Hearing God's Voice

The Treasure In God's Word

2011-02-06T20:55:00.000-08:00

In recent weeks I've discovered fresh pleasure in hearing God's voice through researching and pondering the Scriptures. Seeing things I've never seen. Hearing things I've never heard. Noticing little details that never previously caught my attention.

A thought impressed upon my heart was this, "The more you treasure the Word, the more the Word will reveal it's treasures."

For example, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength..." is a verse from Isaiah fairly well known. But, let's take a look at just one of the words, "Wait." Here's a short video I just made that explains that treasure:

I'd love to hear your thoughts on your experience with God's Word. Leave a comment.

Gary

True Eye Witness Account Regarding Events In Egypt

2011-02-05T15:17:00.000-08:00

I don't normally...in fact this is the first time...post things of this nature. It is outside the normal purpose of this blog. But, I feel compelled to publish it where I can.

Egypt Crisis:

Our USA News Media Has Been Reporting About The Violence and Unrest in Egypt. Here is a letter from an Egyptian that is an eye witness account of what is really happening:

Dear friends,

I am writing this to you as a witness to what is going on from the streets of Cairo over the last few days. We have been following the developments since January 25th, which started with a large group of Egyptian youth taking to Tahrir square in an anti-government protest with specific demands. I know some of these people who were in that group and I talked with them. What is happening now has nothing to do with this original protest! What is happening right now is a conspiracy to topple Mubarak from outside the country!! I am not a conspiracy theorist, but let me tell you what I have personnally witnessed on the streets of Cairo .

I want to share first what the LORD told me on Friday morning.

I went to the LORD in prayer on Thursday evening, praying like many others for protection and for the restoration of peace and security in my land. I told the LORD: "Father, answer my prayers with rain", which He has several times before. I went to sleep. I woke up on Friday morning and went directly to prayer. Immediately, I sensed a strong urgency from the LORD saying: "As the people of Egypt presented their requests to Mubarak, I am calling on My people to rise up before me and present their requests to me for their nation". I went on to hear the LORD: "Let the Holy Council assemble". I didn't understand who this Coucil was, but I knew in my heart that the LORD meant that there are people in my land that are called by the LORD to stand before him as His Holy Council with authority to make declaration over the land, to establish the Kingdom in the land. My demands to the LORD were not political ny nature. I prayed for "good news to the poor, freedom for the oppressed, healing for the brokenhearted, and the acceptable year of the LORD" as the Holy Spirit gave guidance. The LORD spoke to me the words "JUSTICE" and "TRUTH". As I went to talk with Rania afterwards, she told me that she had been awake all through the night, and that IT RAINED around 12:45 am. It was very strong, but not for a very long time (a few minutes). I knew then that it was the LORD. The LORD spoke Psalm 97:1-2:

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.

Indeed, there had been unusual clouds and very thick fog in December over Cairo , unprecedented in frequency and intensity. Again, the words TRUTH (or righteousness in the English translation) and JUSTICE resounded.

As we followed the unfolding of events including the announced change in government and president Mubarak's speech, we wondered why the international news media is focusing only on the thousands in Tahrir square who are escalating their demands and refusing dialogue. The news media is reporting this as "the people of Egypt " wanting Mubarak to leave immediately. Did they ask the "people of Egypt ?". For one, they did not ask me! Where are those, like myself, that want change and reform, but accept the changes that Mubarak is proposing, and want a peaceful transition through elections in September?

We decided to take to the streets to voice our opinion. On Tuesday February 1st we went to Mustafa Mahmoud square in Mohandessin. There were about one thousand people there around 3:30 pm. (yes, we broke the curfew). the crowd grew to about 2500 by 5:00 pm. People were calling their friends over the phone telling them to come. We left at about 6:30 pm and returned yesterday, Wednesday, starting at 11:00 am. The small group had swelled to TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE standing together with banners saying things like:

- yes to stability, yes to Mubarak

- give change a chance

- we are sorry Mr. president

- we accept dialogue, we trust you

- no to ElBaradei, no to the muslim brotherhood (many like this one)

- we are the Egyptians, where is Al-Jazeera, let them come and see

- no to corruption, no to vandalism

- we got what we asked the president for, so why are people still in Tahrir? Who are they? What do they want?

etc., etc., etc.

By 2:00 pm, the crowd had grown to SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, maybe up to a million, stretching from Sphinx square to Sudan street . We had a great sense of unity and victory. We met with people who were in the original protest in Tahrir square who decided to join us saying: we got what we asked for, and now we accept Mubarak's changes and proposals".

We left around 4:15 pm. The numbers had grown even more, POSSIBLY OVER A MILLION. As we drove home we saw the same slogans on banners all over the city, on cars, on walls, on shop windows. We learned that similar demonstrations are taking place ALL OVER THE COUNTRY, IN MAY DIFFERENT CITIES. THIS IS THE CRY OF THE PEOPLE OF EGYPT THAT IS BEING TOTALLY IGNORED BY THE INTERNATIONAL NEWS MEDIA. Is this on purpose??!!! I am perplexed!!! I am wondering: How come CNN, the BBC, and others are reporting ONLY the anti-government protests as the voice of the people? This is not JUSTICE, this is not TRUTH. There have been reports that these people are being paid by the government. NOT TRUE! I was there with many many others. I SAW THE STREETS.

Now to the situation in Tahrir square. Only a few people (hundreds?) are still there from the original protesters. They have been slowly replaced by other HIGHLY ORGANIZED GROUPS. They all have the same model of cell phones. They all have the same blankets (eye witnesses). THESE ARE NOT THE PEOPLE OF EGYPT . Some witnesses claim that they don't look Egyptians, and don't sound Egyptians (different accent, different dialect). THIS IS A BIG ORGANIZED COUP TO TRY TO CONVINCE THE WORLD THROUGH THE MEDIA THAT EGYPT WANTS MUBARAK TO GO, AND THE MEDIA IS PART OF THE DECEPTION. People in Tahrir square are escalating the situation on prupose to topple President Mubarak FOR THEIR OWN HIDDEN AGENDAS. This is TYPICAL OF THE MUSLIM BROTHERS, AND EVERYBODY IN THE STREETS OF CAIRO KNOWS THIS. We heard people on the streets saying that the plot to take over the country is now clear. THE INTERNATIONAL MEDIA DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW THIS. The escalation of violence in Tahrir square is because of this. Egyptians who love Egypt , the millions that took to the streets yesterday, want this to end. They fully understand that president Mubarak is between a rock and a hard place, that he cannot quench the unrest in Tahrir through the army, so the people want to go to Tahrir to disperse the crowds there by themselves. People in Tahrir are vastly outnumbered. If Egyptians go the Tahrir square to take control of the situation, more chaos will erupt, giving a chance to the international media to blame the President even more.

If Egypt falls, then neighbouring countries are going to fall one after the other. WE NEED PRAYER, WE ASK FOR TRUTH, WE ASK FOR JUSTICE, and above all LORD, in wrath, REMEMBER MERCY. Stand with us. The Lord calls Egypt "My people". He is calling on His HOLY COUNCIL in the land of Egypt to stand before Him, to make declarations in the heavenlies to establish a new 'constitution' in the land based on the principles of the Word of God, to establish a 'new foundation' for His kingdom to come. Pray for the schemes of the enemy to be annulled and voided. Pray for deception to be exposed. We humble ourselves and pray. We seek the Face of the LORD. We turn from our wicked ways. LISTEN TO US LORD, FORGIVE US, HEAL OUR LAND. In the Name of Jesus.

In Him, standing for God's purposes in Egypt ,

Rafik

Being AT Peace

2011-01-29T07:53:00.000-08:00

Here are some simple suggestions for not only having peace, but actually being "at" peace:

Worry Is An Over-rated Luxury

2010-08-12T10:06:00.000-07:00

It ain’t worth it. It’s overrated. Worry is a very popular sport, but it’s never really been beneficial to anybody, anywhere, EVER! In fact…

…the exact opposite is true. It has been medically proven to contribute to many physical ailments. It puts the potential of discovering creative solutions to the problems we face in a cruel, unrepentant, dank, dark torture chamber. And, on top of it all, it holds faith captive, and deafens the voice of God, within.

The Bible actually addresses the subject of worry (and it’s marauding family of masqueraders) repeatedly. By the way…I called them a family of masqueraders because the imps pass themselves off as common sense, rationality, and many other good sounding attributes.

A better solution: Make your mind stuff itself on a buffet of God’s words regarding worry, fretting, and the like.

* Matthew 6:25-34
* Philippians 4:6

Here’s a quote I’d like to share with you from a book called, “The Noticer” by Andy Andrews that I believe you’ll think on for a long time:

“Take a deep breath. If you can breathe you are still alive.
If you are alive, then you are still here.
If you are still here, then you have not completed
what you were put here on earth to do.
If you have not completed what you were put here on earth to do,
that means your very purpose has not yet been fulfilled.
If your very purpose has not yet been fulfilled,
Then the most important part of your life has not yet been lived.
If the most important part of your life has not yet been lived…
If the most important part of your life is yet ahead of you,
Then during the worst times, you can be assured that there is yet
more laughter ahead, more success to yet look forward to, more
children to teach and help, more friends to touch and influence.

Why worry when you can wait on the Lord and renew your strength. Why worry when you can be like King David of the Old Testament (at one of the worst points of his life) and spend your time encouraging yourself in the Lord your God.

Gary

Prayer = Experiencing Jesus

2010-07-08T07:22:00.001-07:00

I would walk with you beyond the pages of reading into the land of experiencing.

Have "experiencing Me" as your goal as you come to Me in prayer.

Prayer = Experiencing Jesus

Practical Secrets and Dreams

2010-01-26T12:13:00.000-08:00

Breaking Limitations - Select Audio Pal Play

2010-01-14T14:16:00.001-08:00

The Anointing - Grace Williams

2009-12-19T10:09:00.001-08:00

Hearing God's voice is not simply a matter of technique and method. It is a result of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Here is a video I made - with the music of Grace Williams - that is one of my favorite soaking/meditating songs:

An Excerpt From Today's Journal - 10/6/09

2009-10-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt from what the Lord was placing on my heart as I journaled today:

"Come play with me, run with me, create with me, enjoy my presence with you in all your activities. Don't only sense my presence when you are doing something you judge as spiritual. Train yourself to embrace me everywhere in everything and you will know a new satisfaction of what it means to abide in me. I am with you always. I will never leave you by the side of the road. I will always be right there to defend you, protect you, provide for you, care for you in the smallest details of your life. Enjoy me and know my presence in the smallest details of your life. Don't act spiritual and expect me to come. I am already there. Acknowledge that."

The Art of Abundance

2009-10-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted here. I've known the voice of
God many wonderful ways in the past several weeks, but I simply haven't spend much time with technology of late.

So, here goes. I know I just heard His voice in my heart. I say KNOW it was His voice because of how pregnant the words were with peace and witness of truth.

He said, "True abundance is learning to live abundantly in Jesus."

Your response might be, "Uh-huh. Okay. I know that."

Here's the thing. We know the words, but I believe this came with a secondary revelation to me. And, it was this...

We often have had the word, "Blessing" defined by cultural marketing. You know...the folks that advertise things to your children that tells them what they have to have to be happy...and they come to you to get it for them.

I totally believe in God's heart to lavish His children with good things. Things that are better than we even imagine. However, I believe we need to allow Him to fill our imaginations with His abundance rather than let the world's vision be our standard as to whether or not we believe we are being blessed by God.

I do not have a poverty spirit. I hate what that kind of teaching has done to sincere Christians, leaving them "poor, busted, and disgusted" and thinking that is true spirituality. But, I also believe we are settling for too low a standard when we allow our imaginations to be limited by world order input.

I don't know what "abundant in Jesus" will mean in your life. I'm learning what it means in mine. I know though that He makes rich and adds no sorrow to it. I know that He will NEVER leave or forsake me. I know that He will ALWAYS meet my needs...often with MORE THAN ENOUGH. I know that "His riches in glory" is the revelation standard I am seeking. Abundance in Him is wealth on so many levels, and in so many ways. That's my goal.

2009-09-22T14:24:00.001-07:00

Living Off Balance from Covenant Life Church on Vimeo.

A Vision

2009-09-03T22:32:00.001-07:00

Jesus Is The Same

2009-08-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

In the Hebrew and Greek language, the word WORD is not only something spoken or vocalized, but has the second meaning of "accompanying action that demonstrates the content of what was spoken." The Word of God says that Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

That is the WORD of God.

This video from film entitled, "The Finger of God" demonstrates what was spoken in the WORD of Hebrews 13:8:

You Can't Get Blood From A Turnip

2009-07-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

As the old saying goes, "You can't get blood from a turnip." Interestingly, it is a statement (says something I read) that refers originally to the difference in sacrifices made, in the book of Genesis, by Cain and Abel. Cain brought produce from his field. Abel brought a sacrifice from his flock. God accepted Abel's sacrifice because it came from the shedding of blood.

However, the expression, "You can't get blood from a turnip," refers most commonly to the idea that you can't get money from a person who has none.

I had recently felt like God was speaking to me about how to handle a situation that involved finances...where it seemed like things were already scrapping the bottom of the barrel financially. My fleeting thought was that old expression. However, the voice of the Lord whispered, "But you can get water from a rock."

One of the reasons that I knew I was hearing the voice of the Lord was the peace and faith that settled over me. He was referring to the incident in Hebrew history where He instructed Moses to speak to the rock and water would flow for the people.

Did you know that God's provision often first looks like a rock in the natural. He seems to like to use unusual sources of provision. That way we know from whence came the provision.

Water from a rock
Honey from a rock
Food from a raven
etc, etc

One important thing to remember: Speak to the rock, don't shout at the people (whoever or whatever you think is keeping God's provision from you).

Speak to the Rock of Provision
Speak to the Rock Who is the Provider of the Provision

Remember, you can't get blood from a turnip, but you can get water from a rock!

God Enough

2009-06-26T10:30:00.001-07:00

He is God enough to make you good enough.

Observe "Natural" Things

2009-05-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

Natural events in the earth are often reflections of spiritual realities (maybe always). Because of knowing this, I watch and listen carefully to the world around me. As I do so, I often "hear" something God is saying.

Today, I was watching the NBC Today Show while I was eating breakfast. One of the stories that caught my attention was about a laser treatment that is giving hope to triplets who were critically burned 20 years ago. I will put the link at the end of my comments so you can see the interview if you so choose.

As the story was finishing, I "felt" an inner nudge of truth. We often believe that the Lord has physical healings or miracles that He will do supernaturally and sovereignly and others that are reserved exclusively through medical science. If we are honest, we will ascribe credit for the medical breakthroughs to God. However, we still believe that some things are left by God to be done by medical science.

Although I understand the logic behind that, more and more I am realizing that medical breakthroughs can also be a reflection of what God will do supernaturally (at least at times) if we will begin believing and asking Him to do so.

Watch the video interview and realize that Laser Light is a creation of God....and....if that light can be experienced in our 3 dimentional world, it has the potential of being ministered into the earth. For me....I believe that God, through this story, has shown me what I can believe Him for...supernaturally. Call me crazy. Call me overboard...or call me a guy who is open to believe God for anything...anything at all.

Video Interview of Laser Scar Treatment Select Here (It starts with a 30 sec commercial. Be patient)

Gary

Dreams Speak

2009-05-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

The purpose of this post assumes that God uses dreams to speak to us. It is not a defense, or an explanation of His metaphorical language and how to interpret it. It's simply stating what I believe to be a fact and an example of how He encouraged me last night in a dream.

I had spent yesterday choosing to "stay on top of it" emotionally. There was no reason that I could point to for my struggle with a depressed state of mind. It happens occassionally...not often...but some days. I suppose part of it could be the heavy grey skies we have been experiencing for a few days. I imagine it's possible...perhaps probable...that the demonic world was insideously involved to mess with my mind. I know it was one of those days where too many things seem to not be convenient or work according to desired plan.

(To tell you the truth, I don't over-occupy my mind with reasonings for things I don't understand unless the Lord gives me clear urging to do so.)

Be all that as it may, the skies of my emotional landscape had more than its share of dull grey and my "feet" were treading water a little faster than normal. (I'm sure you have never had this experience) :)

Last night I had a strange dream (of course they are all strange to the logical mind). I was in some kind of pie factory. The first part of the dream emphasized the fact that 3 pies had been baked poorly. As the dream continued, there was the realization that there were more than 3 pies. There were actually a large number that had been made...all but the 3 were done well (not well done as in beef) but done correctly. The thought that crossed my mind in the dream was that the baker of the pies was focusing on the 3 that weren't any good while ignoring the others. In the dream the thought came, "You're looking at the 3 poorly made pies and identifying yourself with them. Instead, identify with the many done well."

The Lord was encouraging me. Too many times we major on minors and minor on majors in our spiritual as well as natural life. Be encouraged today. Fix your attention on the good.

Gary

The Secret Whisper

2009-05-23T10:07:00.001-07:00

Some children and adults play a game called, "I have a secret." One will say to other other, "I have a secret" and then whisper that secret in the other's ear. Usually it is something like, "I love you."

God speaks secrets to us in the same way. Psalm 25:14 says, "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him, and He will show them His covenant."

The Hebrew word picture in this Psalm for secret is that of two men who are best friends reclining in a tent on pillows speaking things that are reserved for the closest of friends.

All of us share things with close friends that we would never speak with others with whom we are less acquainted. In terms of the above Psalm, this is the idea behind word, "secret."

This morning, I looked through our kitchen window and saw an unusual sight. Three seperate plants (all different species of flower) had just bloomed. As my eyes shifted across the yard, from one plant to the next, I was amazed to see five beautiful blooms on each of three plants.

Why was I amazed? Because I know that unusual events or "coincidences" are often "secret" whispers from the Lord to me. I knew exactly what He was saying. It was very timely. As I pondered and did a little more research, the whisper was even richer.

What was He saying? It's a "secret." He was speaking to me. But, let me tell you...He wants to speak "secrets" with you, too.

Why?

2009-05-21T07:41:00.001-07:00

Why is it important...vital...to hear fresh "words" from the Lord?

My wife spoke the simple phrase, "God loves you," to someone recently. The reaction of the individual was to sob. This was a person who'd heard those words - and knew them to be true - for many years. This was a true Christian.

What was the difference? Something true vs. living truth. A word of teaching vs. a word spoken within.

Most folks reading this blog know the teachings of Christianity (even though each might have different doctrinal opinions). But, it's not a matter of knowing the theology of God's love (although study is good)...it's a matter of Him "speaking" those words into our hearts. It's a matter of current "revelation"...the daily uncovering of His heart for you, each day.

Gary

God's Voice To Us Through Us

2009-05-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

I have said before that hearing God's voice to us is very often with words that come through us to someone else. Those are the kind of words that you hear yourself say and think at the same time, "I'm going to remember this for myself."

Pete (not his real name) came to my office, today, for his Christian Life Coaching session. He was defeated. This was unusual because Pete has been making great strides in the last several months. As he told me his story, he said that things had not been going at all well in the past couple of weeks. Peter said that he knew he was not doing what he had been that had been working...connecting with the Lord by daily reading his bible and praying.

I was about to say, "You know, then, where the problem is. It's just a matter of re-starting what you know is right. But, instead, I felt in my spirit the prompting to tell Pete that he would not be able to successfully get back on track until he got some good news.

And the good news probably is not what you are expecting...

The good news was the fact that it was demonic resistance keeping him from the bible and prayer.

How is that good news?

Because, when you know the source of resistance is "external" to who you really are, you will rise up and say, "Enough! Get behind me Satan!" In that you will discover release and freedom. The only catch is that you have to realize in your heart that, through Jesus, you are bigger than the devil.

And there is the key....who you believe to be bigger....

BECAUSE...you can't be bigger than you. If the failure is because YOU are failing, then there is less hope. How can you cast yourself out? How can you climb higher than YOU are? (I hope you're catching this).

However, since the devil is separate from you and is defeated, then you can rise up and enforce the victory of the Cross. You can declare your freedom from a vanquished foe. You see, all he has been able to do anyway is lie and get you to work against yourself.

So...GOOD NEWS...if you are struggling with something that you have been giving natural explanations to, then realize the truth, take your stand against the enemy and with truth. Greater is He that is in you (and with you) than he that is in the world.

Pete left my office with fresh hope and a bright countenance. And, I said to the Lord, "Thanks for that counsil Lord. I am going to remember that for myself."

No Needs

2009-05-12T10:36:00.001-07:00

The thought just crossed my mind while in conversation with someone.

(btw...that is how God speaks many times...during conversations about Him)

The thought was, "Philippians 4:19 says He will supply all my needs through His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

But...the provisions of His Covenant cover anything that could ever be considered a need.

So, a Philippians 4:19 prayer is a 'thank you' prayer rather than a request prayer.

"Don't tell God how big your need is. Tell your need how big God is."
Gary

Journals of the Heart

2009-04-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Today I would like to introduce you to a really excellent website, "Journals of the Heart" by Brenda Craig.

I recently met Brenda on Facebook. I had heard of her through a Twitter friend, Raquel Soto.

Take a bit of time and wander through "Journals of the Heart". You'll find it very refreshing and informative.
You can also listen to some great FREE soaking prayer music on her site, Soaking With A Purpose.

Enjoy!

Gary

Faith Is Fun Loving

2009-04-25T16:03:00.001-07:00

I was just sitting here minding my own business when the thought occurred to me,

"Faith is fun loving. It says to impossibilities, 'I laugh in your face (ahahaha)!"

Because of the fruit it bore in my spirit, I know it was a "word" from the Lord. I love His communication. It's often pretty humerous.

Gary

Bill Johnson Quote

2009-04-25T07:50:00.001-07:00

Today's post on "Hearing God's Voice" is a simple and vital quote by the Apostle Paul and Bill Johnson:

Romans 10:17, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God"

Bill Johnson, "Faith comes by hearing - not by having heard - the Word of God."

Our faith for today is dependant on hearing today.

Gary

God's Mulligan

2009-04-24T11:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was pondering Jesus' words to Nickodemus, "You must be born again." I remembered a teaching I'd heard.

(Things being remembered is often a way that God speaks)

What would a Jew have heard as Jesus made the declaration, "You must be born again?" To hear through Jewish ears, you have to understand the Hebrew mind-set. To that culture of people, time is not linear. It is cyclical (like an old fashioned slinky). They think in terms of "life cycles...birth to death (to over simplify it)"

What a Jew would have understood Jesus to mean was, "You must start over. Your life cycle must begin again."

In the game of golf, a "mulligan" is a "free do-over." Most recreational golfers allow themselves one mulligan per game to be used at their choice. Some allow one per nine holes. Others only allow it on the very first hole of the game. Regardless...it's a free do-over. No stroke count. No penalty.

To be Born Again is God's gift to "Start Fresh From The Beginning." Born Again: God's Mulligan.

Short Power Prayers

2009-04-21T12:42:00.001-07:00

Last Tuesday night at our Encounter Group, (which is on Prayer at the moment), I "felt" a very strong impression to give an assignment. It was this:

Fashion a prayer based on a scripture truth that is no more than 5 - 10 words in length. Pick out a person or situation. Pray the short prayer for them or the situation, daily, for the next week...and beyond.

The reason: We trust too much in the length of our prayers. We do a lot of "working out the wording" while we are doing the praying. And, we get caught in the trap of "telling God how to answer our prayers." Instead, what we need is shorter prayers, pre-meditated, filled with faith.

Here is an example of what I prayed for special SOZO (Full Salvation) training school that was coming up:

Lord, I pray for SOZO that it will explode with revelation light. Actually, for the purpose of the exercise, I consider the word count to begin with "explode with revelation light." Considering that my prayer was 4 words in length.

The prayer is based on the truth found in Ephesians 1:17-19 "I pray that the eyes of their heart will be enlightened..."

The Greek words actually indicate, "flooded with light." That's how I decided on the words, "an explosion of revelation light."

This kind of praying needs words that are vibrant and active. The kind of words you can release your faith into.

It wasn't only due to that prayer, but the leader of the school, Carol Dew, said afterward that we were the most responsive school she's had. She commented several times during the classes that even she, herself, was "seeing" things she hadn't taught before.

The point is this: More than just prayer, we need prayers that can be released with as great a faith as possible. God gives us the option of crafting those prayers. Give it a try!

Gary

Meditation Is An Action

2009-04-13T11:11:00.001-07:00

I recently received an email prayer request. As I was reading it, I began getting an impression. I attempted to write it out. I changed the words around and around. I finally settled on a couple of sentences that resounded an "Ah ha" in my heart.

"When you're in the middle of a page, keep reading. If you're at the bottom of the page, turn it."

(That was the ah-ha thought)

Sometimes we need to endure...keep on keeping on. The project...or this phase of the project...is not, yet, done. At other times...it's time to turn the page (and that's why you feel like you're on the bottom).

Meditation is actually an action. We intentionally turn a thought over and over with our minds. We write it and re-write it on paper (or a computer screen). Clarity begins to form.

Normally, in my case anyway, words from God come as impressions that need to be meditated. We need to be careful not take God's word to us and form it into something we want to hear. On the other hand, if our meditation is of pure motive, clarity will come.

Hearing God['s voice is a process. Pressing in and working at it develops our relationship with Him.

Go for it!

I Make You Beautiful As You Make Me Beautiful

2009-04-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

I was gazing, "restfully," at this picture:

I had spent some time in "soaking" and some time in declaring the truths and promises of the Word. I then decided to conclude this Appointment with Jesus by resting and gazing on a beautiful picture. As I did so, I heard these words in my heart, "I make you beautiful as you make me beautiful."

How do we "make Him beautiful?" By telling Him. By worshiping Him in His beauty. By consciously, intentionally declaring his beauty to Him.

How does He make me beautiful? Through a divine exchange with His Spirit. Sow to beauty. Reap beauty.

Gary

God's Voice Through "Timing."

2009-04-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

Some time ago I made a choice to support, honor, and promote a person that much of the "religious" among us wouldn't have done. It's not because I'm such a good guy. It's because I mean it when I say I do my best to hear and respond to God's voice.

Otherwise...why does anyone try to learn how to hear?? Although some do just because it seems to be the latest cool charismatic fad. But the only justifiable reason to learn to recognize His voice is to respond to His voice.

Anyway, now and then I have had a question mark about the original decision, but when I would ask the Lord, He would give me a sense of faith about it.

A conversation arose just a couple of days ago with another person that caused me to pause and wonder briefly, once again. I went to sleep that night again feeling like I had made the right original decision even though the questioner had some valid points.

Then...the timing thing. Just today I received a series of communications from the person in question that deeply moved my heart. That person was responding to the Lord in some very deep and significant ways. It was clear that the door was opened because of the honor and respect I had demonstrated in my original decision.

The timing of this latest communication.....a coincidence? Nope. I don't worship the god of coincidence by giving him credit or honor for anything. It was Holy Spirit timing that was His voice to me saying, "You did the right thing. You heard me. You responded. Now, a valuable life is changing.

Have you ever had.....or passed by....the voice of God call you to do something that was out of the normal flow of things? Actually, read the scriptures. It happened alot there.

Conventional Wisdom

2009-04-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

The longer we pursue the art of hearing God's voice [as a passion to nurture our personal relationship with Jesus] we discover His voice to us, personally, is an ever increasing treasure chest of precious gems. Probably like most people, I would tend to judge what I was hearing to what seemed logical and conventional. In other words, I didn't want to get lost in a forest of weirdness. Without realizing it, that would often include judging what I was "hearing" by what seemed tried and true. At least within the circles of people I respected.

{Let me add right here that it is important to take those words that seem kinda hinky or "out there" and check them with others you respect, trust, and has a proven track record with the Lord...in fact, include someone that doesn't always agree with you}

Having said that...I've discovered that God's voice often has a different twist to it than much of what we might consider conventional. And, remember...when I say conventional, I mean what has become "our sphere of what is conventional." It's oh so easy to go from being a new wine skin to one that is old and inflexible.

But, now consider this. "Conventional Wisdom" isn't everything {or anything} it's cracked up to be. It's been wrong countless times. For example:

ER has been one of the most popular TV series for season after season. It is finally rolling up the carpet this Thursday night. Did you know fifteen years ago, ALL networks took a pass on it's pilot. Conventional wisdom said it wouldn't fly. Wouldn't be profitable. Here's another: The saxophonist, Kenny G, was told by his early music teachers that he would never make it playing the saxophone. {Oh, really}. One more: The Golf Pro Zack Johnson was refused a golf scholarship at the University of Iowa because he just wasn't good enough. He finally went to Drake University in Des Moines. Well....in 2007, Zach won the PGA's coveted Green Jacket [Masters].

When listening to your heart to hear God's voice, don't listen for something that sounds "conventional." The most life-giving words are often very unconventional sounding.

Gary

He Cares About The Little Things Like...

2009-03-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

He cares about the little things, ya know? Like...(obviously coffee because this is what this post is about). He also cares about (you fill in the blank).

"Ummm, Gary...I thought this was a blog about hearing God's voice"

Yep. And, it's also about the discovery of his intimate love and closeness to each one of you. As a matter of fact, as I've been learning to hear His voice within my heart, I've been discovering that His care about (my) little things is the big thing that is drawing me increasingly closer to Him...or Him to me. (I don't know which is theologically correct about that part....ummm...and guess what? Idon'tcare :) ). Sorta like the blind man that was asked about Jesus and his response was, "I don't know. I was blind. Now I see."

Anyway, I digress. So...moving forward:

I was making myself a cup of coffee a few minutes ago. I typically make it a cup at a time by pouring hot water into a one cup funnel gizmo that has just the right amount of freshly ground coffee. I like one sugar. So, as soon as the water completely drains through the grounds, I add the sugar and stir. (bored, yet?). So...when I was just making a cup, the thought occurred to me, "Put the sugar in with the grounds." (I'd never thought of that).

I tore open the sugar packet and poured it in with the grounds. It worked great. The sugar was thoroughly blended, just right.

My point: IMHO that was a God thought (nudge). Don't believe me? Ummm...Idun'tcare. :) I know it was, because He's that intimate with me, and I with Him. Nothing about me (or you) is little in His heart. He will talk to you about things as trivial as advising you about how to make coffee the way you will like it. His heart is to walk through life with us in the most infintesimal details.

Some people (probably most, unfortunatley) think that God is too busy for silly stuff like my story of sugar in the coffee grounds. I don't believe it. And, ya know what? I can answer the (Dr. Phil) question, "How's that working out for you?" with a resounding, GREAT! I'm happy in Him!

Gary

Responsibility Is Not A Four Letter Word

2009-03-19T06:35:00.001-07:00

A while back I was thinking about the word, responsibility. It's something I believe in. Have always believed in...personal responsibility. But, the pressure put on it as I moved through my life gave the word a toxic side, as well.

However, this particular day, as I was thinking about my "responsibilities," the Holy Spirit made it into two words in my mind: (Response - Ability).

As I pondered that I realized in Jesus I have response ability. The ability to respond.

Gary

His Inner Influence

2009-03-18T12:24:00.001-07:00

One thing that continually excites me is how many ways the Lord uses to speak to me (and you). This morning, one of the ways that I post here today, His voice came with the sound of an inner impulse (that seemed at the time like my own thought).

I was getting ready to go into my office at The Prayer Garden. A lot of the time I dress very casually in jeans and shirt. In fact since I'm so "with it," in current fashion (ha!), I let the shirt tails hang out...I don't mean the squared off kind, but the kind that is cut longer in front and back.

Anyway.......I made a last minute impulse decision to wear a nice sweater and dress slacks. I arrived at my office and began my routine.

*My Cell Phone Rang*

"Hello?"

"Is this Pastor Gary Ellis?"

"Yes. How may I help you?"

"Didn't we have an appointment at 10?"

It was 10:35am, and I had forgotten my appointment with a prospective bride and her fiance. She agreed that she could wait for 10 minutes (that was how long it would take for me to get there.)

I'm glad to say that everything turned out well. but, my point...which you've probably already guessed...is that the Lord knew I was going to forget the appointment; But, He had me covered. He "spoke" to me through an inner impulse of my heart to dress in a way that would be much better for my appointment - without me knowing at the time that was the reason.

I knew it afterward; and I was so grateful that He was watching my back. And, I was so awed, again, by the reality of the multitude of ways he speaks and influences our daily life decisions.

From My Two Way Journal

2009-03-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

The two way journal is another major way to access the heart of relationship with Jesus.

Here are some simple steps that may help you get started (if you don't do it already):

Spend a few minutes quieting your soul and worshipping Jesus
Ask Holy Spirit to guide you, today, in your conversation with Jesus
Look to impressions and feelings that begin to float onto your consciousness
Begin to write that spontaneous flow. It is helpful to some to see it as Holy Spirit guided (by faith) "free association writing."
Don't question whether you are truly hearing, or not, from Jesus...just write.
If you are just starting to journal your thoughts like this, stop after a paragraph and look at the content to see how it responds with the "vibe" of your heart and mind.
If you wonder about something that seems strange, or perhaps not quite right, check it with a person you trust.
Ask them: "Does this FEEL like the Lord to you? You want to hear from what registers in their heart.
Don't make any drastic life changes without several confirmations from many sources. {In this light, a friend of mine once counseled me, "The will of God grows on you."} That has been very helpful to me when I've thought I had a good God idea. In the case where it was a God idea, the passion for it continued to expand. Where it was simply a "good" idea, I lost interest and motivation after a little time.
Write your questions using His name, "Jesus, what would you say to me about...." And let Him respond in your heart and mind with your first name, "Gary, I want you to know that..." We're talking about a friendship relationship in this communication. He said to His disciples, "I no longer call you servants, but I call you friends." That doesn't mean that He isn't still your Lord. You know He is and you will verbalize that, at times; Even in your journal. The rule is simply that you work to "personalize" your journal communication.

One thing Jesus spoke to me about today was how to partner with Him in my daily life. To ask Holy Spirit in to everything and that would bring Him into everything. Here is an excerpt of that conversation from my journal:

Gary, when you consciously invite Holy Spirit to guide you in anything, that allows me to personally be consciously present wherever you are...and in whatever you are doing. So, it can also be truly said that Holy Spirit is your best friend, because He opens the door to you experiencing Me as your best friend in every area of your daily life. I have no desire to rule over you in your daily life affairs. Just like Paul's words, "I could rule over you, but I won't. That was My heart that He was expressing because it was inspired of Holy Spirit to write. I desire to partner with you.

Gary

Creative Kingdom Encounter Word

2009-03-11T13:51:00.000-07:00

Today I want to show you a video I just saw that demonstrates a word that a Christian Coach heard from God that displayed a twentieth century version of, "Behold the Kingdom of God is near you." My desire is that we open our hearts and minds to hear more and more of these creative Kingdom Encounter idea:

Click Here To See Video

David Wilkerson's Prophecy of Great Calamiy

2009-03-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

Because David Wilkerson's Prophecy of Great Calamity is uppermost in many people's minds, I believe it is appropriate to comment on this blog, "Hearing God's Voice."

I've been following reactions through personal conversations as well as reading many comments that are being posted on the internet. On top of that, I have been attempting to be sensitive to my own heart as I seek God's personal wisdom for me, and His wisdom to me as a pastor for my congregation.

What I am posting here is not particularily lengthy or deeply profound. I don't really have "new revelation" to add. The main thing I sense for myself is to continue on the path I am currently following with great passion. That being...intimate relationship with Jesus.

One thing that I believe is important to understand is that the gift of prophecy is by nature conditional. Prophetic promises to individuals are for the purpose of hearing God's heart regarding your potential destiny. The individual has his/her role to play in that destiny unfolding....not appart from God, but with Him. (It is not a matter of starting in the spirit and continuing in the flesh - Paul's warning to the Galatians). You stay connected to God regarding your word waiting for further instructions from Him, and acting on what He shows you in a daily process of walking with Him. How does this apply to David Wilkerson's latest prophesy. In my personal opinion it could well fall into the "conditional." I believe that the outcome is not fixed in stone but can be turned by intercession and repentance. And remember....the scriptures say, "If MY people...." It isn't incumbant on national secular leadership to respond first. Much destiny is in the hands of the church (God's people...not necessarily the organization you attend).

Another point is the fact that I've been reading a lot of comments saying that David Wilkerson said things he didn't say. One stated mockingly, "I wish I could hear the audible voice of God the way David has claimed he heard it in his calamity prophecy." HOLD ON: He didn't say he heard and audible voice. It is always best to go to the "horses mouth" instead of propagating "he said/she said" from others.

One of the question marks I personally had was the fact that when you read a warning from God in the scriptures, it states the condition of the people, God's judgement, and God's remedy if they respond. Initially, that wasn't part of what I found. However, I have been following up on David Wilkerson's blog, David Wilkerson Today and believe March 10 (and March 9) posts to do an excellent job.

David has "missed it" on several occassions in the past. [Which he has publicly acknowledge...a revelation of his character]. However, he also has an excellent track record in ministry. And, many things he has proclaimed have been accurate. Therefore, I default now to what God spoke to my heart as my advice to you: (Scroll up to yellow highlighted text). Also click above on David Wilkerson Today for words out of his own blog's "mouth."

Gary

Re-Wired To Hear

2009-03-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

In the whole journey of discovering the voice of the Lord within, it is vital to understand that the process includes "mind rewiring." That's another way to say with Paul in Romans 12:2, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Otherwise, there is just too much static for the old programming that distracts us from His voice.

As I've been rolling this verse over and over, I've discovered some very cool things that the Lord is communicating:

Transformed: (Based on Metamorhasis) Changed into something of a higher order. Like a caterpillar becomes of butterfly. (Think about that difference. Which would you rather be?)
Renewing: The word is in the continuous tense which means that it is a daily process that should never end. It also contains the idea of new strength and energy of mind, as well as becoming unprecedented and uncommon; a renovation that is completely for the better.

You are not stuck where you are. But, I would not be telling you the truth if I said it didn't take some focused, diligent effort that is at times frustrating as well as very rewarding.

We are in times in our world where it is becoming more and more vital to "know His voice." (Not that it hasn't always been so!)

I'm serious about increasing my awareness of His presence and His voice and I think you are too or you wouldn't be reading this. And, you know what? My personal commitment and focus on this issue of relationship with God is paying off in so many ways that is "leaking" all over the rest of my life.

In this light, I want to recommend this teaching by Chuck Pierce on "Brain Focus." (Click Here)

Gary

The Secret of Your Future

2009-03-04T11:01:00.001-08:00

Many times the Lord speaks to me by emphasizing small words in a verse of scripture. Recently I wrote here about pondering the word, "All" from the scripture, "all things are possible."

A few days ago I noticed another small word in Genesis 2:15, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."

I suddenly noticed the word, 'TOOK.' Adam wasn't created and didn't receive the breath of life from God INSIDE the Garden of Eden. After all that, God TOOK him and place him in the garden.

As I've been pondering that, several things have begun to open up to me. One is that a person can have the breath of God's Spirit within and still live outside of God's intended desire for him. Another speaks to the idea that many people struggle with. They think something like this, "If only I had been born into a better circumstance, things would be better for me."...or..."Of course things are going well for so and so. They were born into privilege."

However, the truth is that where we were born...or perhaps even find ourselves at this moment...doesn't have to dictate our lives.

The Secret of My Future is Hidden in My Daily Routine.

If we develop a daily routine of listening for God's voice, and learn to obey what we hear, we will find ourselves "taken" to a place of great blessing.

Where you end up in life is not determined by where you start. It's what you choose to do with the time you have each day that sets your course.

Gary

How Do We Enter?

2009-03-03T08:54:00.001-08:00

Psa. 100 gives us the pattern for "entering" the presence of the Lord. Yes, of course, He is always with us. But, there is also the reality and experience of "embracing" Him....embracing His presence. In other words, participation with his promises and principles.

So...the initial question. How do we enter (embrace) His presence?

It is unfortunately normal for the average Christian to enter with petitions. Holy Spirit says, though, that the approved pattern is to enter with THANKSGIVING...

For The Delight

2009-02-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

I was focusing on this image, once again, as I was resting in God's presence and listening to some

soaking music by Alberto & Kimberly Rivera. As I was thinking about the beauty of the scene I realized that it was "man made." The trees, shrubs, lawns, and flora were God's creation, but the organization of that beauty was the work of man.

The thoughts that were then on my heart was the fact that God could have not only created the beauty but also arranged it all by Himself. Instead he gave that task to the "Adams" of the earth. Since man was made in the image and likeness of His Creator, that God-like "creativity" resides within him. And, when man is in harmony with the God Creativity of his soul and spirit, the depth of God's inner beauty (from which all things truly beautiful come) is living and exquisite.

Why didn't God do it all by Himself? So that man could know the sheer delight of the process.

Why does God choose to use you when He could literally take care of any need on His own?

For the sheer delight of the process. Him with you, and you with Him.

Gary

Victory Over Darkness

2009-02-25T11:47:00.001-08:00

I had a vision on Sunday morning as we were setting up for our Sanctuary Church service. It was brief but very powerful in the truth it conveyed.

I saw a man walking down the hallway of his home. As he was passing by a room, it was dark. He entered the room and began shouting, "I don't want it dark in here!" He continued his outburst shouting, "I rebuke the darkness. I command it to leave, In Jesus Name!" At the same time he was flailing about with his arms in a seeming attempt to physically push the darkness out of the room...or perhaps scare it off." It wasn't working.

Then a voice spoke a sentence in his mind, "Turn on the light."

The meaning is clear. The light has no trouble, whatsoever, handling the darkness....instantly.

Think about what the light might be in your situations of "darkness." A quick answer: Truth. But, I believe it would be more helpful to ponder that some more. What truth.
Be more specific.

For me, it often means a fresh discovery of something I have in
Christ Jesus. In other words, "revelation" (that came through prayer and research and pondering by the way). Revelation = Light

A Better Mouse Trap?

2009-02-23T09:18:00.001-08:00

Although we don't find entrance to a life with God through good works (that is only by His grace), good works do play a very important role in the life of a Jesus Follower. Grace connects us to God. Good works creates a bridge for others to connect with God Good works demonstrate God's outrageous love. But what kind of good works are we commissioned to do?

The normal Christian answers are all things that with enough time and money, anyone could perform. And...don't get me wrong...building a better mouse trap to bring relief to a rodent infested neighbor would be good. But, the Lord has empowered us to go beyond those things that are possible to natural man. We are called and empowered to do more than build better mouse traps. His purpose for us is to do what is only possible for Him...through us. Signs, wonders, and miracles. We have a high supernaturally natural purpose and design in this world. Because of the Kingdom of God within us, all things are possible!

What ALL THINGS are possible through you?

Plan of Action

2009-02-20T13:26:00.001-08:00

I've found that dreams are a venue that the Lord often uses to give us practical counsel.

Last night I had one of those dreams. It was about a specific issue that I've been concerned about. But, as I pondered it today, I realize it applies to any issue of faith. In fact it helps faith become activated.

In the dream I simply heard the words, "You need a plan of action."

A plan of action is the key to helping anyone step out in faith on something they are hoping for.

Oh, btw...the Lord will also help you with that "plan of action." It is often very simple steps.

Gary

The Tease

2009-02-18T09:25:00.001-08:00

One thing the Lord has been doing with me lately is "teasing" thoughts to ponder. This morning the scripture came to mind, "Whom the Son sets free is free, indeed." Along with that the question came, "What would SET FREE look like in your life?" Along with that thought/question was the instruction to really "brain storm" it beyond all of the normal quick religious answers.

Give it a try. Think beyond the typical answers that come to mind. Really go after it. Get really "wild" in your imagination. The normal quick answers will not give you the revelation and faith He desires you to experience.

Morph

2009-02-17T10:39:00.001-08:00

Sometimes a word from the Lord will seem to kind of "sneak up" on you. You can't exactly place how it came to you...it's just there. That happened to me with a fresh insight to Romans 12:2, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

I still don't have much vocabulary to explain it. What I do have is a "mind blower."

I already knew from previous study that the word "transformed" is the same word as "transfigured" in Matthew 17:2. And it means 'to change into another form' (Greek: Metamorphoo). We use the word metamorphosis when describing what happens with a caterpillar that becomes a butterfly.

I "suddenly" realized that Romans 12 is an invitation to do what Jesus did. To realize heaven as more real than earth. In that process there is something spiritually powerful that takes place. It affects us. It transforms us from being mere men to truly heavenly conscious...even more than conscious...our heavenly environment becomes increasingly real. We realize as never before what the Father is doing and saying. We sense it more vibrantly.

To know how this happens we examine the example of Jesus. He was "transfigured" when he went to the place of fellowship with His Father. I believe we can more and more experience through embracing and soaking in His presence. As we do so with His Word, our minds become continually renewed.

2 Corinthians 3:18, "But we all with open face behold as in a glass the glory (goodness) of the Lord are "changed" (transfigured) into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Gary

Right Hand Experiences Followup

2009-02-13T07:30:00.001-08:00

Jesus was, without doubt, the most disciplined man that has ever lived. He manifested the fruit of the Spirit (Self Control).

All of our lives we've seen "spiritual activities" as DISCIPLINES. One of them has to do with our prayer lives...devotions...quiet time. Just discipline yourself to seek first His kingdom (this way or that way.)

But, I have a question for you?

Although I am not discounting discipline in the process of growth, when it comes to Jesus and "going up the mountain" to pray/spend time with His Father, did He have to discipline Himself to "go up" the mountain, or...
to break away and come back down to the valley of daily activity?

My vote: I am convinced that it was something like Paul's statement..."To leave is better for me, but to stay is better for you."

Now...rubber hits the road time/reality check. Since Jesus was the "Pattern Son," and since He said we could do what He did....

Can't Jesus' "up the mountain" right hand of God experience be ours?

Right Hand Experiences

2009-02-12T07:59:00.001-08:00

This morning I was listening to a very relaxing and anointed "soaking" song by Cathy Mart. Sometimes, if the song really "works" for me, I will put it on repeat and let it play over and over. I downloaded one of her songs entitled, "tender moments" from the the "Serene" section of Soaking With A Purpose.

Many times I also put a visual on my computer screen and go back and forth between closing my eyes and gazing on the picture. Here is one of the favorite pictures to do this with. In my case I put it as a background on a powerpoint slide and open it full screen. This morning, I was simply worshiping Jesus with phrases like,

"You are my life." "You are my peace." "You are my joy." "In You I live, move, and have my being." Then a thought floated onto my consciousness. In my mind's eye I saw Jesus going up a mountain to be alone. And, I realized that He was drawn away to His Father because the experiences He would have were so peaceful, joyful, beautiful, and refreshing that He didn't want to leave. There was nothing "religious" or sterile/classroom about it. The scriputure that came to mind was, "At His right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Jesus was daily having Right Hand Experiences with the Heavenly Father. The same one's we all can have.
He showed us the way.

Gary

The Breath of Life

2009-02-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

While I was spending some soaking prayer time this morning, I had an inner impression of Jesus breathing upon His disciples. With that I "understood" this thought: "As you soak in My presence, I breath my life into your spirit."

If you are not clear about the term or purpose of "Soaking Prayer," here is an excellent website to hear a variety of soaking music styles that you can stream on your computer. There is also an excellent teaching. Just select the "Soaking" tab from the row across the top.

"Soaking With A Purpose" Web Link (Click On This Line)

Gary

Certainty vs. Uncertainty

2009-02-08T20:23:00.001-08:00

A primary way God speaks to us is through anointed teachers. A word will ring true at the time and then work back into our thoughts at a later date with a resonance of truth and hope. Such a word registered with me again tonight.

Several days ago I heard a prophetic missionary from Spain say, "We spend too much time on uncertainties and not enough focus on certainties.

At the moment, the economic stimulus (or spending) plan before the United States congress and senate has been capturing a great deal of most people's attention. I was just thinking today that I probably give up to an hour (sometimes more) daily to observation of the conversations be they on News Television, on Facebook, or live conversation.

The word of certainties vs uncertainty came back to me again tonight. I know it was God who brought it to my memory as a fresh word to me. I know because it immediatly brought peace.

The thought was to spend very little (if any) thought or time regarding what the White House might or might not do...because...it's all an uncertainty. The CERTAINTY is that we have a great hope in the fact that the Lord has said he will never leave us...he will always supply our needs...etc, etc. That is where I find peace, joy, and power in my own emotional life.

I encourage you to also receive this as a word from the Lord. Focus on CERTAINTY! Leave uncertainty be.

Gary

Believing It Backwards

2009-02-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

There are actually several scriptures that we read as stated but, inside, believe them backwards.
Here is what I mean:

In Romans 4, Paul is speaking about Abraham and says of God, "He speaks those things that are not as though they were." Abraham was promised a son from his seed. Although Abraham was well past fruitful child producing years, God spoke to him about it as a certainty. Even though it was not in evidence (and seemed outrageous logically) God spoke something that was not yet in manifestation in the earth ahead of time.

How do we turn that around sometimes? When we are trying to learn to speak words of faith, we will say things like this while we are obviously sick, "I don't have a cold." (There are other examples that may be relevant to you). In that case we are speaking things that ARE as though they are not. (Thinking that is faith).

So, how do we handle a circumstance like that in true faith? "I have a cold, but by the stripes of Jesus I am healed." Speaking things that are not (healing not yet manifest) with a word of truth (nevertheless, by His stripes I have my healing).

Another example:

Romans 12:2, "Don't you know it is the kindness of God that leads men to repentance?" But, often we don't believe that. We believe, instead, "Don't you know it is the repentance of man that leads to the kindness of God?" That sounds right. It's what we've heard taught. It sounds spiritual. Repentance is good. Repentance is a must. But....what leads men to repentance? A realization of the absolute, outrageous good and kindness of God. That leads men to see their true condition by comparison and melt their hearts.

Gary

Crazy Scary Good

2009-02-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

What is the fear of the Lord to you? I was rolling that over in my mind recently. This is a thought that lighted on my heart. It is a description and not a definition. It probably wouldn't make the grade in a theology textbook. However, I believe it does pass the test of a contemporized scriptural principle.

So, as I said, I was rolling that over in my mind and this bubbled to the surface. The fear of the Lord can be described as believing that God is crazy scary good. In other words...His goodness is so deep and intense that the only way you can describe it is with a bizarre over the top expression.

What makes me think that Holy Spirit may have helped with that idea? Because when my wife, Karen, and I were bowing for prayer at supper I prayed, "Lord, I thank you because you are crazy, scary, good." A positive, nearly overwhelming reaction of gratitude surged through me.

You be the judge. But, I believe that my God is crazy, scary, good!!

Be The Stuff

2009-01-31T17:02:00.001-08:00

My church, "The Sanctuary," in Davenport, IA has as it's main core value the culture of revival. We are in fellowship with Bill Johnson's "Global Legacy.(Bethel Church, Redding, CA)" On the way back home this week from a "Hem of His Garment" healing school held by Bethel Staff in Valparaiso, Indiana, the Lord spoke to my heart a profound message. It was 3 simple words. "Be the stuff." We have always identified with a similar phrase, "Do the stuff." It refers to doing what Jesus did while He walked the earth in His physical body (which He still has, btw, with us). The problem with "Doing the stuff (although it is a good phrase) is that it can easily become performance oriented. We can try to do His stuff and if we aren't careful, we are subtley relying on our own works. On the other hand, the result will still be the same, but we will be changed if we more think in terms of 'BEING THE STUFF' and letting it "leak out" or "overflow."

Be The Stuff....then....Do The Stuff!

Gary

Unusual Coincidence

2009-01-27T06:20:00.000-08:00

When we think of hearing God's voice, we often think primarily of inner voices and visions. But His methods of communication are probably as infinite as He is. One of the things that has lingered - almost imperceptibly - somewhere inside of me is the thought, "What difference do I make (have I made) in people's lives?"

I guess that has been heard as a prayer by the Lord, because yesterday something caught my attention as a God designed response to that question.

I have a Facebook account. Something that's been cycling through the news feeds are "lists of 25 things" that your FB friends fill out on themselves and post. I finally "caved" and took the time to do a 25 list, myself. Your approved friend list then has the option of commenting on your offerings.

Well, low and behold, two of the responses indicated that they still remember a special cassette of prayer confessions I made, years ago, that used their own children's names. In fact one of the responses was from a person who had been one of those children, and she said she used to go to bed every night listening to the individualized cassette prayers.

The interesting part to me is that there wasn't anything on my 25 list that made specific reference to making individualized cassette prayers for children. Yet, both responders commented on that.

But, God was communicating to me, "Yes, you do make (and have made) a difference." Those two (not one, but two) comments on the same thing to my 25 list was "God's Voice" to an inner prayer that I didn't even realize I was praying...until I heard the answer.

Do you experience unusual coincidences? Could some of them actually be God speaking to you?

Gary

A Play On Words

2009-01-24T07:10:00.000-08:00

Last night I was at "Friday Night Fire" in Peru, IL. FNF is a radical praise service at Eagle Rock Christian Center. The leader, Lisa Nelson, had a vision of an old fashioned safe. The idea that there were those at the meeting that the Holy Spirit was saying were locked in a safe and couldn't get out.

She opened the altar for prayer ministry and invited me to join in praying with those who responded. As I prayed with one of the people, I heard myself saying, "You're locked into a safe place because you're afraid of taking the risk of dreaming/hoping and being disappointed again." I sensed that the next person was also locked into a "safe" place.

Sometimes God's voice will be heard as a play on words. He is so creative! In giving the vision of a safe, He was indicating..."A Safe Place."

What are others that I know of? Seeing a bottle of ketchup was an indication that the person was behind on something and needed to "Catch Up." And, the dream of the front half of a porpoise swimming alongside a boat was indicating that a church's PURPOSE had changed. They had become more reliant upon intellectual pursuit (the head end of the porpoise/purpose) and cut off the tail (the power end).

Don't look for a play on words in everything. Just realize that it is a key that unlocks some things you may have difficulty understanding. Remember the most important key. Asking the Holy Spirit to show you what is being communicated to you. It can be very helpful to learn principles of God's metaphorical language, but you still must ask the Holy Spirit to put it all together for you.

Gary

The Foundation of the Fountain

2009-01-22T08:15:00.000-08:00

There are so many ways to "Hear God's Voice." He speaks to us in sooo many ways, and my sooo many means and methods. But, I was reminded, in my heart, again today that there is an important foundation to the bubbling up of the fountain.

The foundation is the carved out consistent times of at least 15 minutes daily of resting. I say at least 15 minutes because it really takes that long to "center." It takes that long to "settle into resting into quietness." It takes that long to "consciously SOAK in the water of His Presence" to cleanse your inner man.

In the beginning 15 minutes seems like an eternity if you are not used to being quiet. I'm sure that's why the writer to the Hebrews said, "Strive to enter rest." It doesn't come naturally for most in our society and you literally have to work at it, initially. But, as with any other habit, you will get used to it and it will get easier.

The "payoff" is HUGE in peace of mind, fresh flow of wisdom for life, growing intimacy of relationship with Jesus, and infinitly more.

We, as Westerners, are "method people." We almost worship methodology. We almost worship the "Doing" side of things instead of growing in the BEING of our existence with Him.

Developing and allowing the SOAKING foundation to develop cannot be overstressed in importance.

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good." Great Soaking Music (Click Here)

Gary

When It Doesn't Seem Spiritual

2009-01-16T13:38:00.000-08:00

An interesting thing has been happening to me lately as I've been "pressing into God."
(actually I don't think I like that term so much anymore...pressing into God. There is a time for more aggressive praying, but soaking, resting, floating with spontaneous flow is not one of them).

Maybe a better way to say it is this: I've become more purposefully diligent in hearing God's voice.

As I've been waiting on Him, thoughts start drifting in that are not what we would normally consider spiritual.
If I weren't doing what I do right now...planting churches, and pastoring people...one career choice would be in the area of marketing. I love creative marketing ideas.

So...some of these "images" seemed to be interrupting my prayer time...my soaking time...my spiritual seeking time. I was having diffulty concentrating on the purpose at hand. Sometimes I would give in and let the "secular" thought flow...and then I would feel guilty.

Finally, God delivered me! Today He asked me what has been in my heart, now, for several weeks, and what have I been asking Him?

I responded, "Give me a strategy for expansion of The Sanctuary." See...I KNOW (without pride) that we have a mission and a message to invade the culture of the Quad Cities that there are many, many that would respond to if they were aware of it (us).

The (what I consider) super-spiritual approach (which I, myself, have taken) is to pray and God will find them.

My response now is this: "Yes, He will. However, in conjuction with what?" It reminded me of the story of the man who was trapped on a roof during a flood. A boat came by his roof and offered to help. He said that he was praying and that God would save him. A helicopter hovered above his head as the flood waters increased. He sent them away because he was praying and God would save him. Finally, he was swept away and died. At the gates of heaven he asked why God hadn't saved him, because he had been praying and was full of faith. The answer from Heaven: "I sent you a boat and I sent you a hellicopter."

So...sometimes we need to let a spontaneous flow that doesn't seem so "spiritual" take us to God's answers. They too are God's voice.

Gary

Dealing with Distraction

2009-01-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

Distractions can be some of the biggest adversaries to quiet time with God so that we can hear/see His voice. One of the things that often happens when we sit down to have a private time with the Lord are thoughts of what daily tasks we need to be doing.

Instead of taking that as an interruption and fighting it by resisting and trying to refocus on spiritual things is to simply jot them down when they pop up. That tells your mind that you won't forget. You'll get to it. This might happen several times. Jot them all down and they will suddenly grow silent allowing you to be at peace before the Lord.

While I was speaking with the Lord this morning about this very issue, the phrase spontaneously popped into my mind. It had the "ring" of witness that felt like the Lord. The phrase was, "agree with your adversary." So, I looked it up when I got to my office.

Matthew 5:25, "Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison."

Well, obviously that scripture has nothing to do with writing down interruptions to your prayer time....or...could it? I can only say that I know the Lord spoke it to me while I was pondering the subject.
The adversary in the context of your prayer time can be anything that tries to interrupt. (btw...you can do something about some things in advance, like turn off your cell phone, or purposely go to a place where it would be unlikely to be interrupted. May not be easy for some...maybe impossible.
But, some planning can overcome some of these issues. Besides that, ask the Lord to show you how.)

Anyway, some of the interruptions come strictly thought the mind, like grocery lists and tasks suddenly popping up. Agree with the demand quickly by jotting it down and moving on. Otherwise, if you simply try to ignore or fight it, the distraction will win out by keeping you locked away from the intimacy and communication you are desiring with the Lord.

- Gary

While Praying In The Spirit (In English)

2009-01-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

Praying "in the Spirit" is an expression that normally refers - in Pentecostal type circles - to "praying in tongues."
I, personally, pray in tongues often and am very grateful for the gift. However, I also pray in (or with) the Spirit in English. Praying in (or with) the Spirit often includes tongues but is not limited to tongues. Praying in (or with) the Spirit is prayer that is inspired by the Holy Spirit in your spirit. Another way you could put it is "praying from an open heart." With that as a foundation, let me explain a recent experience.

I am currently on an extended juice fast. The purpose is primarily a consecration of myself and my church (The Sanctuary, Davenport, IA) as we enter 2009.

Yesterday, my prayer went something like this, "Lord Jesus, as I'm fasting, I am not doing so to earn anything. You have already paid the price for everything." My heart was very open in adoration as I was speaking. As I continued, it was like I heard myself say something that I had not specifically thought about before. I said, "Lord, I fast as a worship to You."

I hadn't ever used that expression related to fasting before....not that I remember. It quickened to me as a fresh word. It contained a fresh power of motivation as I thought more about it. Now, as my body reacts at times in uncomfortable ways, I am encouraged to keep moving forward as the word arises again, "Lord I fast as a worship to You."

Many times people seek the Lord during difficult times with a mind to try and get a solution from Him. If, instead, they would simply open their hearts to the Lord in trust and worship during those times...or non problem times for that matter...they would discover words inspired of the Holy Spirit flowing from their lips.

Gary

Death Angel Passes Over

2009-01-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

My 38 year old son was admitted to the ICU at Trinity Hospital in Bettendorf, Iowa yesterday. His heart doctor sent him immediately there from his office. Dan had been having very high blood pressure and listed several symptoms of heart distress.

As some of us were praying at The Prayer GardenI asked the Lord if He might speak to me through a scripture.
(I had actually opened my Bible earlier to no place specifically and it was lying open on my lap)

Normally when I make this request and wait to see what the Holy Spirit might settle on my heart, I see a reference verse come into clarity. I also "hear" it with my inner ear.

This time as I waited, I heard the words, "The place that is already open on you lap." I looked down and saw that my Bible was open in Matthew to the place where Jesus is celebrating the last supper with His disciples. This was a celebration of Passover and was remembering God's deliverance from Egypt and the night when the death angel visited to see if blood had been sprinkled on the doorpost.

The thought that stood out to me attached itself in my heart to Dan, "Because of the blood, the death angel has passed over."

This was a specific word of encouragement the Lord had given me and my wife, Karen. Another person that was praying also had a word that was similar (not knowing what the Lord had given me).

Not only was it an encouraging word at the moment, but it was a word that I could "stand on."

The report today: Dan had an angiogram this morning. His heart is enlarged with fluid around it, but there were no blockages. So, we are taking that with thanksgiving and standing confidently on God's word that because of the blood, the death angel has passed over my son.

Gary

I Thought I Made A Mistake

2009-01-03T09:58:00.000-08:00

There are times when I ask the Lord to speak to me through a specific scripture verse of His choice. What will normally happen is that I "look to see" with the eyes of my heart. Typically, after 10 - 20 seconds I will "see/hear" a verse spontaneously light on my heart.

Last night, while at Eagle Rock Christian Center in Peru, IL, I asked the Lord for a verse to speak to me. After several seconds, what I seemed to be impressed with was Proverbs 20:10, so I looked it up.

When I got to chapter 20, I scanned the verse numbers and saw that there were only 9 verses. I thought, "Well, I missed that one." And I closed my Bible.

(Important Side Note: In learning to hear God speak to you, it is very important that you are okay with missing it, or making mistakes. In the learning process you will make plenty of them. It's just part of it.

But, as soon as I closed my Bible, I heard a clear voice within, "Proverbs 20 only has 9 verses that were previously written. However, there is a verse 10 in the Spirit. You are writing that verse based on how you respond to verse 9."

So, I re-opened my Bible to Proverbs 20. Verse 9 says, "Oh, Lord save the King..."

Earlier I had been thinking about the necessity of continuing to pray for President
Elect Barak Obama as he enters his term of service.

I believe the Lord was encouraging me to press forward on that thought. I also believe He gave me a simple, powerful way to pray (because one reason we don't is that we make it too complicated).

"Oh, Lord Save (deliver, prosper, give wisdom, rescue the soul of, heal, etc) Barak Obama.

Concubine vs. Bride

2008-12-31T11:37:00.000-08:00

The Lord spoke a phrase into my heart recently. Actually, that is the most common way I hear from Him....spontaneous thoughts/words/phrases that have a kind of "sticky/weightiness" to them.

The phrase was:

"It's time to cast off Concubine mentality for Bride mentality."

You see, the concubine actually had legal married status with her "husband." It came about for various reasons. The thing about the concubine was that they had second class status. They did not have the same rights and privileges and entrance to the groom as the "Full Bride."

Many Christians see themselves as legally wed to Jesus through the new covenant, but they have a concubine mentality instead of a bride with full rights and privileges. Jesus wants us to see ourselves as His Bride!

The Acronymn

2008-12-28T16:38:00.000-08:00

The Lord has been speaking to me about the subject of HOPE. As I was "processing" my teaching on the subject, I suddenly realized these four words:

H eaven's
O verwhelming
P romises
E xpected

Since I didn't pre-meditate those words (they just were there in my mind), I believe that they were inspired by Holy Spirit. I believe He was encouraging me in a stronger definition of HOPE than we are often used to in our culture. Biblical HOPE is not "wishful thinking" but a very powerful force we can enjoy. And, it is produced by the activity of Holy Spirit in our hearts as we seek relationship with God.

So...yet another way that God speaks....cool!!

A Place of Peace

2008-12-27T18:33:00.000-08:00

Nurturing an atmosphere of peace in my mind and heart are very important "activities" of each day. It can also be called "Soaking" in the presence of the Lord. Purposely soaking or resting or waiting, by faith, in God's Presence are not so much states of "doing" but of "being." And that's very important to our spiritual growth. After all, we are not called, "Human Doings," but "Human Beings." Initially, it feels like a waste of time, but let me assure you, it is the best creative time waster I've ever discovered.

Here is a video I made and put on my desktop. I will often take a 2 minute break at various intervals throughout the day to simply "soak/rest/wait" in His Presence. I believe this is one of the reasons why my heart is more attentive to His spontaneous communication with me:

Gary

Phrase of a Song

2008-12-27T07:32:00.000-08:00

One of the ways the Lord's voice comes to me is through song lyrics. Suddenly...spontaneously...a phrase of a song will light on my "inner ear." Yesterday, I was headed out to an appointment. A phrase from a song, ("I do it all for you") gently settled into my thoughts.

I couldn't even remember the rest of the song...not sure what it is except that I've heard it before on an internet classic tv station from the UK that I watch sometimes)

Why, to me, was this the Lord speaking to me?

Because as soon as I recognized the phrase was there, my first thought was that this was my spirit singing to the Lord. Immediately another thought responded, "And, I do it all for you." Those words felt like they were coming from the lips of Jesus. With it came such a settled sense of inner joy and peace.

You might be thinking something like: "I dunno, Gary. This could have simply been the natural result of a song fragment drifting around in your head."

To which I respond, "Yea, I suppose. But, no." I am on a passionate pursuit of relationship with God. Relationship is so much about two way communication. I have asked for the Holy Spirit to lead me in this and He isn't giving me a stone or a fish (Luke 11). Plus...His communication with me is changing me...profoundly changing me.

Let me conclude this post with something that Blaise Pascal said, "Faith has enough light in it for those who want to see. It also has enough shadows to blind those who don't."

I love this journey!

Gary

Scripture Verse "Stands Up"

2008-12-26T07:31:00.000-08:00

A sentence from John 10:3 "stood up" off the page today as I was reading. That seems to be one of the more "common" ways the Lord speaks to me (although "common" is not something I ever want His voice to be). More "regular" might be a better way to put it.

"He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out."

I felt personalized love wrapping itself around those words this morning. It was the habit of shepherds to give their sheep pet names. The connection became very specific and personal.

Jesus was whispering to me this morning, "I have my own name for you. My heart is very personal toward you." What faith and confidence that stirs in me.

He has your pet name on His heart, today, too.

Gary

His Heartbeat and Mine

2008-12-24T13:02:00.000-08:00

A few minutes ago I was catching a little "shut eye" on the front room couch. His voice gave me this to ponder:

"By Me everything was made that was made...

Since your heart came out of me, it has the capacity to perfectly harmonize with mine and mine with yours.

Nurture that."

I'm pondering this so I don't have vocabulary to accurately describe what I am sensing. However, I see this. We have often perceived the Lord as Someone wholly "other and unique" in a way that isn't helpful or true. He is uniquely and wholly holy and Himself. However, everything we were and are by new birth was and is purely in Him to begin with...or we wouldn't exist. Like: The color yellow wouldn't exist in our natural vision's spectrum if it wasn't first in Him.
We see ourselves as separate from Him in heart. We see ourselves on the outside needing to try and adjust ourselves to Him. Instead, we need to see the truth that our unique heartbeat is already in Him with all of it's characteristics, flavors, colors, personality, likes, and dislikes. If not....we would not exist. Our hearts were not made out of a vacuum.
Therefore, His heartbeat can perfectly harmonize with mine...and Jim's...and Donna's...and Karen's, etc. ALL at the same time.
In Christ...In the new birth...the qualities of our hearts already find their unique place in Him and His in us. That's life. That's freedom. That's joy. That's potential in quantum dimensions.

PONDER IT.

YOU CAN EITHER BE A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG BY SELECTING IT IN THE RIGHT COLUMN OR SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM AND REGISTER.

Embrace It With Your Heart

2008-12-23T15:52:00.000-08:00

Well...this was a mind blower...literally. I was laying awake. My imagination was very active...in a positive way.
At one point in time, I used to put the "sleeplessness" off to my mind being over active. I see it a little differently now.

True. My mind is active. But what I believe now is that it is a matter of my intellectual capacity trying to keep up with what my heart is visualizing.

See...I believe God gave us a brain. In our society, we have gone to great pains to educate it and use it as the final authority for all understanding and decision making. As I said...God gave us brains...but for a specific purpose. Our capacity to intellectually, logically reason is not supposed to be "top dog." That place belongs to the heart that is submitted (or learning to be submitted) to the Spirit of God.

Understanding is not born in the brain (the intellectual capacity of man). Understanding is born in the heart of man by the quickening of the Holy Spirit as our hearts embrace (an intimate word) His Word and our living relationship with Him. Instead of trying to "wrap our heads" around this idea, we need to be "wrapping our hearts" around it.

Finally, the core point of this post. As I was pondering the race of visuals that were fountaining up from my heart (that my brain was doing it's best to keep up with), these words suddenly marched front and center of my consciousness....you know...in the way where peace, faith, and awe erupts.

The words were, "If you can embrace it with your heart, you can have it (experience it)."

I don't have vocabulary to explain all of the impact that has been having on the "deep conscious cavern" within me. But, I know this. My heart is the most important "organ" to nurture. I have tons and tons of "seed" (Scripture). More seed than I will ever use. I need to develop my heart....better put....learn how to cultivate my heart. Understanding that is the key (according to Jesus) to all the parables.

Gary

Plastic Colored Keys

2008-12-23T13:09:00.000-08:00

One of the ways God speaks to me is through dreams. Truly a lost art since biblical times. I am in the process of learning this "language" myself; But, have had some true life enriching communication from the Lord through dreams.

I don't dream every night (that I recall). But, since I've been recogizing my dreams as a valid and important form of God's voice to me, I have been receiving on the average of one every ten days or so. Sometimes there is a longer space of time between. Often, I have discovered that I will God Dream for two or three nights in a row, then a space of several days.

One of the latest dreams I had was of 4 plastic toy keys. One was pink. One was yellow. One was green. And one was like...dirt color.

In the dream I remember sticking these plastic toy keys into a lock...and they worked. Then I woke up.

As I asked the Lord about this, he interepreted my dream as follows:

1. Colors: Pink = emotions, etc. Yellow = Hope, gifting of God. Green = Prospering and growth
"Dirt" Color meant "natural/earthly understanding"
2. He was giving me keys to unlock the various color areas. The revelation would be mostly new thinking. However, some keys would be "logical"
3. Discovery would often come through what might be deemed, "play" or a more creative rather than logical approach.

Thanks for joining me on this daily journey of learning relationship with God. It is sometimes frustrating, but always rewarding. I hope you are actively walking this path, yourself.

Very Helpful Tools

2008-12-19T08:03:00.000-08:00

I just want to mention, today, that I have found tremendous help on my journey by the teachings of Mark Virkler at Communion With God Ministries. It is material Mark has personally tested and taught for nearly 25 years.

Just click on the link above. Surf through the site. Read the testimonials. His 10 hour DVD course is a foundational course that we are using to underpin all other teachings at The Prayer Garden, Davenport, IA.

What a journey!!

Gary

Scroll Down To Read Other Posts...Better Yet, Receive RSS Feeds

A Vision of Barney Fife

2008-12-18T13:01:00.000-08:00

As I write this, I am still chuckling a bit over the way God spoke to me, recently, in the middle of the night.

I was laying awake (around 3am) and the thought occurred to me - and since it was a positive God kind of suggestion, I automatically assume it's a God thought - to pray for someone in my congregation that had just had surgery. I began to say a prayer of peace and comfort on them.

I suddenly had an image of Barney Fife (You know, "One Bullet Barney" from "The Andy Griffith Show- Mayberry RFD" of years past).

I thought, "What's up with that? I'm praying for my friend and You give me a picture of Barney Fife. I immediately knew the answer. The Lord was telling me that if I was going to pray for my friend to not just slap a little prayer on him (a little dab will do ya) but to pray with some authority and conviction. Volume not needed. Just authority.

Obviously the Lord made His point. I re-prayed...with an earnest conviction.

I love the way the Lord is opening up a whole new fun, creative, dialogue with me.

Relationship with Him...and the discovery of new dimensions is so cool...past cool!

The Blogging Journey Begins

2008-12-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

When I gave my heart and life to the Lord, the Bible says that I got more than "fire insurance" from hell (which I do believe is a real place). Instead, because of Jesus work for me on the Cross, I was reconnected to covenant with my Father God. And a huge part of that new relationship with God is just that...relationship.

Relationship naturally assumes communication. Jesus also said, "My sheep (His Followers) hear My voice." So...He's talking to me! Daily. Even hourly and perhaps by the minute. And, although the Word of God (the Bible) is the heart and core of His communication, around which, everything revolves...He speaks many languages.

The thing is...it's not that He hasn't been talking to me all along, I simply haven't recognized His voice in all of its colors, hues, tones, and languages (even as I read the Bible). After way too long, I am learning. I'm on a sometimes satisfying, sometimes frustrating, always enriching journey.

Maybe my journey will help you with yours. We'll see. Maybe (Probably) you can help me from your experiences. I would love to hear any comments. If you are looking for more than knowing about Jesus and desire the idea that you can experience Him....join me on the journey.