Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Hearing God #2

I hope I gave you some time to jump into the scriptures and to pray about hearing God. My second tip is to hear God in your circumstances in regards to service. I did not know I had leadership abilities. I had mercy and compassion for others who were walking where I walked. I loved to share my story of God's grace in my life.

Then opportunities began to present themselves. "Lisa, tell your story". "Would you share at this group?" Phone calls from friends and then friend of friends desperate for help. They just started coming. Alas, God brought forth a ministry. I never felt led to promote myself and I don't think there is anything wrong with that. For me though, God just brought them.

So many times I have heard people say they are waiting on God to tell them what they should do. Align your circumstances. Do you love kids? Do you love music? Well if there is an opening for a children's choir director or assistant or room mom, that could be God. You may learn you have His anointing for it. If not you will learn something in it.

If you have a nudge to do "something" look at your situation, look at your experiences (both good and bad) and ask God where there is a need. Fall back on this scripture if you are a woman and this one too. Take a leap of faith to serve and see where God leads you!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Hearing God #1

My Pastor is doing a GREAT series this month called "Do You Hear?" You can tune in here. I am so excited about this because it is a passion if mine. Ever since I was in the 6th grade I thought, how weird that God would talk to people a thousand years ago and not talk to us now!

In my trials of life, when all seemed hopeless, I turned to God. In that, a relationship developed and I am SO thankful that it grows every day. I have decided to give you my practical tips on how to hear God. Now I KNOW God speaks to each of us differently, so I will talk about my experiences. Maybe it will help you tap into a deeper communion with our Creator!

First and foremost God speaks through His scriptures. His Word is alive and the revelations are neverending. Always seek His Word for direction, confirmation, encouragement and discipline. Having verses hidden in your heart is the safest bet. Also He will never contradict His Word. So start there.

John 10:4 says "his sheep follow him because they know his voice". That tells me we CAN hear Him. So I began to pray the verse back to God like this, "Lord your Word said Your sheep know Your voice. I want to know your voice and hear You. I do not want to be left wondering if it is You or not. Make it clear to me, open my ears to hear and my eyes to see." Then as you begin to "hear" and you obey, I believe God will do it more.

So start with those two things first and stay tuned for more "tips" to help you tune into God!