HEARING GOD SPEAK

Hearing God Speak is a continuation of our study of Ephesians 6; The Armor of God. Our last studies focused on The Belt of Truth; knowing, living, and sharing the gospel of truth. And The Breastplate of Righteousness; placing God first in everything we do because it is the right thing to do whether we agree or disagree with what God is expecting us to do. A precursor towards our obedience; is having FAITH.

Hebrews 11:1 "Now Faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen", goes much deeper than what appears in words. In order to have a deeper understanding of scripture; one must go beyond one verse and interconnect with another verse in reference, called Cross-referencing. When studying God's Word it is imperative to not stop at just one verse, taking in the assumption that that's all there is to that one verse. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Study the scriptures to show yourself approved, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightfully dividing the word of truth", which tells us that the scriptures go beyond just the words we see in one verse, and will be found in deeper context if we take the time to study by cross-referencing, defining terms, and observing how the verse is applied in different situations amongst the people recorded in the Bible; God shared the circumstances surrounding those people in history for a reason which is vital to us. There is room for error when studying and applying God's Word to our lives, and to the lives of others. That is why it is critical that you take time to carefully study God's Word for yourself with the support of references, notes, commentaries, and well seasoned Pastors (those who have a gift in the knowledge or enlightenment of God's Word; not to say how long someone has been preaching, because some have been preaching incorrectly for a long time). Also, use caution when using references, notes, or commentaries; if they do not line up with the Word of God by omitting or adding words, denying Christ deity or/and power, integrating science and man-made philosophy, suggesting that there is another way to enter Salvation other than Jesus Christ, or saying only what you want to hear without revelation or conviction just for entertainment purposes, then do as God says, "Do not touch what is unclean",(2 Corinth 6:17). God says that His Word is sharper than a double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing the soul and spirit, joint and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of our heart (Hebrews 4:12). Your soul is way too valuable just to be entertained, misguided, or given false security; the rest of your life gravely depends on knowing, living, and sharing the gospel to others!!! Therefore, also pray and ask the Counselor; The Holy Spirit, which as been given to us as a gift from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to give you discernment concerning any support, or article that is used to give you the understanding of God's Word. The Holy Spirit will be quick to guide you in the right direction, removing you from harms way.

Without knowing how to hear from God; Faith will be nonexistent. Faith cannot exist without knowing God's Word. Think of a time when you went minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years without reading God's Word or remaining in consistent prayer and worship with Him to hear from the Holy Spirit; when trials and suffering came... you were lost, confused, and desperate in trying to believe that everything would be alright. You struggled with finding hope behind the situation, not knowing if God was with you, or interested in hearing or helping you, because you had strayed away for so long. The Word of God and His promises to you were vague, and fleeting, barely remembered if remembered at all. You may have hesitated at praying, reaching for the Bible, while feeling overwhelmed in despair, and guilt; you allowed the enemy to deafen your ears, and blind your sight, where you could not hear from God, nor see where you had left the path.  You had lost your Faith. Without Faith we cannot please God. Faith is more than hope, more than not seeing evidence; it is hearing God through His Words. God's Word came to Abram in Genesis 15:1, "Do not be afraid Abram. I am your shield, your reward shall be very great". Without Abram trusting God's Word; He would not have had faith. God promises many rewards to you; do you know what they are??? Do you know your other rewards beyond receiving Heaven and eternal life??? Did you know that Abram's great reward included YOU??? If not, then take time to study so that the Holy Spirit has more to remind you of when you are in need of hearing from God. Don't seek to increase your Faith only when times of  trouble come, and they will; for, God has also promised that times of trouble will come, but that He will be with us through them all, never forsaking us. Through Faith, we receive His peace through all circumstances, because we lean and trust in His Word that we have learned to hear, even if we cannot see the evidence