"How Does God Speak To You?"

Tony... "How does God speak to you personally?"

1. Most of the time he whispers into my heart. It is so soft I could easily miss it. However, Praise God he doesn't shout at us... who could survive it?

2. Sometimes he gives me 'Words of Knowledge' that he impresses in my 'minds eye or soul. He literally types out a word in my mind a few times.

3. Then there are dreams while I am sleeping or resting. Dreams that are full of action and in radiant color. If I remember them after my morning shower I consider them from the lord and journal them with an attempt at an interpretation.

4. At times he speaks to me by simply answering my prayers. His deliverance shortly after a prayer like David in Ps 34:4-6 that I was reading this morning.

5. Certainly while reading the Bible, he speaks application into my heart.

6. Sometimes he encourages me to Journal. Then he gives me an answer or response to write down.

7. Then their are these crazy 'Promptings'. One to maybe four word statements. Usually early when I am relaxed & freer from distractions.

8. He speaks to me during sermons, inspirational tapes/CDs/DVD's and songs of Worship. He also speaks at times during a conversation with a trusted friend. He will say in my heart...."Tony, did you hear that? or Tony, did you see that?" to make sure I am listening and hearing.

9. When I get a surprise 'creative idea' I will often Praise God for the inspiration that just came from Him, rather than thinking it was my great ingenuity.

10. I often hear from the Lord a day, two or three after I ask in prayer... rarely immediately. Something like Mary and Martha asking Jesus to come and heal their brother Lazarus in John 11. Then 3 days later Jesus shows up with the 'resurrection' answer.

11. Also, it is common for me to hear from the Lord the day after a water only fast. Fasting is hard for me. I rarely feel great and alert to Christ during the fast, but right after it when I start eating again he starts speaking with greater clarity to me. If it is a 7 day or 21 day water only fast (which I have not done in a while), then it is more common for me to hear his voice during the 2 or 3 days after the longer fast via these kinds of methods listed here.

12. Some times he speaks to me while I am preaching. He did this on Saturday morning when I was speaking to some 100 College Students. He told me how to adjust my message if I ever share it again. Good stuff.

13. He mostly speaks to me when I 'relax' enough to hear him and do not try to 'force' him to speak to me. Donna has helped me a lot on this point. Resting in him.... Is. 30:15!

14. He speaks more to me when I obey what he already has told me. Who wants to speak to a friend and have them ignore what they say? God often speaks to us, but we rationalize it away as our own imagination. I frequently repent of this and ask the Holy Spirit to give me ears to hear him, wisdom to understand, courage and power to obey. Then relax and respond as best as I can when I am alert enough to catch his word to me.

15. Remember... Jesus voice will never tell you to do something that is inconsistent with the Scriptures ethics or morals. I find that he does a lot of encouraging, gentle correction and instruction in right living. He does not 'accuse or push'... that is the evil one trying to appear as an angel of light. Jesus leads us and points the way.

Well I got to go now. The day is before me. Hope this helps some. I would enjoy hearing how he speaks to you and others in the group some day.

Tony Danhelka