God never speaks to us in dramatic ways, but in ways that are easy to misunderstand. Then we say, “I wonder if that is God’s voice?” Isaiah said that the Lord spoke to him “with a strong hand,” that is, by the pressure of his circumstances (Isaiah 8:11). Without the sovereign hand of God Himself, nothing touches our lives. Do we discern His hand at work, or do we see things as mere occurrences?Get into the habit of saying, “Speak, Lord,” and life will become a romance (1 Samuel 3:9). Every time circumstances press in on you, say, “Speak, Lord,” and make time to listen. Chastening is more than a means of discipline— it is meant to bring me to the point of saying, “Speak, Lord.” Think back to a time when God spoke to you. Do you remember what He said? Was it Luke 11:13 , or was it 1 Thessalonians 5:23? As we listen, our ears become more sensitive, and like Jesus, we will hear God all the time.

Should I tell my “Eli” what God has shown to me? This is where the dilemma of obedience hits us. We disobey God by becoming amateur providences and thinking, “I must shield ’Eli,’ ” who represents the best people we know. God did not tell Samuel to tell Eli— he had to decide that for himself. God’s message to you may hurt your “Eli,” but trying to prevent suffering in another’s life will prove to be an obstruction between your soul and God. It is at your own risk that you prevent someone’s right hand being cut off or right eye being plucked out (see Matthew 5:29-30).

Never ask another person’s advice about anything God makes you decide before Him. If you ask advice, you will almost always side with Satan. “. . . I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood . . .” (Galatians 1:16).

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January 30, 2014

Lord, I am not so sure that I want to hear Your voice sometimes. I am afraid I have not measured up, that I have missed the mark over and over.  I am afraid that if hear Your voice it will be a voice reminding me that I have not prayed enough, I have not been obedient, and have failed again and again to be a man after Your own heart.

And God says…”You have not measured up, however, that thought never occurs to Me. When I look at you and your deeds, I can only see Jesus and His perfect obedience and perfect love. That is what I see and feel when I look at you.  When you miss the mark, look to Jesus, and let Jesus remind you of who you are in Him. When you are willful and disobedient, look to Jesus and revel in His obedience. Seek first the Kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and everything you need, (including your reminder of your place in Jesus) will be provided. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Acknowledge me in al, your ways and I will make your paths straight.