The Truth Be Told About Joy

The Joy of the Lord Is Our Strength Ne 8:10 

How can we receive Joy in times of trouble? Can We. According to the above scripture and many other scriptures Joy comes from the Lord and we take it with the presence of the Spirit of the Lord. 
Mat 25:21 Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler of many things; enter into the Joy of the Lord.
Scripture after scripture in the old testament and the new. talks about Joy. I really like some in the new testament references where Jesus says I do this or I say this so that your Joy might be FULL!

How would your life change if you dare to follow after Jesus as the Lord of your Life here on earth and after in the Heavenly places. It will be easy in the presence of the Holy God and standing in His throne room with Jesus at His right hand. Thousands of Heavenly spirits (angles) flying around the thrown saying Holy, Holy, Holy as they see the the different facets of His Glory. So much noise that it shakes the pillows of the place. Did you say reserved and polite worship is what is called for in our worship services. That is not the way it is in Heaven.

When you feel true JOY in your life you want to guard it and keep it. Not let it Go but nourish it grow it use it, share it, make it grow. True Joy can make you forget that important thing you had to do and just spend time worshiping Him. 
Seek It in the presence of Jehovah and cherish it and increase it by sharing it will others. May God bless you with it. Amen 

The Changing Times Of Christian Living!

It has become more obvious year by year that there is a growing affront to sense and sense-abilities to the things of faith that pertain to Christian Living and teaching. To think that man places himself over God to try to deny his existence to someone who believes.
Let us ask ourselves why? Lawlessness can not abide to see itself as in the wrong. We all believe that we are wright in what we are doing, but when we know in truth that we are not then we dare to attack the correct way as wrong, even when we know deep down inside that it is not so.

The Idea that wrong attacks wright to make wrong better and greater than right is not only ludicrous but a lie. And what does God say is the future residence of those who lie, the eternal lake of fire. The individuals who persist in these activities will persist in telling a lie thinking if all the people of like them spout the same lie then it will become the truth to all the others. In politics for instance we see one group all have the same talking points that all of them have been told to speak thinking that if enough people continue telling the lie out of so many mouths in different plaes then it will make it the truth but truth always wins out in the end. Why? Because God The Father Almighty honors those that tell and walk in the truth. And like it or not the lie damages the one that tells it regardless of their belief system.

Governments sometimes become their own worst enemies when they continually set their standards on lying to their selves and to their people! Satan is quoted to be the Father Of Lies, and God is not capable of lying because it is not in Him.
Please look at what has been happening in these United States and see where the most consistant group of lies has been coming from and realize that it is out of the education system that is changing drastically that are allowing the continual attacks against those of Christian Faith. We must seek to bring truth back in government.

For when truth prevails, there is a greater opportunity for good for all to flourish. May you seek God and His truth and then compare it to the reality being told the wromng way in our country today. Never put down those who stand for truth, for they stand with the one who started it all, Jesus Christ who died for you.
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When We Need Prayer – Believe & Receive

These are some of our recent prayer request that we receive and a word about believing to receive.

Please help us pray for our friends and fellow Christians. We all have needs, Janey and I have two prayer request, our finances $500.00 needed within 24hours and Janey's need of supernatural healing from a surgery went wrong last week, very painful, for her to get up or sit down, lean forward almost any movement. I had eye surgery due to torn retina, had surgery same day janey had surgery, Monday last week, mine is healing well. We all have prayer needs, but if we share them and come into agreement, God will be in it. According to His Word Jesus said that when two or more agree touching anything I will be in the midst of it and will hear your prayers and act on it. It is called the prayer of agreement. And when people of faith come together in faith believing it is the strongest prayer there is recorded.

We thank you Lord for saying in your word that we can come boldly to your throne in times of need and grace. That what concerns us concerns you O Lord. That Jesus is now sitting at the right or strong hand of God, and that He is our High Priest of our confessions, that we speak that which is the desires of our heart, and lines up with the Word of God, while speaking that which is not as though it is. Then as according to mark 11: 23 - 24 Believe that we receive that which we have (spiritually brought to life by speaking) spoken in faith. Then we shall have it. When we speak to God almighty in the name of Jesus Christ, (the Name that is above every name). For at the name of Jesus spoken by a believer, Satan must flee, and take his sickness, strife and misery, and grief with him. If you catch him at it and take it to task, he must return 7 fold all that he has stolen from us, our health, any money spent on doctors, booze, drugs, legal and not, he must return in the name of Jesus.

Ever feel that your prayers are not reaching Heaven or God, or Jesus, remember first that we don't walk by feelings, pains suffering or our understanding, but by faith. God does not answer needs he answers the cry of faith. God said in His Word that Jesus is the Living Word and the light of men, that He shed Faith and Love abroad in our hearts, and that He will never leave us or forsake us. So know that He hears every prayer said in faith to God in Jesus Name. He is in your heart and looks on the hearts of men,that is why we bow our heads to pray. He is in you and you are in Him, and that He said He (God the Father, God The Son, and God the person of the Holy Spirit) will NEVER Leave You Or Forsake You. Remember that God is not a man that He should lie.

Phil 4:6-9 :6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

When Our Truth Is Based On The Liberty Given Through The Life, Death & Resurection Of Jesus Christ! In Perfect Love Is Life & Liberty, Freedom From Fear & Doubt.

If You Know Jesus? Are You A Pew Christian or Alter Christian?

Some Gave All – Pew Or alter Christian – Which are you?
Our recent reminder of the 9-11 tragedy is poignant in today’s world. Because of many selfless acts on that day and many other days and years. The people on the Flight 93 gave all to keep their plane from being a targeted boom used by those who would do us harm. Thousands of rescue workers gave their life in the process of trying to save others, and to put out fires and so many other situations that day. There is no selfless gene that has been discovered by researchers yet. Hearing that still small voice and listinging to it helped save thousands of lives on September 11th, 2001. Normally there were over 12 thousand people normally tht worked or visited the Towers daily, on that day fewer than 6,000 were there, and some of them sudnely got urges to go take care of something before the plains hit. That is when the Still Small Voice of God reaches down and you head it. The Holy Spirit often warns us of things to do and not to do that are important, but because of things we think are more important, we chose to ignore the leading of the Spirit of God. The one Jesus said in Joh 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; :17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. :18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. :19 .. but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. :20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. :21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. :25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. :26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. :27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Lyrics from Billy Rae Cyrus’s Debut song album Some Gave All

I can't forget the look in his eyes

Or the tears he cries

As he said these words to me

All gave some and some gave all

And some stood through for the red, white and blue

And some had to fall

And if you ever think of me

Think of all your liberties and recall

Some gave all

It was written about solders laying down their life on the battle field but I believe it fits all who risk their lives to serve others.

SACRIFICE OF GRACE AND LOVE
Some have fallen where and when God wills

Some on battle fields or Calvary’s Hills

They made a sacrifice for others dear

They have heard a call so strong & clear

A call of sacrifice from a heart of Love

A call Jesus answered from up above

Not always of thought but of decision

Not from the mind but of selfless vision

They usually did not pick the place or time

When God’s bell of grace did chime

They soon answered that call of sacrifice

For but some say a role of the dice

I know in my heart it was in God’s sight

And driven by His shared light

It’s Jesus’ sacrifice that shines bright

And brings God a family that give Him delight

Copyrighted by John Axford 9/12/2010

It is a matter of Spirit, duty, call to action readiness that makes a split second decision to put someone else’s life, liberty or freedom above your own. Where does such bravery, since of duty, patriot dreams, unselfishness come from? I think it comes from a servant’s heart, the heart of God, by whom all forms of sacrifice was first initiated. It is a form of communication between God and man. Often times it was as a covenant between man and God, man and man, and Savior and those in danger.
We are in danger so Jesus came down in a selfless act of God. He knew our fate and options long before He chose to die for us at the request of his Heavenly Father.
Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. :15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. :16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. :17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. :18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Likewise His disciples –Servants By Choice! They all Chose to risk their lives, and many lost their life, for standing and preaching the truth about a marvelous Gift of God Life In Christ Jesus.
Act 4:26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, :28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

How do we as Christians choose to follow suit?
Joh 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
Do we choose to risk ridicule and in many instances here in the USA and in other Godless run nations our lives? By preaching, teaching, simply sharing the story of God’s ultimate Love for us, with others we know or meet. They had a servant’s heart, do we? It was born out of the Father’s love. It was a crop harvested from a seed sown by Abraham the father of nations, act of obedience and Love for his Father God, and for his son Isaac.
What are your daily actions as a person, a Christian born out of love. Are they born out of your own lust, or are they born out of the Love of God and His Son Jesus so willingly sacrificed for you and me? Church or “Pew Christians” who sacrifice their spare time from their daily routines to come spend in many cases an hour of their precious time (time is money, don’t you know), and in some churches until they are through, learning about a Jesus they call on when in time of need.
Other Alter Christians choose to spend time giving their time, money, will, and all to the God who gave His all for you in Love. In varying amounts, this Alter Christian will chose to sacrifice whatever it takes, to worship Him. Spending time in His presence, in His Love revealed, His plans for you, His gifts, calling and election for them.
As an Alter Christian, we must choose what to sacrifice to Him, is it your chosen addictions & sin, your hardened heart, your life. As Romans 12:1&2 says Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. :2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. :3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Psalm 113:7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill.
A woman sat begging alongside a dirt road. Dozens of people passed her by without even affording her a glance. No one even cared to see that she wasn't begging for herself, but for the child she held tightly in her arms. At last, a young boy passed by and saw the woman. He journeyed home, gathered some food and a blanket, and then he returned to the woman and her child.
Selfless acts of kindness are the true signs of a Spirit-filled life. We can call ourselves Christians, but our actions must verify the claim. Mary and Joseph begged for help once in Bethlehem. How would we have responded if they had come to us to beg? How we treat people who are in need is Christ's criterion for judging how much we love Him. In all ways, we should strive to serve the poor and needy.
Prayer: Remind me that I merely serve Christ when I serve others. Let me serve gladly, without expectation of reward. Teach me to give to others as You give to me. Amen.
2Sa 6:14 And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
2Sa 6:15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
2Sa 6:17 And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the midst of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it: and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
2Sa 6:18 And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts.
2Sa 6:19 And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house.

Mal 1:9 And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts. :10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

Mal 1:11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.
Mal 1:12 But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.
Mal 1:13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.

We must raise up a new standard of Prayer and parsing Got the Father, God The Son and The Holy Spirit. What as an Alter Christian are you willing to sacrifice on the altar of your life to God today that is worthy of the sacrifices of Jesus. You Service, you Love, Your All. Will you give more time in prayer and praise, in helping others as Jesus would do. Sharing His love and sacrifice with those who need to hear the Good News that Jesus Saves, that he Loves them, and that Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. :29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. :30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Post 2 In Hearing From God Series

Learn to hear God's Voice Guarenteed

http://www.cwgministries.org/Catalog-of-Materials.htm

“My sheep hear My voice.” John 10:27

It's not our guarantee. It's God's.



It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It has revolutionized my relationship with Jesus.

Tess Martone


Oh You can hear God's voice every day of your life. You can be sure it's really Him. You can carry on an extended two-way conversation with Jesus Christ on a daily basisand it's easier than you ever imagined.

Divine revelation is the source of all true knowledge. Why try to learn anything apart from the voice of God? He will speak to you and teach you everything you need to know and He will do it in a way that will transform your life.

Prayer is exciting when God does most of the talking.
Ecclesiastes 5:2 (paraphrased)

God’s promises to those who hear His voice
Deuteronomy 28:1-14 offers an amazing picture of what God has in store for you when you hear and obey His voice.

“…your children will be blessed…”
Imagine how much better a parent you’ll be when you apply the voice of God to raising your children. Imagine how much better your children will be when they learn to hear from God themselves! You can improve your family’s peacejoy and harmony beyond your wildest dreams by simply bringing the voice of God to the center of your home.

“…your business and your work will be blessed…”
Imagine how much more you could accomplish if God wrote your “To Do List.” He will tell you what you should and should not do todayand His priorities are never wrong. He will give you specific counsel for your own unique occupationand bring you to a higher level of skill and efficiency than you could ever achieve by yourself.

“…surplus of prosperity…freedom from debt…profitable investments…”
When you hear and obey the voice of GodHe will open new avenues of prosperity in your life. He will show you creative ways to bring in His overflowing financial blessingwhich “you will not have room enough to contain ” (Mal. 3:10).

“…victory over your enemies (Satan)…”
Do you know what the key is to victory in spiritual warfare? The voice of God. Don’t waste another minute praying your prayers. Release the full power of God by letting Him direct your prayers. He will give you the revelation you need to defeat the enemyrather than just do battle.

“…raised up to positions of leadership and authority…”
The Lord has destined that those who hear His voice will be leaders of men. His desire is to see the righteous rule over the unrighteous. The voice of God is the key to effective leadershipgiving you the wisdomconfidence and authority to leadand thus giving the people a desire to follow.

What others are saying
Oh myI am speechless...my life has been totallytotally transformed. He is such a wonderfulwonderful God. My days and nights are now filled with His presence.

Amy

I personally believe that this course has been the best course I have ever done as a Christian. It is practical and so helpful and an ongoing help for the rest of my life. I have learned to trust that I can hear Him in small things and feel so much more at ease with my entire walk with Him.
Malin

Communion With God by Mark and Patti Virkler has dramatically changed my prayer life. I have found I can will to dialogue with Christ on a daily basis and I do. I believe this inspired approach to be absolutely essential to the growth of every serious Christian. I further believe Communion With God is an excellent example of the uniquely powerful way God is reaching out to His people today.

Dr. Richard WatsonOral Roberts University

Through the adventure into the practices of journaling vision and unabashed praise I have come to feel closer to God than ever I have in my years of one-sided prayer and self-righteous appearances in church on Sunday. Communion with Him is indescribably more rewarding than the lop sided prayer directed to a far away God to which I was accustomed.

Jessica Burton

I'm taking Communion With God. I am so blessed so far. My life is already completely transformed. I went from hearing God speak to me once in a while to hearing Him not just in my journaling times but even throughout the rest of the day. What a difference this has made.

Andrew Steck

Already I am in awe of what God has said to me as I have been attempting to tune into that spontaneity. I wonder now how it is that we even attempt to be Christians without learning how to hear His voice. I am so thankful that you took the time to experiment with God and have been faithful to the task of passing on what God has shown you.

Lynda Russett

My journey to God has now begun and [sharing] love with Him makes my days so much happier. Walking with Jesus no longer seems a burden like it did beforewith so many rules. Going to my journal seems like a retreat and I look forward to that ‘special time.’

Jean Nichol

The whole teaching on Communion With God has been a wonderful help as well as the Counseled by God teachinghas been of great personal benefit both to myself and to my wife Carol. Dialogue with God is worth a million dollars to any Christian who is serious about the issue of hearing the voice of God. Mark’s teaching on this issue profoundly impacted my life.

Rev. John ArnottSenior PastorToronto Airport Christian Fellowship

The course Communion With God was helpful in various respects. It was practical which seems too often a rare thing in doing assignments for Bible College or Seminary. I have found this course helping me to know Jesus rather than just knowing about Jesus. From applying the insights that God has given Mark Virkler there is a sharper sensitivity in my heart to hearing the Lord speak to me. I have been finding a new sensitivity and expectancy to hear God speaking through everyday circumstances.

Dr. Carter McKeague Korea

The course Communion With God is going to change the nations by building a new generation of people that hear God’s voice and dream God’s dreams.

Rev. Thomas ReidSenior PastorThe Tabernacle

Your manual on Communion With God is very very rich and wonderful. I am going to study personally with it. I praise God for your ministry and wonderful contribution to the body of Christ. If you have written other study manuals would you kindly send a copy of each one of them to me?

Dr. Paul Yonggi Cho

Senior Pastor of Yioido Full Gospel Churchthe largest church in the world (750000 members) in SeoulSouth Korea

At cluonline.com/testimonies you will find many more stories of how God is using this course to transform the lives of people just like you all around the world. The next story could be yours!



Course details
REN103 Communion With God is a three-credit course which costs $341.84. It is also available on the graduate level (REN503) as a four-credit course for $444.78.


Here's what's included with the course:

Dialogue with God by Mark Virkler $12.99
How to Hear God's Voice CDs by Mark Virkler $59.95
How to Hear God's Voice seminar workbook by Mark Virkler $3.95
How to Hear God's Voice by Mark Virkler $19.95
Communion With God Course Notebook $10.00
REN503 Graduate also includes:

Am I Being Deceived? by Mark Virkler $12.99
Wading Deeper Into the River of God by Mark Virkler $14.95
Don't wait another day
Dramatically improve the quality of your life today by learning to clearly and consistently hear what God is saying to you. Enroll online at cluonline.com/apply. You won't ever regret it.

Post 1 of Hearing From God Series

Can't hear God? Try these 8 ways to listen for his voice.

Copied From Beliefnet file because it is the first in a group of hearing from God post by diffrent authors!

http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2008/09/Discovering-the-Sacred-Echo.aspx

By Margaret Feinberg

When God really wants to get your attention, He doesn't just say something once. He echoes. The same scripture, idea, or theme will reappear until you can't help but wonder if a greater something, or Someone, is at work.

The persistent voice of God in our lives--the sacred echo--is available if we take time to slow down and really listen. But do you begin to hear God's voice in your life? Consider these simple steps for getting started.


Margaret Feinberg is the author of "The Sacred Echo," "The Organic God," and "God Whispers: Learning to Hear His Voice."

Take Time to Seek God
The first step is to take time to seek God. What does it look like to seek Him? Well, King David displayed his search for God in his life, his leadership, and even the songs he wrote. In Psalm 63, he wrote, "Oh God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water."

So how can you seek God? Through prayer--which is simply talking to God. Spend time letting God know your concerns, your questions, your doubts. Ask God to speak to you. At the same time, don't forget to take time to thank God for who He is and all that He has done.

Discovering the Sacred Echo
Previous Next 3 of 10
Be Honest, Be Dependent

In our modern world, it's easy to think you can do things on your own. But if you want to begin hearing God's voice, you need to seek Him and recognize your dependence on Him.

That means being honest with Him. Admit your need for Him. Confess your disappointment with Him. Ask Him to give you ears to hear and eyes to see the ways in which He is speaking. And ask Him for the ability to discern His voice apart from your own.

Discovering the Sacred Echo
Previous Next 4 of 10
Hear God in Scripture

Next, it's essential to spend time in scripture. The Bible is like God's megaphone for His people. That's why Hebrews 4:12-13 describes the Word of God as "living" and "active." If you want to hear God's voice in every aspect of your life, then you need to spend time in the Word, because scripture provides balance, confirmation and direction.

Many times a scripture will be an actual sacred echo. For example, you may read Matthew 5, which says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" and find a much needed reminder on the attitude you need to deal with a conflict in your life. God may use scripture to expose an area of sin, compel you to give or serve, or confirm something He's already spoken to your heart.


Ask God Questions
As you're spending time in the Bible, consider prayerfully asking God questions. It may seem simple, but asking God a question implies humility and dependency. Ask God to give you insight. Ask Him to reveal things that are hidden. Ask Him to show you how to pray. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Ask and keep asking.

You may even want to write down small question marks next to scriptures that you don't understand. These portions can be explored later in commentaries and in discussions with members of your spiritual community.

Be Quiet, and Listen

As you're spending time in scripture and asking God questions, it's essential to take time to listen.

You may find that a certain issue or person keeps coming to your mind. Spend time praying about that situation and individual. Or you may find that a verse or passage applies perfectly to the circumstances in your life. Thank God for the His wisdom. Or you may feel compelled to drop a note or call someone out of the blue. Be sure to follow through on these nudges. You may discover that God is speaking to you--convicting, revealing, exhorting, and communicating with you!

Practice Hearing the Echoes

After you've tried these things, if you still find yourself struggling to hear God's voice, try some very practical steps.

Find a quiet place where you can unplug from the busyness of the day. You may discover that the challenge of Psalm 46:10 to "Be still, and know that I am God" takes practice.

In addition, you may find distractions of to-do's filling your mind. Keep a pen and pad of paper nearby to write those things down as they flutter through your mind. Then intentionally return to the time of stillness.

Finally, you may discover that spending more time in worship--whether through music or scripture read aloud--can be a helpful tool to drawing your focus to God and what He has for you.

How to Know if it's God

As you begin to hear things, you may find yourself wondering, "Was that God or not?" That's why the scripture is so important. If you feel something that goes against God's commands, then it isn't from Him. Remember that He's in the business of loving and redeeming mankind.

Some questions to ask yourself when evaluating the echo:

Does what I heard line up with the vision God has for my life?
Does what I heard line up with the wise counsel in my life?
Does what I heard leave me with a sense of peace?
Is what I heard blanketed with love?
Be Patient-Speak, Listen, and Wait

Along the journey of hearing from God, don't lose heart or patience. Developing any spiritual discipline takes time. It requires a measure of hard work and waiting. Remember that prayer has three parts: speaking, listening, and waiting. Take time with each one.

As Philippians 4:6 encourages, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God." When you do, you may be surprised and delighted that God is speaking to you more than you ever imagined.


More Ways to Hear God on Beliefnet


- How "Eat, Pray, Love" Author Elizabeth Gilbert Heard God

- Hearing Jesus by Mimicking His Acts of Love

- Find More Inspiration with the Beliefnet Community

- More Christian Features on Beliefnet

A Secret To Receving From God!

Brother John

Have You ever been seeking something from God and can not seem to receive from Him what you are praying, seeking, begging Him for.
Is it a need or a want, a desire for others, for yourself. Is it financial, physical, or spiritual.
Recently I revisited the verse where it talks about Those who are willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land! I can tell you that the greatest blessings always come on the other side of obedience to the Word and or direction of God and His Holy Spirit. But and that what we often let get in the way is our own posteriors, at least whats between our ears. We can be obedient and not be willing.
You ever seen children do the will or direction of their parents (father) and grumble the whole time they are doing it? They accomplished the task, but it was not done in joy & love, or to it's best outcome, because it was not done willingly.
So the Father did not reward the child or servant with the best of gifts or the Good Of The Land because it was not done in the manor that lines up with the word.
God still loves us, we do not lose our child of God on salvation status, but we do not receive the best blessing or the answered prayer we sought.
A well known preacher once shared with God in his prayer time his financial difficulties, after being directed to leave a pastorate and go on the road with his ministry. He had done what the Lord had ask him to but was suffering financially and was talking with God reminding Him of that scripture (Isa. 1:19) If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: And God spoke to him and said you are obedient and have done well what I ask, but you do not qualify for that scripture because you are not willing. He prayed about and searched himself and quickly got willing down in his spirit. God saw the change and then told him the rest of what he needed to know to help this minister in his finances.
God said to him you are a great faith preacher but you are not acting on what you preach. He was floored by this statement, because he not only was healed by faith but he believed and taught others daily how to have faith to be healed and for salvation and receiving the Holy Spirit.
God said you believe and have faith for all of that but not for your finances or my blessings to overtake you. He was right. He went further, God said you prey for me to send you money to fit you needs, but I have no American dollars in heaven, I am not with holding adequate food and clothing from you or your children, The Devil is he is the god of that world because Adam gave him dominion. The money you need is there on earth and I said in Luke 6:38 Luke Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
The pastor ask "then what should I do Lord" and the Lord replied, do not pray about money anymore, "Claim What You Need" in Jesus name, then say "Satan take your hands off my money and my finances, now that it shall come unto me" because it is Satan keeping from the saints of God not Me! Claim it and call in your wants and your needs, they are there on earth.
The preacher then question God on the wants, saying Lord I know you supply all our needs through Christ Jesus our Lord but I not sure about our wants?
God reminded the preacher of one of his favorite Psalms he quotes 23rd Psalm "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not WANT.' then he reminded him about the 34th Psalm 10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.

God said again "Claim what you want & need. Say Satan take your hands off my finances" then say, "Go ministering spirits, cause the money to come"
The preacher said why should I do that I thought the spirits ministered to us not for us.
God said reed it again Heb 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Jesus said "Actually, ministering spirits are sent to serve you. for example you go to a restaurant and give your order for food to the waitress, she is ministering to you. Turn your order in line it up with the Word. then send the ministering spirits out to get it saying." Go ministering spirits, and cause the money to come." once you have claimed it in faith, you must not keep praying about it or do anything else. If I thought about the situation, I was to stay in faith and say,"Thank God for it. It's working."

Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Pro 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Mat 6:32 for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. Mat 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Brother John