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?
Let me know by clicking “Share Your Thoughts” below and you’ll be entered to win my “Listening to God” gift pack which includes a copy of the Gospel of John movie on DVD, my book A Confident Heart and my message on CD, Rest Assured: How to Rest, Be Renewed & Remain in God’s Promises and Plans .
Also, if you want to join my online study, please click here for more details. I just found a deal this week for those who can’t afford the book and shipping. Amazon has the Ebook for $8.99 and they offer FREE Kindle for your PC software! So, you only have to pay $8.99 and the book downloads onto your computer! Email [email protected] if you want more details about that deal!
(If you are reading this post in an email, click here to return to my website to enter your comment into the drawing.)
Oh, my!!! I just watched the video and the young lady in the video, Erin Moon, is my cousin! Amazing, isn’t she?!?!
I need to praise God with my lady friends who are learning to listen to God!!!! I have struggled with lost confidence in God and am struggling with depression because of it BUT GOD has been speaking to me as I stop the negative thots with HIS TRUTH. It is a moment by moment holding on to His WORD and believing that HIS WORDS slone are truth, but the racing emotions and fears are calmed each time I claim HIS truth. Praise God for HIS work. Renee you have helped to make me see it is concentrating and BELIEVING his truth over emotions and circumstance. I know this is just a part of what God is using in my life right now. But I am praising Him for the work that HE is doing and the time He is spending with me. Hallelujay! To the God of Heaven and Earth!!!!!!!!
I read here about looking for themes. We have talked about how singing Christian songs and singing praises to God will activate His power in our life. Yesterday at church my pastor talked about this in his sermon. He had the congregation sing along as he sang a song that he sings to uplift himself. The song was “These Are the Days of Elijah”. I thought to myself, I must write about this theme on Renee’s website!
“My excitement, mixed with the fear of getting over-committed.” I can so relate to this statement, and journaled about it last Monday. It’s funny how I would put this in the back of my mind and not really relate it to a lack of confidence in Christ, and subsequently not deal with it.
From last week- in answer to Chapt 1 Quest 5 – I need perseverance. I can plan things on paper, even get the ball rolling, but then I have a tendency to shirk back, like the task is bigger than something I can really accomplish. Part of it is insecurity and part of it is fear of success. I don’t know what all will be demanded of me once I am successful. Will I be able to handle that or will I just let others and myself down. I feel like even if I am able to get something going and see it to completion, will I be able to do it again and again. Like writing a picture book, or having a successful quarter with my business.
Thank you, Renee for being here for all of us. Also, I want to thank all of you ladies for sharing your hearts. I helps so much to read what is going on with each of you. I am going through the Daniel Fast with my spiritual family & combined with this study, has just been an amazing time for me! I have my joy back & it is growing daily! Thanks again to all of you & May God Bless each one of you & your families abundantly!
That’s awesome Angie:) I’m thinking of doing a Daniel fast myself.
As I read chapter two, I was reminded about the extent of God’s love. He loved us so much that he was willing to separate himself from his father’s love. On the cross Jesus was completely alone in His suffering. “My God, why have you forsaken me?” All comforts of the Father’s love were beyond the Savior’s reach. Judgement poured out on our Lord. The Hell that is meant for us. Christ was my sin bearer. To believe that Christ does not love me is a lie of the enemy that too many times I believe. Lord help us to come to you every time these thoughts creep into our minds and hearts. Help us to really believe you, not the lies of the enemy.
What a great way to start the study. It certainly makes sense that we must learn out to hear God before He can truly work in us and create in us a confident heart. As others have said, I struggle with being still and listening. I think that one way I can truly do this is to cut out some of the distractions in my life and put Him on my calendar. I love the idea you shared previously about having lunch with God rather than working at your desk or eating with friends. I understand the concept of hearing God and I am certain there have been times in my life when I have heard what God is telling me to say. Sadly though, I don’t feel at this time in my life that I am able to sit down and really listen to God. I want to learn to do that and to see what He has in store for me when I do. I love the questions you listed that we should ask ourselves as we are trying to discern if God is telling us something.
Thank you and God Bless!
I loved the thought of “live each day in the hear and now!” Love the emphasis on the word “hear.” Seeing this inspired me to forward this devotion to my step daughter and her friend. We were just talking the other day about how to hear God’s voice. Thank yu, God, for the timing of the conversation and this devotion!
I wish I could say that the reason I am sometimes disobedient in my walk with God is because I am not certain it is Him speaking to me but …. unfortunately that is not the case. In fact, numerous times in the past few years I have used His speaking to me to share the good news. I can remember the first time I know that God spoke to me was on a bus ride home from Wonju, South Korea, to Seoul … we had just crested a hill and the sun was blazing its last rays of the daylight hours and God said, “you know, Susan, you won’t be here forever … you need to do these things now.” Now you would think that would have been enough to set me on my right path but …. Another time I was looking at a possible rental house in Germany where I had been posted to work and God said, “this is not the place for you … where will you put all your things with no closets?” The most recent time He spoke to me was the morning the garage sale as we were preparing to be posted to Seoul in 2004. Things had not been going smoothly for the move and it was looking like I was going to have to leave my husband behind and I was very anxious about this as we had only been married for 3 years (late life marriage after being a single parent for almost 20 years — thank God for him everyday). I had gone inside to clean up and get prepared for our customers and I was pulling on my T-shirt and God said, “stop worrying my daughter, I am working it out.” And, He did! I am so happy to be in this study … thank you for offering it and for sharing your wisdom.
Things I can do to learn His voice are for me to stop talking so much and just be still for a change and listen to HIm instead. Hard for Him to get a word in edge wise when I’m doing all the talking! I struggle with quieting my thoughts so it will be a challenge, at least at first but I really want it so I will definitely work on it. Also, by studying all His names and being in His Word more I will learn more about Him and know His character and how He interacts with me so I will know it is His voice.
Thank you SO MUCH for writing this book and sharing yourselves with us, Renee! May you always be blessed!
Hi, Renee. This study has been such a blessing! I know that one thing i can do to discern God’s voice is to find a nice quiet place every day to study my Bible and pray. I rush too much. Thanks to you and the Proverbs 31 staff! There is no better place on the internet to connect with God. (Phil 1:3). 🙂
Yay P31, arent’ they a great bunch to hang out with and be encouraged! =0)
One thing that I can really do to be more familiar with God’s voice is spend more quality time with Him. So often I make my personal time the last thing I do before going to bed, and by then, a lot of time I am so tired that I put it off. I really need to start my day with His truth, and basking in His love. The devil, as soon as we wake, he is up to no good, trying to fill our minds and hearts with his countless lies, so therefore starting my day off right, would make a world of difference!!
Take Care, God Bless 🙂
Amen! I struggle with the same thing.
I’ve always lacked confidence and had low self esteem. I know I am fearfully and wonderfully made and that Jesus loves me more than I can comprehend. Still I feel defeated much of the time. I need your Bible study of the Confident Heart so much. I don’t have the book yet. It’s not always easy for me to get out to get it. I take care of my special needs granddaughter 3 days a week. She is a JOY! I claim over and over again God’s promise of HOPE. She has a genetic disorder (Trisomy 18). She’s 14 months old and is a MIRACLE baby already. God has been GOOD! I know one day she will go home to Heaven, but I don’t want to let her go. I want to keep her here with us. I so want to live in God’s Will for my life each day. It’s difficult to concentrate on the ordinary everyday things of life, but these things are what I need to be doing to take care of my wonderful husband and myself. Don’t know exactly where this is going, just needed to share. Thanks for your devotions and teachings. They help me so much.
I have been struggling with learning how to discern if God was really speaking to me. It was hard for me to know if what I thought I was hearing was truly God or what I just wanted to hear. Renee’s message what very helpful for me to apply those questions daily and really teach me to listen for God. I have been doing daily quiet devotional time early in the morning before my kids wake up and my busy day begins. I think this has really helped me quiet myself and prepare my heart to hear God. It is hard some days and I don’t want to get up, but I have found my day just isn’t right if I don’t do it. Thanks for this bible study, what a blessing to have 8000 women participating. It is helpful to know I am not alone. Blessings to everyone!
I am well aware that I am too focused on the world and do not spend enough time with God. I’ve been trying recently to open my heart (and ears) more and being more willing to act when I hear the voice of God. This may be something like getting the urge to go to church (my schedule is variable and many days I don’t have the opportunity to go) so I will make myself go. Or I’ll hear a voice say “clean up the house so your husband doesn’t have to” (our roles are somewhat reversed). or “turn off the TV and do your Bible study”. I think mostly I’m OK at hearing, but I’m working now on saying “yes” without hesitation. Though I really like your 4 questions to ask yourself. So maybe instead of saying “yes” without hesitation, I should reflect more and then maybe I’ll hear God more loudly and more clearly.
I am hearing with obedience comes blessings.
One thing I started doing before this study begin was to go take a walk for 30 min a day ( unfortunately this wasn’t every day like I wanted) while listening to the bible via a bible app on my phone. I was attempting to do the ” Walk with Jesus for 40 days.” You start with Matt & by the time the 40 days are over you should have made it through Revelation. Doing this has really helped me to align my thoughts with God’s word. I feel more at peace, less agitated & all around happier & more confident. I plan to continue this “walk.”
Thanks for being obedient to the Lord & so transparent, Renee!!! This study is Awesome & I’m so glad to be a part of it. I struggle with some deep insecurities & I’m excited to see how this study is going to transform me in that area. 🙂
Many blessings to you & yours, Lana Roscoe
How to discern His voice – from doing the Experiencing God study we are to keep doing what we were told to do last until further notice and note in the Bible how God spoke to His people there. It’s very hard not knowing the big picture of His plans for me since I’m such a planner, but he has asked me to step out of my comfort zone (MIIIIILES out of it!) this past year and although I still don’t have the big picture and may never, I have more than I did a few months ago!
Renee, I love that you said “that it’s in our relationship with Him, we find the purpose, direction and meaning we’re looking for”. I’m seeing and experiencing that every day the more I spend time in prayer with Him. And it is in this relationship that I will be completely fulfilled and not feel the need for others’ approval and acceptance. I thank you for guiding and leading us on this journey. I am just joining the online study as of late last night. I tried to do it back a few months ago but had some health issues get in the way and had to stop so I felt it was God’s gift that he brought the opportunity back to me. Thank you.
The one thing that I can do to hear Him more is to do as you said in your video message, spend some more quality/quiet time, I hear God talk to me all the time, but this post made me realize that I am always in such a rush to get done, or get to the next thing that I never (before today and this lesson) realized that I may only be taking enough time to hear the first frew words or the first sentence instead of giving my attention to the entire conversation that God wants to have with me.
Thank you for this thought and lesson from you. I know it is part of my Conversation with God.
God Bless You, Stephanie
i enjoyed the pianist chad it was very pretty and very tranquil and peaceful. he was very good. you could tell he loves the lord by the way he played and put his heart into it. very good.
Just needin’ a bit of prayer….How timely for me to have the verse: ‘But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.” Jer. 17:7 nlt
In the past week, one of the areas I struggle with most (regarding trust)…my kids..has come to the surface. Two of our children are in bad places right now…(all of a sudden)…Coincidence? Perhaps not. TRUST is what God is teaching but it is a tough lesson. I am glad He is faithful and good. Please pray for us as we ask the LORD for His wisdom (and seek to truly hear/heed). Thank you. Is it possible to feel hope in the midst of tears? I think so…for He is close to the broken-hearted and His promises for our children are true…and for us.
Only way to hear God’s voice is spending quiet time with Him. Turn off the sounds in the world ….. and even moreso turn off the sounds in your hear and just listen. Just listen ! Simple but I know I use to have a hard time to even take the time to do it for I had so much to do. Only the truth I cannot do it for it is the foundation of my life……Quiet time with Him is where I will hear His voice. Thank you for all the insight and inspiration that you give us in your writing, Renee. We love you !
Hi Renee, I am looking forward to our study. I have a question about the verse Isaiah 49:23. On the site it states that this verse says; Then you know that I am the Lord. Those who hope in me will not be disappointed. What version is this? I have a New King James version and it says Then you will that I am the Lord, For the shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.
I think I need to stop worrying and live in God’s promises!
Hi ladies, I am a few days behind on my study but am catching up. I know God speaks to me through a weighing on my heart. I don’t hear his voice as much as feel his nudge…. I am working on submission in my marriage and just this morning he “nudged” me to tolerance and humor on an issue that has long haunted me in regards to my husband. this study and reading my audio book of a womans high calling are all weaving Gods will into my life. Renee your voice is in the chorus of angels used by God to deliver me from the confusion of my role and life’s business..thank you and know you are a blessing from God.
Today I am praying for God’s direction in the “hear and now.” May I make each decision throughout my day with a listening ear to the Spirit’s voice. The best way for me to hear the Lord speaking is to start my day with time in the Word and some prayer for guidance. Thank you for your sharing your struggles and then your discovery of the “hear and now” as you found God’s blessing when following His words.
This was so great of you to share today. It really touched my heart because I had a similar incident like that last night. I know my hubby needs shirts for work and they needed to be ironed. I walked past the dirty landry basket and it was has if God was saying do all of my hubby’s work clothes laundry and wash, dry and iron it. I felt it so strongly that I went looking for enough clothes to make a wash load. Lol. Funny I know, but I won’t wash it if there isn’t enough for one load. Turns out most of it was done earlier and what I could get was in the room where he was now sleeping. So I resolved not to do it! I hang my head in shame now because it was God prompting me and I disobeyed. Yours story today really resonated with me and I need to make sure that I serve God better and my family in the “hear” and now. Thank you for encouraging me to listen to God in each moment of the day not just in the bigger areas of my life.
I went back and forth about doing this online study Renee. I love your blog, but honestly, I am quite busy with work and another home group study with a wonderful group of 9 other ladies who meet weekly. But after reading the online study emails for this first week I have decided to go ahead and buy the book and join in. It just seems to go hand in hand with what we are studying in our group, and something I so desperately need right now.
The best way for me to hear from God is to spend time with him. Quiet time. And to seek him earnestly, asking for answers. He speaks, we just have to be willing to listen and position ourselves where we can here.
Looking forward to this journey with all of you.
Thank you for the online study. I travel for work and it’s hard to make a local Bible study group on a consistent basis.
Thank you for your obedience in this work! Your work IS touching many women’s lives, helping them grow just a little bit closer in their personal relationship w/Jesus. Briefly: God has been doing a work in my life over the past several years (& now I realize it has been that long) preparing me for different battles I’ve confronted in my life lately. And Praise Jesus, I feel as I have been better equipped to handle them w/the knowing I have the full strength & love of Him w/me. I too struggle w/the enemy trying to make me believe that what God has been speaking to me is not really God’s voice, but my own creation. I am learning how to discern this & of course I LOVE how in so many areas of my life (chuch, bible study, devotionals, web studies, reading, etc.) I run across people like you being obedient to God’s desires & teaching/speaking on this subject!
Thank You Jesus for being SO ALIVE & ever-present in my life!!!!!
I have a nudge to post some reflection from my devotional time this morning so….
“My heart has heard you say,”come and talk with me” and my heart replies, “Lord, I am coming”! Psalm27:8
“when you look for me wholeheartedly you will find me” Jeremiah 29:13
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” Matthew 6:30-34
Renee says it best when she says “live blessed girl! God want that for you!” Its a hard one to really grasp and realize that I do deserve to “live” blessed. I always want to bless others, which I feel I’m called to do, but that I also need to take in the moments that He is blessing me and soak in His blessing. I’m so quick to pass it over because I think I’m not worthy and that is not what God wants me to do. He wants me to feel His love and blessings and be joyous from them.
Jennifer, I love these verses. Thanks for sharing them! Is this from The Message version of the Bible?
I have such a hard time giving over control… Which is funny because I don’t have the control God does. I am so very tired from trying to control everything and not trusting God with my everything. Thank you so very much for writing this book, Renee. I feel like you are writing my every hurt and pain and I can’t wait to get where you are in trusting and laying everything down for the Lord. Why do I have to be so stubborn? Thanks!
“so don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today”
Matthew 6:30-34
I have been where you are now…. Knowing that God has control and praying to Him for whatever the situation was that I was in. Telling myself that I was turning to Him and I know that He is in control, that whatever is will is will be. BUT the biggest thing for me was realizing that I wasn’t really letting Him have control, I was still trying to hang on to it. So I just simply starting praying asking for Him to take the control and for me to let go completely. Our human nature sometimes gets in the way, doesn’t it? 🙂 But I have learned that even though the situation my be the same, putting it at the feet of Jesus has given me peace. A calm peace knowing He is there walking through it with me. PS I think it’s more fear that being stubborn.
I pray Lord that You will take control for Tobi, that she can learn to lean on You. It’s so hard Father to let go of that control and to give it ALL to you. Our fear keeps us from putting all our faith into trusting that You really do have it. Help her Lord to know that You got this and that she can let go. Please Jesus fill her with your peace, surround her so much that she can’t help but feel your presence! In your glorious name ~Amen
For me, it is being disciplined to spend more time reading His Word. It’s difficult for me to put the “to dos” on the back burner, instead of my Bible reading. I know that if I was more in tune with God and His Word, I would be more able to hear His voice.
I realized for the first time this morning(during the time I set aside) that through my life I have placed my trust in “mere men”. Typically that mere (wo)man was me, I was convinced I could do it on my own. (Isn’t that what the world tells us?) But in all the times I trusted myself and came to the end of MY capability to do anything, that is where Jesus met me and said, “Here’s the path. . .follow me” I ignored it for a long time and consequence followed.(‘Cursed is the one, who places his trust in “mere men”) FINALLY, while I still fail alot, I’m beginning to get it. I will trust the LORD, and He will bless me(HE PROMISES)
Jer. 17:5-7
I have a story to tell . .
I have just begun this study and love what I have read. I am trying to read thru some of the many postings and they are all so encouraging!! God is an amazing God… I KNOW that, however I feel I have lost touch with him.. I do still see his many blessing in my life, however I feel so discouraged with my health. I have had some issues for quite sometime and I have been praying and fasting (recently). I feel a bit scared and as much as Satan wants to tell me that these issues are serious, I can’t imagine God’s plan for me would be sickness and to take me from my family (3 children). I get up early each morning to read the word and keep prayign for a sign from God that I will be ok, but I feel so overwhelmed and discouraged that I am not sensing HIS presence. I am so reluctant to be sharing this today, but I would love prayer!!
Thanks, Jody
The one thing that I do to hear God’s voice is take a step back from my own voice and just listen to where He is guiding me. One day as I was driving somewhere, I had a lot on my mind and thinking about all these things that had to be done. My mind was overwhelmed and my mind was nowhere near the Bible or God’s truths. Just then, in my car, He showed up and told me that I didn’t need to worry about all of that stuff right now and a sense of calm flowed through me. It was amazing. He will speak to us if we let Him and stop crowding our minds with other things of the world.
I am so excited to begin this journey to A Confident Heart and share in fellowship with others in this study. Thank you, Renee for your encouragement and hard work on sharing God’s truths with us and leading us to a stronger relationship with our Father.
Prayers and God’s Blessings,
Leslie
Renee,
For me, being still is the thing I need to do more. Just listening for Him. God is so good to speak through friends, through nature, through books and articles that He places in front of us. I tend to stay busy, because I feel like that is the “right’ thing to do. But, deep inside I know that “being still” brings more results. I love Ex. 14:14…..The Lord will fight for you. You need only be still.
I love you, friend. Thank you for allowing God to use to remind me to shhhhhhhhh and listen!
Praying for you,
Tammy
As I read the b devotional I laughed because I used to be one of those ladies that would say wait you can’t be talking to me. I have learned that he is and I will listen and follow. I ran for a long time and when things got ready crazy I would go back and listen and read the word and realize that yes Elaine he truly is talking to you. When I finally understood His hand was on the wheel and let him drive life got much easier. I still have trials but Jesus it’s always with me. PTL
I get up early in the morning when the house is still. That is my “me time” with the Lord. He speaks to me through his word, Christian TV, a friend, family and sometimes even my enemies. I know that the Lord wants what is best for me. I just have to take the time to listen. I have been encouraged by your comments. Be Bless.
Hi, I don’t have any tips–I’m still learning to hear God’s voice. That’s why I want to be entered in the contest for the “Listening to God” gift pack. And I would love to see the Gospel of John movie also. I’ve GOT to learn to read faster !! so I can read ALL the posts !! I’m enjoying every minute.
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 know that God speaks to me in many ways. This past week-end, I had a “melt-down” wondering if my husband still loves me, and if so, why is he not here with me and being a daily part of my life. My husband suffers from depression and he has trouble being around people, even me. Expectations that he perceives that people have but that he can’t meet bother him a lot. So he has found work in another state that he can do when he can function enough to do it.
God reminded me this morning when I got up of the story of the demon possessed man in Mark 5. When I read that story, God showed me how Jesus delivered this man from the demons tormenting him and how Jesus told him to go back to his family “and tell them how much the Lord had done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” I am waiting for the day that God restores my husband to be the mighty man of God that he has been called to be.
And immediately prior to that story is the story of Jesus calming the storm that he and his disciples were in on their trip to get to the “other side” where the man was. God has calmed my storm of impatience and doubt and assured me that he is in the boat with me and capable of healing my husband.
God Word is powerful….we just don’t utilize it enough.
I’m 26 yrs. old and have always known that God was with me, I have always had a “conscience” about the things that I do in life-though I didn’t always make the best choices. I think that “little voice” we hear-sometimes called “having a gut feeling” is the Lord guiding and directing us. God is an awesome God, and I know He is working with me, and answering many of the prayers I have sent up to Him in the past month. It’s no coincidence that I ended up here reading Renee Swope’s blog today-which I have never done since I joined P31, I usually just read the daily devotions that are in my email. But, the Lord led me here. I thank Him for ordering my steps, being with me, never leaving me when I turned my back on Him. The Lord knows that I want Him to draw me nearer to Him-Just A Closer Walk with Thee!!!! I think we hear God’s voice when we pray, read the Word of God, and when we ask Him direct us-to give us wisdom, and discernment to carry out His will and the plans He has for us. God bless each and every one, and continue to grow in the Lord 🙂
“Be Still and Know that I am God”,,,,,,,mother said that to me last week, when I was struggling, and now several women have said it here…..Thank you Lord for speaking!!
Include more time for listening in my morning quiet time
I’ve learned from experience the more I process my pain the more I gain. I gain knowledge, understanding and wisdom. It’s like God takes a giant Q-tip and cleans out my ears the more I clean out my heart.
It’s hard to take steps based on faith. I’m learning to obey small things he asks me to do which builds confidence. I pray constantly to not miss anything he is telling me.
Spend time reading God’s Word, praying and writing it all down, then spend an equal amount of time just listening for the answers and write them down too (ensure they are are consistent with God’s Word!).
Also, ASK God to help you become more familiar with His voice…ask for concrete, tangible ways of practicing.
Lastly, be open all day long to His whisper in the form of signs (through people, songs, words, objects), consistent with HIs Word and consistent with your prayer requests.
He does AMAZING things when you ASK for them!!
I am hoping to hear God’s voice … that’s all I want to write at this time.
I know that God has been speaking to me for years about listening to Him. I have gone through seasons of my life of where I’ve been more attentive to His voice than at other times. On one particular season of my life, I was struggling with intense spiritual warfare. I was actively reading my Bible, praying, and worshipping with other believers regularly. I was also involved in a “Celebration of Discipline” Bible Study by Richard Foster. THis particular week we were discussing and reading about the discipline of listening to God. I knew that I had struggled to listen to God and truly hear His voice. I was praying one particular day and I went to church and entered into a small classroom to pray. When I turned on the light and looked in the classroom, there was nothing there but a chalk board and some chairs. On the chalkboard was the word “LISTEN” in all capital letters and written all the way across the chalk board. I knew at that point that God was speaking to me!! That particular period of time in my life was when I was a stay-at-home mom. Now, my children are 17 and 11 and I am trying to find a job in the school system in order to teach since I recently graduated with Elementary Education. I desire to hear God speaking to me in these busy times of life just like the simpler times of life. Getting alone and really listening to God speak is such a challenge these days. How do you find time in your busy schedule to truly listen to God. I realize that it’s not just sitting down for an hour or so and wall-ah, you hear the voice of God, even though it can be that way. I realize that listening to God’s voice is a moment by moment discipline. I have learned some of this but I want to go deeper in hearing God’s voice step by step.