God speaks to us every day!
1. Through His Word.
This is the most reliable way God speaks to us. His God-breathed Word is "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. Through creation.
When we enjoy the beauty and complexity of God's creation, we learn more about God because, "God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made..." (Romans 1:20).
3. Through other believers.
God speaks through other believers who help us live in ways that please God.
1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
This kind of encouragement may include correction as well as affirmation.
4. Through circumstances.
God opens or closes doors to direct and redirect our lives. I encourage you to read Acts 16:6-10 which explains how God redirected Paul on one of his missionary journeys.
5. Through His Holy Spirit.
John 14:26 tells us that God's Spirit teaches us and reminds us of Bible truths. In fact, the Holy Spirit is involved in every way that God speaks. He gives us wisdom as we read God's Word, shows us God's divine nature in creation, confirms biblical counsel from friends, and helps us understand our circumstances.
That's why we can be assured of this important truth: God never, never, never disagrees with Scripture, nor does He lead us down selfish, deceptive, or godless paths.
Make sure it God's voice you're hearing today.
See also: 5 Ways Satan Speaks and check out a short Bible study based on this devotion: Bite Size Bible Study.
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE.
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.
Bible Love Notes
Only problem I have with what's said here is this:I think it's better to write out the verses that you're using to make your points 1st, then paraphrase the verses. People that don't necessarily study the Word may mistake your paraphrase as the actual scripture. That's all.
ReplyDeleteHi Roy,
DeleteActual Scriptures or portions of Scripture are in quotes.
Scriptures in parenthesis mean the truth in that sentence or paragraph is confirmed in the linked passage. They do not mean that I have paraphrased the verse. They mean I have written something confirmed in that verse.
Many writers choose not to confirm what they've written with linked passages, but I'm following rules for writing by putting them in parenthesis.
This is very good. If only more Christians would confine their listening to these points, rather than seeking something else — like whatever they want to hear. There's plenty God wants for us to understand about Him. If we just listen to Him — self included.
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord...
ReplyDelete