BLOG-How to seek and hear from God AND then some……

Hello everyone,

I received a question from a subscriber on this site. The more I tried to explain it, the more the Holy Spirit added, then I realized this needed to be a blog with hopefully some interaction with all of you.

The question was: “Can you please tell me how to seek God? I am a christian, I pray and worship but when people say seek God in the closet and ask what He wants, I dont hear, its just silent, I confess sin and wait but still nothing. I pray in tongues too. I am seeking HIS guidance for an important question but can’t work out what HIS will is. Any hints?

Here is my response:

Thank you so much for writing. I am so sorry it took awhile to answer. This is a multifaceted answer. Hopefully you will find it useful. First, please know just about every Christian has experienced this disconnect and frustration at some point in their walk. (more like ALL) Even those who are well respected admit to walking in the wilderness many times. Frankly, it was imperative that they shared this. God is no respector of persons. Our Father tests his people. It builds endurance and faith.

I write from my own, personal walk with God AND my witness of those who proclaim to belong to him. My hope is you will find something in here that will help you. If you have any specific questions after this, I will do my best to help or comment on the blog. This is by no means complete, just a few highlights of what I have witnessed over the years. It would be great if you all contributed, shared a testamony on this one or had some dialog in the comments below. We all would love to hear testimonies, they build faith.

Please do not let this blog overwhelm you. Print a copy and take your time to study these concepts on your own.

God is complex and incomprehensible yet simple for our sake. He has many many ways to reach humanity. This information comes from years of walking and not walking with God. If you forget everything here, try to retain this. God meets you at your level, not mine, not anyone else’s. Your level. This is why we call this walk a personal relationship, not religion. When one calls Jesus or God religion, in my opinion, it feels like a distraction, a way to dismiss a specific topic someone wishes to avoid. Be sensitive to these comments or concerns. Try to share the true message, not the enemie’s many confusing messages. Its JESUS!!! NOT THE 33K+ CONFUSING, UNMATCHED RELIGIOUS DOCTRINES….THINK ABOUT IT…remember this as you move forward in your own journeys.

I have titled this blog:

How to seek and hear from God AND then some……

Hearing from God, Jesus or Holy Spirit is not cut and dry. But, is anything with God like that?

The short answer: For me, it took time. It took a real relationship with Jesus. It took repentance over time, testing, journaling and studying. God spoke to me a lot as I read through HIS word. The truth can always be verified in HIS word. When this started happening, of coarse doubt crept in. This is where journaling dismisses the enemy. Write down everything you hear and test it. That way, the enemy cannot twist your memory. It is right there, your handwriting, your experience.

When seeking an answer, it is biblical and wise to confirm with 2 or 3 witnesses. A witness can mean anything which gives you the answer, OF COARSE, including the bible. Personally, I look for 3 on big decisions. Your answer could come from so many different directions. If it is about people, demons can stand in the way of your answer and it will take prayer/fasting to break through their covering of that individual. We have the Holy Spirit and angels assigned to us, they have Satan, demons and the evil spirits. (Sorry to be so blunt, but, not choosing is choosing.) Think of it on that level. I have seen prayer and fasting change hopeless, broken situations. I have witnessed this many times. Prayer changes hearts in a HUGE way. God is sooooo good. If HE will do it for me, he will do it for you. You may not see any outward change, but, do not quit. Its coming!

Sometimes no answer can mean either wait longer or that is your answer. Or HE could be testing you to see if you trust him enough to wait on him rather than taking matters into your own hands. Sometimes it is a test to see IF HE CAN TRUST YOU with more. It hinges on your personal situation. God is always the best counselor. As you experience God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit in your own walk, you will be more in tune and understand HIS will and heart for you.

Please do not think anyone with spiritual gifts recieves answers for everything or for others all the time. I have been told many times by the Holy Spirit to stay out of family situations. Not to interfere or influence them. When I have gone through these family challenges, many times, I might add, that is all he gives me. (we should always be mindful of our words. Our prayers should always end with thy will be done, not mine). Can we agree God knows better than we do?

Moving on……Hearing from God was foreign to me. I was searching for something I had never experienced before. Therefore, I did not know what to expect or look for.

I will always redirect you to his Word. Read his promises. The Old Testament is the heart of God with Types of Jesus through out. ( Moses, Noah, David etc. ) The New Testament is the heart of Jesus and his love for humanity. God is not forgotten, Jesus always honors God.

Here is the long answer:

Seeking and hearing from God was not an event, it was a series of events which took place in my life over several years, even before I was saved. In the beginning of my walk, I witnessed tons of undeniable miracles. Most people do. As new believers, God knows we need this.

As time marched on, I heard from God once in awhile, but, that was my fault. My walk waxed and wained depending on outward circumstances. (I lost my trust and peace over the years. I put my trust in people instead of God. I was not developing my walk, nor, was I taught how to). So, I got to places where I only needed Him once in awhile. I led my life, not HIM. In retrospect, the closer your walk with God, the easier it is to hear from Him.

As followers of Christ, there are many inputs which are either not of the bible, twisted scriptures to fit a denomination or sadly, an agenda. We have to leave all that behind including any preconceived notions and just be with Him in HIS Word. Remember, John Nkjv 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. GOD WILL HONOR YOUR EFFORTS. He does not play games.

Hearing from God is like anything new to us. We have to slow down, take the time to practice and develop that skill. Once you know, you know.

Another view point of John 1:1

HIS word, the bible, is living, it is literally Christ Jesus, on paper!!! John 1:1 AMP, 1In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. What a revelation!!! Always be confident when you are in the word and what he teaches you. It is alive and well……(this is why some churches, tares, tell you to leave the Word at home, they fear it’s truth.) Nkjv John 14:6 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Jesus is the Word, the truth, the way. I hope you are catching this revelation.

Many churches are weak when it comes to teaching God's word. This is why the church body is weak. We are the by-product.

Is it possible we are duped into believing that we can’t hear God’s voice because one must be some super prophet to hear God? John 10:27 is straight from the mouth of Jesus. New Testament:

27The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.

So, of course we will hear Him!!! Jesus said we would, and He doesn’t lie. The enemy of our soul wants to keep us doubting ourselves and doubting God. So, why don’t we stop buying what he is selling and live for God, no boundaries or boxes?

You see, today’s Christians are defeated out of the gate because they do not understand who they are in Christ. They do not take personal responsibility of their own walk with God. They let the pastor take all of the responsibility for their walk, after all, he feeds them.

We have 33,000+ denominations. Have you ever wondered why?

1 Corinthians 14:33

for God [who is the source of their prophesying] is not a God of confusion and disorder but of peace and order. As [is the practice] in all the churches of the saints (God’s people),

Do you really think God created religion? He says church, not religion. If we claim religion, which one of the 33,000+ is right? Have you ever thought about that? I am not saying this to shake your faith, I am saying this to shake you.

Most of the church has handed the reins of their “personal" walk over to their pastors, priests, ministers etc.. They do not understand nor taught or believe the power they all carry once they are saved and most do not understand how to stay saved. (not through legalism, religion or works, but, through obedience and love for God).

Those who attend a church or did know this. There is this routine, greeting,music, offering then listening to a sermon, etc. Are they teaching you how to get saved, how to stay saved, how to study, pray etc? What about spiritual gifts? If you look around at the church, most of us will say no. Then why do we support an organization contrary to the word of God? Fortunately there are some diligent teachers not there for a paycheck. Those are the ones you seek out. The ones that love Jesus and teach, not preach.

We should also remember, God is and moves everywhere. My grandpa was extremely active in Alcoholics anonymous. I used to bring my family to his annual birthday meetings to support his milestones. He had over 35 years of sobriety when he passed away. He always used to say no church will save you. (He belonged to a church, so he felt he could say that). He stated “One day it will be you, the drink and God. (this group of people was not sitting in church when he said this, yet, they understood the truth in that statement). He would continue, “You will have a decision to make on that day”. Same with all of you. One day it will be You, God and your idols. You will be forced to make an ETERNAL decision.

Even though grandpa forgave Himself and repented, he lived with great regret because he spent most of His marriage to my grandma drunk. Even though we are forgiven, we do not get absolved of our wreckage. There will be scars. My grandma had a huge impact on me as well, she passed young at 46 or 47. She was a godly woman. Without question, her prayers saved him from certain death. (The power of prayer) There is no doubt she banked many prayers for him along with the rest of us. I loved my grandpa and was so proud of him. He helped so many people overcome their adiction.

We will all be held accountable for the choices we have made. Even though we are forgiven, there is still wreckage, scars and such. When we admit and accept responsibility for our actions and repent, this puts us back on track to hear from God.

You rarely hear this over the pulpit.

AMP makes it clear. Exodus 20:2-17

2“I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.3“You shall have no other gods before Me.

4“You shall not make for yourself any idol, or any likeness (form, manifestation) of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth [as an object to worship]. 5You shall not worship them nor serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous (impassioned) God [[a]demanding what is rightfully and uniquely mine], visiting (avenging) the iniquity (sin, guilt) of the fathers on the children [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers], to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6but showing graciousness and steadfast lovingkindness to thousands [of generations] of those who love Me and keep My commandments.

7“You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain [that is, irreverently, in false affirmations or in ways that impugn the character of God]; for the LORD will not hold guiltless nor leave unpunished the one who [b]takes His name in vain [disregarding its reverence and its power].

8“Remember the Sabbath (seventh) day to keep it holy (set apart, dedicated to God). 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10but the seventh day is a Sabbath [a day of rest dedicated] to the LORD your God; on that day you shall not do any work, you or your son, or your daughter, or your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock or the temporary resident (foreigner) who stays within your [city] gates. 11For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea and everything that is in them, and He rested (ceased) on the seventh day. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy [that is, set it apart for His purposes]. 12“Honor (respect, obey, care for) your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged in the land the LORD your God gives you.

13“You shall not commit murder (unjustified, deliberate homicide).

14“You shall not commit [c]adultery.

15“You shall not steal [secretly, openly, fraudulently, or through carelessness].

16“You shall not testify falsely [that is, lie, withhold, or manipulate the truth] against your neighbor (any person).

17“You shall not covet [that is, selfishly desire and attempt to acquire] your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

[a] 5 God does not tolerate the transfer of the honor and worship that is due Him to any other being or object.

[b] 7 Using the name of God in a casual, frivolous way establishes a mindset that diminishes and dishonors the omnipotent God. Using the name of God to abuse, manipulate, or deceive invites judgment.

[c] 14 Jesus amplified this commandment in Matt 5:27, 28. Not only is adultery forbidden, but also any act of sexual impurity or unchastity, and any form of pornography or other obscenity.

How many times have you broken those commandments as a follower of Jesus? How many times have those words been read across the pulpit, been lingered over and warned about partaking in those things?

But, but, but, we are under grace….. You say the Old Testament does not apply. Do they tell you Christ came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. Mathew 5:17 AMP 17“Do not think that I came to do away with or undo the Law [of Moses] or the [writings of the] Prophets; I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. I am not suggesting you find yourselves an Old Testament religion either. Merely pointing out what the 33,000 + religions ignore. The Old Testament tells you how to live and obey God. It also shows his great love for his people. The ten Commandments are repeated in the New Testament with a slight twist to the Sabbath. A quick Google search will give you that.

Lets go back to the question. Why are these things ignored by the church in general? Because to be a true follower demands obedience AND accountability!!! Most people truly do not want that. They want to “look" like they are, but, if you start talking about what is sin and what is not, those demons that reside in them start getting a little jumpy or distracting,

“SQUIRREL"!!!

Test it sometime.

This lifestyle grieves the Holy Spirit. More likely than not, this group will not be able to hear from God. Look around if you do not believe this…..look at the divorce rate alone In the “church". Even though marriage is a very sacred act, invented by God, when people quit, somehow it absoves the oath made in the presence of God? God made you one flesh. That is why divorce is so painful physically as well as mentally. We have all been at fault for relationship failures over the years. Ask yourselves where you spiritually were when it happened? Was it he very thing you were not willing to die to? If you still carry that in your marriage today, that will be the very thing that costs you your marriage, later. This mirrors your walk with God as well. Accountability, sacrifice, serving, submission, partnering and the true LOVE of Christ is marriage, not the fleshy love. The true LOVE in which you will die to yourself and put the needs of your spouse ahead of yours. One flesh, means you care for the other half as you would yourself. Remember that. Also remember a lot of spiritual problems come from unhealthy marriages, including the inability to hear God’s voice. On the contrary, marriage is a great way to prepare for your relationship with Jesus. It teaches you everything you need to know about him.

AMP

John 14:15

15“If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.

(is he referring to the ten Commandments? Or just a couple of them? Are there more?)

John 15:8-10 8My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be My [true] disciples. 9 I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you]. 10If you keep My commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.

These are some ways to start the process to hear God’s voice. Yes, he may speak to a sinner who is on their last leg. We have all heard their stories. I know he spoke to me a few times as well. God is everywhere and extends his mercy to all who will come. Do you feel his tug on your heart? Then come, drink from his fountain, feast on his Word.

The Lord might even say something to you unexpectedly, while you are doing your chores and thinking about the weather. (The more off the wall it is, the more you better pay attention to it.) Several months ago I was walking out to my back yard. I was going to check on something and I heard,, “The sixth seal has been opened". One sentence. I asked what do I do with this information? Silence! Still, silence. I do not think I published anything about this because it was just one sentence. But, to bring you back, this is an example for you to consider. For us who follow him, he expects more. Once we are a good steward of little, he gives much more. This may seem hopeless and overwhelming, trust me, it is not. Mathew 11:30, My yoke is easy, my burden is light…..

Here are some steps:

1.Seek to be spirit filled first. This comes with salvation and the beginning of repentance. Gods spirit enters a person who confesses Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It is very doubtful a person will hear from God if they are not saved. I do not mean to sound contradictory from my earlier statement either. Remember, relationship.

2. Secondly, Get baptized, just like Jesus did. (Acts 2:38)

3. Finally, seek the gift of speaking in tongues. This prayer language bypasses every satanic road block and heads straight to the throne room. This article is already very long, but, some study goes a long way on this topic alone. There are many books written about prayer and the early church. Start with Acts chapter two. Use the LORDS prayer as a start. Mathew 6:9-13

9“Pray, then, [b]in this way:

‘Our Father, who is in heaven,

[c]Hallowed be Your name.

10‘[d]Your kingdom come,

Your [e]will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

11‘Give us this day our [f]daily bread.

12‘And forgive us our [g]debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment].

13‘And do not [h]lead us into temptation, but deliver us from [i]evil. [j][For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’

IF YOU DO NOT FORGIVE OR WILLFULLY SIN HE goes on to say:

14For if you forgive [k]others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.

[a] 1 Lit righteousness before men.

[b] 9 I.e. as a model or pattern.

[c] 9 I.e. set apart, keep and treat as holy, revere.

[d] 10 A plea for God’s kingdom to be inaugurated on earth.

[e] 10 Including what God wishes to be done by the individual believer--His commands and precepts.

[f] 11 I.e. life’s essentials.

[g] 12 I.e. sins, moral failures.

[h] 13 I.e. lead us away from situations where we are vulnerable and have the opportunity to sin. God does not tempt man (see James 1:13) but does allow man to be tested.

[i] 13 Or the evil one.

[j] 13 This clause is not found in early mss.

[k] 14 Gr anthropoi.

Allow Holy Spirit to help you pray. (words and thoughts will come into your mind).

If you struggle in any area, ask HIM for more strength, discernment and wisdom. Also, ask for more hunger or love for Him, people, HIS word and to be obedient. Whatever you struggle with. Sometimes it is instantaneous deliverance, sometimes it’s a battle. Trust God and the process. HE has HIS reasons. Since we are individuals, isn’t it awesome that our LORD does not treat us the same?

Keep in mind, we are only as good as our education. Education being inputs from parents, college, church or someone elses belief system. With that said, we become indoctrinated by preconceived notions which cripples many of us spiritually before we ever arrive at the alter of repentance. (an alter could be your bed or a park bench, not nessarily a church alter)

2 Corinthians 7:10 AMP

For [godly] sorrow that is in accord with the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but worldly sorrow [the hopeless sorrow of those who do not believe] produces death. (In my humble opinion, I believe this is in part why we do not hear from God.) This would also include unforgiveness. When we harbor unforegiveness or live with marital strife our prayers are already hindered, so, I would imagine this affects one from also hearing from God.

1 Peter 3:7 AMP

In the same way, you husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact, and with an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship], as with someone physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect * as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective.

*How many of us respect, see and treat our spouses also as a brother or sister in Christ? As someone Jesus loves deeply, as a gift from above (you asked for a partner, right)? As someone who will join you at the King's table? They are much more than someone we live with.

Hebrews 13:4. Marriage is to be held in honor among all [that is, regarded as something of great value], and the marriage bed undefiled [by immorality or by any sexual sin]; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

AMP Ephesians 5:33

33However, each man among you [without exception] is to love his wife as his very own self [with behavior worthy of respect and esteem, always seeking the best for her with an attitude of lovingkindness], and the wife [must see to it] that she respects and delights in her husband [that she notices Him and prefers Him and treats Him with loving concern, treasuring Him, honoring Him, and holding Him dear].

This shows how important relationship and marriage is to God. There is nothing but parallels between the bride of Christ and earthly marriage.

As you can see, there are many facets to consider. Do not get discouraged. Remember you are an individual. Ask God why you cannot hear, he will show you. Your answer will not come in a way in which you expect. Never quit, quitting is not an option.

Like you, I searched for several years. I would hear people talk about hearing from God, but, that was not my experience. I was spiritually frustrated. This is when we are the most vulnerable, like Jesus was in the wilderness. We too experience the wilderness before our breakthroughs. I have spent several years in the wilderness AND more than one. (that was for me, not necessarily your plight) This is the time to stay in the spiritual realm. Not give up.

More situations which can block us from hearing God are as follows:

1. Unforgiveness- When you harbor resentment, offense, bitterness, or anger toward another person it blocks your prayers and ability to hear from God. When one has been offended, treating the offender respectfully (when all you want to do is hate them for hurting you) is challenging to say the least. We all can throw a story in here, but, do the details matter? What matters is how we react to it. How they act is always on them, not us. Conflicts typically come from a series of unwise choices and at some point, we will reap the harvest.

2. Unconfessed sin- Asking God to move on your behalf when you knowingly continue in sin leads to your prayers going unanswered and reinforces your inability to hear from God. This is called willful, habitual sin. For example, willful habitual sin could be something as minor as complaining which I have struggled with, (AND not minor in God’s eyes, read the israelite wilderness experience) to swearing, drugs or alcohol abuse and onward. Anything a person habitually goes back to, which is sin. This is called willful, habitual sin. This grieves the Holy Spirit and blocks our ability to hear God. Once we are saved, we also must know, never preached on, God does not HAVE to forgive us for willful, habitual sin. See this and let the hair on the back of your neck stand up:

AMP Hebrews 10:26

For if we go on willfully and deliberately sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice (WFA note-Jesus already did that) [to atone] for our sins [that is, no further offering to anticipate],

But but but………We are under grace! The seeker friendly church says so!!! My dear friend, your grace extended to you is that you are alive. That is your grace and mercy. You can still tell God you are sorry and repent. He will forgive you. Stay off the greasy grace train, that track leads to destruction.

AMP Philippianes 2:12

So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].

AND-

Revelation 3:5

5He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God] will accordingly be dressed in white clothing; and I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, and I will confess and openly acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels [saying that he is one of Mine]. DID HE JUST SAY BLOT OUT? DOES THAT MEAN WE CAN LOSE OUR SALVATION?

Mathew 22:11-14

11“But when the king came in to see the dinner guests, he saw a man there who was not dressed [appropriately] in wedding clothes, 12and he said, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without wearing the wedding clothes [that were provided for you]?’ (WFA-note when Jesus died for our sins) And the man was speechless and without excuse. 13Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Tie Him hand and foot, and throw Him into the darkness outside; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].’ 14For many are called (invited, summoned), but few are chosen.”

To further explain Mathew 22:11-14

AMP Mathew 14 :16-24

16But Jesus said to Him, “A man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many guests; 17and at the dinner hour he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, because everything is ready now.’ 18But they all alike began to make excuses. The first one said to Him, ‘I have purchased a piece of land and I have to go out and see it; please consider me excused.’ 19Another one said, ‘I have purchased five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please consider me excused.’ 20And another said, ‘I have [recently] married a wife, and for that reason I am unable to come.’ 21So the servant came back and reported this to his master. Then [his master,] the head of the household, became angry [at the rejections of his invitation] and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and the lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and the disabled and the blind and the lame.’ 22And the servant [after returning] said, ‘Sir, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ 23Then the master told the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled [with guests]. 24For I tell you, not one of those who were invited [and declined] will taste my dinner.’”

It is our job to be obedient to God’s word. Repent immediately when we sin. Jesus proved it is doable. We have His blood to cover us, EVERY TIME WE SIN. That is why he sacrificed Himself. Not so he could condemn us, but, to save us… We could not do this in our own flesh strength.

3. Selfishness- (James 4:17) AMP

17So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.

Withholding what is good. Ignoring Scripture. Knowing what to do and not doing it is sin.

Proverbs 28:9 says, “If one turns away His ear from hearing the law, even His prayer is an abomination.” These are sins which can stand in the way of hearing from God. Maybe this will trigger something not yet dealt with.

Moving on….I received a book about 14 years ago that helped me with my plight. How to hear from God, by Joyce Meyer. I wrote in it, marked it up etc....I had turned into a seeker friendly Christian back then, mainly because of my AOG church converted to a seeker friendly church which was all new to us back then. Remember all the “a little leaven” warnings? These churches are full of leaven or lack God’s leaven. However you wish to see this. I do not know how I would feel about that book today, but, it did play a part in helping my journey on how to hear from God. Back then, I was going to a gym where some fellow believers worked and I would bring that book with me. We would have these mini bible studies almost daily. I also listened to teachings on how to hear from God as well. I will also preface by saying, Joyce Meyer made Christianity relevant for me again. Shortly after discovering her, My beloved dad passed suddenly in 2004, then three months later my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. This rocked my world!!! They were both my go to people, instead of God. When I lost them, this caused me to deep dive back into the word, back to God.

Over the years....guided by the Holy Spirit of coarse, God, in HIS great mercy, did not quit on me….

His guidance came in thoughts for me…..Holy Spirit to this day has continued to move me forward to deeper teaching, go here, go there….stay here for awhile…time to move on….that is how it went for me... He showed me flawed teaching or opinions through discernment then testing through repetition of His word or I went and looked it up. Discernment is a gift, keep asking for it.

A huge personal lesson during this journey.....we can gleen from anyone if we are willing. There are many excellent teachers of the word of God, but, many are still flawed somewhere in their teaching. Do we toss it all out because they may have a flawed understanding (something not related to salvation) or maybe we have not arrived to their same understanding? (I am not suggesting you sit under false teachers. That is different than what I am suggesting. Please do not confuse the two. Holy Spirit will use false teachers to teach you as well. The more you learn his word, the easier it is to identify them. Holy Spirit will warn you. Even though I listened to a few of them in my life, I still had positive take aways. Also, remember, secular people have relevant inputs as well, we just need the discernment to see it.....We should never throw the baby out with the bath water as we often do. (Jesus constantly reminds me of when Balaam's Donkey spoke to Him.) Use discernment and gleen!

God will use a sinner or a baby christian to deliver your answer, seasoned brothers and sisters, just to humble you.

The enemy always seems to disparage the truth. It is our job to learn how to discern what is truth and what is not. This is done through relationship with Christ. He will give you the confirmations. This is how you develop your spiritual ears.

Another tactic, rarely discussed is fasting. The spiritual power it brings is a flesh/ spirit reset. Of coarse, this is a topic all on its own, nonetheless, a great kick-starter. Do how the LORD leads.

Ultimately, our hearing problems start with our own sins and distractions, then, His word gets tossed to the wayside. Most people have already heard from God, many times, they just don't recognize what they're hearing or not hearing what they want to hear. Remember!!! God speaks to everyone on their level...

For example: I have heard of some people casting lots using a yes/no coin….lots of prayer, annointing with oil etc..casting lots is scriptural.

We used to choose a fleece and use that for important questions, such as purchasing a house. Read about fleecing God in the bible. Here is an example of a modern day fleece. Many years ago we had our house on the market, our fleece was find another house, the price we wanted for our house and a specific time frame. We were jerked around all summer by this same couple. They knew our time frame, my agent was instructed to inform all candidates. When our time frame was over, we pulled the listing. About a week and a half later we get a phone call from our agent. We got our full price offer outside our time frame and the last home we wanted, we had to back out of because our house did not sell. We had to say no. The fleece was not answered. For those important decisions, I would look for a confirmation to that answer using a second or third test depending on the seriousness of the question. This specific fleece was multifaceted. Our answer was very clear to us. In hindsight, it would have been a disaster! Make sure there is no gray area in your fleece. The flesh will always find an excuse to get its way.. The Bible says where there are two or three witnesses, let every word be established.

Here are some other ways people hear from God.. These are by no means complete for these people, just what I have heard them mention on YouTube. Michael Criswell hears God through numbers, license plates, documents, people etc....... Watchwoman for Jesus hears God through single words or numbers, mail flyers, and solicitations, dreams, secular songs she heard as a young person. She also hears God through numbers, news stories and single words. I do not understand how that works, but, they are hearing from God. I have witnessed their testing. Benjamin Faircloth hears during His prayer time, Sister Barbera and brother Dan of God's healer 7, hear over several days, Sister Mary, Lighting the way ministries seems to hear her prophetic messages during her morning study time, just like I do, typically in one sitting. (For me, that is the time I have set aside for us.) But, I also hear Him throughout the day....... Some get their answers in dreams or visions only. We must become 100% available to Him, want Him more than anything else…..over time, the words will begin to flow in your specific gifting. (What medium speaks to you)

Medium: dictionary.com : GO-BETWEEN, INTERMEDIARY, the medium of introduction was no doubt …

Another aspect, sometimes no answer is your answer. All in all, we must learn patience. The waiting is testing. How many times have we “helped" God and made a bigger mess? Our answers typically do not come until it is time to move on them. That has been my theme over the years. During my career, there were two times I was suppose to leave my job. Both times I did nothing and I lost both those jobs. My husband lost 25% of his salary and I lost my job. Within 24 hours another manager offered me a job, but, I knew God wanted me to leave. The second time, was unexpected. I was scared, calling everyone I knew for a job as my husband had passed a year earlier. I had 90 days to process that blow. God did provide his path and I took it in faith. In hindsight, that one worked out the way it was suppose to as well

So, I ask you, think back and make those connections. I believe it's right in front of you. In your mind, you think you need to hear a certain way, but, you may be looking in the wrong place.

It is imperative to recognize that God also speaks in many other ways. Through people, your gut feeling, uneasy sick to your stomach/peaceful and good, billboards, situations, license plates or their frames, phone calls, bible apps popping up the scripture you need, nature, His word as you study. He even speaks to you audibly. (That has not been my experience). My daughter, had this type of experience when she was about seven years old. She walked up to a cast iron pan with lead in it (my late husband was making fishing weights and stepped away for a moment). She was about to touch the lead in the pot when she heard a voice say, "Don't touch that.!!!” She turned around and no one was there, but, she is positive someone said that to her. It was loud and stern and it scared her. He also speaks quietly in your own mind. There are so many ways, it depends on you!

Again, ask yourself what you are missing. How has he spoken to you in the past?

I was saved in a United Pentecostal Church, UPC and spirit filled there. We were only there about 3.5 years. That is my true spiritual foundation. They taught me more in that 3.5 years than most churches I belonged to after that. We did leave over doctrine issues. They taught the word diligently, but, in hindsight, I now understand why we left. My late husband was very astute in the word. Holy Spirit showed him they were twisting scripture to suit their affiliation with UPC, so, we left. No regrets. They are just one of 33,000+ religions. There was a lot of good with them, a lot of truth, but, there was a lot of misinterpreted scripture taught as well. They did not sidestep sin. Their worship was true worship. Not the songs the seeker friendly churches sing…. (self worship). For that experience, I am forever grateful! We went to a few other churches over the years. We were faithful that way....always there when the doors were open. I have yet to be in a church that worshipped God like my tiny UPC church did.

Years later we ended up in an Assembly of God church which turned seeker friendly a few years after that. I wanted to leave at that point, my late husband did not. So, we stayed......My walk dried up (my fault)....I was not in the word as much.. I was Spirit filled, prayed, spoke in tongues nothing......not hearing much from God..I became an unwise, asleep virgin. Mathew 25:1-13...

Several years ago I began to wake up to the world around me.... In parallel something was missing, big, in my walk. I had claimed to be a Christian but, I had no power because I had allowed sin and compromise to creep into my life. Probably because in between the miracles, I would forget who I signed up to be. I was never taught how to study the Bible, only to read it. I was not taught how to war in the heavenlies, fight demonic attacks or pray effectively for that matter....then life came at me hard and its struggles.....I had lost opportunities and victories.....I was living a defeated christian life. Definitely not hearing from God.

I had to lose almost everything in my life in order for Him to get me to the place where I could hear Him...He was never first for a very long time. Sure, I went to church faithfully 2-3 x a week, plus, served etc...but, I did not have my relationship with Jesus, it was with the church.... I was tired of my empty walk, and told my family I was leaving my seeker friendly church as I finally figured out I had backslid. I took a year off from church and studied the word, prayed hard and then Holy Spirit led me to a church where I was able to grow. My pastor taught me how to believe and not live in fear. Honestly, alot of my growth happened from good solid teaching at my new church, I also was directed by the Holy spirit to go online AND spend as much time as possible with the LORD. Church is only 1-2% of our time. What type of relationship can we expect when we only put 1% to 2% effort into it? We spend more time at everything else!!!

YOUTUBE was great for awhile back then. There were so many good teachers out there when I was going through my transformation. I was directed this way because they helped me to understand the Word of God.. In otherwords, misunderstood scripture. The ones we read and miss the underlying messages and revelation. This helped broaden my understanding of the bible immensely. Most are censored and gone now. (If you are curious as to why I never recorded on my channel….That is why I never pursued a YOUTUBE channel.) I was told all biblical teaching would be removed from YouTube/Facebook/ social media.

Several years ago, at my new church, we had some missionaries come through at my current church. Many years ago. One told me I had the gift of prophecy and healing. This was not the first time I had heard this. I did not even know or understand what that entailed.

I kept asking Jesus to make my hunger for Him insatiable because I wanted more of Him. I wanted to operate in my gifts to serve Him. (Now, I find Him so intriguing)…..

Anyway, in my plight to hear God, I went to every church service (pentecostal, because I think they worship, move in the gifts and study better than most denominations), read my Bible, prayed.....I even did fasting hoping to hear from Him. People even prophesied in service, not only could I feel it in my spirit, I longed for it. Still, nothing. I would have people who did not know what I was seeking, walk up and tell me my breakthrough was coming. That was a several years ago. I even did the 21 day fast at the beginning of every new year for several years. I might get a couple of words. A short sentence, after 21 days!!!

I went through this phase of just needing answers. Then the Holy Spirit would give me the same scripture over and over, Keep in mind I had no idea what that scripture said, they were just numbers to me......When I found my answers there, it was mind blowing.

I brought my journal everywhere. As I studied the word, I would jot down thoughts (another way he speaks to us) and questions. I would study sometimes up to 4 hours in the morning. He would show me scriptures, I would laugh, cry and savor every moment, as then, I finally started hearing from Him.

I had struggled with one burning question, for 8 years at this point regarding my late husband passing away, It was simply, WHY!? He was so young when he passed. One day, I was reading the Bible, just going through it from start to finish and I came upon this scripture. I paused, I reread it, I couldn't believe it, the Holy Spirit said, "This is your answer". I do not think I would have been ready before that time. I had the knowledge to back up the answer so I was able to accept and understand why.

When I started hearing from Him it was a few words. I always wrote them down. He would speak with me during Bible study, church service or worship. I would stop and write it down....over time, I would have personal situations on my heart and he would tell me about it or tell me what to do....soon it was a sentence or two and it went from there....I did not share this with anyone. I tested and kept my notebook close. I studied the office of a messenger / prophet and learned that it would all be in the bible...I would verify and there it was....it was a time of messages and testing....It took me well over a year to test, believe what I was hearing. Then it would be confirmed by Glenda Lomax, Darlene Pulliam, Terry Hill, Sister Mary, Lighting the way ministries or Sister Barbara, God’s healer 7. Seems obvious, but, I had to know for sure before I started sharing. Holy Spirit directed me to these individuals. Friends, you are not the only ones who have struggled with trust, fear or obedience. God does not want that for us. They are sin. In time, those sins will be in your rear view mirror as long as you persevere. Back then, I needed confirmation from other brothers and sisters. Now, I do not. I know, that I know, that I know. He gives me scriptures which are backed up in His Word. That is my confirmation now. Do you see the shift? Look for that in your own walks.

That is a high level journey of how I began to hear from the LORD.

Remember God’s laws and promises. God is no respector of persons. If he did it for me, he will do it for you and everyone else. Stay strong, be patient. It seems as though right when we feel like giving up, the breakthroughs come. It is my suspicion, this is where you find yourself. We seem to serve a last minute God.

I would encourage you to read Genesis chapter 18. It brings out the delight of true friendship with God as compared with simply feeling His presence occasionally in prayer. When your relationship is in right standing with God, you have a life of freedom, liberty, peace and and delight. You are living god's will. Think of the last thing you prayed about. Were you devoted to your desire or to God's desire for you? Was your determination to get some gift to the spirit for yourself or to get to god? What is your true motive? (I went from I want to be like them, to I want to serve you). This is why it is so important to keep your flesh in check, the Bible speaks about it continually.

AMP Psalms 37: 4

4Delight yourself in the LORD,

And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.

I hope helps you.

You will hear from God if you are not already. Again, ask yourself how you like to receive information, What speaks to you? What comes easy to you? Look there.

Please let me know how it is going. I am confident you are well on your way. This is God's will for every follower of Him.

I would imagine you are not the only one with this question, so I removed your name and did a blog post on this. Again thank you so much for your question.

Psalms 91:15

15When he calls out to Me,

I will answer Him;

Luke 8:10

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Acts 10:34

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism

John 10:27

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

Romans10:17

17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Jeremiah 33:3

3 Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Psalm 32:8-9

English Standard Version

8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;I will counsel you [who are willing to learn] with My eye upon you.9Do not be like the horse or like the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bridle and rein to hold them in check,Otherwise they will not come near to you.

John 6:63

63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.

God bless you,

In service to the King.

Warning from above-Roxanne

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