THE RECEIVER AND THE GIVER ARE ONE

“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any they are retained.”—John 20:23

A woman, carrying a gift of love, came to Simon the Leper’s house one day while Jesus was visiting.  She brought with her an alabaster flask of very expensive fragrant oil, and poured it over Jesus’ head while he sat at the table.  When Jesus’ disciples realized what was happening they began to complain that this very expensive oil had been wasted, and should have been sold for money and the proceeds given to the poor.  However, Jesus’ response to the complaint is relevant to us today.  He looked beyond the immediate needs of the day and praised the woman for giving and gave a lesson to the disciples on receiving.  Jesus identified with the woman when He said that she was anointing His body for burial, and that what she had done would be told wherever the gospel was preached as a memorial to her (Matthew 26: 6 -13).

To receive:

·         Do not be so caught up in the needs of the day that you miss what is actually happening and miss an opportunity to give, or to receive. 

·         Recognize the gift and what it means.

·         See the importance of the giver.

·         Be a gracious receiver.

  Prayer—Father, help us to give cheerfully and to accept graciously, in Jesus Name. Amen. 

RECEIVING IS SPIRITUAL

“And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.”—I John 3:22
Laurence Leamer said that the difference between a helping hand and an outstretched palm is a twist of the wrist.  The man sitting at the gate of the temple called Beautiful asking for alms certainly experienced this difference when Peter and John did the unexpected (Acts 3: 1 – 8).

Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;

who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.  And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”

So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you; In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.

The man asking for alms was expecting an outstretched palm in the form of a “hand-out,” but he
received a “hand-up” when Peter told him that he did not have any silver or gold to give to him; but, that he would give him what he had.  Peter then commanded the man to rise and walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth; he then took him by the right hand lifted him up, and the man’s ankle bones immediately received strength. The man got up walking, leaping and praising God. 

When most people hear the word “receive” they tend to think of accepting something.  The man asking for alms did something more than merely accept what Peter had said.  The word, receive, in this passage means to “get hold of.” This man spiritually “got-a-hold” of what Peter was saying, and the Bible tells us that he physically held onto Peter’s hand and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  He stood up and began walking, leaping and praising God.  Let’s be like the man asking for alms and receive (get hold of) what God is saying to us.

Prayer—Lord, thank you for helping me to not only to accept what you are saying to me, but really get hold of what you are saying so that it will bring about a change in my life, in Jesus Name.  Amen  

TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE BY HEARING

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”—Romans 12:2

Blind Bartimaeus is a good example of a person who transformed his life by hearing.  Bartimaeus was a beggar by profession who sat by the road begging for assistance.   However, when he heard about Jesus he was spurred into action.  He heard how people were healed, delivered and made whole whenever Jesus was in town.  How excited he must have felt to know that Jesus was coming down the very road where he sat.  He wanted his life to be different, so before he was taken to Jesus he threw aside his identity as a beggar that is his garment that identified him as a beggar, and came to Jesus.  Jesus asked him what he wanted, and Bartimaeus responded, his sight.  Jesus told him that his faith had made him well and Bartimaeus’s sight was instantly healed (Mark 10:46 -52). 

Paul wrote in Romans 10:17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  When Bartimaeus heard about Jesus the healer he received faith so that he could be healed.  Because faith came to Bartimaeus by hearing about Jesus and His ministry, he was able to throw aside old ideas, prejudices and wrong thinking so that his life was transformed.

Transform your life by spending time with the Lord every day, and allowing your faith to grow.  Give time to hearing Him speak to you through the Scriptures, and through meditating on the scriptures.  Allow your thoughts to be transformed into His thoughts so that the image that is seen in the Word of God is reflected in you.

Prayer— As I renew my mind in you, thank you Lord for transforming me by hearing you in your Word so that I am transformed into your image and likeness, in Jesus Name. Amen.

HEARING GOD THROUGH TESTIMONY

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”—the Revelation of Jesus Christ 12:11

When people think of testimony they generally think of their own personal testimony, or someone else’s.  The testimony is usually about how in some manner God intervened in their life.  These testimonies are faith inspiring, and encourage us in our walk with God.  However, there is another way that testimony is given, and it is through the Scriptures.  Jesus said in John 5:39 “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of me.”

Jesus’ whole life was a testimony, a witness, of who, and what God was like.  The Scriptures tell us that Jesus went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of

the enemy.  The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, and said that their testimony of Christ had been confirmed in them through their being enriched in everything by Christ, in all utterance and knowledge, and that they did not come short in any gift.  By looking at the early church, we can get a glimpse of how they gave their testimony, and what happened when someone heard their testimony.  Because of their testimony, daily people received salvation, were healed, were delivered, were raised from the death, and were restored, businesses were prospering etc., it was faith stirring. 

Allow your testimony to be spoken so that others will hear about the glory of God, and that they too will want to experience this same Jesus that you know.  Your testimony, how you personally came to believe in and trust in Jesus, can powerfully impact other people.  Tell it whenever you can.  Let other people’s testimony inspire you and help you learn more about God and stir your faith.

Prayer—Father, thank you for showing me that I have a testimony to tell so that others will come to know and experience Christ, in Jesus Name. Amen.

HEARING GOD THROUGH HIS CHARACTER

“I am the Lord, I do not change…”—Malachi 3:6

God often speaks to you through what He reveals about His character.  You may have heard of the expression “that your actions speak louder than your words”.   God reveals His character to us through His written Word, the Bible, and His living Word, Jesus, the Messiah.  The following are a few of the ways that God has revealed His character. -He revealed His character as the deliverer when He made a way for the children of Israel to cross through the red sea.- He revealed His character as Healer when He made the bitter waters of Mariah sweet and proclaimed He was the Healer.-He revealed His character of forgiveness when Jesus said to a woman caught in adultery, “woman where are your accusers…neither do I condemn you.”

 As you read the Bible, look for more ways that God is revealing His character to you.

The more you learn what God is like the more you will begin to recognize Him speaking.

 Whenever you see these characteristics in action in your daily life, you will know that

God is on the scene, and He is speaking in you and through you.

Prayer—Lord, help me to recognize that you are speaking to me and through me as your character is revealed to me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

HEARING GOD THROUGH HIS PRESENCE

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” — Psalms 16:11

Sometimes you may hope to hear God’s voice as you go through your days; longing for Him to reveal His presence, and to know that He is with you.  While you are not expecting a dramatic entrance or a thundering voice from heaven, you would like to experience some sense of His presence.  You are longing for the “garden” experience where God comes and makes His presence know to you. The chorus from the hymn,  In the Garden, seems to be your soul’s needed anthem: “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known. “

When David had these same feelings that God was distant he would begin to worship God, and through worship he then would begin to sense God’s presence.  It is through worship that we discover that God is there all of the time, loving us and, drawing us closer to Himself.  

Prayer—Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me all the time and for making your presence known to me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

HEARING GOD THROUGH YOUR PAST EXPERIENCES

“By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also; knowing that tribulation worketh  patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.”—Romans 5:2 – 4

Family get-togethers are a time of saying, “remember when…”  Stories are told and retold about certain events that have happened in the lives of the family members.  It can be a wonderful time of reminiscing and a recalling of events and experiences.

As a teenager, David had experiences in his life that he recalled that helped him to defeat an enemy of Israel.  When the Philistines gathered their armies together to fight Israel it happened that David’s brothers were soldiers in Israel’s army.   David’s father sent David to take some food to his brothers on the battle field; however, when David arrived and heard the challenge that the top solider of the Philistine army was making against Israel; he decided that he could kill this giant of a solider.  Everyone thought that David was being very irrational by declaring that he could kill this giant of a man.  When King Saul heard what David was saying he sent for him.  David arrived and told King Saul not to be afraid of this Philistine that he would fight with him.  King Saul was amazed and reminds David that he is no solider, but that the giant has been one for a long time.  David assures King Saul that based on his past experiences of killing a lion and bear he was able to defeat this giant of a Philistine.  King Saul allowed David to fight.  David killed the giant and chopped off his head (I Samuel 17).

Because of his past experiences, David was able to build upon them to assure his heart that the presence of God would be with him to defeat the enemy of Israel.  Reflecting on what God has done in your life assures your heart that His presence is working in your life. 

Prayer—Today, Lord, I reflect and remember when you have helped in my past experiences, and I am assured that you will be with me throughout all of time, in Jesus Name. Amen.

HEARING GOD THROUGH CIRCUMSTANCES

“I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.”—Proverbs 4:11

You can hear God speaking to you through circumstances as He open and closes doors of opportunity.  The key is not to be led by the circumstances, but to be led by the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Peter is a good example of hearing God through circumstances. 

Jesus told his disciples to get into a boat and cross over the sea, and He would meet them at the other side after He had spent some time in prayer.  During the middle of the night, when the disciples were having a difficult time crossing the sea because of high winds and waves Jesus appeared to the disciples by walking on the waves of the sea.  The disciples were afraid and thought that they had seen a ghost. Jesus told them not to be afraid, and assured them that He was not a ghost, but real.  Peter, spoke to Jesus and said, “if you tell me to; I’ll come to you.”  Jesus replied to Peter to come.  Immediately when Peter heard the voice of Jesus he obeyed, and he got out of the boat and began walking on the water even though the sea was raging with high wind and waves.  It was only when Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, and looked at the circumstances that he began to sink in the water.  However, when Peter cried out to Jesus to save him Jesus immediately rescued him (Matthew 14:22 – 31).

Many times there are circumstances in your life that are opposite to what the Word of God says.  Stay focus don’t allow distractions to change your focus, and you will see the answer in your life.

Prayer—Lord, thank you for assuring me that you are always with me in the circumstances of life, and I ask you to help me keep focused on you, my solution, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

SILENCE - GOD IS SPEAKING ARE YOU LISTENING

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted

      in the earth!”—Psalm 46:10

Our world is full noise.  I read an article that expressed information on how noise pollution was becoming one of the leading pollutants in our lives, but that most people did not think that they were adversely affected by sound.  Church services are being interrupted by cell phone calls, and people texting.  Not long ago, an orchestra conductor stopped a performance because of a ringing phone.  People are use to noise: not silence.

Noise is something that we have become use to and accustomed to in our lives, and when there is silence, we become uneasy.  Silence can be particularly noticeable if it is the silence of God in our lives.  It can become easy to blame God during this time, or to become confused and to start doubting.   However, it is possible that because we have become so use to being surrounded by sound, and innumerable distractions that we are not hearing.  God is speaking to us, but we must ask ourselves the question have we allowed our minds to become so in tune to our natural surroundings, and the busyness of our lives that we are not creating an environment to hear?  Are we reading our Bible daily or spending time in quietness and prayer?  It is in these times that we can hear that still small voice of our Father God.  Elijah went to a mountain because the Lord was about to pass by.  Elijah did not hear God in a powerful wind, or an earthquake, or a fire; but, in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-12).

            I heard a story one time of a man who lost his valuable watch in an ice house.  He and his

            fellow workers diligently searched the ice house looking for the watch, but to no avail. 

            A young boy heard about the lost watch, so he went into the ice house and soon came out

            with the watch.  Everyone was very excited about the found watch, and asked the boy

            how he had found the watch.

            He replied, “I went into the ice house and shut the door, and then I laid down on the floor 

           and began quietly listening until I heard the ticking of the watch.”

            Are you giving yourself an opportunity to listen for that still small voice of God?

            Prayer—Lord, thank you that you are always speaking to me, and with your help I will      

           develop myself to hear you even in the quite times, in Jesus Name. Amen.

WRITING BRINGS HEARING AND HOPE

“Thus speaks the Lord God of Israel, saying: ‘Write in a book for yourself all the words      that I have spoken to you.”—Jeremiah 30:2

The Bible is full of people who wrote down their thoughts. God Himself wrote on stone tablets to communicate to His people.  In fact, the Bible would not have been written had not people recorded their thoughts.  The Apostle John conveyed hope and encouragement to a variety of people.  The people that he wrote to were believers that he called little children, to young men, and to fathers.  Paul wrote to remind people of what they had heard and how they had been taught. The Scriptures record many examples of individual’s prayers and God’s replies (e.g. the Psalms, many of the prophets and the Revelation of Jesus Christ). 

Writing down your thoughts in a journal, and then reading the record can help you gain a clear understand of how God may be speaking to you.  Write a message down to preserve it whenever you sense that God is speaking to you . You will soon discover how often your heavenly Father has imparted something very specific to you.  Additionally, writing in a journal releases the flow of the Holy Spirit in your life.  You will begin to hear God more clearly and have an opportunity to look back over what you have written and then reflect how you have heard from Him.  In John 20:31, Jesus said,

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,  and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Prayer—Your thoughts are precious to me Lord.  Speak to me that I may live and preserve your words for future generations, in Jesus Name. Amen.

           

PARTIAL HEARING: THE STEP OF FAITH

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”—Luke 1:37

My mentors, the late Dr. Daisy Osborn, and her husband Dr. T.L. Osborn, have often said that they never received a call from God to do what they do.  They saw the masses of hurting people the world-over, and read (i.e. heard) the words of Jesus in the Scripture, “Go” (Matthew 28:19).  They didn’t have all the details of how, when, or where; but, they had heard the “what”—GO.  Their step of faith is still being heard as the rest of their story is still unfolding in over 70 nations of the world today.  Because of their step of faith and their obedience to God’s Word, millions of people have heard and experienced the gospel.

Many years ago, we were members of a small Interdenominational Church.  We were learning how to hear from God, and how to step out in faith on what we had heard.  During this time, I sewed most of our clothes.  I had expended a tremendous amount of creative ability, time and effort into making me what we called in those days a, “Sunday-go-to-meeting” dress.  I was delighted with my efforts, and I could hardly wait until Sunday arrived so that I could wear my dress.  I had put my new, “Sunday-go-to-meeting” dress on for the final check in the mirror when I clearly had a knowing within myself that I was never going to wear this dress to church.  I distinctly heard within myself to give this dress to a young woman that had visited our church the previous Sunday.  I tried everything I could to talk myself out of the direction from the Lord.  I tried to doubt, reason, and even called the pastor so that he would tell me I had heard wrong.  Secretly, I was thinking before I called him that know one even knew her name, or where she lived; but, to my amazement the pastor knew her name, and even gave me directions to her house, and encouraged me to be obedient. 

Finally I gave into the Lord’s leading, and took a step of faith by putting the dress in a box and wrapping it with beautiful wrapping paper.  The Lord directed me to put a card on the box with the lady’s name, but I decided that I would enclose a note with the dress before I wrapped it.  I kept thinking that I shouldn’t do it…it took a while, but finally I just didn’t.    I delivered the box to the address; no one was at home, but two large dogs that I had to run past so that I wouldn’t get bitten.  The next day was Sunday, and I had no beautiful dress to wear; however, when we got to church the young woman was wearing the dress.  I was still not very excited about giving my dress away; especially when she got up to give her testimony, and she looked beautiful in it.  However, my feelings changed after I heard her testimony.  The young woman’s face was radiant, as she told how she and her husband wanted to come back to church so that they could accept Christ, but she didn’t have a dress to wear.  She and her husband related how much finding the dress on the porch spoke to them about God’s love, and how He loved them so much that He would provide clothes for them to wear.  Needless, to say the couple received Christ that day, and I learned a big lesson in hearing God even when I didn’t have a full understanding of what God was accomplishing. 

            There are times when the God speaks to you that He will reveal only part of the full

message.  You may not know everything , but He is interested in your obedience and trust in Him.  Just obey what you know to do and God will build your faith as you respond to Him. And remember that He knows the big picture.

Prayer—Lord, thank you for helping me to hear, and step out in faith  even when your direction may not seem clear; I will trust that you know the big picture.  I purpose to be like Mary when she heard that she was to be the carrier of your seed and say, “let it be to me according to your word,” in Jesus Name. Amen.

DON'T LIMIT GOD'S VOICE

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”—Revelation 3:20

God is always speaking, but you may not be hearing Him. The reason that you are not hearing from God regularly could be because you are limiting the ways that you listen to His voice.  This was the case when God was speaking to Samuel. 

In I Samuel 3:1 – 14 the Scripture tells us that the word of the Lord was “precious” in those days because contact with Jehovah (God) was scarce.  Samuel was living in the temple with the priest Eli, and one night when they had gone to sleep God spoke to Samuel; however, because Samuel was not use to God speaking to him he thought that it was Eli calling for him.  This happened three times before even Eli understood that this was God speaking to Samuel.  Samuel was instructed by Eli what to say the next time God spoke.  Samuel followed the advice of Eli and was able to hear God communicating to him.  The message that God communicated was one of such importance that the Bible tells us that He was going to do thing in Israel that was so great that whoever heard about it that their ears would tingle.

God speaks in a wide variety of creative ways, so you need to be open to hearing from Him however He chooses to speak to you.

Prayer—Today I open my heart and mind to hear from you, Lord, however you choose to speak to me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

AGREEMENT HAS A VOICE

     “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it

      will be done for them by My Father I heaven.”—Matthew 18:19

Reading through the book of Acts you will notice that the early Church prayed out loud in united prayer, and when they did wonderful, supernatural things happened.  For example, in Acts 3 and 4 Peter and John when to the temple to pray; however, before they got to the temple Peter told a lame beggar to rise up and be healed.  The man was healed, and as a result Peter and John were put into jail.  When Peter and John were released from jail they went to be with the other believers, and reported all that had happened to them.  The people united their voice in agreement and prayed; as a result, when they had prayed the building was shaken.  They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.  Their voices were united, praying and agreeing on the same thing; as a result, God honored His Word.

During the early years of our ministry, we were asked to minister in a pastor friend’s church in Kankakee, Illinois. We were driving from Oklahoma to Illinois when we began to experience car trouble.  My husband is a pretty fair mechanic, but he couldn’t figure out the problem with the engine.  We preached the first night of the meeting, and the next day my husband and the pastor of the church took the car to a mechanic who went to the pastor’s church.  The mechanic tried for two days to figure out what was wrong with the car by using diagnostics, and he called the car dealership to see if they could provide a solution to the problem.  No one could find out a solution to problem.  After we concluded the services, we were scheduled to preach in another church several hundreds of miles away, so we needed a speedy repair to the car.  At the end of the seconded day, my husband, the pastor, and the mechanic agreed that the problem would be discovered that God would send mechanical angels to help reveal the problem, and provide a solution.  We went to the final night of the services being confident that God had heard, and would answer our prayer.  The next day when the mechanic opened his business a package had been delivered from the car dealership that he had called about our car.  The label on the package listed a part for a ’77 Pontiac Lemans, and the invoice was dated the date the call had been made; however, the mechanic had not ordered anything.  The mechanic put the part on the car, and it cured the problem that we were having.  He immediately called the pastor and reported what had happened.  When the pastor and my husband arrived at the mechanic’s business they had a wonderful time rejoicing with the mechanic over what the Lord had provided, and how He had answered prayer. 

Do not put any limitation on God when you ask in faith in agreement; He will always fulfill His Word.  The Scriptures tell us that one shall put 1,000 to flight, but two shall put 10,000 to flight.  Keep on agreeing!

Prayer—Thank you, Lord  that when I agree with someone else in prayer that anything that we ask will be done by You, in Jesus Name. Amen

HEARING GOD THROUGH SIGNS AND WONDERS

“…Jesus of Nazareth, a Man, attested by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs which God did through Him in your midst as you yourselves also know-.” –Acts 2:22

God has always used Signs and Wonders to communicate with people: in fact, the Apostle John saw a sign in heaven while he was recording the Revelation of Christ (the Revelation of Jesus Christ: 15).   A Sign and a Wonder is the power of God’s intervention in the natural realm that occurs beyond a person’s natural comprehension.  God’s signs and wonders are hard for a person to believe.  Perhaps you have heard of the expression, “unless you would have been there; you wouldn’t have believed it,” that’s what is meant to express that it is hard for a person to believe a Sign and Wonder unless they see one. 
It is a Sign and a Wonder every time Jesus appears to someone after He has risen from the dead (I Corinthians 15:5 – 8).  Dr. T. L. Osborn attests to the fact that people in his large out door crusades have seen Jesus appear to them.  In fact, a similitude of Jesus was captured on film in one of his crusades in Indonesia.  The appearance of Jesus to people is not the only Sign and Wonder that has been recorded.  The dead have been raised, the sick healed, limbs restored, and the list goes on….you can add your own Signs and Wonders to the list.  I have personally seen bodily limbs grow out, the lame walk, the dead brought back to life, just to name a few of the Signs and Wonders that I have heard God speak to me through.

You should be aware that God may choose to speak to you through a supernatural and direct sign; however, it is best not to focus in seeking a Sign or Wonder, but to focus on God Himself and strengthening you relationship with Him.

Prayer—Lord, help me to be aware that you are speaking to me through your Signs and Wonders, in Jesus Name. Amen.

HEARING GOD THROUGH THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF PROPHECY

“Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.”—

I Corinthians 14:1

The spiritual gift of Prophecy is a supernatural inspired utterance in a known tongue.  It edifies, exhorts, or comforts, but it does not foretell or see the future.  The spiritual gift of Prophecy comes as the Spirit wills and brings a great blessing to the Body of Christ and is for their profit.  Entire congregations can hear a prophecy, or it can be directed toward an individual.

The spiritual gift of Prophecy is manifested when God supernaturally makes Himself known to the spirit of man.  Prophecy is used by God to bring a message to you, or the body of Christ in a known language to build up, to edify and to comfort.  Zacharias’ prophecy about the coming and mission of Christ on the earth is recorded in Luke 1:67 – 79, and  is an example of comfort, edification, and exhortation.

Prayer—Lord, I thank you that you chose to speak to me through your spiritual gift of Prophecy, in Jesus Name. Amen.

HEARING GOD THROUGH THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF THE WORD OF KNOWLEDGE

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant; for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit.” –I Corinthians 12:1, 8

God speaks to you through the spiritual gift of Word of Knowledge when He wants to give you information that you have not had prior access to, or have been aware of by natural means.  He wants you to know the condition of something right then, but like all of His gifts you have to be open to receive. God only reveals a portion of His knowledge because He is a God of faith.  He expects you to move in faith believing Him for the victory.

The king of the Syrians had declared war on the king of Israel in the days of Elisha.  God would give Elisha a Word of Knowledge to tell the king of Israel where the enemy army was going to camp that night.  The king listened to Elisha and sent a man to spy on the enemy army, and sure enough, the enemy had camped where Elisha had told him.  As you read this account in II Kings chapter 8, you’ll see that the Word of Knowledge even revealed to Elisha what the enemy king was saying in his own camp.  Notice that the Word of Knowledge did not make Israel’s king do anything; however, he was discerning enough to know that if God was giving the information that he should act in faith upon what he had heard.

Prayer—Thank you God for speaking to me through the spiritual gift of the Word of Knowledge, in Jesus Name. Amen.

HEARING GOD THROUGH THE SPIRITUAL GIFT OF THE WORD OF WISDOM

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant; for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit.” –I Corinthians 12:1, 8

All of the spiritual gifts of God are important and are given by God.  Each gift of the Spirit has its place in helping the body of Christ; one gift cannot take or replace the place of another gift. Each gift has its own distinct purpose of helping you; in fact, the scripture says that the gifts are for your profit (I Corinthians 12:1- 12).

The Word of Wisdom is a supernatural imparting of God’s understanding, insight and   direction for an individual or circumstance.  Through the spiritual gift of the Word of Wisdom, God gives a portion of His ability to deal with a specific situation. His Wisdom can save you from making mistakes. 

Noah receive the Word of Wisdom from God in detail how to build and ark; also, God told Noah that it was going to rain (Genesis 6: 11 – 15).  It had not rained in over 100 years, but God told Noah a future event, and how to save himself, his family and preserve the animals. 

The Word of Wisdom tells you what is going to happen to you in the future; moreover, it will tell you what God’s will is for you.

Prayer—Lord, I believe that you are speaking to me about future events and what your will is for me is in the future.  I receive by faith all that you have for me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

HEARING DIRECTION THROUGH VISIONS

“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.  Your old men shall dream dreams.  Your young men shall see visions.  And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” –Joel 2: 28 - 29

God gives visions to individuals for revelatory purposes.  It is heaven coming to earth to reveal God’s plan and communicate important information.  In Acts 10: 9 - 28 we read that Peter experienced a vision when he was praying.  Visions can be experiences of  intense imager and sound.  Heaven came to earth to communicate God’s plan to Peter.  Peter did not understand the vision, and doubted the vision because it did not agree with his way of thinking, or the way he had been taught.  Many times we may not understand the vision, but God will always clarify what He means if we will wait for Him to reveal the correct interpretation.

A missionary told me about a group of small tribal village children that God used to preach the gospel to another village.  The leader of the group of children was about 9 or 10 years old when he saw in a vision his neighboring village.  He saw Jesus walking across the river to get to the village, and then saw Him standing in the village showing His nail scarred hands and feet to the whole village.  The leader told the vision to the other group of children, and after prayer they decided that they must go to the other village; however, when they got to the river that they had to cross it was swollen by heavy rainfall.  The children prayed for direction and remembered the vision, so they walked across the river to the other side.  As a result, of their believing and acting upon the vision a whole tribal village received salvation.   

Prayer—Lord, give me the courage to receive and understand your visions, in Jesus Name. Amen.

PEACE: YOUR CONFORMATION OF HEARING

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” –Colossians 3:15

I will never forget our first Christmas in our new home.  We were excited to have our family and friends celebrating with us.  However, on Christmas Eve my husband came home from work with the startling news that he had been laid off from work that day.  The color drained from my face, and my insides lurched when I heard the news as I thought about the number of people who were staying with us, and the ages of our children.  We took each other’s hands in prayer and began to seek the Lord for His direction.  Our hearts were filled with peace and confident expectation that we would come out of this financial situation better than we went into it, and out of the abundance of our hearts our mouths began to speak this truth from the Holy Spirit.  I am so glad that we had His confirming peace to lean on during the ensuing months when the impossible became possible as our needs were met in wonderful, and in exciting ways.

Prayer—Thank you Lord, that I hear you by your peace ruling in my heart, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

HEARING: THE BENEFIT OF SALVATION

“To Him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and He calls His own sheep my name and leads them out.” –John 10:3

One of the greatest benefits of salvation is that of hearing God speak to us personally. Salvation is a two-way relationship with both parties speaking and hearing.  There can be no intimate relationship with your heavenly Father if you never hear Him speak to you.  Jesus said that His sheep hears His voice.  Notice that He did not say that they might, could or even would, but that His sheep hear.  People are just one-word a way from a turn-around in their lives.  One word can instantly heal sickness and disease turn a helpless situation around, save lives, and prevents disasters. 

Prayer—Thank you Lord that I hear your voice and the voice of a stranger I will not follow, in Jesus Name. Amen.