How does or has the Holy Spirit speak to you?

I've been fervently praying for some issues. Sometimes, I can't tell if the Holy Spirit is speaking to me or if it's just my mind and or my own thoughts.
We have thoughts all the time, but everyone once in a while I'll get a thought out of the blue or feeling out of the blue like a strange thought or even a weird dream. Our human brains are capable of imagination, but God also places dreams and visions in our hearts. I NEVER heard an audible voice of God saying to me, I am God and I want you to do this or that like Moses. When I'm alone in my room and pray and worship, I can feel the Holy Spirit being near and or inside, but there are no spoken words, more like a peace.

The Bibe says God spoke to Abraham and let him know he would be a father of many nations. I'm assuming rhema of the Lord.

I have heard heavenly voices, but not Christ or the Father. When the Spirit speaks to me its in complete thoughts, if I have to question whether it was God or my flesh, its usually the flesh.
I've been a believer for 34 years, so running inspiration through the filter of scripture isn't difficult.
But its basically just a "knowing" for lack of a better word. When God speaks He leaves very little doubt that it'd Him. This has been proven to me numerous times through the years, with insights and information given to me that I did not previously possess.

Can you please give me an example of like what that means like a thought like are you conscious? Are you dreaming?… you’re taking a walk and then you have a thought that comes in your head ….like please I’m trying to figure this out

Sometimes I read a Bible verse and a very resonates in my heart…. But I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about like a specific thought that’s applied only to me, regarding what I’ve been praying about if that makes any sense.

It varies. Mostly it an impression in my spirit, usually called intuition. It's a "knowing". Many years ago, I saw a queue of vehicles in front of me on the way home. I did not think about it, just took a wide detour. I avoided an hour's delay. It was not logic. I had no way of knowing the extent of the traffic issue. I've had many instances where I've ignored intuition and it's resulted in problems I could have avoided.

Absolutely Brother.
Let me first give you an example of a time I heard from the Spirit. And then I'll describe the experience.

As a young believer I was not disobedient to my Father. I understood His will imperfectly of course, but to the degree of my understanding at the time, I obeyed it. Until the time He told me to open my mouth to Him in prayer. At that time I thought I had a pretty good prayer life, but it was silent and my thoughts would often trouble me greatly. Then one day I just heard Him, The Holy Spirit very clearly communicated to my Spirit, that I should open my mouth to Him in prayer. Not audibly, but a very understandable and complete thought, and this was a thought that had never crossed my mind before, and one I greatly resisted, but that is another story.
I eventually submitted to His command, and the blessing I received cannot be adequately or believably described.

So how does this work?
We communicate with God in our Spirits. We use our minds to meditate upon Him and His ways, to share His gospel, and to make our way in this world. The soul, in my understanding, is the mind, the will, and our emotions. To submit the three to our Father and be transformed into the image of Christ is our objective while in this flesh. Our Spirit, renewed by the Holy Spirit, is now linked with and informed by that same Holy Spirit.
There is a reason the scripture tells us that the carnal man cannot understand the things of God, because he can't. But the spiritual man has the mind of Christ.

The problem is, we hold this treasure in a fallen earthly vessel. So while we now have Christ within us, we still have that old man and the old mans way of thinking and seeing the world. That is why we must be continually renewing our minds and conforming them to Christ through prayer, the word and obedience to it. I have found in my life, that the single greatest way to grow in the knowledge of Christ is through obedience. The scripture teaches us that if we do His word, we will know His will.

So first, if you want to hear God, set your heart to do His will. The slightest thread of disobedience woven into the heart of a believer will hinder his prayers and quiet the voice of God. I'm not talking about indwelling sin, but indwelling disobedience, and there's a big difference. We must purify ourselves, as He is pure, we are His, we are His body, His temple. I also might add, that fasting burns fat, and that burning fat is a sweet savor to our Father. Look into the sacrificial rituals to get a better understanding of this.
But I digress.

A man who is walking in faith and repentance will hear from the Lord, its a promise with a guarantee. And yet still, there is the area of our motivations to be considered. How can I know my own heart and motivations? I would say, only through divine revelation. So we must make our ways straight before the Lord, and in that confidence, we can trust His grace to reveal to us and deal accordingly with our motivations. And then we can know that we hear Him, and He hears us.

So when a man, by Gods grace and Gods power has become victorious over his flesh, not indwelling sin, but indwelling disobedience, the voice of God becomes more clear. And clearer still with each new interaction with the Spirit. We train ourselves through the practice of obedience to hear His voice. When God has spoken to you many times, when you have heard and obeyed and seen the wisdom of your obedience, and the wisdom of His will, and when the words you heard were proven by your experience to be of God, you are learning to hear His voice. And His voice will become ever more clear as this process unfolds. This process continues as long as we are in the flesh.

So what's it like? This is tougher to describe. Its a knowing based upon practical experience. "My sheep know my voice." I don't know any other way to describe it.

Ive shared this before elsewhere, but at a time in my life when I was living in complete disobedience to God, He spoke to me that I should pray for my son. I can't tell you how I knew it was God, I guess I had heard from Him so many times before that I just knew. Turned out that in that same hour, my son had a ruptured spleen and was on the edge of death and hell. I had no way of knowing this, and didn't find out till two or three days later. He lived by the way.

How did I know this was God? Well, my flesh hates prayer for one. Satan would never ask me to pray for my son. And the word clearly tells me that God desires to have fellowship with me. A random thought to engage in a spiritual exercise on behalf of another, while its possible it came from inside or something darker, is most likely God. And if it wasn't God, well then I prayed for my son, never a bad thing whether he's in the hospital or not.

But what if its something less serious? What if I think God is telling me to do some specific thing, like be a financial blessing to a brother or sister? The same principles apply. I once heard the Lord tell me to give twenty dollars to a particular ministry. I did, my wife wasn't thrilled as it was 20 of our last 30 dollars. But I gave it, and within 30 minutes, another brother gave me the twenty back and ten more besides. Before I gave the money I had just enough for rent, now I had enough for rent and groceries. So what if it wasn't God, and I was just feeling generous? Was I following scriptural principles, was I giving from a good place in my heart? Then ultimately it was good, maybe even if I didn't hear directly from God. But either way, I will now hear Him more clearly in the future. We learn through obedience and experience.

We are moral free agents, while we should seek Gods express will for our lives at all times, we are also guided by His implied will which comes from the word. No direct revelation is required to do what is right or be a blessing to others, share the gospel etc. The Spirit is our guide even if we are not being given specific divine revelation. We know His will through His word.

I hope this helped. I'm afraid after reading your post again that I did a lot of talking without answering your question.

Jacko, I'm not a paid member here as I do not have a bank acct. So I can't send a pm. If you would like to continue this conversation further, send me a pm. I've been looking at your questions and comments and I think we may have a bit in common. I'm going to be perfectly honest, I have zero fellowship at this time in my life.
And you seem like you could benefit from an older brother. Please forgive my presumption, and if this is to forward of a request I understand, but its kinda the only reason I came here. I've been walking with Christ for two years now since coming back into the fold and have a total of zero christian brothers or sisters in my circle.

Magenta, I can't reach out to you personally so I hope you see this.
I saw your reaction to my post.
I just want to say that you are a very sweet sister and I am so happy that there are people like you on this site. Even when you disagree you are kind and non confrontational. You always have an encouraging word for everyone regardless of where they are at or what doctrines they hold to.
Thank you.

Rhema
Means "any spoken word" or "utterance". Some Christians believe that rhema is the word of God spoken directly to an individual through the Spirit. It's considered a revelation that's custom-made for each person, and is used for more than just reading or hearing.

Logos
Means "word," "speech," "utterance," or "message". In the Bible, logos is most famously used to refer to Jesus as the Word, as in John 1:1, "In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word (Logos) was with God, and the Word (Logos) was God".



I’m searching for Rhema…


. 2. Romans 10:17 – Paul explains the origin of faith:
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word [rhema] of God.”

This suggests that faith grows through hearing God’s rhema—His spoken word that can resonate personally and inspire trust and action.
3. Ephesians 6:17 – In the armor of God:
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word [rhema] of God.”

The rhema in this verse represents the word of God as a weapon for spiritual warfare, emphasizing that specific scriptures or personal revelations can empower believers to resist spiritual attacks.
4. Luke 1:38 – When Mary responds to the angel Gabriel:
“Then Mary said, ‘Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word [rhema].’”

In this context, Mary receives a rhema word directly from God through Gabriel. Her acceptance of this word illustrates faith in a specific message that God delivers personally to her.
5. John 6:63 – Jesus speaks about the life-giving nature of His words:


In a modern Christian context, rhema often refers to a “personal word” or insight from God that speaks directly to a believer’s current situation, bringing clarity, direction, or encouragement. Believers often seek a rhema for guidance, relying on the Holy Spirit to illuminate specific Scriptures or provide fresh insights for decisions or challenges.

Ultimately, rhema complements logos—the complete and written Word of God—by giving believers timely, relevant applications of Scripture that reveal God’s personal involvement in their lives.

Brother, I’m not a paid member either but appreciate all the insights you provide.
Stay blessed.

Jacko,

You will hear God in a variety of ways. The Bible is where you will hear the most replies. Sometime a line will speak to you. This could be an answer to a question, a warning of danger But other times you will ask a question the then a word will just come to mind out of nowhere or a thought will come to mind then you will feel peaceful. Sometimes its a dream with an audible voice giving advice, then there are nudges these are noticeable tugs that tell you to do something or not to do something.

I like the thread, and answers. Good post. The natural man, carnal minded, can't understand spiritual things. There are brilliant people. But with out holy Spirit, they cant asertain meat of Gods word. But spiritual person can understand. Hows it possible for Christian who has disabilities like autism or bipolar, but understand deep truth of Gods word ?? Its written in Ephesians, one Spirit, but many gifts.

1 Corinthians chapter 2. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 2:7 . But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.
2:10 . But God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

Holy Spirit, and studying the Bible go together. The Holy Spirit guides us, helps us understand deep truth of Gods word, and spiritual discernment. The spiritual Christian achieves this. But natural man, he can't understand. Its spiritually discerned.
Ereunao in Greek means - searches, Spirit.
Oudeis in Greek means - no man, no one.
2:11
For what man knows the things of man, save the Spirit of man which is in him ? Even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God. How the hell is that possible. Because Jesus endows certain people with Holy Spirit. Some people have Spirit of slumber.
It can't be possible for Christian people with disabilities to have Holy Spirit. Oh, really. ??!! Jesus is sovereign and will do what pleases Him, Romans chapter 9 to document.
2:12. Now we have received not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God. That we might know things that are freely given us of God. 2:13 . Which things also we speak, not in the words which mans wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches.
Sunkrino in Greek means - comparing/interpreting.
Christian people who have Holy Spirit, can interpret dreams. The holy Spirit is gift from Jesus.
Psuchikos in Greek means - natural, carnal minded.
Again, the natural man can't understand spiritual things. Because its spiritually discerned. He/she thinks in the flesh. Without holy Spirit, they can't asertain spiritual things.

Christian with disability, who has holy Spirit, is gifted. They might have another gift also. Members of the body of Christ, have one Spirit, but different gifts and abilities.
1 Corinthians chapter 1
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe. God placed Spirit of Stupor on some people, and they don't understand Jesus, and Body of Christ. They think in carnal minded way. They don't understand spiritual things.
1:25 . Because the foolishness of God is wiser then men, and the weakness of God is wiser than men.
Moroa in Greek means - men.
Christ has become stumbling block to some people.
Because some people have Spirit of stupor.
1:26
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. Those called and chosen, have Holy Spirit.
1:27.
But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.
1:28
And base things of the world, and things which are despised, has God chosen, yes, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.
Eklegomai in Greek means - Chosen, in order to.
Kataischuno in Greek means - confound, put to shame.
Ezoutheneo in Greek means - counted as nothing.

Yes, God uses normal Christian people. But, Jesus also uses Christian people with disabilities. Body of Christ is to edify. We are to nourish. Plant seeds. Body of Christ has different gifts and functions. Each of us pulls our own weight.

My dad, 1980s, talked me to going to trade school, high school. He thought I might have gift to succeed in trade school. I failed trade school. My dad was disappointed, and angry for period of time. When I converted to Christianity in 1999. I stopped resisting the holy Spirit. I studied under pastor. My dad was carnal minded. He couldn't understand my failures. He knew I converted, and studied under pastor. On his death bed, v a hospital. My dad told me privately. I had nothing to prove to him.
I think my dad might have come to terms with himself and me. That was last time I saw him alive.
I believe i produced much fruit for Jesus. And believe He will call me faithful servant, when I meet Him near future. Success is obeying God, and being profitable.
The unprofitable, wicked, are the ones who said, those in special education won't succeed in life.
I have nothing to prove to anyone. Peace.

Yes sir, and I appreciate your input as well.

Well said, you'll get no argument from me.
I would only add that God is very economical in His dealings with man. And knowing men's hearts as He does, He's not much for wasted verbiage. God speaks to those who have set their hearts to respond.

I always get it confused whether its the old men with dreams, young men with visions or vice versa. At any rate, I'm in the old man category. And to date, I have only had one dream and no visions. And the dream was of my own demise.
I am not certain if the dream was from the Lord, time will tell.

Its funny how people say that the Holy Spirit no longer directly communicates or performs miracles. Even when I have been completely out of His will through the years, Only once in my Christian life has the Spirit ever stopped speaking to me, and it was one of the lowest and most terrifying times I can recall.

The Lord has given us His word; it's for all of us. We don't need personalized messages, that's how cults get started. Someone thinks they've received a special revelation and they go off the rails or start to act like they're more important than everyone else. But people seem to want to be special rather than become part of the one body.

"Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." 1 Corinthians 1:10

We aren't speaking of doctrinal revelations friend, those were all given long ago. And yes, I agree with you that that is how cults get started.
So I guess my only question for you is, presuming you read my earlier post, did God tell me to pray for my son when He was on the verge of death, or was it just a lucky guess, or maybe I'm psychic?

Explain to me how it wasn't God speaking to me, please.