When someone states, “God spoke to me” – I’m always fascinated. Did God truly give a personal message to someone? Is it something we want so bad that we attribute our desire to hearing God’s voice as added insurance – and then no one can dispute the claim? Sometimes I eat too much pizza and end up having weird dreams. Is that God speaking to me in my dreams – or should I have stopped at slice number five???

Many years ago we lived in a different city and attended a church in Dallas. A new pastor came on staff, and boldly proclaimed during his first sermon that God had given him a 10-year vision for the church! Wow, I thought. I wish God would speak to me like that. Maybe even a 10-week vision from God would be nice. Someday, if I’m good enough, just maybe –  God will allow me the honor of being able to hear him like this modern-day prophet? That pastor took another job in less than 2 years – I guess God changed His mind???

Volumes have been written about this subject. Some great resources are listed at the bottom. I’m only going to scratch the surface of this topic through a random series of posts whenever inspiration hits. Two statements – if you disagree with these, you won’t concur with anything else that I write on this subject:

1. God still speaks.
2. God loves variety – and you cannot put His speaking “in a box”, or treat it like a formula.

God still speaks –

His number one way is through The Bible.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives . . . God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

For the word of God is alive and powerful . . . (Hebrews 4:12)

However, sometimes we need divine guidance outside of the Bible and need to hear from Him. “Should I take this job?” “Should we move?” “Should I pursue this relationship?” “Should we buy this vehicle?” “Should I attend this school?” “Should I say something to this person that I feel God has burdened me to say?” (A lot of “should’s”!)

Regarding the theory that God doesn’t speak anymore – why pray if it is only one-way communication? The Bible states the God is love (1 John 4: 16-17). It also declares that if we believe in His Son, we are his children (John 3:16 and Ephesians 1: 5). So the question remains: What loving father doesn’t speak to his kids? What loving dad doesn’t enjoy spending time with his children in listening and talking?

God loves variety – we cannot put His speaking “in a box”, or treat it like a formula.

For variety, sometimes it is quiet. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper. (1 Kings 19:12)

Sometimes it is loud. I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. (Revelation 4: 1)

Sometimes it is through people. “This is what the Lord says . . . I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow.” (Isaiah 48:17)

Sometimes it comes from unexpected, unimaginable, and wild sources. “Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak . . . “(Numbers 22: 28 – seriously, look up the story.)

And sometimes, it is an internal dialogue in our minds, spirits, and hearts. “My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” (Psalm 27: 8)

There is so much more to cover regarding this topic. But I hope this is an encouragement for you to pursue a conversational relationship with God if you haven’t already. Some excellent books to help you further on your journey are Hearing God by Dallas Willard, Walking With God by John Eldredge, Frequency by Robert Morris, and Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God by Mark Batterson. Please leave a comment on this subject if you feel led.

Blessings,

Dave 🙂

https://www.amazon.com/author/davidrische