Listening to God Ministry Is That You Speaking, God?

How does one know if what you hear, read, see and think is from God or not?

The best guide is to compare what you are experiencing with the principles given by God as described in the Old Testament and New Testament of the Holy Bible. Jesus explained that He only taught what God told Him and that if one holds to His teaching you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Refer to John 8:28-32

Studying Scripture, even memorizing verses is not enough. Only those who believe in Jesus and keep His word and invite Him into their life will have the gift of salvation, eternal life with Him. John 5:39-40 and 8:51

Scripture says that God speaks. Does that mean one will hear an audible voice?

There were occasions when God spoke in an audible voice that was heard by those gathered in the area. One time was when Jesus and three of His disciples were on a mountain and a voice from a cloud said that Jesus was His Son whom He loved and they were to listen to Him. Read Mark 9:2-7

Also in I Samuel chapter 3 God called to Samuel with an audible voice and told him what He was about to do. The prayer of Samuel could be our prayer: "Speak Lord, Your servant is listening."

But more often, God's Spirit gives an inner word or knowing or a sudden understanding making the will of God known. This gives one an ability to speak and act that is not from one's own intellectual ability or schooling but a gift from God. Scripture teaches us that we are to pray, asking God for wisdom, believing that He will answer. Read I Corinthians 2:12-14 and John 14:26 and James 1:5-6

Developing discernment is necessary. All that we dream, see as inner pictures, or hear within our mind and spirit is not of God. We have our own desires as well as habits and belief systems that may or may not match the will of God for our lives. Also, the devil tempted Jesus and certainly will offer temptations to us. Jesus gave us an example of how to deal with these temptations described in Luke 4:1-13. The devil promised Him authority and splendor if He would worship him. Jesus quoted Scripture to him that one should worship and serve only God.

There are many instances recorded in the Bible when the Lord communicates with people using dreams and visions. This can happen in our day, but certainly, not all dreams or inner pictures are from God.
Refer to Acts chapters 9 and 10

The Holy Spirit is available to guide, teach and empower believers of Jesus. Turning to other powers leads to spiritual confusion. Our Lord is not an 'add on' god to be mixed with other gods and religions. Seeking your future or daily direction from tarot cards or other games or fortune telling devices is turning your back on the One who desires the best for you and has directions and blessings, protection and hope, peace and joy. Read Jeremiah 29:11-13

Teachers and preachers, as well as others inspired by God can speak or illustrate with their lives the messages of our Lord. Children or the elderly can show us a touch of the holy. Neither age nor position restrict our being used by God. Art and music, writings and even silence can draw us closer to God. But we are warned in II Peter 2:1-3 that false prophets and teachers will present heresies, even denying the life and word and work, the death and resurrection of Jesus. So we are to evaluate whether what people say is from God and look at the fruit of their lives to help us know if they are truly forwarding the good news, the gospel of the kingdom of God, or whether they are promoting lies. Read Matthew 7:15-23

Let the Bereans who are described in Acts 17:11 be an example to us. They were called noble in character because they eagerly received what Paul proclaimed and compared his words with Scripture to see if what he said is true.

Prayer

Father God, help me recognize what is right and what is wrong in Your eyes and help me make choices to live in a way that is pleasing to You. Help me hear You in whatever way You choose to communicate with me. Guide, bless and protect me as I walk in obedience to Your Way.

Application Suggestion

As you listen to others, read books, view the television, computer or films pray to know God's perspective on what is presented. Turn away from those things which are mind cluttering and harmful to soul and spirit. Close your ears and eyes to those things that are distractions to God's call on your life. Choose to focus on what is godly.