HOW BIG IS YOUR GOD?

How Big Is Your God?

As we are on this 40 Day UNSTOPPABLE Breakthrough faith journey…we are taking our thoughts from Mark Batterson’s book, “In a Pit, with a Lion, on a Snowy Day.”

“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jeremiah 32:17)

How big is your God? Doesn’t our life boil down to how we perceive and believe God? It’s not that we will ever be free of facing “lions”, “giants”, “mountains”, problems, setbacks, failures, or even opportunities that seem so far beyond our reach. Let’s face it; we will face sickness, job loss, breakdowns in relationships, and so many other things that could be worse. But the key of breaking through is your faith and trust in God.

I have never met a person that said, “Miracles…no thank you, I’ll pass on a miracle.” Or, “I like my depression, just the way that it is.” How about, “I don’t need God to do anything for me.” Most people that I meet would love to see God do amazing things in their life. You’re probably reading this blog and you have something in your life that it seems impossible to be resolved. You’re breakthrough will be determined by four important things that you will need to commit.

1. How bad do you want the change?
People will never change until they get sick and tired of where they are. When you want the miracle bad enough, you will chase after the only One that can change what’s wrong in your life. When you want the goal bad enough, you will chase after the God who is able to make the dream come alive. After all… If He can raise a man who was dead for three days, He can raise the dreams that you have been declaring dead (or impossible).

2. How big is your God?
A.W. Tozer said, “A low view of God is the cause of a hundred lesser evils.” But a person with a “high view” of God “is relieved of ten thousand temporal problems.” If we really believe that God did the things we read in His Word, then we have to believe that He is big enough to tackle anything that we could ever bring to Him.

3. When will you start?
If not now, when? If not God, then who? What are you waiting for? We are not waiting on God; God is waiting on us. The people that were receiving miracles where the ones that were reaching out and pursuing Jesus. Yes, He would pass by, but there was a step of faith on every person’s part if they were to receive their breakthrough. You can either let your lion continue to paralyze you or you can come alive and go after it.

4. Your focus and your words.
Focus and speak more about how big your God is and what He is going to do for you, than talking more about yourself and what’s wrong. Batterson says, “How you think about God will determine who you will become.” Your heart determines your thoughts, and your thoughts determine your words, and your words will eventually determine your actions.

When you size up your lion. Whatever you believe God for… believe in the depths of your heart that God is big enough (Jer. 32:17). Think God is able. Say nothing is impossible for God (Matt. 19:26). Watch your breakthrough, miracle, and dream come alive!

You are UNSTOPPABLE with Christ!
Pastor Shannon

40 Days of Unstoppable Breakthrough Faith

Do you need answers? Do you find yourself wishing things were different? Is there one or several areas of your life that you are dissatisfied with? Maybe you feel like you are on the verge of a breakthrough, things are about to change, but you don’t know what to do.

Here is what I know. Things never just happen without effort, a change of mind, a new focus or even a new connection. When I read through the bible, I see many people who received miracles and breakthroughs and they all have one thing in common… they were all seekers of God. They pursued God for a healing, a miracle, financial breakthrough, planting a new church, a person who needed Christ, gifts of the spirit, and in turn as they pursued God, miracles began to show up.  We see that limited resources were multiplied (Mark 6:41-44), God was changing hearts of some hard cases, (people couldn’t believe that Saul was converted, who would surprise you if God changed their heart?), people were being raised from the dead, impossible healings, and even one guy was teleported from one place to another (Acts 8:38-40). The bible is packed full of impossible situations, and yet we see God DO what man could not do for himself when he pursued God. His Word promises us that when we earnestly seek Him, rewards will be found (Heb. 11:6).

Two things that God loves… (1) His creation to worship Him (Ps. 29:2; Deut. 6:5). (2) His people to FULLY TRUST Him (Prov. 3:5-6; Ps. 20:7). I’m suggesting that we start our new year by eliminating excuses, rekindle our passion for God, and give God back His wonder and awe. He deserves to be worshipped as a God who is not common. God is everything but common. Maybe our lives have become so unattractive to the unbeliever, and miserable to ourselves, is because we have moved away from worshipping an uncommon God. He is miraculous. In a moment, He can change circumstances. In one word, He is able to create something out of nothing. In one command, He can eliminate our obstacles and put things back to order. Oh… He deserves more than a little handclap. He deserves more than one hour a week of worship. Our uncommon God deserves His creation to fall on their faces and worship Him with words of adoration and praise. A.W. Tozer said it best, “A low view of God is the cause of a hundred lesser evils.” But a person with a “high view” of God “is relieved of ten thousand temporal problems.” God loves for His people to worship Him.

What if the breakthrough you seek would come when you decide to fully trust God? Is He capable? Does He have enough resources? Is God powerful enough? Does He have the authority to provide you the miracle? Does He want to give you the breakthrough? What makes you different than anyone else? Answer these questions as you find the answer in His Word, and you will find your faith begin to increase to fully trust in God.

Ok… so you need a miracle, an answer, you want things to change… then take this challenge with us for the next 40 days. Today is the first day of our 40 Days of UNSTOPPABLE BREAKTHROUGH FAITH. This includes our 40 days of prayer and devotions and 21 days of prayer and fasting.

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
Fasting is time that we press in to God and seek Him. We are trying to remove things that have a tendency to hinder us from spending more time with God, such as, TV, internet, internet social life, large amounts of entertainment, etc. We remove these things so that we can plan to spend time in prayer. We also know that fasting from food has allowed people to receive answers (Daniel 10:1-14), increased faith for authority over strongholds (Matt. 17:21, Mark 9:29). There is nothing that will get your attention better than sacrificing from food and pursuing the Lord in prayer. Some have chose to skip one meal a day, only eat at 5:00 p.m., eat only fruits and vegetables (Daniel Fast, abstaining from meats, bread and sugar), there are number of ways you can fast. I believe the intent should be is that you honestly seek God the very best that you can. Try it.

40 Days of Prayer and Devotions
The book that I have chosen for our congregation to read is “In a Pit, with a Lion, on a Snowy Day”, by Mark Batterson. I strongly encourage you to pick up a copy and read this book. Batterson’s book will increase your faith to pursue God. In spite of the obstacles that you face, using this book as a devotional will keep you on track during your fast and 40 days of devotions and prayer.

My hope is that you will experience God like never before. I pray that for the next 40 days your faith will increase and you become a “Lion Chaser” as Batterson says in his book. Don’t live the common ordinary life, live the extraordinary life with God this year!

Blessings,
Pastor Shannon

How to Get Refeshed and Renewed

I was reading this week in Isaiah.  I thought the 58^th chapter was fitting due to so many seeking answers from God.  Fasting is great, but if we do not follow through with what God expects outside of fasting, then our prayers will not be answered.  Sacrifice is not enough.  God is looking for total obedience.  100% of our hearts. 

Look at these practical things that we can do to have a spiritual renewal in our life, and then read the Isaiah 58:6-14 in the Message Bible below…

• Don’t just fast from food or entertainment; do right in all areas of your life. (Is. 58:6)
• If you own a business or manage people, don’t treat them unfairly.  (Is. 58:6) 
• Make sure you are a part of feeding, clothing and giving other necessities to people in need.  (Is. 58:7)
• If your family is in need, don’t turn your own family away.  Not just the ones you like, this means the ones in your family that get on your nerves.  (Is. 58:7)
• If you know someone that needs to get out of the weather.  Find shelter for them.  Sure it’s a crazy world and you may be afraid to open your home to a stranger.  But that should not stop us from finding a place for someone to get out of the cold.  There are organizations all over that specialize in this need.  (Is. 58:7)
• Stop being unfair to people.  Even the one that least deserves it.  (Is. 58:9)
• Stop gossiping about people.  Whether it is fact or a lie. Stop criticizing people. Stop spreading rumors.  Be more productive with your words.  (Is. 58:9)
• Be sure to honor God with your time, so you can worship Him.  Be sure you have a Sabbath day that you can celebrate God’s grace to you and your family.  Make sure you’re faithful to your place of worship, so that you not only receive, but you can serve within the body of Christ, His Church.  (Is. 58:13)
• Then God promises to give us fresh revelation.  A renewed mind. A mind able to comprehend spiritual things.(Is. 58:8&10)
• God promises to heal us and keep us in health.  (Is. 58:8&11)
• God promises to answer our prayers. (Is. 58:9)
• God promises to give us direction.  (Is. 58:11)
• God promises to satisfy us with good things.  (Is. 58:11)
• God promises that our children will be blessed and be a blessing.  He will use them to bring restoration and healing to our church, city and society.  (Is. 58:12)
• God promises that our share of the blessing will come to us.  (Is. 58:14) 

Isaiah 58:6-14 (The Message)

 6-9″This is the kind of fast day I’m after:
   to break the chains of injustice,
   get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
   free the oppressed,
   cancel debts.
What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
   sharing your food with the hungry,
   inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
   putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
   being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
   and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
   The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.
   You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’

 9-12″If you get rid of unfair practices,
   quit blaming victims,
   quit gossiping about other people’s sins,
If you are generous with the hungry
   and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,
Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,
   your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.
I will always show you where to go.
   I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—
   firm muscles, strong bones.
You’ll be like a well-watered garden,
   a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,
   rebuild the foundations from out of your past.
You’ll be known as those who can fix anything,
   restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,
   make the community livable again.

 13-14″If you watch your step on the Sabbath
   and don’t use my holy day for personal advantage,
If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy,
   God’s holy day as a celebration,
If you honor it by refusing ‘business as usual,’
   making money, running here and there—
Then you’ll be free to enjoy God!
   Oh, I’ll make you ride high and soar above it all.
I’ll make you feast on the inheritance of your ancestor Jacob.”
   Yes! God says so!

Blessings to you who are seeking God.  God will answer, and direct you. 

Pastor Shannon

Day Five Seeking God – Hearing God’s Voice

Hi friend.  I pray your week of seeking the Lord has been a refreshing time for you.  I want to encourage you and tell you that God is speaking to you.  God longs to give us direction and answers.  He wants your situation to be turned around for the good.  I believe God’s heart is moved to work miracles for His people.

One word from God will change your life.  Hearing from God will change your financial situation.  One word from God will give you the direction you have needed.  Hearing from God will save you from making a bad decision.  Yes, God is speaking and He is speaking to you.

Jesus gives us insight and the assurance that we can hear his voice in John 10:3-6,

“To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.  And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.  Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 

As a disciple of Christ, I don’t believe it’s a hard thing to know God’s voice.  I do think we have to determine which voice we are listening to.  One of the ways that God speaks to us is through our own thoughts.  Jesus said in John 4:24, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  Our brain cannot receive spiritual things because it is carnal or fleshly (Romans 8:5-8).  So when God speaks to us, it will be through thoughts or impressions.  We then have to determine is this thought or impression coming from my spirit or through my earthly nature.  This is not a difficult thing to determine.  Here’s a simple check list about thoughts or impressions…

• Does this thought contradict God’s Word?
• Is this thought going to bring me closer to God and the people that I’m serving?
• Is this thought an act of love, or will this decision hurt people around me?
• Will this thought bring glory to Christ or will it hurt my reputation as a Christian and leader?
• Has God confirmed this thought or impression through His word or people that are in spiritual authority over my life?
• Does this thought or impression line up with how God has gifted me or called me?

This is only a brief list.  God will give you wisdom and direction in determining whether the thought or impression you are having is from Him.  Remember God’s desire is to speak and engage with His creation.  We just have to tune in to His voice.

There are multiple radio waves in our atmosphere.  But in order to receive the channel you desire, you must tune your receiver.  Tune your spiritual ear to God’s voice.  He is overjoyed that you have taken this week to seek His face.  The message that He is communicating to you will change your life!

“Lord, give my friend wisdom today to hear Your voice.  Help them to tune their spiritual ear to Your voice.  Let every other voice diminish and Your voice be clear.  Speak to them about their burden, their situation.  Give them answers and creative thoughts that will dramatically change their life.  In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.  Amen.” 

Blessings,

Pastor Shannon

Day Four Seeking God – God’s Eyes, God’s Ears and God’s Heart

I pray today that God will give you strength to continue your time of seeking Him this week. 

I want to share something with you that I think is going to be key in our time of seeking Him.  This is not a popular subject.  So I hope you don’t close the window before reading all the way through.  I feel this subject is necessary to discuss and to do when dealing with prayer and seeking God.    

One of the most quoted verses in scripture when it comes to prayer and seeking God is 2 Chronicles 7:14.  “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  Look at what God promises in verse 15 and 16, “Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.  For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.” Wow!  God’s ears are open, we have His attention, and we will have His heart!  Now that’s a great place to be with the Lord. 

As we humble ourselves this week through prayer and fasting.  Let’s be sure to confess our sins to the Lord.  Let’s ask God to remove jealousy, speaking wrong against people, making wrong accusations and false assumptions with friends, coworkers and family.  Let’s ask God to remove hatred and bitterness toward friends or enemies.  Let’s ask God to remove laziness and apathy toward Him and the things that He loves.  Ask the Lord to remove arrogance and a proud heart.  Don’t close this blog  just yet. 

Will you pray David’s prayer with me today?  This prayer is a great example of why God loved David so much.  Not because David was perfect, but because David knew how to repent and receive God’s forgiveness.  Let’s pray this prayer together today.

For I was born a sinner —

yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.

But you desire honesty from the heart,

so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being.

 

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Oh, give me back my joy again;

you have broken me —

now let me rejoice.

Don’t keep looking at my sins.

Remove the stain of my guilt.

Create in me a clean heart, O God.

Renew a right spirit within me.

Do not banish me from your presence,

and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me again the joy of your salvation,

and make me willing to obey you.

Then I will teach your ways to sinners,

and they will return to you.

Ps 51:5-13 (NLT)

Now, God has promised you, that as you come before him with a pure heart, His eyes are turned toward you.  His ear is opened to your prayer and deepest concerns.   You are on His heart.  Be prepared for God to open His Heaven over you!

Blessings,

Pastor Shannon

Approach God and He Will Answer

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him.” John 5:14-15

 

As we seek God, His will becomes clear.  In fact, fasting doesn’t move God.  It doesn’t mean the answer or solution is going to come any quicker.  What fasting will do, is move our fleshly desires out of the way, so that God’s voice and will can become clear.

 

The fact that you are taking out time to get alone with God, sacrifice your time and restrain your craving for food, shows that you are willing to approach God.  How many times throughout the day or week are we really approaching God.  I think approaching is a little more than just having an occasional thought about God.  It’s funny how we make the effort to be on time for work, schedule a doctor or hair appointment, take out time for our meals, find time to catch up on our favorite tv program, take our children to games, and all the other things that have to be accomplished throughout our day.  Some of these things are necessary, and some of them are enjoyable and completely in order for living life.  However, my thoughts are, why is it so hard for our flesh to take out time to pray.  To pray without yawning, or thinking about all the things on our list that needs to be done.  Our lives will never be at peace without a daily relationship with the Lord.    

 

Prayer and fasting not only occurred in the Old Testament for the Day of Atonement, but we see an increase for times of prayer and fasting in the New Testament. Anna “worshipped night and day, fasting and praying” at the Temple (Luke 2:37). John the Baptist taught his disciples to fast (Mark 2:18). Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before His temptation by Satan (Matthew 4:2). The church of Antioch fasted (Acts 13:2) and sent Paul and Barnabas off on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:3). Paul and Barnabas spent time in prayer and fasting for the appointment of elders in the churches (Acts 14:23).  Jesus also instructed His disciples to fast, pray and have faith.  This was right after casting the demon out of the boy that was being tormented. (Matt. 17:14-21).  The disciples asked the question, “how come we couldn’t cast this demon out.”  Jesus gave two answers.  One, because of their lack of faith.  Two, because “this kind” only comes out by prayer and fasting. 

 

Everyone will come into a season in their life and journey with the Lord, that it will seem like you have situations that just will not go away.  You’re not able to find the answers.  I’m convinced that God allows these “kinds” of situations to exist in our life, in order for us to seek Him a little more.  The reward is when we do seek Him as our answer, it is incredible to watch God work and come through for His people.  Things that we thought were impossible, God begins to make it possible.  Doors that we thought would never be opened, suddenly God begins to move.  I really believe that the people around us want to see God at work. 

 

Friend, God loves you.  He want’s to spend time with you and show you what He is able to do.  Don’t live another day, without seeking God.  Let’s be the ones that will approach God. 

 

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” 2 Chron 16:9 NKJV

I’m believing God is going to move for you!

 

Blessings,

Pastor Shannon

Be Attitudes for Prayer and Fasting

We are on day two of seeking God.  We are taking time out of our busy schedules and making our exhausted bodies and minds get alone with God.  Of course this is not easy.  Remember our message from Sunday morning about our carnal brain?  (Rom. 8:7)  I have to be honest, I was somewhat discouraged last night being that Bonnie and I was the only ones that showed up for our Monday night prayer service.  Of course this is something that the enemy would love for us to focus on.  But I just believe that we have people praying throughout the day and evening seeking the Lord.  I did hear from three families yesterday that they are with us and standing in agreement that God is moving for His people.  Sometimes you just need to hear that.  Thank you. 

 

Today I give you the BE Attitudes for Prayer and Fasting… 

1. Be convinced that God is your only hope and only answer for your situation. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5  NKJV
2. Be hungry to see God move in your life.  Without a desire, nothing will get accomplished.  God is looking for our passion and faith.  Don’t expect God to get passionate about moving for you, if you’re not passionate about Him moving.  “The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results.” James 5:16  TLB
3. Be determined.  Stay focused.  Don’t let yesterday’s disappointments stop you from doing what needs to be done.  Find the time today, to get alone with God.  Make a point to get up a few minutes early in the mornings.  Before your breakfast or exercise routine.  You might be able to spend your lunch hour at a nearby park or in your car praying. 
4. BELIEVE!  Ross and I are reading through the stories of the Bible this year.  Each night we are taking a story and reading before he goes to bed.  He was looking for a bookmark to place in his Bible.  He wouldn’t let me pick the bookmark.  This was something that he had to do.  So He decided to use a piece of paper that was a memory verse from Kidz Super Church.  It’s a powerful verse and it spoke to my heart.  I believe it will speak to yours as well.  So we quoted… “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24 NKJV

Here’s what I know friend… If you seek God, He will answer you.  I believe God has great things in store for His people, but I also believe that we are going to have to pursue Him.  Let these next few days of prayer and fasting be a time of refreshing for you. “Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near.” Isa 55:6 NKJV

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Heb 11:6 NKJV

Blessings to you,

Pastor Shannon

A Week of Seeking God

Thank you for joining together with me in a week of seeking God. Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” NKJV

I have sensed the Lord dealing with me to ask our church to come together for a time of seeking the Lord. Many of us are in situations where we need God to speak and give direction. I also feel that there’s a need for our church to come together in unity, and stand together against the enemy, wherever he may be attacking. Here’s what I’m asking us to do together…

1. Fast from Monday, October 5th through Sunday, October 11th. You choose the fast that you feel you need to do. You can skip a meal or eat one meal a day. Choose the “Daniel” fast where you eat just fruits and vegetables (no meat or sweet bread). Choose a liquid fast or a total fast (drinking only water). Please consult your doctor if you are on medication. You can also choose to fast from TV.
2. Set aside time in prayer EVERYDAY. It is useless to fast if we are not going to take out time to spend with God.
3. Don’t pray with a preconceived answer or solution. Pray specifically about the need or issue, then step back and let God work. 1 John 5:15, “And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him.” NIV
4. Pray with faith that God can and will intervene. (Remember Esther, Moses and the Red Sea, Elisha and the Widow woman 2 Kings 4, etc.)

This prayer was originally composed by Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow (1782–1867). He was one the greatest influences in the Russian church. Metropolitan was a theologian, political figure, poet and preacher. His prayer seems particularly relevant and timely in the turbulent times that we live in today.

“O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon thy holy will. In every hour of the day reveal thy will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul, and with the firm conviction that thy will governs all. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by thee. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day and all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray thou thyself in me. Amen.”

I believe that God is moving and is going to do powerful things in your life and our church.

Blessings,
Pastor Shannon

God Permits Testing

1 Peter 4:12, “Beloved, do not be amazed and bewildered at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test your quality, as though something strange (unusual and alien to you and your position) were befalling you.” (AMP)

Yes, God permits testing.  Testing is a huge part of our life.  Although, the majority of the time it is not perceived as testing, but rather, misfortune, mistakes, persecution and even punishment.  Tests and trails are a part of our journey with God.  However, doesn’t it seem like tests and trials come at the worst time possible?  They really come without warning or a “heads up”.  But I’m convinced that if we can adjust our perspective, we can endure tests and not loose our peace and our focus as well. 

This is what I know about tests…

• It creates opportunity for development in our character.
• It determines what we know.
• It exposes weaknesses and strengths.
• It reveals what needs to change.
• It improves our abilities.
• It develops endurance.
• It allows promotion to come.

Metals are purified, tried and tested in order to improve their value.  The purification and testing process of gold increases its value dramatically. 

You too are being tried and tested.  But it is not without the permission and direction of God.  What struggle are you facing? Where is the pressure coming from?  Friend, God is allowing your test because He is preparing you for something great.  You have huge potential inside of you.  The potential cannot be of any value until you go through a testing and proving process.  With the right attitude, your testing will bring out God’s best in you.     

F.B. Meyer made this statement in regards to the famine that Abraham was faced with, “Do not be surprised if a famine meets you. It is no proof of your Father’s anger, but is permitted to come to test you — or to root you deeper, as the whirlwind makes the tree grapple its roots deeper into the soil.”

I love that statement, because that is exactly what occurs when we endure tests and trials with a healthy perspective of God and what is happening in our lives.  So may I offer a word of encouragement to you?  Keep on.  Don’t give in to a poor attitude.  Look up!  Put your game face on!    As you’re going through your test, look for God opportunities. Expect promotion to come.  Be watchful for refreshing times in God’s presence.  You will endure, and greatness will come! 

Blessings,

Pastor Shannon

Hearing God’s Voice

For the last couple of weeks, I have brought a message to our church about hearing God’s voice.  It is imperative that we tune in to what God is saying about everything in our life.  We are dealing with some serious issues in our country, the economy; changes within government, businesses struggling to survive… you know the list.  We must not forget God’s church is facing challenges as well, staying focused on fulfilling the call of reaching people for Christ, keeping God’s vision for the church alive, insuring that the church and the ministries are growing and effective.  And of course we also have the responsibility of providing for our families, raising our children to know God and decisions that will be made on a daily basis.  This is not an easy task.  I believe in order to be successful in all of these areas it will require us to hear God’s voice for direction and instruction.

There are some practical things that we must do in order to hear God’s voice. 

• Every opportunity that we have to hear God’s voice is an opportunity to be obedient to God’s voice.
• If we want God to speak to us about the “big” things in our life, then we must be willing to hear God about the “little” areas of our life.  Everyone wants to know God’s will and direction about big opportunities.  How we deal with God nudging our heart about forgiveness, bitterness, giving and helping others, will determine are ability on how we hear God about the “big” decisions in our life.
• This is a “no brainer”… We have to be willing to spend time with God.  Quality time.  Time where we are willing to shut everything down and spend quality time with God.  Even though Jesus was the son of God, and anointed to speak in to peoples lives, had authority over demons, He still had to spend time with His Father on a daily basis.  He urged His disciples to do the same.

Someone forwarded an email to me from David Wilkerson about hearing God’s Voice.  I believe this is a foundational truth when it comes to listening and hearing from God.   

Sadly, great numbers of Christians do not know God’s voice. Some can go for       
months, even years, without ever receiving an intimate word from the Lord in their
inner man. Oh, God did speak to them at one time. But over the years, they’ve     
learned to silence his voice in their hearts. Others have been turned off by so   
much foolishness among those who believe that every word that pops into their     
minds is divine. Such people boast, “God told me”? yet the “word” they hear is only
their covetous flesh taking voice!                                                
                                                                                   
If you want to know and hear God’s voice in the days ahead, be ready to have him  
speak of cleansing before he speaks of direction. Many Christians want God to tell
them how to hold on to what they’ve earned, how to provide for their family, how  
to keep their business or career afloat. But the truth is, before God gives us a  
word of direction in any of these matters, he’ll speak to us about his            
commandments.                                                                     
                                                                                   
“These things I command you, that ye love one another” (John 15:17). God will     
first speak to you about your actions at home with your wife and children? about   
your quick temper, your grudges, your unforgiving spirit. He’ll point out every   
hidden, secret thing in your life? and he’ll lovingly tell you, “I want to be your 
adviser, your counselor, your guide, your protector, your provider. I want to walk
with you through every trial and hardship. And I want to favor, bless and keep you
by my Spirit. But first, you have to get honest with me about the hidden idols in 
your heart. Right now you’re holding on to them? but you must give them up! We     
simply can’t walk together unless we agree on these matters of your heart!” 

-          David Wilkerson

We have a great opportunity before us.  Challenges that we face today are opportunities to hear from God and let His glory shine through answered prayer, situations turned completely around, doors opened and favor granted.  Hang in there friend.  God will answer you. “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, fenced in and hidden, which you do not know (do not distinguish and recognize, have knowledge of and understand).”  (Jeremiah 33:3 AMP).  That is God’s promise to us!