The Journey

Hearing from God

Does God speak to people today?  It seems an absurd question to ask.  Most people believe in prayer--they even practice it from time to time.  But, does God really speak to people as He did in Biblical times?  One university professor from a Christian conservative denomination suggested that those who believe God speaks to them are possibly confused or mentally challenged.

Without doubt God speaks to us through His Word--His written revelation.  But does God say something to us personally?  My answer to this question is "YES."  I do believe that God speaks to us.  Now let me clarify my view.  God reveals Himself to us through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16) and through creation (Romans 1).  Furthermore, as we place our trust in God, He is faithful to direct us (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Since God does not go against His Word, we can make judgment as to "feelings" as we pray.  Is what we are hearing really from God or is it from the enemy or ourselves? 

Over the past year I have felt that God was speaking to me about a particular issue of ministry.  I wanted to make sure that it was from God and not from myself.  I fasted, prayed, and studied God's Word.  If it was from God then I believe God would confirm His word to me.  This was a difficult process.  It required me to trust in God, not my emotions.  Patience was absolutely critical.  And then, confirmation began to trickle down to me like a soft rain.  Soon I know in my heart I will have the answer--and I will be ready to respond. 

The Christian life is not always easy.  It is hard work, requiring faith in God, regardless of what I see (Hebrews 11:1-3).  Does God speak today: YES.  But He never goes against His Word.  The Bible will reveal if what we are sensing is really HIM talking, or if it is from a sinful heart, or a crafty enemy.

What do you think?

Leadership and Character

Within three months, the 2008 national election primaries begin.  The commercials, speeches, polls, news articles--well, you get the picture.  It seems our nation is facing the challenge of finding a leader that will provide stability and leadership.  This challenge, in my opinion, is a crisis--a matter of serious ramifications, the least of which centers on the very future and greatness of our country. 

However, the crisis is not merely political in nature.  This centers on a more serious problem--a crisis of leadership and character, which permeates throughout our culture and has entered into the very fabric of individual relationship.  Truth has been exchanged for lies.  Biblical faith has been exchanged for feelings and emotions.  Righteousness and holiness are ignored--and great is our peril and fall.

Today I am concluding a sermon series based on the life and times of Nehemiah of the Old Testament.  During his time, there was a crisis of leadership and character.  During his time, the people of Israel were lost and confused.  But, Nehemiah arose to the occasion.  He possessed the qualities of Biblical leadership and character.  He was a man of prayer, of the Word, of courage, of faith, of diligence, of worship, of righteousness.  He did what was right in God's eyes.  It is that kind of persons we need today.  Not just in the halls of government--but in our churches and families as well. 

Be the man and woman of God.  Living by learning the spiritual disciples that will develop you into a leader of godly character.  Hear the Word, pray without ceasing, commit yourself to live by faith, and engage in authentic worship. 

Our world needs you!

What do you think?

The Challenge of Asking

My desire in life is to be led of the Spirit.  The Apostle Paul said: "let us keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25).  Although I have this desire, I must admit that as God directs my path, I frequently become uncomfortable.  I am traditional, conservative, and predictable.  But God is dangerous.  He chooses the path less used.  He goes where no one wants to go.  And, He invites me to join Him along life's journey. 

So I ask God for wisdom and courage to make the decisions that please Him.  However, in my experiences lately, He has allowed me to struggle with the choices that are laid before me.  Struggle!  It is not something that I look forward to.  I want the decisions to be easy, simple.  But God has led me through the struggle of prayer and asking. 

My prayer focus has been centered on several important principles:

1. Live the surrendered life in Christ (I no longer live, it is Christ who lives in me - Apostle Paul).
2. Live to please God, not man.
3. Live to listen to God and lay aside all my hopes, plans, and dreams.
4. Live to be light and salt in a godless world.
5. Live by faith and not by sight.
6. Live to trust God in everything (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Therefore, when I ask God, I ask Him to help me ask according to His Will and pleasure.  I have preferences - but my preferences are nothing in comparison to the plan and purpose God has laid out for me.

What do you think?