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There's no doubt in my mind that God speaks to people. Even those who may or may not be saved. The following is one of many testimonies that I posted in the "Dreamers & Visionaries" Chat group where I believe the Lord made Hid presence felt in my life at a point and time when I truly needed Him to do so.
About 8 years or so ago, I was facing major surgery due to complications of having Crohn's Disease (an intestinal disorder). Anyhow, at the time I was a smoker and the doctors suggested that I quit smoking because it only complicated matters and they prescribed a very mild anti-depressant (Welbutrin) which was supposed to take "the edge" off of any future cravings. However after taking the medication for a couple of days I began to have severe anxiety / panic attacks as a result (which I never had before or since discontinuing taking the medication).
To make a long story short...
One day, as I was getting ready for a doctor's appointment (which I already knew was not going to go well due to complications I was having), I began to shake from the inside out and could not hold back my tears. Fortunately, my mother was here at the time and, from her own experiences, recognized that I was having a rather large anxiety / panic attack. I had just gotten a change of clothes and walked into the bathroom when it happened...
When I first heard the audible voice I had to cling to my bathroom sink to keep from falling on my face because it was so... I would not say loud per say.. a better word would be "consuming" because it was the only thing I could focus on. Like all of my senses had been completely turned off.
The voice spoke: "I can heal you, I can give you your heart's desire (a family of my own), and I can take you away from this place (I never really liked the area I lived *lol*), but first you must decide to live for me."
At first I was terrified and nearly hit the floor. I had never experienced any like this before or since (at least in this manner). However, after hearing what the voice had to say, I didn't know what to think. Was it God or was I losing my mind? I was so confused.
Seeing as it was almost time for my doctors appointment, I collected myself to the best of my ability and climbed into the shower.. only for the voice to reappear. Again the voice was so... consuming... that I got down on my hands and knees because I was afraid that if I continued to stand that I might lose my balance and slip in the shower.
The voice continued but in a very loving and encouraging way: "I have work for you to do, you shall do it but first, I must show you some things." The voice paused briefly, just long enough for me to collect myself yet again.
Then the voice continued: "I will not put anything on you that you can not bare.... Now get up and get yourself ready (for my doctor's appointment)."
Here's the really strange part. When the voice finally disappeared, it took all of the panic, anxiety, and fear that I had been feeling almost all day with it. Mind you I was still a little shaken up however, I took my shower and actually drove myself to my doctor's appointment (which I could not have done in the emotional state I was in before the voice began to speak).
I heard the voice one more time, but not nearly as "consuming", as I was about to be rolled in for my final surgery several weeks later. Basically the voice told me not be afraid and that everything was going to be ok. Anyhow, I went through with the surgery and I've been in good pretty good health ever since.
In ending, was the voice from God? Absolutely! No one can convince me otherwise. Of course there are some who would say that the voice was most likely a figment of my imagination, induced by the medication. However, if this were true, then how can one explain why the attacks I were having
ceased when the voice clearly told me to get up and get ready for my doctor's appointment?
Also, even though I had probably hit rock bottom at that point and time in my life... Why wouldn't God show up when a person has reached his or her lowest point? Personally I can't think of a better time in someone's life for Him to make Himself known!
About 8 years or so ago, I was facing major surgery due to complications of having Crohn's Disease (an intestinal disorder). Anyhow, at the time I was a smoker and the doctors suggested that I quit smoking because it only complicated matters and they prescribed a very mild anti-depressant (Welbutrin) which was supposed to take "the edge" off of any future cravings. However after taking the medication for a couple of days I began to have severe anxiety / panic attacks as a result (which I never had before or since discontinuing taking the medication).
To make a long story short...
One day, as I was getting ready for a doctor's appointment (which I already knew was not going to go well due to complications I was having), I began to shake from the inside out and could not hold back my tears. Fortunately, my mother was here at the time and, from her own experiences, recognized that I was having a rather large anxiety / panic attack. I had just gotten a change of clothes and walked into the bathroom when it happened...
When I first heard the audible voice I had to cling to my bathroom sink to keep from falling on my face because it was so... I would not say loud per say.. a better word would be "consuming" because it was the only thing I could focus on. Like all of my senses had been completely turned off.
The voice spoke: "I can heal you, I can give you your heart's desire (a family of my own), and I can take you away from this place (I never really liked the area I lived *lol*), but first you must decide to live for me."
At first I was terrified and nearly hit the floor. I had never experienced any like this before or since (at least in this manner). However, after hearing what the voice had to say, I didn't know what to think. Was it God or was I losing my mind? I was so confused.
Seeing as it was almost time for my doctors appointment, I collected myself to the best of my ability and climbed into the shower.. only for the voice to reappear. Again the voice was so... consuming... that I got down on my hands and knees because I was afraid that if I continued to stand that I might lose my balance and slip in the shower.
The voice continued but in a very loving and encouraging way: "I have work for you to do, you shall do it but first, I must show you some things." The voice paused briefly, just long enough for me to collect myself yet again.
Then the voice continued: "I will not put anything on you that you can not bare.... Now get up and get yourself ready (for my doctor's appointment)."
Here's the really strange part. When the voice finally disappeared, it took all of the panic, anxiety, and fear that I had been feeling almost all day with it. Mind you I was still a little shaken up however, I took my shower and actually drove myself to my doctor's appointment (which I could not have done in the emotional state I was in before the voice began to speak).
I heard the voice one more time, but not nearly as "consuming", as I was about to be rolled in for my final surgery several weeks later. Basically the voice told me not be afraid and that everything was going to be ok. Anyhow, I went through with the surgery and I've been in good pretty good health ever since.
In ending, was the voice from God? Absolutely! No one can convince me otherwise. Of course there are some who would say that the voice was most likely a figment of my imagination, induced by the medication. However, if this were true, then how can one explain why the attacks I were having
ceased when the voice clearly told me to get up and get ready for my doctor's appointment?
Also, even though I had probably hit rock bottom at that point and time in my life... Why wouldn't God show up when a person has reached his or her lowest point? Personally I can't think of a better time in someone's life for Him to make Himself known!
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i recon i had one of them audible voice things once too naz.....it was when Lori and I were first married He didnt say much ,but it woke me out of a dead sleep ,shook my whole body ,but wasnt scarey ,except just me thinkin ,"am I awake or asleep?"Then i pinced myself and sure enough I was awake.
If youve ever read my testimony I guess you'd understand why He said what he did to me
It was short but to the point,Went like this
Welcome lonely one,Am I the Only one to whom you pray?
That was it.But I understood what He meant,and acknoledged to Him He was and Still is and will be aslong as I have mental faculties.
If youve ever read my testimony I guess you'd understand why He said what he did to me
It was short but to the point,Went like this
Welcome lonely one,Am I the Only one to whom you pray?
That was it.But I understood what He meant,and acknoledged to Him He was and Still is and will be aslong as I have mental faculties.
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C
Yes. we did get off topic. It was unfortunate. It started when the very first post after mine, openly mocked my testimony. And then the next post mocked me as well. Even though I wrote in the original description to be respectful. All I've seen from this person that I'm speaking about is untruth and negativity.
S
God has spoken to me. Not in an audible voice though. First He spoke to me when I got saved. I was into some bad things, had serious addiction problems, and going through depression at the time and literally got saved in a room alone while watching a Billy Graham Crusade on TV. I don't know why I paused and listened to it. I wasn't raised in a church or by religious parents. But God spoke to me through those words and spoke directly to my heart. The Holy Spirit opened my eyes to the truth of what I was hearing and convicted me in a powerful and very real way so that I knew I needed forgiveness from God and a Savior. And when I asked Jesus to be my Savior God spoke to my mind and heart in some internal way so that I knew He had forgiven me and I knew He loved me.
God has spoken to me in His Word like He does to everyone who hears it or reads it. And I firmly believe that if you pray for understanding the Holy Spirit will speak to you by giving you that understanding of God's Word.
I believe God spoke to me in a dream once in which I did hear a voice and the words were very clear and meaningful and pertained to something I was going through at the time.
I know God has spoken to me by giving me urges and feelings and thoughts and by giving me words to speak when I needed them to witness to others.
I know God has spoken to me by answering prayers many, many times. Sometimes in mundane ways and sometimes miraculously like when my sister was healed of cancer. And I can't tell you how many times I've asked God in prayer for understanding about something only to have my Pastor preach a sermon on it the next day or to turn on the TV and see someone talking about it, or to have a friend randomly give me a book on the subject out of the blue! So God spoke to me through others and through several means that way.
If God needed to I have no doubt He would even speak in an audible voice to His Children. It's never happened to me, but the ways He has spoken were just as real and meaningful.
God has spoken to me in His Word like He does to everyone who hears it or reads it. And I firmly believe that if you pray for understanding the Holy Spirit will speak to you by giving you that understanding of God's Word.
I believe God spoke to me in a dream once in which I did hear a voice and the words were very clear and meaningful and pertained to something I was going through at the time.
I know God has spoken to me by giving me urges and feelings and thoughts and by giving me words to speak when I needed them to witness to others.
I know God has spoken to me by answering prayers many, many times. Sometimes in mundane ways and sometimes miraculously like when my sister was healed of cancer. And I can't tell you how many times I've asked God in prayer for understanding about something only to have my Pastor preach a sermon on it the next day or to turn on the TV and see someone talking about it, or to have a friend randomly give me a book on the subject out of the blue! So God spoke to me through others and through several means that way.
If God needed to I have no doubt He would even speak in an audible voice to His Children. It's never happened to me, but the ways He has spoken were just as real and meaningful.
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N
From personal experience, in most instances, the Holy Spirit speaks to us through our conscience. In a "small still voice" that you hear a lot of folks talk about. I think it's very interesting to note that, studies show that a person instinctively knows right from wrong (certain basics), even though they may have never been taught. As we get older we are taught and learn from personal experiences various things which increases our knowledge of right and wrong. However, when the Holy Spirit kicks in, He will deal with our hearts over matters where, although we may not have thought we were in the wrong, we may may have stepped on someone's toes or said something to offend someone. The Holy Spirit can and often does operate a lot like your conscience but on a very deep and intimate level and over subject matter that we generally take for granted (such as other people's emotions).
Then there are times when we could be facing some very difficult situations and at times can become so self consumed that God make His presence felt and will speak to us in a very powerful way so that there is no mistaking who is doing the talking. I believe that is what happened to me in the experience I had that I talked about in an previous post in this thread.
Of course God is not limited to speaking in just these two ways. Often times He will speak through other people and it has even been my experience that He will speak through nature. A cool breeze or a cloud formation...
Then there are times when we could be facing some very difficult situations and at times can become so self consumed that God make His presence felt and will speak to us in a very powerful way so that there is no mistaking who is doing the talking. I believe that is what happened to me in the experience I had that I talked about in an previous post in this thread.
Of course God is not limited to speaking in just these two ways. Often times He will speak through other people and it has even been my experience that He will speak through nature. A cool breeze or a cloud formation...
N
I remember this one instance, a year or two ago, I was going through a really tough period of time at work. I was driving home after what was yet another frustrating day in a long series of them and I was on the verge of... let me just say... it was very difficult. Anyways, I was driving home and God was the last thing on my mind. I had actually turned the radio station from the usual christian station to a hard rock station and I was driving pretty aggressively (to put it nicely *lol*)
That's when I noticed the sun bursting through a large area of clouds over head. As I looked up and panned out, all I could see was what looked like a giant finger print that spanned across the entire sky in front of me. That's when I felt the Holy Spirit sweep over me and I could feel the Holy Spirit saying: "I am the Creator God and I am still in control". Needless to say I broke down in tears, asked for forgiveness for being so self centered and started praising the Lord for making His presence felt at a time when, to be completely honest, I didn't want to be anywhere near Him.
That's when I noticed the sun bursting through a large area of clouds over head. As I looked up and panned out, all I could see was what looked like a giant finger print that spanned across the entire sky in front of me. That's when I felt the Holy Spirit sweep over me and I could feel the Holy Spirit saying: "I am the Creator God and I am still in control". Needless to say I broke down in tears, asked for forgiveness for being so self centered and started praising the Lord for making His presence felt at a time when, to be completely honest, I didn't want to be anywhere near Him.
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M
God spoke to me in a letter,,,
I was writing a letter to God as i was feeling down, confused and depressed. started the usual way
Dear Father
Whats going on,,,,,, why ,,, ect ect
after i had finnished my rant to him i kept on writing like i couldnt stop about half a page long,
As i was reading it i was amazed to see what it was i was writing, it was things like
I love you, I have plans for you and everything i would never at any time write about myself
unfortunatly i distroied the letter after as it had some deep personal things in that i didnt want anyone to find out
but there you go,, and this is my first post on here
I was writing a letter to God as i was feeling down, confused and depressed. started the usual way
Dear Father
Whats going on,,,,,, why ,,, ect ect
after i had finnished my rant to him i kept on writing like i couldnt stop about half a page long,
As i was reading it i was amazed to see what it was i was writing, it was things like
I love you, I have plans for you and everything i would never at any time write about myself
unfortunatly i distroied the letter after as it had some deep personal things in that i didnt want anyone to find out
but there you go,, and this is my first post on here
R
God speaks to us through His Word(Holy spirit is our teacher in every true believer in Christ).....Read this warning in Revelations:
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation 22:18-19
There is a whole slew of lies, deception, false doctrines, etc today that are VERY popular(even within the Christian community).....Test EVERYTHING with scripture........Do not rely on FEELINGS, SIGNS, WONDERS apart from the Word of God. satan has already deceived MANY people in the church!
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" 2 Timothy 3:16
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation 22:18-19
There is a whole slew of lies, deception, false doctrines, etc today that are VERY popular(even within the Christian community).....Test EVERYTHING with scripture........Do not rely on FEELINGS, SIGNS, WONDERS apart from the Word of God. satan has already deceived MANY people in the church!
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" 2 Timothy 3:16
in my personal experience,It was like laying one ear on someones chest and holding your hand on the other one,like the souind was all over my body rumbling,filling my entier being,
but thats just my experience But I think God was just checking me out to make sure I was sencier,And truely meant what I said,And at the same time answering a prayer,I,ve never experienced it again like that,but every question Ive ever asked Him has been answered by Him in His word without any shadow of boubt.
but thats just my experience But I think God was just checking me out to make sure I was sencier,And truely meant what I said,And at the same time answering a prayer,I,ve never experienced it again like that,but every question Ive ever asked Him has been answered by Him in His word without any shadow of boubt.
N
I always find these kinds of posts funny. I'm not knocking Roaring personally however, it seems like we have a pretty good portion of the church who have unknowingly given into fear and paranoia. So much so that often times they may unknowingly supress the workings of the Holy Spirit in their lives just because they are unable to comprehend (with their limited human understanding) what the Holy Spirit is doing in our hearts / lives spiritually. I believe that's why you have a large portion of the church who do not believe that the spiritual gifts are for today however, they seem to believe Satan has the power to decieve all other christians except those who follow their particular line of thinking.
Jesus states in Matthew that "My people know my voice..." (ie. the Holy Spirit)
When I mentioned cloud formations, I wasn't so much implying that God uses cloud formations to talk to people. However what I was implying is this... that the Holy Spirit can use almost anything to get his point accross. That is IF we are listening. Scripture even talks of God using a donkey...
We have nothing to fear from the Holy Spirit. Put your trust in Him. Study and reflect on God's word. Set aside a significant amount of time daily for prayer and some more for specifically worship. Ask Him to reveal himself to you... His will... His heart... His face. I think most folks will be pleasantly suprised at how often God will begin to reveal Himself to you and in a variety of ways.
Don't let insecure leaders, who have given in to personal paranoia and agendas, hinder your relationship with God and interaction with His Holy Spirit.
"Ask and you shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you..."
Jesus states in Matthew that "My people know my voice..." (ie. the Holy Spirit)
When I mentioned cloud formations, I wasn't so much implying that God uses cloud formations to talk to people. However what I was implying is this... that the Holy Spirit can use almost anything to get his point accross. That is IF we are listening. Scripture even talks of God using a donkey...
We have nothing to fear from the Holy Spirit. Put your trust in Him. Study and reflect on God's word. Set aside a significant amount of time daily for prayer and some more for specifically worship. Ask Him to reveal himself to you... His will... His heart... His face. I think most folks will be pleasantly suprised at how often God will begin to reveal Himself to you and in a variety of ways.
Don't let insecure leaders, who have given in to personal paranoia and agendas, hinder your relationship with God and interaction with His Holy Spirit.
"Ask and you shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you..."
N
Often times when the Holy Spirit speaks, it usually pertains to a deeper understanding of scripture or possibly a personal word of encouragement or correction. I've learned in the early going of my walk with the Lord that if the voice you are hearing speaks of personal ambitions or some sort of gain (unless it is a word of correction) then it is probably you and not the Holy Spirit.
The character of Christ was that of love and selflessness. The Holy Spirit is no different. His role is to help us conform to the image of Christ. If there's something going on that you feel is uncharacteristic of Jesus then you know that it is something that you should avoid. This why is it so important that we study the Lord's words and deeds. Not only to obtain knowledge but also to apply that knowledge to our every day lives.
The character of Christ was that of love and selflessness. The Holy Spirit is no different. His role is to help us conform to the image of Christ. If there's something going on that you feel is uncharacteristic of Jesus then you know that it is something that you should avoid. This why is it so important that we study the Lord's words and deeds. Not only to obtain knowledge but also to apply that knowledge to our every day lives.
R
God revealed Himself to us through scripture(The Word).....He wrote EVERYTHING that He needed to say to man...No more revelation is needed....There is nothing funny about it. I dont hold to a particular theology or doctrine view just to show that everyone else is wrong. The mormons and many other cults emphasize FEELINGS, EMOTIONS, EXPERIENCES, REVELATIONS to promote their views.........
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" 2 Timothy 3:16
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation 22: 18-19
I want to reiterate, I humbly speak this to you all, I do not want to give the impression that I know everything.... I do not hold any grudges or ill-feelings to people that dont agree with me. But I will not compromise the Word, and if it doesn't stack up with scripture, I believe the Lord over ANY experience...
"Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar..." Romans 3:4
"better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man".....Psalm 118:8
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" 2 Timothy 3:16
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." Revelation 22: 18-19
I want to reiterate, I humbly speak this to you all, I do not want to give the impression that I know everything.... I do not hold any grudges or ill-feelings to people that dont agree with me. But I will not compromise the Word, and if it doesn't stack up with scripture, I believe the Lord over ANY experience...
"Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar..." Romans 3:4
"better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man".....Psalm 118:8
N
So in essence, you do not believe that the Holy Spirit will speak to your heart about the intimate details of your life? That He will not convict you when you have unknowingly done wrong or speak to you about an unhealthy relationship / friendship?
My friend, if this is the case, then you are truly missing out on the greatest relationship that you can ever personally have. Personal intimacy with our Heavenly Father through His Holy Spirit. What do you think scripture is referring when it speaks of Jesus as being "Closer than a brother?"
Please don't think I'm trying to argue with you. This not the case at all. All I'm saying is this... if you could have more of the Father, more intimacy, more wisdom, more peace... would you be willing to do whatever it takes to experience more of Him? Will you humble yourself, putting all personal pride and reasoning aside, and put your absolute trust and faith in the Lord? Seek His face my friend... I believe you will pleasantly surprised when you find Him... for when you seek Him, He comes to you!
My friend, if this is the case, then you are truly missing out on the greatest relationship that you can ever personally have. Personal intimacy with our Heavenly Father through His Holy Spirit. What do you think scripture is referring when it speaks of Jesus as being "Closer than a brother?"
Please don't think I'm trying to argue with you. This not the case at all. All I'm saying is this... if you could have more of the Father, more intimacy, more wisdom, more peace... would you be willing to do whatever it takes to experience more of Him? Will you humble yourself, putting all personal pride and reasoning aside, and put your absolute trust and faith in the Lord? Seek His face my friend... I believe you will pleasantly surprised when you find Him... for when you seek Him, He comes to you!
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