Can you "hear" God? If you can, describe it.
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A
I did check it and did find it true that I found you offensive and decided that it was better for me to ignore you then to respond to you based on the fact I found the fact you told me to basically shut up and stop talking about a subject you found offensive.
You didn't like the fact I didn't listen to your advice and still are stuck on the fact i haven't apologize Or feel remorseful for ignoring your attempts to silence me.
We disagree about a topic. I am okay with that. Have had you off ignore for over 3 weeks, but begin thinking I made a mistake for doing that.
But again, not really relevant to this thread.
What does SOP stand for?
You didn't like the fact I didn't listen to your advice and still are stuck on the fact i haven't apologize Or feel remorseful for ignoring your attempts to silence me.
We disagree about a topic. I am okay with that. Have had you off ignore for over 3 weeks, but begin thinking I made a mistake for doing that.
But again, not really relevant to this thread.
What does SOP stand for?
Many folks have visions or dreams, and though there may not be any words, they know if it is from God. There are miracles when we feel the Presence of our Maker, warm and all love. Sometimes it is feeling, not having but feeling, His power.
We must avail ourselves, showing ourselves willing. Our Father does not force good works on anyone, but He certainly is always there to supply them. You already know this though, but it is good to say it as praise of His person, praise our Mighty God, amen.
We must avail ourselves, showing ourselves willing. Our Father does not force good works on anyone, but He certainly is always there to supply them. You already know this though, but it is good to say it as praise of His person, praise our Mighty God, amen.
A
I read your other thread and commented on it.
I believe God gives us talents and spiritual gifts to help other people.
Personally I would feel wrong to charge people for allowing me to use those gifts to help them, and would be against making a business out of it.
If it's a calling and you wanted to make it a ministry, then donations would be good but I would also provide the service for those who can't afford it. Find ways to finance that...
We have a 83 year old lady who teaches yoga classes at our church for free every Monday.
Perhaps you are being called to use your talents and gifts to help others and through that draw them closer to God.
However I am not sure how starting a business would work.
My husband has us involved with volunteering as counselors for the Methodist youth Appalachian trail hike this summer. 5 days over 30 miles backpacking.perhaps you have similar programs of something that would interest you?
I know of a lot of misionary group that would love a strong back willing to help out. Our church has congressional care ministry that mows yards and does housework for the elderly or disabled. (not glamourous but needed)
All you have to do is pray and ask God where He wants you to go.
I believe God gives us talents and spiritual gifts to help other people.
Personally I would feel wrong to charge people for allowing me to use those gifts to help them, and would be against making a business out of it.
If it's a calling and you wanted to make it a ministry, then donations would be good but I would also provide the service for those who can't afford it. Find ways to finance that...
We have a 83 year old lady who teaches yoga classes at our church for free every Monday.
Perhaps you are being called to use your talents and gifts to help others and through that draw them closer to God.
However I am not sure how starting a business would work.
My husband has us involved with volunteering as counselors for the Methodist youth Appalachian trail hike this summer. 5 days over 30 miles backpacking.perhaps you have similar programs of something that would interest you?
I know of a lot of misionary group that would love a strong back willing to help out. Our church has congressional care ministry that mows yards and does housework for the elderly or disabled. (not glamourous but needed)
All you have to do is pray and ask God where He wants you to go.
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A
I listened to his sermon and I agreed with about half of it.
We should have the Holy spirit leading and guiding us every day. Not just a one time thing.
However I disagree with the Pentecostal or other denominations that state that you aren't baptized with the Holy Spirit when you are born again.
I don't believe you are born again without having the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Nor do I believe speaking in tongues as a "proof" of being baptized with the Holy Spirit.
I do believe people called to ministries should have the function from the Holy Spirit but I would not call that baptism but empowerment: like when the Apostles laid hands on Paul and Barnabus before their trip to the gentiles. They were baptized but blessed and empowered to do that ministry.
We should have the Holy spirit leading and guiding us every day. Not just a one time thing.
However I disagree with the Pentecostal or other denominations that state that you aren't baptized with the Holy Spirit when you are born again.
I don't believe you are born again without having the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Nor do I believe speaking in tongues as a "proof" of being baptized with the Holy Spirit.
I do believe people called to ministries should have the function from the Holy Spirit but I would not call that baptism but empowerment: like when the Apostles laid hands on Paul and Barnabus before their trip to the gentiles. They were baptized but blessed and empowered to do that ministry.
D
Great. Glad that's how you took what I said. Not what I said or meant at all, (matter of fact, very little disagreeing with the topic -- the disagreement was the presentations and assumptions being made), but at least I finally figured out what is sticking up your crawl.
Related to this topic though -- how about people figuring out what's meant, BEFORE assigning emotions to others?
And how, this relates to you, Hungry. (Assuming you are reading this too.) I'm thinking something has changed since your OP. At first you were asking if others hear God. Now it sounds like you want to know if what you are hearing is God. And, you're siding with it is, so you can't understand why we're not getting it. This is what it sounds like to me. Am I hearing you right?
I really do listen to people pretty well, (that's why I remember the last conversation), but then again, what I think they are saying isn't always what they're trying to say, so I'm checking.
(One of my go-to responses when people misunderstand what I write is, "I know what I meant to say. Why can't you just telepathically get that instead of what I wrote?" Oh, and the humor in that? I'm a writer. lol)
Related to this topic though -- how about people figuring out what's meant, BEFORE assigning emotions to others?
And how, this relates to you, Hungry. (Assuming you are reading this too.) I'm thinking something has changed since your OP. At first you were asking if others hear God. Now it sounds like you want to know if what you are hearing is God. And, you're siding with it is, so you can't understand why we're not getting it. This is what it sounds like to me. Am I hearing you right?
I really do listen to people pretty well, (that's why I remember the last conversation), but then again, what I think they are saying isn't always what they're trying to say, so I'm checking.
(One of my go-to responses when people misunderstand what I write is, "I know what I meant to say. Why can't you just telepathically get that instead of what I wrote?" Oh, and the humor in that? I'm a writer. lol)
D
Yes. That's what is troubling me -- not what you start by saying, but more of what it sounds like you don't even want to think could be happening.
What I'm hearing is you feel like you're stuck in a life that doesn't do it for you, and you're hoping God will give you something (and maybe has) to endure it. I don't mean you want out of the life you have. I'm sure you love your wife and kids, but something seems missing. Purpose. A feeling like you need to contribute to the larger picture (world, something outside your everyday life.) And it really sounds like you're depressed even knowing God has given you a great wife, kids, nice home, and all most people dream of. (You probably dreamed of it too.) Just something feels wrong, but if you can kill off all your desires, then it will be all right.
Something like guilt for knowing you have it good, but still something is missing.
Could that be it?
What I'm hearing is you feel like you're stuck in a life that doesn't do it for you, and you're hoping God will give you something (and maybe has) to endure it. I don't mean you want out of the life you have. I'm sure you love your wife and kids, but something seems missing. Purpose. A feeling like you need to contribute to the larger picture (world, something outside your everyday life.) And it really sounds like you're depressed even knowing God has given you a great wife, kids, nice home, and all most people dream of. (You probably dreamed of it too.) Just something feels wrong, but if you can kill off all your desires, then it will be all right.
Something like guilt for knowing you have it good, but still something is missing.
Could that be it?
When you are born in the Spirit, you get convicted but it is up to you to do the right thing. Jesus said if your eye or hand cause sin get rid of them. This is hardly a sin-less attitude. We will be tempted but we are to try to resist.
I dont stop living, I just stop living for the flesh. I know for a fact that the more pleasure you get then the more you want so by abstaining from copious amounts of everything I choose to be satisfied with less and it causes less desire for everything. Less desire means less temptation and less sin.
I'm not telling anybody to do anything or that they should. I can tell that there is a direct relationship between the body, mind and Spirit and how they influence eachother. I tried as best that I could to pass some of this on and some get it, some don't. If
I make small adjustments to my life here then I should have eternal reward. If not indulging every desire in the present life brings no reward it still doesn't matter because I am so at peace with who I am, it has current benefits. I enjoy my family more and don't feel like I have any vices.
I dont stop living, I just stop living for the flesh. I know for a fact that the more pleasure you get then the more you want so by abstaining from copious amounts of everything I choose to be satisfied with less and it causes less desire for everything. Less desire means less temptation and less sin.
I'm not telling anybody to do anything or that they should. I can tell that there is a direct relationship between the body, mind and Spirit and how they influence eachother. I tried as best that I could to pass some of this on and some get it, some don't. If
I make small adjustments to my life here then I should have eternal reward. If not indulging every desire in the present life brings no reward it still doesn't matter because I am so at peace with who I am, it has current benefits. I enjoy my family more and don't feel like I have any vices.
By the end of that thread God had already spoken to me about many things. In one of my posts I even stated that I thought it was selfish ambition...not exactly to want something but the reason I wanted it. My desire to help people was from God but feeling that I should start a business regardless of how it would impact my family is selfish. Just being here at CC gives me some sense of purpose. I don't get any adda boys at home. Being out of work so long took its toll on my ego, I guess. I was feeling the need to feel like I'm accomplishing something for self satisfaction. That I do believe is hard wired into us. I started work last week and the hard work makes me feel good. The business I wanted to start was part time so I had something to do while I was without somewhere to go for months at a time during layoffs.
D
There are usually three phases in life for the ones who marry:
1. Raising kids.
2. Empty Nesters -- when the kids have gone on with their lives and the couple get time to themselves again.
3. Retirement.
You're on Phase One. Usually that includes rushing around trying to soak in all the enjoyment having kids is all about immediately followed by the kids are so busy with their friends, they don't have as much time with their parents. And, somehow that feels like rushing around to wait for them to be available.
You do construction work and stay in shape. That's a man who likes to stay active. I really do get coming on here does give a sense of helping others. That's one of the reasons I'm here. BUT I can't do active like you can, and because of that, (which may mean this is on me, not you... just realize I do get I may be wrong here), I'm not seeing you as the type where this will satisfy that thing you've got in you. That desire.
THAT desire is the good thing I was talking about. You do want to do something good -- out of love, for God and for others. Don't squelch it because you think you need to be there for your wife and kids. Be there for your family. That too is a godly desire. But plan for empty nester stage now.
You've got mad skills.
1. The only thing I could do on a construction site is clean up when the men were done for the day, so I admire any guy with construction skills, because I don't have those skills. I don't know what specifically you do on construction sites, but I do know they're useful off-site too. About a month ago, I learned some people got enough support to buy a broken-down eyesore of an old motel ready to be abolished, and then found some homeless vets willing to put in the effort to fix the place for their home. To do that, first they had to raise the capital (donations) and establish that kind of relationship with the vets. I also read a story about community activists starting a community garden in the middle of a ghetto. From there they got the neighbors working together to build up the neighborhood -- starting with something to eat, then micro-loans to start their own businesses, then fixing up abandoned houses to have those businesses, then employing the locals in those businesses. Both concepts started with preparing to do what they did. Learning how to make it work. It doesn't have to be that big, but you really do have some mad skills and the right coworkers where it could be that big. AND, because you're still raising your kids, you have the time to work at it in a slow way while having your wife's input to try and come up with a partnership with her. A plan for when your nest is empty.
How? Well, I'm married to a man with your kind of mad skills, but I don't have those kinds of mad skills. My mad skills lean more towards office work, so, if hubby and I were able to do something like that, I'd be the fundraiser and bookkeeper. That's what I'd do, but I'm not your wife, and don't know her, so don't know her mad skills.
2. Or there is another possibility. You want to help people with physical fitness? I can think of two groups of people who could use your mad skills. People recovering from long hospital stays and kids needing something to do after school and during the summers. (Also summer camps to teach kids either physical fitness or construction.... or both.)
I know you say people don't appreciate something unless they can pay for it. I get that. But some people would appreciate it, but can't afford it. On the Miscellaneous forum, I just asked how hubby could regain dexterity with his fingers. I did that because we can't afford OTs and PTs, so I'm learning how to do it without skilled help. If you start planning for your Empty Nester stage now, you might be able to help some folks in both groups -- ones who can afford it and ones who can't.
You've got mad skills. And godly desire. Realize your in Phase One, and prepare for Phase Two and even Phase Three. Find something you love to do, and that might end up being your idea of a good thing to do when retired. Just find something that works well with your wife's mad skills and desires too, and you don't have to figure out what to do with her permission. She's in it with you.
(BTW, hubby was/is the physically fit guy in the family. And I was the one overweight. I suspect your wife supports you in the physically fit department, without ever wanting it for herself. I lost 50 pounds without ever exercising. He always knew I wouldn't pick up exercising past taking walks, and yet he supported me. He makes great dinners. Accept who she is, because she's accepting who you are. That one is just so you can see the other side of that one.)
1. Raising kids.
2. Empty Nesters -- when the kids have gone on with their lives and the couple get time to themselves again.
3. Retirement.
You're on Phase One. Usually that includes rushing around trying to soak in all the enjoyment having kids is all about immediately followed by the kids are so busy with their friends, they don't have as much time with their parents. And, somehow that feels like rushing around to wait for them to be available.
You do construction work and stay in shape. That's a man who likes to stay active. I really do get coming on here does give a sense of helping others. That's one of the reasons I'm here. BUT I can't do active like you can, and because of that, (which may mean this is on me, not you... just realize I do get I may be wrong here), I'm not seeing you as the type where this will satisfy that thing you've got in you. That desire.
THAT desire is the good thing I was talking about. You do want to do something good -- out of love, for God and for others. Don't squelch it because you think you need to be there for your wife and kids. Be there for your family. That too is a godly desire. But plan for empty nester stage now.
You've got mad skills.
1. The only thing I could do on a construction site is clean up when the men were done for the day, so I admire any guy with construction skills, because I don't have those skills. I don't know what specifically you do on construction sites, but I do know they're useful off-site too. About a month ago, I learned some people got enough support to buy a broken-down eyesore of an old motel ready to be abolished, and then found some homeless vets willing to put in the effort to fix the place for their home. To do that, first they had to raise the capital (donations) and establish that kind of relationship with the vets. I also read a story about community activists starting a community garden in the middle of a ghetto. From there they got the neighbors working together to build up the neighborhood -- starting with something to eat, then micro-loans to start their own businesses, then fixing up abandoned houses to have those businesses, then employing the locals in those businesses. Both concepts started with preparing to do what they did. Learning how to make it work. It doesn't have to be that big, but you really do have some mad skills and the right coworkers where it could be that big. AND, because you're still raising your kids, you have the time to work at it in a slow way while having your wife's input to try and come up with a partnership with her. A plan for when your nest is empty.
How? Well, I'm married to a man with your kind of mad skills, but I don't have those kinds of mad skills. My mad skills lean more towards office work, so, if hubby and I were able to do something like that, I'd be the fundraiser and bookkeeper. That's what I'd do, but I'm not your wife, and don't know her, so don't know her mad skills.
2. Or there is another possibility. You want to help people with physical fitness? I can think of two groups of people who could use your mad skills. People recovering from long hospital stays and kids needing something to do after school and during the summers. (Also summer camps to teach kids either physical fitness or construction.... or both.)
I know you say people don't appreciate something unless they can pay for it. I get that. But some people would appreciate it, but can't afford it. On the Miscellaneous forum, I just asked how hubby could regain dexterity with his fingers. I did that because we can't afford OTs and PTs, so I'm learning how to do it without skilled help. If you start planning for your Empty Nester stage now, you might be able to help some folks in both groups -- ones who can afford it and ones who can't.
You've got mad skills. And godly desire. Realize your in Phase One, and prepare for Phase Two and even Phase Three. Find something you love to do, and that might end up being your idea of a good thing to do when retired. Just find something that works well with your wife's mad skills and desires too, and you don't have to figure out what to do with her permission. She's in it with you.
(BTW, hubby was/is the physically fit guy in the family. And I was the one overweight. I suspect your wife supports you in the physically fit department, without ever wanting it for herself. I lost 50 pounds without ever exercising. He always knew I wouldn't pick up exercising past taking walks, and yet he supported me. He makes great dinners. Accept who she is, because she's accepting who you are. That one is just so you can see the other side of that one.)
Life is full of decisions that do not have absolute, specific-by-name, how-to directions in the Bible. How many hours a day should my kids watch TV? Is it okay to play shoot-ʼem-up video games? Am I allowed to go on a date with a co-worker? Does God get mad if I miss work because I stayed up too late the night before? We all have notions about the truth, but how do we know for sure that these ideas are coming from God? Am I hearing God? Or am I only hearing myself? Worse yet, am I hearing the temptations of Satan disguised as the leading of the Holy Spirit? Sometimes distinguishing our own ideas from God’s leading is difficult. And what if our urges are actually coming from the enemy of our souls and not from God? How do we “take every thought captive” (2 Corinthians 10:5) when we aren’t sure where the thoughts are coming from?
Most commonly, God communicates through the Bible, His inspired Word, preserved through the centuries for us today. It is through the Word that we are sanctified (John 17:17), and the Word is the light for our path (Psalm 119:105). God can also guide us through circumstances (2 Corinthians 2:12), the promptings of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), and godly mentors providing wise counsel (Proverbs 12:15). If God wants to speak to us, nothing can stop Him. Here are some ways to discern the source of our thoughts:
Pray
If we are confused about whether or not we are hearing God, it is good to pray for wisdom (James 1:5). (It’s good to pray for wisdom even when we don’t think we’re confused!) We should ask God to make His will known to us clearly. When we pray, we “must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6). If we have no faith, we “should not expect to receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:7).
Talk to God in prayer and earnestly wait for His answer. However, keep in mind that God doesn’t give us everything we desire, and sometimes His answer is “no.” He knows what we need at any given time, and He will show us what is best. If God says, “No,” then we can thank Him for the clarity of His direction and move on from there.
Study the Word
The Bible is called “God’s Word” for a reason—it is the primary way God speaks to us. It is also the way we learn about God’s character and His dealings with people throughout history. All Scripture is “breathed out by God” and is the guide for a righteous life (2 Timothy 3:16). While we speak to God in prayer, He speaks to us through His Word. As we read, we must consider the words of the Bible to be the very words of God.
Any thought, desire, inclination, or urge we may have must be brought to the Word of God for comparison and approval. Let the Bible be the judge of every thought. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). No matter how urgent the urge, if it goes against what Scripture says, then it is not of God and must be rejected.
Follow the Holy Spirit’s Leading
The Holy Spirit is God—a divine Being with a mind, emotions, and will. He is always with us (Psalm 139:7–8). His purposes include interceding for us (Romans 8:26–27) and giving gifts to benefit the church (1 Corinthians 12:7–11).
The Holy Spirit wills to fill us (Ephesians 5:18) and produce in us His fruit (Galatians 5:22–25). No matter what decisions we’re making day to day, we can’t go wrong when we exhibit love, joy, peace, etc., to the glory of God. When we have a random thought pop into our heads, we must learn to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1). Will following this inclination lead to more Christlikeness? Will dwelling on this thought produce more of the fruit of the Spirit in me? The Holy Spirit will never lead us to gratify the sinful desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16); He will always lead us toward sanctification (1 Peter 1:2). Life on earth is a spiritual battle. The enemy is eager to supply diversions to distract us from God’s will (1 Peter 5:8). We must be vigilant to ensure that what we heed is more than a feeling but is truly from God Himself.
Remember, God wants to show us the right path to take. He’s not in the business of hiding His will from those who seek Him.
Here are some good questions to ask as we examine whether or not we are hearing God: Are the promptings confusing or vague? God is not the author of confusion; He is the bringer of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). Do the thoughts go against God’s Word? God will not contradict Himself. Will following these promptings lead to sin? Those who “keep in step with the Spirit” have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24–25).
In addition, it is good to seek counsel from a Christian friend, family member, or pastor (Proverbs 15:22). Our pastors are there to help shepherd us: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account” (Hebrews 13:17).
God does not want us to fail. The more we listen to God, the better able we will be at distinguishing His voice from the other noises in our heads. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gives His promise: “He goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4). Others may speak, “but the sheep [do] not listen to them” (verse 8). The better we know our Shepherd, the less we have to worry about heeding the wrong voice.
Most commonly, God communicates through the Bible, His inspired Word, preserved through the centuries for us today. It is through the Word that we are sanctified (John 17:17), and the Word is the light for our path (Psalm 119:105). God can also guide us through circumstances (2 Corinthians 2:12), the promptings of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), and godly mentors providing wise counsel (Proverbs 12:15). If God wants to speak to us, nothing can stop Him. Here are some ways to discern the source of our thoughts:
Pray
If we are confused about whether or not we are hearing God, it is good to pray for wisdom (James 1:5). (It’s good to pray for wisdom even when we don’t think we’re confused!) We should ask God to make His will known to us clearly. When we pray, we “must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6). If we have no faith, we “should not expect to receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:7).
Talk to God in prayer and earnestly wait for His answer. However, keep in mind that God doesn’t give us everything we desire, and sometimes His answer is “no.” He knows what we need at any given time, and He will show us what is best. If God says, “No,” then we can thank Him for the clarity of His direction and move on from there.
Study the Word
The Bible is called “God’s Word” for a reason—it is the primary way God speaks to us. It is also the way we learn about God’s character and His dealings with people throughout history. All Scripture is “breathed out by God” and is the guide for a righteous life (2 Timothy 3:16). While we speak to God in prayer, He speaks to us through His Word. As we read, we must consider the words of the Bible to be the very words of God.
Any thought, desire, inclination, or urge we may have must be brought to the Word of God for comparison and approval. Let the Bible be the judge of every thought. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). No matter how urgent the urge, if it goes against what Scripture says, then it is not of God and must be rejected.
Follow the Holy Spirit’s Leading
The Holy Spirit is God—a divine Being with a mind, emotions, and will. He is always with us (Psalm 139:7–8). His purposes include interceding for us (Romans 8:26–27) and giving gifts to benefit the church (1 Corinthians 12:7–11).
The Holy Spirit wills to fill us (Ephesians 5:18) and produce in us His fruit (Galatians 5:22–25). No matter what decisions we’re making day to day, we can’t go wrong when we exhibit love, joy, peace, etc., to the glory of God. When we have a random thought pop into our heads, we must learn to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1). Will following this inclination lead to more Christlikeness? Will dwelling on this thought produce more of the fruit of the Spirit in me? The Holy Spirit will never lead us to gratify the sinful desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16); He will always lead us toward sanctification (1 Peter 1:2). Life on earth is a spiritual battle. The enemy is eager to supply diversions to distract us from God’s will (1 Peter 5:8). We must be vigilant to ensure that what we heed is more than a feeling but is truly from God Himself.
Remember, God wants to show us the right path to take. He’s not in the business of hiding His will from those who seek Him.
Here are some good questions to ask as we examine whether or not we are hearing God: Are the promptings confusing or vague? God is not the author of confusion; He is the bringer of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). Do the thoughts go against God’s Word? God will not contradict Himself. Will following these promptings lead to sin? Those who “keep in step with the Spirit” have “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24–25).
In addition, it is good to seek counsel from a Christian friend, family member, or pastor (Proverbs 15:22). Our pastors are there to help shepherd us: “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account” (Hebrews 13:17).
God does not want us to fail. The more we listen to God, the better able we will be at distinguishing His voice from the other noises in our heads. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gives His promise: “He goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice” (John 10:4). Others may speak, “but the sheep [do] not listen to them” (verse 8). The better we know our Shepherd, the less we have to worry about heeding the wrong voice.
