How God Speaks
I agree fully with Reality #4 in Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby where he says, "God speaks by the Holy Spirit through the Bible, prayer, circumstances, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways." I believe that is a great summary of how God speaks to us as believers to show us His will.
There are so many things covered in the Bible. I would say that up to 85 or 90% of our decisions can be made on the basis of the Holy Spirit showing us what God says in His Word. However, for the other 10 to 15% of decisions the other factors come into play. God speaks to us as we pray, and He answers our prayers clearly to show us what to do. Then, He lines up the circumstances in a miraculous way to guide us at times, as well. Finally, we receive godly counsel from the church, which is other believers. They speak to us from their experiences with God or from something He spoke to them. When we put these things together, we can know clearly what God is saying to us about any particular decision.
God is a personal God. He is not trying to hide His will. He is revealing His will. We must be ready to receive His will. If we want our own will, we will distort His message to us to fit our needs. However, if we sincerely seek Him and His voice, He will show us the way. What else could He do, since He is our Loving Heavenly Father.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Leviticus 19-21.
There are so many things covered in the Bible. I would say that up to 85 or 90% of our decisions can be made on the basis of the Holy Spirit showing us what God says in His Word. However, for the other 10 to 15% of decisions the other factors come into play. God speaks to us as we pray, and He answers our prayers clearly to show us what to do. Then, He lines up the circumstances in a miraculous way to guide us at times, as well. Finally, we receive godly counsel from the church, which is other believers. They speak to us from their experiences with God or from something He spoke to them. When we put these things together, we can know clearly what God is saying to us about any particular decision.
God is a personal God. He is not trying to hide His will. He is revealing His will. We must be ready to receive His will. If we want our own will, we will distort His message to us to fit our needs. However, if we sincerely seek Him and His voice, He will show us the way. What else could He do, since He is our Loving Heavenly Father.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Leviticus 19-21.