil was in my way and it was really the Holy Spirit preventing me. There were other times when I thought the Holy Spirit was opening the door and it was really the devil tapping into the idolatry in my own heart to set me up for a mess.

I’ve grown up quite a lot in Christ since then, but we are all prone to miss it from time to time. Understanding how the Holy Spirit leads and how the devil deceives can help you follow the steps the Lord has ordered for you instead of falling into the roaring lion's trap.

We can take a lesson from the apostle Paul, who keenly observed the difference between his own plans, the Holy Spirit’s plans and the devil’s plans.

I’m so Impatient, Lord

by Katherine Kehler

“But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us:  love, joy, peace, patience . . .” Galatians 5:22

Lately, I have noticed how impatient I am.  The other day, I was driving home—it was rush hour traffic and I planned to drive the back roads so I would miss the traffic, but there were police cars blocking them, so I had to drive the Highway, knowing full well that when I got to the intersection, I would have to wait for several light changes before I could make the left turn.  One light change, two light changes then three light changes and I was feeling very inpatient.  Then the thought came to my mind, “Does it really matter—in light of eternity?”  “Why don’t’ you pray for the people in the truck ahead of you?”

When I began to pray for the people in the truck ahead of me, the time went fast and soon I was able to make the left hand turn and was home in a few minutes.

Lord, when I think about it, I wonder why I was in such a hurry?  I don’t have kids waiting for me at home anymore.  I guess I am still habitually busy like I was when the children were still at home, when we had the farm, when our parents were sick, when we were in full time ministry, etc., etc.  But now my life has slowed down —I have more time to enjoy life —but sometimes I forget, Lord.  Slow me down Lord!  Help me be calm, relax and enjoy my day – my husband, my family, my friends, my neighbors, and the people I meet. I need the Holy Spirit to control my life and produce patience every moment of the day. Amen. 

Vintage Church

Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is an excerpt from Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and Timely Methods by Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears (Crossway).

CHAPTER ONE
WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him. Colossians 2:6

Jesus. If one word were to be chosen as the most important word in the history of the world, it would be the name Jesus.

God preached the first gospel to our parents, Adam and Eve, shortly following their sin in Genesis 3; he promised that Jesus would come. From that day onward, God inspired his prophets to reveal in great detail the events surrounding the coming of Jesus.¹Consequently, for roughly a few thousand years God's people longed for Jesus' arrival.

Jesus came into history in the most humble manner. He was born roughly two thousand years ago in a barn to a poor, young virgin woman named Mary. Although he was God, Jesus' first earthly throne was the feeding trough of an animal, which was used for his crib.

Jesus' unparalleled humility is one of his most shocking attributes.² Our culture believes that pride is our greatest friend although it is the reason why Satan himself was kicked out of heaven. Pride covets the success of others and is about self--my glory, my arrogance, and my independence. Our culture, tragically, considers pride a virtue rather than a vice. Conversely, Jesus came in great humility and lived his life in great humility. Before repeatedly and emphatically declaring himself to be God,³ Jesus spent the first roughly thirty years of his life in relative obscurity in a humble town with humble parents working a humble job as a carpenter.

How bad can you be and still be a Christian?

Billy Graham's Answer 

Christians aren't perfect. Every Christian sins, and every day those of us who are Christians need God's forgiveness and grace. I often think of the Bible's words: "If we claim we have not sinned, we make him (God) out to be a liar" (1 John 1:10).

But when someone claims to be a follower of Jesus and yet makes no effort to obey God and shows no evidence of a changed life, they may be deceiving themselves. The Bible is clear: When we know God, our lives will be different. Yes, our old sinful nature still lives within us, but God also lives within us by His Holy Spirit, and we won't be content to live the way we once did. Jesus said, "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:20).

When Your Rooster Crows

Written by Kristi Huseby

Take today’s next step: If you struggle with guilt, read this. 

“But Peter said, ‘Man, I don’t know what you are talking about.’ And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.” (Luke 22:60-61, NLT)

I’m reading a book by Mark Batterson, called Wild Goose Chase. The premise of the book is that often we as believers find ourselves in various cages that hinder us from pursuing the Holy Spirit and his leadings. One of those cages is the Cage of Guilt.

Receive the Man of God

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me." (John 13:20)

I can't tell you how many born-again, Holy Ghost-filled Christians pick their pastor apart on Saturday night and then expect him to pray the prayer of faith for them Sunday morning! They'll constantly make critical comments about the evangelists and preachers that God has sent to minister to them and then wonder why the rain of the Spirit has all but dried up in their churches.

Most of those folks would never dream of criticizing the ministry of Jesus. Yet, according to the Word of God, that's precisely what they're doing. You see, Jesus said, "He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me."

I know ministers fail sometimes. I know they make mistakes. Jesus knew they would too. But, even so, He said, "If you receive them, you receive Me."

By My Spirit

“So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the LORD Almighty.’”—Zechariah 4:6

The Torah portion for this week is Behaalotecha, from Numbers 8:1–12:16 and the Haftorah from Zechariah 2:14–4:7.

David Ben Gurion, the first Prime Minister of Israel, once said: “In Israel, to be a realist, you have to believe in miracles.” Ben Gurion recognized that the creation of Israel and her ability to survive was nothing other than miraculous. Israel is a living testimony that God – not politics or armies – controls the world. Our world is not a product of strength; it is a reflection of spirit.

In this week’s Torah portion, we read about the menorah, the seven-branched lamp that the priests would light in the Temple. In the Haftorah, we read a portion from Zechariah that includes his vision involving a menorah. This is also the Haftorah read on the Shabbat of Hanukkah, the holiday when we light our own menorahs in memory of the miraculous defeat of the Greek oppressors by the Jewish Maccabees.

Don't Give Up!

MARGARET ENGLISH DE ALMINANA

If you’re accustomed to praying in the power of Holy Spirit, you’ve probably experienced seasons of spiritual warfare. Sometimes it may seem as if all hell is breaking loose—literally.

People may seem to get mad at you for no reason. Others may begin gossip campaigns. Your car breaks down and the kids act up. Your husband says you are spending too much time in prayer. Your friends tell you to back off—that you’re just no fun anymore. In these seasons, problems can feel as though they are pouring into your life from every angle, and you can end up feeling misunderstood, confused, rejected and alone.

But you’re not alone! Seasoned intercessors all experience such problems. In fact, they say they expect them—and rejoice because they believe they are making progress in prayer.

When Hurt Robs Us of Hope

By Renee Swope

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NIV)

How could this be happening? She had given up so much to be with him and now this?

My friend had left her very successful career and friends in Louisiana, uprooted her three kids and moved to North Carolina to get married and live in her new husband's hometown. And now, six years later, she answered the phone and was shocked by the confession of a woman who called to tell her that she'd been having an affair with my friend's second husband — for the past four years.

I held her as she sobbed. And I listened as she questioned everything about her husband. Every business trip, every late night at the office, everything she thought was true that was now laced with deceit.

A Resting Place

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." (Titus 3:5-6)

 
Certainly one of the most precious doctrines of all Scripture is that reflected in our text. Our salvation depends not on our own "works of righteousness," but upon His mercy and grace, given us freely through the atoning work of Jesus Christ our Savior.

The grand old hymn "My Faith Has Found a Resting Place" reflects this theme. Let us use its four verses and chorus to focus our study as well as our hearts these next four days.

The Spirit of Revelation

Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. —Matthew 16:16-17

Peter heard the speculations of men and pondered them. Some thought Jesus was John the Baptist, or Elijah, or one of the other prophets. But when confronted with, "Who do you say I am?" Peter listened to the voice that spoke above the voices of men. Flesh and blood could not give him the right answer. Only the Spirit of God could reveal the right answer to him.

In the Book of Revelation, John repeated the words Jesus often spoke, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." He was not speaking of physical ears, but spiritual ears tuned in to God's spirit of revelation. The Spirit was not silent, but no one was listening in the Spirit.

Learn to be led by your spirit, or you will follow the dictates of your mind and your flesh. Get in tune with your spirit, strengthening it daily with the Word. Are you listening with spiritual ears?

Jesus, I confess that You are my 

Master, Savior, Lord, Friend, Teacher, 

and my all in all. Amen.

Fear of What's Next

by Max Lucado

"I am going away" ( John 14:28).

Imagine their shock when they heard Jesus say those words. He spoke them on the night of the Passover celebration, Thursday evening, in the Upper Room. Christ and his friends had just enjoyed a calm dinner in the midst of a chaotic week. They had reason for optimism: Jesus' popularity was soaring. Opportunities were increasing. In three short years the crowds had lifted Christ to their shoulders . . . he was the hope of the common man.

And now this? Jesus said, "I am going away." The announcement stunned them. When Jesus explained, "You know the way to where I am going," Thomas, with no small dose of exasperation, replied, "No, we don't know, Lord. We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" ( John 14:4-5 NLT).

Having Faith and Belief That God Can Actually Heal You

Sometimes God will move to heal someone who has very low levels of faith in Him, but there will be other times that He will want this person to have his faith levels built up a bit before He will move in with His healing power.
As you will see in the following Scripture verses, there was many a time that Jesus would ask the person He was wanting to heal whether or not that person had enough faith and belief in Him that He could actually heal them. Once that person said he had enough faith in Jesus that He could actually heal him, then Jesus would move in to heal him.

Jesus would then go as far as to tell this person that his faith was what got him healed! However, it was quite obvious that what got this person healed was the power of the Holy Spirit operating and manifesting through Jesus. However, what got the healing power from the Holy Spirit to manifest onto that person was the person’s faith and belief that Jesus could actually do this for him.

Creflo Dollar Guaranteed Success in the Kingdom of God

Author- Creflo Dollar

How bad do you want to succeed in life? Most people want to experience success in their endeavors but they are really unsure of how to achieve the success they desire. According to the world's system, success is achieved by how hard you work, whether you have the right connections and whether or not you are willing to compromise at times. But God's formula for success is different. In the kingdom of God system, success is determined by three things: 1) keeping the Word of God in your mouth, 2) meditating on it and 3) acting out on what He says. When you follow His three–part formula for success, you can't fail.

The first key to supernatural success—keeping the Word in your mouth—is vital. People may call you "deep" or super–spiritual when they hear you constantly speaking the Word, but don't pay them any attention. Remind yourself and others that you are working on something and going somewhere! If you want success then you have to talk it, and the only way to talk up true success is to constantly confess the Word. It will take planning, scheduling and discipline, but when you consistently speak the Word, you create a successful life.

The Prophetic Initiative : What Wants To Emerge

The Spirit intricately ties the shape of the future to those who cooperate with Him to bring it to pass. They have the ability to influence and shape the future because they know what wants to emerge because of what the Spirit has revealed to them. 

The Spirit discloses the things that are to come, the things that want to emerge. It takes a company of influencers who can combine what they see, by the Spirit, what wants to emerge with words that captivate hearts to join in the ushering in of a day and an hour of new wine for the 21st century. I have something absolutely important and exciting to share with you. I urge you to prayerfully approach what you are about to read.

In every generation the hand of the Lord moves on some to move the heart of nations. They have a desire to be a redemptive influence in large sectors of the culture. They carry an intense passion for His glory, and have been moving His heart in the secret place long before their public appearing. They have learned how to feed on “honey from the rock". The meat is to do the will of the One Who authorizes and sends them.

Wait in God's Presence

by Barbie Breathitt

The Bible is full of God-given revelation through dreams, visions, and prophecy. We must study to show ourselves approved so that we can operate in the Spirit of understanding. We need to be spiritually fruitful in today's age of increasing spiritual awareness—which is both good and evil. We must learn from the Holy Spirit to discern between the two and have the character to reject the evil and embrace the true.

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened...” Ephesians 1:17–18 NKJV

The tangible presence of God residing in our lives, enabling us to do the impossible, is more important now than ever before in history. We do well to adopt the prayer of Moses in Exodus 33:13–16 (below). Moses asked God to show him His ways. This involves the spiritual realm of vision. If we are able to see our future and understand the ways God wants us to walk, we will prosper. It is time to see the grace and favor of God resting upon us in the realms of glory. Part of knowing God is recognizing His glory manifest in and through our lives. Do we really know God if we are not walking in the strength of His power doing great exploits?

Avoid the Pit of Condemnation

1 Peter 4 : 12 - 14, Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. NKJV

How do you respond to trouble when it knocks at your door? I have seen how many Christians (including me) respond to trouble. There is a tendency to ask, "What did I do wrong that caused this trouble?" But here is the danger in asking   such a question: It places your attention on you and not on the righteousness of God. 

Do you remember what kind of a day scripture says that Job had when he lost his family, his livestock, and his health? He lived under the old covenant... before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. But thankfully and unlike Job, we're under the new covenant (of grace by faith in Christ), and we do have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.