Exodus 3:1-4 (NKJV)-1 Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.2 And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed.3 Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.”4 So when the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”
In my journey of faith, the still-small voice of God next to the Word of God has been instrumental in my life. Some say that God doesn’t speak to us personally. That God only speaks to us through the written Word of God. Some would say, “If you’re hearing voices you are mentally disturbed?” The truth is, God does speak to us through His written Word. As well as those those who teach and preach His Word without compromise. Can we hear God’s voice? Can God speak to us in other ways? What about the Holy Spirit and the Gift of Prophecy or diverse kinds of Tongues and Interpretation? ( 1Cor 12: 10). Hopefully, I can answer some of these questions.
The Word of God should have final authority in our lives. Everything we watch, hear or listen to should align with God’s Word. It should bear witness by the Holy Spirit within us and produce a sense of peace. The scriptures teach us to judge or discern rightly what we hear ( 1Cor. 2:15, 1 John 4:1, 1 Thess 5:21). There are many voices in the world. There is the voice of our flesh and the devil and demons. There is the voice of the world and the voice of the Holy Spirit within us, the voice of God. Yes, God can speak to us today. God would never say anything to us that would violate the integrity of the Word of God. This is a faith walk, a trusting walk, and a believing walk. Knowing that God loves us and wants to communicate with us.
So you are not crazy, deluded, or deceived if you sense God speaking to you by the Holy Spirit. Ask yourself, “Does it bring a sense of peace into my heart? Does it align with God’s Word?” “Does it characterize God’s love, His nature, and character?” The Word of God clearly instructs us when it comes to how we should live before Him. It covers many areas of our lives. All we have to do is obey what His Word says. (James 1:22-25, 2 Tim 3:16-17). For example: The scripture teaches us the importance of going to a local church (Heb 10:25). Yet we have to decide which one right? We ask questions like, “Is it Biblical, do they believe in the Bible, the Holy Spirit, making disciples, the Return of Christ, and reaching people for Christ? Is there an inward witness of peace? Should I run with it or run away? God through the Holy Spirit may or may not speak in your heart and say, ” This is where I want you to be.” God gives us His Word, gives us a brain and conscience, and expects us to pray and seek Him in the decisions we make. God will never lie or lead us in the wrong way that would go against His Word or peace in our hearts. There are areas of our lives that the Word of God doesn’t speak directly to. This is where we have to pray and ask for wisdom and direction. Romans 8:14 (NKJV)-14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God( James 1:5-6).
Everyone is born with a conscience. (Prov 20:27). For the believer, some say our conscience is the voice of the Holy Spirit within us. It can be a green, yellow, or red light. A believer’s conscience can be a safe guide usually. Romans 9:1 (AMP)-1 I AM speaking the truth in Christ. I am not lying; my conscience [enlightened and prompted] by the Holy Spirit bearing witness with me. ( Acts 23:1, Acts 24:16, Rom 2;15). There are those whose conscience has been subdued and overtaken by sin and depravity. They violate any sense of rightness within. The Bible says that their conscience is seared as with a hot iron ( 1Tim. 4:1-2). They are numb and insensitive. They are unfeeling towards objective truth and everything righteous, good, and holy. We say they have no conscience. We see this in people who constantly lie without remorse, conviction, or guilt.
I love the Word of God especially when God speaks to me in that still small voice. 1 Kings 19:11-12 (AMP)-11 And He said, Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord. And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake;12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire [a sound of gentle stillness and] a still, small voice. This was God speaking to Elijah after running from the wicked queen Jezebel.
Why can’t we believe if God spoke to him, that He can’t speak to us today?
In the Gospel of John Jesus said this: John 10:3-4 (NKJV)-3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and thesheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. It takes time to know and recognize the voice of God. It is developing an intimate relationship with Father God. Our challenge is taking the time to listen and reflect. We are constantly on the go, busy as ever, and find it hard to sit and be quiet before Him. In the book of Acts, we see prophets and teachers gathered together.Acts 13:2 (NKJV)-2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Notice the Holy Spirit said… They knew they were called but what specifically to? Was it an audible voice, Prophecy, Tongues, and Interpretation? We don’t know for sure but the Holy Spirit said something. We always put the Word of God first and listen to the Holy Spirit for further direction. Here is a dramatic example found in Acts regarding Saul who became Apostle Paul: Acts 9:10-12 (NKJV)-10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” God spoke through a vision. Like a movie picture playing in Ananias head and received in his heart. This dramatically changed Saul’s life, who became a warrior for God. One Word from God can change anybody’s life. The details the Holy Spirit gave to Ananias are amazing and supernatural. A Word from God is only profitable if we hear it and obey it ( Isaiah 1:19).
In the Local Church and the personal life of the believer, God’s Word and His voice are essential. Why? Because of the world we live in today. There are lies and deception. There is the suppression of truth and all that is righteous and good. A Devil is going around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Who will you listen to? In the book of Corinthians, the Apostle Paul gives instructions regarding the Gifts of the Spirit. It is the toolbox of the Holy Spirit to assist us in our Christian walk.1 Corinthians 14:3-4 (NKJV)-3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. Without going into great detail, prophecy is an inspired utterance from God by the Holy Spirit. It is to edify, exhort, and bring comfort to the body of Christ and a person( 1 Cor 14:3). That is a God thing! Prophecy doesn’t add to the Word of God but always confirms the Word and heart of God. It always carries His nature and character. It is love-soaked, holy, righteous, and true. A personal prophetic Word from God is powerful whether individually or corporately. It must always be tested and judged(1 Cor 14:29-32).
With humility and grace, and when the Holy Spirit is moving, I love to prophesy. It is a bubbling forth, a flowing forth of spiritual inspiration to bring edification, exhortation, and comfort. We need that today more than ever, personally and corporately. 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV)-1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. Also in: 1 Corinthians 14:31 (NKJV)-31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. In my own life and prayer time, prophecy can come forth. It doesn’t happen all the time. It can come in English or through speaking in Tongues and Interpretation( 1 Cor 12:10, 1 Cor 12:28, Acts 19:6). 1 Corinthians 14:13 (NKJV)-13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. This can be done personally and corporately. Apostle Paul encourages the Church in Thessalonica:1 Thessalonians 5:16-20 (NKJV)-16 Rejoice always,17 pray without ceasing,18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.19 Do not quench the Spirit.20 Do not despise prophecies. The Amplified Bible puts it this way: 1 Thessalonians 5:20 (AMP)-20 [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning].
God does speak today! Are we listening? Are we tuning in to the Spirit of God? Are we on the right frequency? Are we on the right channel of the Kingdom of God? God can speak in many ways. It can be through creation, our conscience, the still small voice, through people, prophecy, and His Word, and the Holy Spirit witnesses it. It will produce peace in our hearts ( 1 Peter 3:11, 2 Thess 3:16). It will not be fear, pride, selfishness, or anything that would contradict God’s Word. Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Let us grow in our understanding that God still speaks today.
Let us be receptive to the voice of God. Let us expect that God wants to share His heart with us. To give us comfort, direction, and wisdom. Because of His Word and His voice, we don’t have to walk in darkness. We don’t have to be unenlightened and uninformed.John 16:13-14 (NKJV)-13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, butwhatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.
Let us be like Moses and turn aside and say, Here I am “!
I like to share what God spoke to me through the Holy Spirit some time ago through “Tongues and Interpretation” as I was praying at home and at a Church service.
“My army is a glorious army on one hand righteousness and on the other mercy. On one hand the sword of my spirit on the other is my truth. Yea, this glorious army is afoot treading down the enemy. This glorious army the body of Christ is beautiful to me. Courageous and fear-defying is my bride. For this is the day and hour and she is to be reckoned with, a formidable force in the earth yes my glorious army , my beloved ones, my cherished ones. Oh, how I love her and raised her up at such a time as this. And will not all the earth bow before her in humility towards me? For I am king and Lord. Oh my beautiful and glorious army, my bride who stands before me bright and beautiful ready and standing at my attention. “
“Yea,my son I have called thee and separated thee for my purpose be not discouraged and walk in my glory and presence. Worship me, my son, never give up! Yea, I am with you and in you. Let my glory displace all doubt and fear. For I see my Word in you and it is mighty. It rejoices my heart the time you take to know me. For it is me that works my pleasure in you. All that is pleasing to me. The way is open. Come on in for this is a day to lay aside all doubt and fear it is a day to hold nothing back and enter my presence. Think not that you are unworthy but know you are worthy for my blood has made you worthy. For I have made a new and living way for you through my flesh.“
“Walk away, walk away yea walk away from the things that hold you back and walk away from the things that hold you down walk away from fear walk away from doubt walk away from the lies of the enemy, and as you walk in a new direction and as you put distance between those things and what I have for you. Begin to separate yourself unto me and your light shall break forth on a new path and the path of the righteous shall grow brighter as the noonday sun for my light is greater than the darkness and my light will be your light and it will be your life. So walk away, walk away into a new day!“
2 Samuel 23:1-3 (NKJV)1 Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; Thus says the man raised up on high, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet Psalmist of Israel:2 “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue.3 The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, Ruling in the fear of God.
In closing: The more we are in the Word, the more we position ourselves to hear the voice of God within and the more we trust and obey, the more we will experience a greater intimate relationship with Father God.
1 Samuel 3:9-10 (NKJV)-9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10 Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.”
Psalm 29:4 (NKJV)-4 The voice of the LORD is powerful; The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.
In Christ’s Love;
Brent and Linda Bushen
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