1Kings 19:12 After the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.
I’ve become more and more convinced that it is essential that we learn to hear from God to walk with God or to live the lives that He has for us.
Dallas Willard opens his fantastic book (and I opened the message with his opening) with this ka-bam:
Hearing God? A daring idea, some would say – presumptuous and even dangerous. But what if we are made for it? What if the human system simply will not function properly without it? There are good reasons to think it will not. The fine texture as well as the grand movements of life show the need. Is it not, in fact, more presumptuous and dangerous to undertake human existence without hearing God?
Among the most common ways that God speaks to people, especially His people is through what’s been called the “Still Small Voice”. It’s a phrase from the passage in 1 Kings (above).
I talked about some ways we may know that “the voice” is actually God. I had to cut that part short, but here are a few additional thoughts.
√ Bible – It is absolutely critical is to be shaped by words from God’s mouth. The Bible not only speaks to us, it also gives us insight to HOW God speaks to us. It also gives us an idea of the kinds of things God tends to say.
√ Recurring – “by the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses a matter is confirmed”. The Spirit showed Peter the “lowered sheet vision” THREE TIMES”. Watch out for those words that keep coming around.
√ Confirmed – speaking of “confirmed” 1 Thessalonians 5 is invaluable.
1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good 22 abstain from every form every appearance of evil.
– Don’t be that “poo poo” words from the Holy Spirit that someone may have. Don’t quench. Don’t be a spiritual arms-folded, eyes-rolled wet blanket. Don’t traffic in unbelief.
– Examine everything: Use your brain, your understanding of scripture, your small group.
– Grab on to what’s good.
– If it appears bad… it probably is. Dump it! Ignore it.
One of my prayers for Journey, for US is that we hear from God regularly.
Psalm 29:4 The voice of the LORD is powerful,
The voice of the LORD is majestic.
5 The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
