Welcome Confident Heart Online Study and Encouragement for Today friends!! If you’re new here, welcome!
On Sunday, I started an online study of my book, A Confident Heart and I’d love to have you join us! (Click here for more details).
One of the first things I learned, when it came to overcoming self-doubts and living in the security of God’s promises , is that we have to recognize and listen to God’s voice. It’s also the topic of my P31 devotion today. Here’s a little more about where my “listening to God” story came to a turning point. At the end I share “How to Discern God’s Voice” and a give-away.
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I sat on looking out the window, wondering what the future held. My excitement, mixed with the fear of getting over-committed, ignited a rapid firing of thoughts: What would I say yes or no to? What was God calling me to do? How would I figure out His plans and purpose for my schedule?
Wondering and worrying wasn’t getting me anywhere, so I wrote questions in a notebook: “Lord, what should I say yes to? Where do You want me to spend my time? Will You please show me Your plans for me this coming year?”
I wanted a sneak peek into God’s calendar so I could adjust mine. Instead, I sensed Him telling me not to worry about tomorrow but to live each day in the hear and now. {And He even spelled it that way.}
I did okay when it came to obeying God in the obvious things. It was selfless acts of obedience that challenged me most. But that day, I made a commitment to live in the “hear” and now.
A few weeks after, I noticed my husband’s side of the closet was a mess. Immediately I thought about how J.J. enjoys “order” although it’s not his natural inclination. Then I sensed God whispering, “One way you could really love J.J. would be to organize his side of the closet.”
I wish I could say I obeyed. Instead, I argued: “He’s a grown man; he can organize his own side of the closet. I have two kids, two dogs and myself to keep up with. Have you seen our garage and attic, Lord?”
“Did you hear Me? Are you going to obey Me now?” God’s Spirit nudged.
How did I know it was God? you might ask. Well, I knew it wasn’t my idea.
Just that week I’d read the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, and recognized myself in the third servant. He hadn’t been entrusted with much so he buried his talent in the ground. I always assumed since he wasn’t faithful with it because he thought his Master wouldn’t notice.
Sometimes I saw my role as a wife, mom and friend as “average” one-talent kind of assignments. Plenty of people have the same responsibilities, I thought. Without realizing it, I let myself slip into being selfish and impatient here and there. But God wanted my willingness in every area of my life – hear and now – acting on His promptings throughout my day.
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 (NIV) And the more we listen to and obey God, the more familiar His voice becomes.
Obedience means exchanging our will for His.
So, why does God wants moment-by-moment, day-by-day obedience? Because He loves us and wants us to trust Him.
God is so patient as we learn to trust Him. And we discover over time that it’s in our relationship with Him, we find the purpose, direction and meaning we’re looking for. When we live in the “hear and now” our calling and our calendar begin to reflect our love for Him, and His love for us — not our need for fulfillment or the desire for others’ approval and acceptance.
Dear Jesus, am I living and listening the way You want me to? Sometimes I fall into the trap of waiting for a better tomorrow or an easier assignment so that I can be faithful. Help me trust You. I want to but sometimes I’m afraid. Give me courage to listen and follow You with all my heart! Amen
PS. I reorganized JJ’s side of the closet ,and I’m almost sure I heard God chuckle and felt the warmth of His smile. May He smile on you today as you commit to live in the hear and now – acting on what you hear and living it out now.
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Discerning God’s Voice
Here are a few questions we can ask. When I sense God speaking, whether it be through scripture, an impression on my heart, circumstances or through His spirit in me, I always look for Biblical consistency:
- Is it consistent with God’s Word and God’s ways?
- Is it consistent with wise Biblical counsel I’ve sought?
- Is it consistent with God’s leading through doors He’s opened and closed?
- Is there a consistent theme I’m seeing in my life or hearing during my personal Bible study time, through sermons, Christian songs, conversations, etc?
Recognizing God’s ways and God’s will comes as we spend more and more time in His word. All of us have different things that draw us closer to Jesus, and here is one practical thing that helps me: watching the Gospel of John movie on DVD. It makes Jesus, His words, the people and the stories He lived in come to life in a powerful way. After watching it, when I read my Bible I can see Him and hear Him. Which makes me want to spend more and more time with Him, which helps me know Him and recognize His voice more clearly.
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So, what is one thing you could do to become more familiar with God’s voice?
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The consistent thread in my life right now is trust. In order to trust someone, you have to know him. So I need to spend more time with Him, to get to know Him more. Then I will be able to discern His voice more.
I agree.
Wow!! I’ve been asking for the same to be able to hear Gods voice at the times I’ve needed to make a major decision, but I figured that he don’t only direct us by hearing him all his promise’s are in His word.
What a great devotion something I needed to read this morning!!
Be Blessed
One thing I am trying to do to hear God’s voice is practice quietness, just being still before God each morning as part of my devotion and prayer time. It has made a big difference in my attitude and perspective as I go through the day!
I need to slow down enough to hear the Lord speak to me. Then I need to kill my flesh off in order to be obedient to him. When I am obedient, things work out better in my situations. This should always be an encouragement for me. I am getting better, but I have a long way to go.
Good morning. Thank you so much for this article, and for you Proverbs 31 devotion today. I know God led me to it because it is EXACTLY what I was praying for this morning. As a matter of fact, He has been impressing upon me in the past few weeks to delete my facebook account because I have gotten so addicted to it. I comment at least twice a day, and check it every chance I get to see what people have to say to me. I was seeking their approval and their wisdom and guidance, instead of going to Him myself and seeking HIS best for me. Last night, I was so burdened by His voice to deactivate it that I finally did, and so far this morning I have already spent more time in prayer and have a peaceful heart. I know that the temptation will rise to go back to it, but I now fully understand why He has asked me to do it and know that He will give me the strength to stay away from it. Thank you for serving Him, and posting devotions and words of His wisdom for women like me, that need a little “push” in the right direction of life. I thank God that He knows what I need…. even if I am too hard-headed to get it in a timely manner.
I did the same thing and I feel like it is helping me just be more aware of God in general. It has also helped my attitude! It’s hard to focus on the Lord when people are complaining all the time–whether in “real time” or on Facebook. And it’s easy to fall into the habit! My hope for both of us is that if we return to Facebook we will be discerning about who we friend–that they will be real, Godly, encouraging friends!
Boy did this speak to me! My best friend has been telling me the same thing for such a long time. She also said that I had the same habit you mentioned, of asking God what He wanted me to do and where Then I went about doing it, without depending on Him for direction each step of the way. She said that I take over and push God out of the way and say “I got it from here, I don’t need you!” (how dumb is that?) I am just coming to realize how very much I need to be connected to Him every moment of every day and I am committed to living in the moment. I have to admit that it is a struggle, I was always such a control freak, but I don’t want to be in control anymore, I just mess things up.
Thanks for your advice.
I recently dedicated my life to the Lord. At the age of 24 and knowing what I know now, I can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner. Being a new Christian, I struggle with realizing what is God’s plan for me and what is my plan for me. Everyday I find myself praying over and over again for the same things not really paying attention to what the Lord wants for me. I really needed to read this devotional today. After reading this, I feel like the Lord spoke to my soul through this devotional today and I am so grateful. Just what I needed to read:)
You have made the most decision of your life. You are in the right place. God will lead you and give you what you need.
I have struggled for years finding God’s purpose for my life. Reading in Renee’s blog about asking guidance from God for the step by step journey will really help me alot. Many times I think I can handle the details, but if I rely on Him to help me I will figure out my purpose.
I know I need to spend more time in prayer. Also, I used to keep a journal of thoughts from my devotions & even wrote down some of my prayers & requests & answers to prayer etc. I think starting to journal again would help me to focus during my devotional time. Sometimes I think that is my main problem-losing focus-so many things are on my mind at once that sometimes they invade my mind even during devotions & prayer which can easily drown out the Spirits still small voice. I definitely will be spending more time in prayer & devotions so that I can hear my Jesus speaking to me.
Thank you for the devotion, blog & chance for a gift!
~Blessings~
I love this idea of journaling. I have never thought about doing that during my devotion times, but I relate to the “busy mind” syndrome and think I will try journaling as well. Thank you for this idea. Good luck to you!
Definitely doing my “God and I” time early has had a big impact on me and hearing God’s voice. I have 7 children and have tried many other times to do my “quiet time” when it wasn’t all that quiet. I just recently started consistently doing it early before the kids wake up… WOW! I can feel and see how God has helped me tune into Him so much more throughout my day! You are so right, it is easy to ASK God for guidance, but FOLLOWING it every step of the way is a whole new ball game! Thanks so much for this post…. it is exactly what I needed to read today!
Being still and knowing God is God, to me is just powerful…… We have to be still and listen to the inner peace God gives us when He is trying to tell us something or what decision needs to be made in our lives. Over the last year “my way” of hearing God has been through journaling!!! I just write….. what i am thinking, prayers to God, questions, just what ever hits my mind at the time!!!! My journals sometimes looks like the writings of a lunatic …… But the more i write the more i start feeling God telling me things…. BUT one of my favorite parts of journaling is going back and reading previous dates….. a year back or 6 months or even 2 weeks back….. I see how God has answered prayers or gave me peaceful feelings about things that was troubling or just needing some direction!! Being still, taking that quiet time of talking to a “friend” and journaling is for me the way God has taught me to HEAR Him and I praise Him for that!!!! 🙂
The less we obey, the less we hear. I learned that I need to have full confidence in the Lord, and listen.
Amen!!!
Hi Renee!
The one thing I can do to become more familiar with God’s voice is to not second guess myself when I believe I have heard from Him. When I second guess myself I become confused – I think was that from God or was that my own thoughts. Usually, He speaks to me in short, direct statements in His Word or in my mind. When God speaks to me there is no doubt. So, if I want to know what God is telling me, I need to trace back to the last time when I knew for certain He was speaking and proceed from there.
Karen C.
For me living in the here and now is hard I’m a planner and have to make myself be still to hear God. I really want to do that this year.
Thank you for this message today. I struggle with talking at God and not Listening very well for Him to talk to me. I also struggle to be a good listener in general. I am in a church family that is on a journey towards listening more fully to God and I want to be part of that. I want to be fully in God’s will and recieving what He has perfectly planned for me. So your message speaks to that and our sermons at church have also been speaking to that. I want to be in the “hear and now.”
I love this line..
“When we live in the “hear and now” our calling and our calendar begin to reflect our love for Him, and His love for us — not our need for fulfillment or the desire for others’ approval and acceptance.”
So very true! I too relate with your story of Matthew 25- I look at my everyday life as a wife and mother and see the tasks as so normal….not close to extraordinary. That is so not true. God wants every part of me. I need to just stop myself consistently all day long during the “ordinary” and see him in it and the blessing that he’s called me to- folding laundry, feeding my baby, making supper, etc. To stop and let him fill me with himself even in these things.
Great post Renee.
The one and major thing for me is to “Be still”. I have a great tendency to “be busy”. Many times I will be still and when I think I hear the prompting from God I get busy just to find out that it wasn’t God at all but me. Growing up and having ADD it is hard for me to “Be still”….but spending time in his word allows me to be/get closer to God and therefore his voice is more recognizable to me.
One thing I can do to to become more familiar with God’s voice is to spend more time reading his Word. I am very good at listening to Christian music and reading devotionals, but I am less apt to simply open my Bible and read his Word. I tend to forget that the Bible is full of truths and promises that I need to live my life!
Wow, this is the challenge that I keep hearing God speak to me as well. It is major in our church right now… reading THE BIBLE instead of solely devotionals. Thank you for letting God speak these words through you, I personally needed to hear them.
I am giving up an extra hour of sleep so that I can spend time just sitting in His presence, not petitioning Him concerning my needs or wants but simply sitting at His feet and listening for His voice in the early morning. I am making certain that I am spending time with Him at an hour when there are no other distractions and as I was writing this response I am being nudged to add the worship music to my quiet time with Him.
This morning I was reading the P31 devotional and was moved to go to this site this morning. I love to meet new sisters in Christ, so Thank You Lord! It has been my prayer to start the New Year more devoted to reading God’s Word, seeking Him, trusting Him. Having seven children, the distractions are many, and ‘Being still and know that I am God’ is a deep desire, and more and more a challenge. Spending time with Him is so needed as we can not do all this as moms on our own, He is there for us! He has just been showing me the discipline I need to have for that daily ‘In the Word time’ , and so many other areas I need discipline in my life! Where I am weak, He is strong. Having a relationship with Jesus, means to spend time with, getting to know and be like Him, to find direction in our daily living and struggles by His examples. Thanks for your ministry and encouragement along the way, as we press toward the mark. Blessings to you
Wow… this could have been my exact words! I also have 7 children and my thoughts were the same after I read this post! God has been working in me the same way! Encouraging to see someone else on the same field! Have a wonderful day!!! =)
One thing I could do to become more familiar with God’s voice is that when I am in my quiet place – to listen instead of praying and talking to God and then get back to being busy. Most of the time when I pray I don’t wait to hear what God has to say to me about those things I’ve prayed about or those things that concern what He would have me to do.
Be still. I need to get away from the noise of our physical world so I can hear the still small voice of God. Your comments about the consistent theme ring true for me. Thank you, God, for not giving up on me, if I don’t hear you the first time. Thank you for gently, softly talking to me through songs, Bible study, and sermons.
I just had one of those “husband side” stories myself. I actually did put his clothes away for him. I did leave a few socks however… Now I want to kick myself for not listening to God the other day with the elderly lady loading up her trunk with groceries in the rain. The cart holder was a bit away, and I “felt” that I was supposed to help her, but instead, I packed up my things and got out of the wind and rain.. and sat there watching her instead… ugh. I need to work on this listening to God thing… the first step is admittance to the fact I ignored him, and ask for his forgivness…. I would love to win a copy of your book!
One thing that I will do to start becoming more familiar with God’s voice is to stop throwing up the walls when any kind of emotions come up. Right now I tend to shut down just as soon as I start to feel emotional & by shutting down & throwing up those walls I’m basically telling God no that i’m not willing to listen to him. I’ll also spend time with God on a consistent basis, praying & reading his word so I’m better equipped to know when it’s his voice & not my own thinking.
I am having a really hard time with this lately. I don’t know if it is God talking or just me. I don’t know if the instinct I will have with something is God leading me or just my own gut instinct. I have just over the past few months grown close to the Lord and have developed a relationship with Him. I pray daily that I hear him and not me.
Very inspiring to remind us all to Live in the “Hear and Now.”..Lately,I have had the theme of “You are not Listening” being told to me. This is Very Discerning to say the least… I Thank-You and God …for Opening up my Ears to Listen and Trust in What I am Hearing! God Bless and Thanks
I have known for quite awhile that I need to commit my time at night after my 5 kids are in bed to focus my time only on God. To keep the tv off, not make any more phone calls, wrap up my computer work/research by 10. The things I do after my kids are in bed and important, but I know nothing is more important than devoting this time to Him. I have been trying it in the mornings, and it just hasn’t been working well. I think an important part is starting this time off my asking Him to lead me to what I should focus on that night, what resource I should read, focus on etc. and make sure that my prayer time is BEFORE I get too tired and risk falling asleep 🙂 In the past I have found that when I use my time at night this way, I can focus on prayer or what I’ve read even when I have to do random things like fold that last load of laundry. Basically, I need to devote a time to spending time with Him by saying no to the other things that scream for my time
How often I too find myself looking out my kitchen window wondering the same and asking God where I am going; what is my purpose at this point in my life. Being alone isn’t really more time to do things, but takes more time. And ti screams so loud that one cannot hear God’s voice.
As for me, I need to spend more quality time with God in his word and in prayer, to slow down and listen. God is doing great things in my life, and I need to keep praying that my heart is open and ready for what He would like me to do. Sometimes, I think we are looking for the big things and we miss the small things, like straighten the closet. I pray my heart will be open and sensitive in the hear and now.
This is what I feel. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Slowing down and listening is what I have to make sure that I do on a daily basis. I can easily crowd Him out.
Great post! His voice has gotten “louder” the more and more I obey, but I’ve begun to notice when I sin, it really seems to dull it. This has created such a desire in me to follow Him and not sin, even in things I might have talked myself into before (“oh, that’s ok…not that big of a deal!”).
(Sorry if I’m repeating anything that’s been said…I didn’t have time to read through every single comment!)
Let’s just start by saying that I have ADD…..always have. So sitting and listening, being still, and waiting has never been my strong suit. I don’t know what kind of a personal testimony that God wanted you to tell that you ran from but I can relate. I feel as though He wants me to bear all too and it scares me to death. I have been trying to get up early each morning to read His words and reflect on the coming day, sometimes it works, sometimes not. I do feel as though I act on those little proddings day by day but honestly its the much bigger things that I tend to shy away from. I pray every day for courage to be the person He wants me to be….not sure I’m succeeding. Day by day I guess. I would love to hear your words of encouragement and I know that whoever needs to hear them most will be the lucky recipient of your gift! I pray that he continues to steer you in our directions with your thoughts and words. Thank you! Lisa
I want to live in the “Hear & Now”. I need His voice to speak loud & clear…but I must put on my spiritual ears. I feel like everyday isoverwhelming right now. I rise each morning to pray, read P31 & put my trust in Him. Thank u girls for ur daily support in your rich words & advice. <
Thank you for this study! I’ve so enjoyed your book and continue to read it over and over and gain new insight! I’m learning to “Be still and know that He is God.” It is the conscious decision to be PRESENT and trust that He has my best….letting go and trusting! In rest and peace, I hear his voice.
Thank you!!
I haven’t even had time to look at today’s assignment yet, but yesterday God revealed to me I need to trust. I kept thinking I do trust you God. Well today I felt impressed to look up the word trust in the dictionary, I was blown away. I just always associated trust with taking someone at their word and believing them, but oh no, that’s not all it means. It’s reliance on the integrity, strenghth, ability, surety of a person; confidence; hope. To have confidence; hope. To EXPECT CONFIDENTLY. That defines God…we can confidently hope and trust in him!
Thank you for posting this – I would have never thought to look up trust and then to read the definition – wow, it does define our great God!
Sometimes I’m not sure if it’s me thinking, or if it’s God’s voice. I do know that when I am consistently in the Word, I feel closer to God and it’s easier to hear him, obey him, and live out what the Word says.
This has helped me as well – think about Eve & the serpent – he never told her to eat the fruit, he just said – Did God say that?? Are you sure?? He put doubt in her mind. I just read that a day or so ago and it encouraged me.
For me, I try to write out in my journal what I am learning from reading P31 devotionals and other Bible studies. Sometimes they seem just for me, and I know God is speaking to me directly. Also, I try to remember past times God has corrected my direction and how I was so sure He was re-directing me. This fall I had a really hard time making a decision and I kept waiting for God to speak to me. I knew what everyone else wanted me to do, but I wasn’t sure what God’s plan was. I delayed and delayed. Finally, I felt like God was telling me that by delaying I wasn’t truly trusting Him — that I didn’t need to have a personal thunderbolt, and that my Godly friends’ encouragements should have been enough. Still recovering and learning from that!
I will be still and listen. By reading your blog, I already see that god is speaking to me. I do see consistencies with his word, and MANY times I feel scripture, or daily devotionals are yelling my name. I will learn to realize these were not just a cooincidence, this is God telling me to trust and follow him.
Shana, I too need to be still and listen. Your reply is exactly how I feel. Lately, Scripture and my daily devotions are screaming out to me. Thanks for your post.
First I need to be quiet for awhile….instead of trying to trudge ahead in a certain circumstance, I just need to be quiet and patient. I am also trying to get up earlier inthe morning so that I have more time to read his word, so that I will know when he is speaking to me.
When I bought the book, I was struggling(and still am) with my confidence and self esteem. The position I held at work was literally draining the life out of me. I started to read your book, but didn’t finish it. I didn’t see( or listen) to what God put right in front of me. Then when I saw you were doing a online Bible study, I wasn’t sure I had the time. But when I saw you could go in anytime, God saw my need to do this. He put it right in front of me, again. So I signed up, I am taking the time out of everyday for your emails and blog. It is amazing who God puts things right in front of us and we don’t see or listen. I tend to be a very visual person, I tend to only watch for visual signs from God. With the question you asked today, I plan to turn the radio off in the car on the way to work this morning and listen. Thank you for your book and doing this Bible study.
Patti, I was just thinking this morning – that is the beauty of online, we dont have to go back out after work, we can do it at home or wherever, in our pjs with nozema on our faces and hair in a ponytail – it’s come as you are – and I am loving it! Write now, I’m at my kitchen island on a bar stool – later I will finish up propped up in bed!
Sherry,
I like that, too! God says to come as you are!
Sherry, I so agree with you – this is so awesome to know we can come here and learn the word of God with all of our sisters that we do not even know!! If you could see me right now, I would probably scare everyone away – I’m in my sweats and actually cream on my face!! I hope by reading everyday I will learn to hear God speaking to me – I’m not sure this has happened to me before and I would love to have that conversation with Him. Thank you to all!! I am glad to be here with you:)
Thank you for your story. I need more than anything to not only hear from God but to obey Him.
I have realized that I have to make a special time to spend reading God’s Word each day…schedule it like a meeting and keep it.
Valerie, I like the way you said schedule it like a meeting and keep it. I am going to do the same.
Rita-
My year also started pretty low and I will keep you in my prayers….
One thing I can do to discern God’s will and become more familiar with His voice is to wait and be patient. I struggle with assuming I know his will and acting quickly to avoid dealing with the pain or anxiety. God knows the exact moment when his plans will come to pass- He doesn’t need my help to get things done! I need to learn to wait and listen…God owns time.
Listening seems to be my biggest problem as well. I even tell my friends that I have a listening problem when it comes to what the Lord is saying to me. I feel Him tapping on my shoulder but I don’ t always seem to do what He tells me. I have decided that I need more quiet time as well as patience. It is all in His own time and not mine!
I realized that Hearing and Obeying come together. I have heard but not obeyed and missed many opportunitites. I pray that God will give me the confidence to obey after hearing him. Thank you.
My first thought was the same as yours, Marie. I was just thinking that I need to begin to hear God’s voice better by being obedient to the things that I already know he’s commanded–love my neighbor as myself, love my enemies, pray for those who curse me, and be a good steward of what he has given me…just to name a few. And…be still and know that He is God. There are so many things that I already know I should do, but I just haven’t been obedient. I will be praying your prayer for both of us! 🙂
Amen Nikki! That seems to be a theme around me as well – I keep hearing, Love me & Love your neighbor. Peter continues to come to mind as well – Do you love me??
One thing that I could do is during my prayer time, stop talking and start listening more – dare to be uncomfortable for a few minutes to be able to hear God so that I can act now.
My family is trying to discern God’s will regarding an older child adoption and it has been hard to hear God’s voice through all the other noise in my life. To give over to something bigger has created a lot of anxiety and fear for me and these resources would be a great benefit. Thank you for the opportunity.
Julie – it is so scary to listen…so scary to know what will happen in the quiet space. So scary to trust that what God might say to you in that quietness is the RIGHT thing to hear, even if it is the HARDEST thing to hear. This is my goal also – to stop doing all the talking and do more listening than talking!! 😉 Best to you and your family on your adoption journey.
Julie, after reading Total Surrender by Kay Warren, God stirred my heart to adopt too. I know that its part of His plan, and I know the timing is not now but I trust Him to reveal to me when the time is. This is what came to mind when I read your post and I just sense the need to say it – older children need moms too. It reminded me of when Mary Beth Chapman thought “I am too old to adopt” and someone said to her that old mothers were better than no mothers. I will be praying for you sweet sister!! Many hugs!!
Thank you so much Renee for this articlle that you listed on your site, it has truly blessed and been an inspiration to me. One way i am discovering in my walk with the Lord the one thing I could do to become more familiar with God’s voice is to be patient and wait on his timing and not jump ahead of him by assuming that I know how to get there when he’s shown me a glimpse of where he wants me to go. This fo rme is a struggle for this one reason-I become so excited about the revelation and the download that God gives me in the glimpses he’s provided to me as the way he wants me to go that i become so engrossed with this that i assume i know when all actuality, i don’t and God in his loving, caring and infinite wisdom takes me by the hand and i truly see afterwards in the end that God was working in the total opposite way of what i assume. Therefore, from these results in my life, i am discovering that I can learn how to wait and be patient on God and not move ahead of him with jumping to assumptions about the direction he desites for me to go in. I recently lost my husband and for me, this process is truly becoming one where i’m having to REALLY trust God and be patient and wait because my husband was the beautiful example of waiting and being patient and i know God allowed me to see two of these many characteristics in my spouse as a way to express to me of what i am to reflect in my own walk with God-simply beautiful, but so profound all at the same time, i’m learning it however, slowly, but surely. Thanks again for proposing this question, it was a answer to my prayers and my life.
The phrase that got me in today’s devotion was “spend more and more time with Him, which helps me know Him and recognize His voice more clearly.” I know very well that I do not spend enough time with God, or reading His word. It’s so simple… when you know someone well, you know what they would do or say or the advice they’d give you. If you don’t know someone well, you don’t know. Sometimes, I act as if my relationship with God, somehow, can’t fit into the same category as a my relationship with other people that I love.
As with any relationship, if time is not spent nurturing it nothing will come of it. We would no more think of setting our friends aside for a week or two or more without reaching out to them. We should be so diligent with God.
I love the reminder that I need to spend more time with God so I will know Him so well that I will more easily discern what His will is for my life.
One thing I could do to become more familiar with God’s voice is to slow down and listen more carefully, then check what I think I’m hearing in prayer and His word. I’m a single mom of 3 and 1 has many medical problems. Sometimes I get so bogged down in just trying to hold my self together that I take time to confirm what I think God is asking me or telling me to do; I just barrel forward trusting that He will make good of all things. I struggle each day with trying to be someone worth something. Thankfully and prayerfully, with the help of this study, I’m remembering that I am His and that is where my worth comes. Yesterday was a rough day, but thanks for the assignment for this week and the focus verse, I not only made it through, but found that I had a peace beyond understanding and it certainly came from God! Thank you! 🙂
Being part of your online book study and receiving the daily emails is not a mistake but part of GOD’s plan for me. I’ve always struggled with the knowing if it’s God’s voice or my own, when trying to seek God’s will for my life. Today you twisted it and brought to me a new perspective on seeking God not only for what he wants but more importantly, turning to him for the steps to take, moment by moment. I’m learning more now how to live His will in the present moment and not to just learn about it and write it on my list of things to do tomorrow. By being in His word daily and frequently having emailed devotions interrupt my day (Godly interruptions are definitely God’s blessings) I have begun to really detect God’s voice as I try to live in the “hear and now” . Thank you Renee for listening to God’s calling you to your ministry to us for the love of Our Father.
I agree that it’s God’s plan as he is a perfecting God, so he will work according to his will to allow you to be who he intended you to be. Blessed Be The Name of the Lord as the song goes for he is richly blessed & he gives to us by taking away what we don’t need & perfecting us. Again another song that comes to mind which I will use as my prayer for us is – I LOve You LOrd & I Life My Voice To Worship You-OH My Soul Rejoice. Take Joy My King In What You Hear, May It Be A Sweet, Sweet Song In YOur EAr. Lord , I do pray for us all to be songs of praise & joy with our endeavours to become more like you. AMen
One thing I will do to become more familiar with God’s voice is to trust him more, to have faith in him when praying and always know that his time is the best time. I would love to grow in my spiritual life, this year started on a negative note, I have been feeling so low, I want to pray to God so that he can save me.
Please pray for me.
Just prayed for you Rita!
Praying you are reminded of John 16:33. Praying for your peace that comes from knowing you serve a God who will allow these seasons in your life so that he can grow your faith and spirit!!
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
will do Rita….I can relate to your comment! And thanks for the scripture Anne!
Father God, Rita needs You to step in and help her to know exactly how real You are. I don’t know her troubles LORD but I know You do. I pray that while she is going through this time she can feel You upholding her. When she is in Your word let her see that she is each person You are in relationship with. You sent Your Son and He went through all the trials and temptations that we endure. Holy Spirit bring a strong woman of God alongside Rita to mentor and walk with her. Let her be fully bathed in Your unending love for her.
Rita I prayed for u. I too know what it is like to feel low. I deal with depression and find these verses very encouraging : I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me Philippians 4:13 and For I know the plans have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future Jerimiah 29:11. Also know that you are never alone and that heis always with you.
Rita,
Let God’s peace be with you always. Know that we are praying for you.
Praying for peace and joy in your heart today Rita. Remember, He only asks us to deal with one day at a time. It’s hard for me to remember that sometimes, because I am a planner. But sometimes when I feel overwhelmed, I just have to focus on today, and pray for Him to guide me and give me strength just for today.
Love:),
Fabi
Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.”
One thing I will do to become more familiar with God’s voice is to tune out all of the other noise. I love listening to music but lately, I’ve really been enjoying the peace of being quite with the Lord. Reading out loud, studying and praying, as well as just listening in the quite for a while are my goals.
When you wrote (on the daily devotion) that God wants our daily dependence, interaction & intimacy, and that He is more concerned with my character than what I am doing for Him really impacted the way I look at my life. I have been striving to find out what God’s will for my life is…. but I think that my every day walk is what I need to focus on getting right and then I will walk straight into His will because I am walking right beside Him. 🙂
Thank you so very much for your prayers!
Funny that you gave us a list of the names of God and a verse out beside each one at the same time my close friend did the same for me in hopes that I would stop listening to negative voices and the voices that are definitely not from God. She said when she speaks these outloud it counteracts the negative voices that are heard. I am going to start doing this and in the long run it will turn my mind around to be able to listen to ONLY God’s voice.
I thank God for you. I have been wondering for so long, how do I know when God is speaking to me? I pray and seek him diligently for wisdom and discernment. As you stated when you see that theme over and over again, what else do you need. Yes, keeping the negativity away and being in silence will help me to hear God more. I was always hearing him, but I just quite didn’t understand. Now I know!! Thank you God for providing the encouragement and knowledge of Renee, and her willingness to share.
We seek counsel & guidance in his word but as he made us relational how do we tap into being with him ? By prayer – praying makes him real to us as we dont talk to air do we. Ask for the discernment to see the consitant themes and ask to not allow you to step on his toes & interfere with his PERFECTING WORK in your life by rationalizing things to excuse not listening. When you are not sure ask for him to intercede or to give you peace with the things he’s allowing to happen for his purpose of growth in your life. Along with prayer we should sing – God created us to worship him & our songs bring him worship & bring us comfort & reassurance as well as the worship drives Satan away. Its our armour from God – Satan hates worship so stay diligent in those 3 areas, being in the word, praying for direction & not allowing you to crowd him out, and worship. Be careful cause emotions tend to guide our lives so ask God to allow discernment over our emotions. I am so glad we have this forum to live life together & on purpose.
One time my dad asked me if I could help him clean the kitchen floor, and I claimed i hadn’t had time to do so. I then retreated in my room to work on a word-search puzzle. However, I couldn’t concentrate on it. I had one thought running through my head: “You have time to do entertainment things, but not enough to help your dad? That’s a lie.” I felt that was the Holy Spirit guiding me, so I left my room to work on the cleaning project.
Hi sherree I think I missed a link. Where did you find the list? God Bless
The link is in the email that announced the gift card winners. It says it is part of chapter 10 on page 194.
Thanks Sherree, got it. Bless you xx
Hi Sheree,
I missed the list too. Would you mind sending the link to it? God bless!!!
Link is in the email that announced the gift card winners. It’s also part of chapter 10 on page 194 in the book.
I have come to realize that most often than not after having my quiet time I am still not satisfied and fulfilled so through out the day I keep my thoughts on scriptures and worship songs. I pray also in the spirit and I feel real close to God and hear Him when He instructs me on what to do. Many thanks.
Thanks so much!!!
I can’t find the list either. Will someone send me the list to my email address? Thanks, Kimberly Stiver
For you ladies asking about the names of God… It’s not a link. They are further along in ACH book. Page 194.:-)
Blessings!
I know God is pleased for me to be in this study. The problems and issues are still here but I noticed today that there is a song in my life that had been made silent.
I néed to spend more quality time in His word and “be still and know He is God” in order to hear Him. I am soooooooo very thankful for each person and part of this study. Blessings to each of you.
‘ditto Kim”. I am an ‘older’ woman and have been a Christian (Baptized at 13) all my life. I realize that I have taken God’s love and grace for granted and have become slack in showing that I love him back and appreciate so much all that He has done for us. Today’s thoughts really touch me and show me that I need to “be still and know He is God” much more than I do. I do not work outside (and not much inside) the home and have lots of time–but I do not use it wisely. I have prayed to God all my life in all kinds of situations (even just while at the sink doing dishes–before dishwashers :))) But I know they were mostly shallow and self-centered. I have been trying this year to change that and learn how to pray in earnest for God to direct me and for me to listen. For a “control” person, this is not easy. I am finally learning to “let go” and not let God be the last one I turn to. Thank you so much Renee for directing us in this study –I wasn’t too sure on day 2 whether it was going to be “for me” but today I guess God spoke to me because I am excited and also doing this with my daughter who is a mother of young girls and is starting sooner than I did to Listen and find the path He wants for her. My heart is bursting with joy that we can do this together. Thank you again. In His Love Libby
Psalm 46:10…be still and know that I am GOD… the amazing wonder of how God weaves together each detail of our day keeps me awestruck. I was reminded today of how easy we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed with busyness, not allowing ourselves to be still just long enough to hear God, let alone have that intimate relationship with God that we crave. He is there patiently waiting for us to seek Him in ALL that we do, to trust whole-heartedly, to obey, to release the control and the burdens that we were not meant to carry…God is there, we just have to submit to His authority, be willing to hear, be honest, be willing to accept and yes, humble ourselves.
Well said!!!! So many (including myself) need to read this post daily!!!! Thanks!! Great post!
This is so true. Thanks for sharing.
There is a link in the email that announced the gift card winners.
Sorry for the confusion.
The gift card winners email was for readers who finished the book in Melissa’s study. Although we’ve now discovered that somehow new names for this study were mistakenly put on that email list instead of my current online study list. So, Sheree, are you also getting the emails that I sent this week with the assignments each day.
Again, sorry for the confusion. I’ll share a link to the Names of God list in our assignment email tomorrow.
Please tell me where to find the list of the Names of God, with a scripture beside each one.
Thank you,
I believe my one thing to to be quiet – rest in the Lord – and Listen.
Dianne
Page 194 in the book and also there is a link in the email that announced the gift card winners.
Sorry for the confusion.
The gift card winners email was for readers who finished the book in Melissa’s study. Although we’ve now discovered that somehow new names for this study were mistakenly put on that email list instead of my current online study list. So, Sheree, are you also getting the emails that I sent this week with the assignments each day.
Again, sorry for the confusion. I’ll share a link to the Names of God list in our assignment email tomorrow.
I think my name was left off too. I am not able to get anything to pul up.Nothing that I click on will work.I do not understand. I neeeeeed this study. Will someone send me directions on how to get the information amd how o make it work.
Thanks, Dannie
If you mean that you can’t click on anything in your email, you may not have added Renee to your “safe senders” list. There should be a little line near the top of your email that says something like “trust sender/always trust sender” (or words to that effect). Click on the “always trust sender” and you should be good. If you haven’t done this, often links are blocked for your safety. I’ve had this happen before and it took me awhile to figure out why my links weren’t working!
I am so incredibly blessed to be doing this study with all y’all! This is so what I needed for my journey right now. When I am struggling with the negative creeping in or voices others than Gods screaming at me, I PAUSE, and think what a great and glorious God I serve. That single pause makes me refocus to all the good, love, mercy, and forgiveness shown to me daily! It makes me smile, feel peace, take a deep breath, and go forward. He gives me strength to preserve. A simple PAUSE, can get me on track. Life is good and I need to always give thanks!
Thank you for your words, Debbie. I grew up in church and had some very impactful dealings with hyprocrocy and conditional love. In the last couple of years I have felt God telling me that I need to find a church where he is #1 and, praise God, I have! I still can hear the deciever telling me not to get too involved or too close to anyone because it will end up the same. I too pause and focus on all of the good that God has brought to my life. Satan doesn’t give up easily…but God NEVER gives up! I have a strong desire to get to know God on a more personal level and I will be reading his word daily, even if it is a small amount. I feel so blessed to be a part of this study and know that God will touch our hearts through this!
Great idea!
One thing I can do to become familiar with the voice of God is to read His word more!!! In the last year the Lord has been speaking to me about this area in my life. I have a strong desire to get to know God better and to know His will for my life.
I am so thankful for this Bible Study. My prayer has been for almost a year now to stay close to Jesus. Now I have a study that shows me how and many to share with how God is working in my life. My longing is to really know how much He loves me and to accept it willingly. I’ve always been a people pleaser and found out when you don’t please someone they reject you. I’ve tied that into my relationship with Christ. But He is the only one I need to please.
Thank you, Renee for this wonderful opportunity!
Bless you
Thank you for sharing your personal experiences. I needed to hear about the hear and now. I find that being alone and outside with my bible and nature works for me. I love to feel his prescence and guidance in my life. I don’t want to be without him for one second.
I am so thankful for Jesus’s plan for Renee’s life. With her writing and speaking ability’s we are able to learn and grow from her and her experiences. Who knew we would be here together reading and sharing God’s awesome word together. I am just so excited! I want to hear Gods voice, and his whispers in everything I do!
Reading, Praying and memorizing his word (verses) is my way of learning how to get closer to God. Learning to pray his verses when praying is something I am trying to accomplish, but I tend to forget some of the verse and then have to Peek at my cards, but I will eventually get it! Phillipians 4:13 says, “I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.” I just love this verse!!!! I have to remind my self sometimes when things get tough that I can count on him and he will get me thru it! We are truly blessed to have Proverbs 31 ministries to help us all out!
Thank you Jesus for all of them and all of you online!!!! May the Lord give you all wisdom!!! Blessings abundantly!!!!
I’ve been a lot of places over the internet waves this week. Apologies in advance if I received this wonderful verse from you, Renee. But it really speaks in another way to what our goal is–to “hear” God’s presence and trust that it IS Him, and then to trust Him to go forward in confidence: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” (Ps. 32:8). Also, I’d like to recommend a book that most have read but it’s worth a reread for us needing to be inspired by an average person who first listened and trusted, and then obeyed, faced fear, learned, and ultimately moved mountains with God: The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson. P.S. I welcome your prayers as I strain to hear God in my job-seeking process. Go with God…
Where is the list with the names of God. I do not see it.
I did not see this list either. Could you send it to me or repost it for us all? Thank you!
Kathy
I believe that the most important thing to do is to stop and listen for God’s voice. I know this; however, it is probably the most difficult thing for me to do. My mind goes non-stop. I think about what I need to do next, I think about what the kids need, I think about how I can relate better to my husband, and I think about what I need to accomplish for graduate school. I am not able to effectively clear my mind in order to hear God’s voice. My goal is to be able to take a few minutes out of my day to erase all thoughts in my mind and listen for God. I pray that I and everyone here will be able to take time out daily for our Creator.
Beth, I’m just like you…constantly thinking about things. When I stop thinking, I nod off! So it can be hard if I’m expecting God to speak to me that way. Fortunately I think I am hearing Him through songs, devotionals, etc. Sometimes it even feels like the world revolves around me! :^)
Would God voice ever tell someone at what age they will die?
I believe God is working on me to stop focusing on the “where are you taking me Lord” and trying to get there while all along I am missing out on the “hear” and now part. God has so much He wants me to learn through this process and see Him in every circumstance; therefore being focused on Him at the moment which will teach me to listen for His voice. He has everyday miracles for me (us) that I (we) miss out on because I (we) are focused on where I (we) think He wants me (us) to be. I believe it is so important to try different things and ministries so we can know the spiritual gifts He has given each of us.
Jeremiah 29:11 He does have good and perfect plans for us! But I believe this is a life time journey with our Lord. Thank you Renee for your insight, hope and encouragement.
Sheree,
Thanks for sharing this advice. Funny thing is I make beaded crosses for people I know. I pray before I make them and ask God what He which name of His He wants me to put on the cross for each person. I have been making them for a couple of years now. When I make these I have a peace that God is with me and never have the negative feelings when I don’t make them. God works in mysterious ways! I never thought that I could say one of His many names when I have my negative thoughts! So, next time I have one and I am not making a cross for someone, I am going to say out loud one of the names of God.