How To Hear From God

There are three important principles that need to be considered in any aspect of decision making:

1. What effect will this decision have on others?

2. What effect will this decision have on my future?

3. What good (or, bad) can come from this decision?

In short, they can all be summed up in one principle: "What would Jesus do?" … or, "What does Jesus want me to do?"

   

Sometimes we have to make a fast decision (or, we think we do). This is why we need to make sure we’re constantly walking in the Spirit and listening to the Spirit. This is done daily by:

1)    reading God's Word;

2)     praying; and,

3)    Forgiving. Start your day with the Holy Bible and prayer.

   

One very important thing to realize is that even "minor" decisions influence "major" decisions later in time; by virtue of the fact of "habit-making" or "habit-forming" patterns. Actions build patterns, and patterns build habits. Also, habits build personalities!

Another thing we need to realize is that contrary to modern educational philosophy, there is always a "right" or "wrong" decision. Even if you consider that one decision may be better (or, worse) than another, there is still only one BEST decision. This is why we need God’s wisdom.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally, and blames not for asking, and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). We have made this too difficult—if you ask, God gives you wisdom! If you’re walking in the Word of God, most of the time you won’t have to ask for wisdom: God’s Word is wisdom! That’s why it’s important to read the proverbs daily (in addition to your other Bible reading).

Seeking wisdom in ordinary matters is just as important as seeking God for direction, even though it may not seem so. Again, the little decisions add up to BIG ones and build a "habit pattern" over a period of time. Strive for quality decisions, even in little matters. The COMPOSITE of the large MAJOR decisions in our lives are usually the summation of the smaller minor decisions and habit-patterns we have formed along life’s way.

When it comes to making decisions involving DIRECTION, there are four (4) important Scriptures to consider.

1 "That the LORD thy God may show us the way¹ wherein we may walk, and the thing² that

we may do" (Jeremiah 42:3)

¹Way = direction    ²Thing = activity

God will not only show you the way to go, but He will show you what to do!

2 "Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain¹ path, because of my enemies" (Psalm 27:11).

¹A "plain" path is one of NO confusion. You may not have any earthly enemies, but you always have at least ONE enemy—the enemy of your soul, the devil.  God will lead you in a "plain" path IF you follow God's leading. You might have to take a giant step of faith in which God is leading you, but … you will have PEACE in taking this step:  there will be NO confusion!

3 "And behold the LORD passed by (Elijah), and a great and strong wind tore the mountains…and after the wind, an earthquake…and after the earthquake, a fire…but the LORD was not in the wind…the earthquake…[or] the fire…and after the fire a still small voice¹" (1 Kings19:9-12). Notice, it was the ¹still small voice where Elijah heard his directions from God!

4 "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk ye in it,’ when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left" (Isaiah 30:21).

When you make a right choice, especially concerning direction, God will confirm it with PEACE. If you have made a wrong choice—or, missed God’s leading—you will begin to experience confusion. You will (first) get a "check" in your spirit: things won’t seem right.

They will seem "out of place". That’s the time to either:

1) "Stay put" (don’t go any farther); or

2) Return to the place where you made the decision (go back to the place where you had peace before), until you receive NEW direction from God!

If you continue on in the wrong direction you will experience increased confusion (even mental confusion) in your life. Many people, even some Christians, have become shipwrecked spiritually by continuing on in the wrong direction. Don’t do it!!

Addendum

People lose hope because they get off the path of God’s will they should pray and seek God’s will in a new way. They should believe God according to Mark 11:24¹ concerning the things for which they believed God (before the enemy tricked them and they got off the path)…and JOY and HOPE and POWER will return to them!

¹"What things you desire, when you pray, believe you receive them, and you shall have them" (Jesus, Mark 11:24).

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