Day 100

God Still Speaks

"He who belongs to God hears what God says.  The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God"  John 8:47.

My granddaughter asked me this question the other day, “How do you hear God speak, Maw Maw.”  Now that is a grand parents dream, but how do you answer that question for a young person.  As we seek to develop an intimate relationship with God, we will hear Him speak to us more clearly.

Henry Blackaby taught us in Experiencing God that "we hear God speak by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways".  It is easy for us to read how He spoke in the Bible but often times we do not believe He speaks today.  We tend to think it was just for those times, but that is not true

As you read your Bible see where God stops you and meditate on the passage.  It may speak to the circumstances you are facing at the time or it may be preparing you for circumstances to come.  When He stops you write the word down in your journal and pray for God to reveal the truth of the passage as it relates to your life.  You might want to read over the same verses several times in order to extract all He has for you from the verse or verses.

Watch to see how He brings the passage back to mind throughout the day.  He may have you read something that He wants you to share with others you come in contact with throughout your day.  He might be asking you to make major adjustments in your life.  Will you say yes?

As you pray, stop and listen to what God would say to your heart in the way of direction or instruction.  Don't always be found asking things from Him but take the time to see what He wants to share with you either for personal reasons or for your family or friends.  The Spirit of God takes the Word of God and applies it's truths to our lives if we are listening.

When the Bible, prayer, and circumstances seem to line up you need to move ahead and obey God's instructions if when it sounds like a crazy idea.  Obedience is key because if we don't obey His last instruction He may not give us more opportunities.  John 14:23 says, "If anone loves me, he will obey my teaching.  My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him".

What an awesome thought that He would come and make His home with us.  Make it a priority to obey immediately.  Obedience brings new and fresh experiences of God working in and through you.  

Most of all make sure you are a child of God's so you can have that intimacy that affords you the opportunity to hear Him speak to you.  Then develop a consistent time alone with Him.