Unraveling Mysteries: A Biblical Perspective of Dreams

 

Introduction:

 

Recently, I had a dream that someone I knew was being attacked. It was so vivid and realistic that I was shaken.  I called the person to find out how they were doing and without telling the dream, I found out that a neighbor had attacked him. I did not mention the dream as I was not sure if I should. Dreams have always been intriguing and perplexing to our minds. This has resulted in persons trying to figure out if their dreams are real or if they are just the result of their imaginations at work. There are persons who have businesses built around the interpretation of other people’s dreams for a fee. People use dreams to determine many things such as what lottery numbers they should buy and what actions they should take in situations they face. There are cultural influences attached to dreams also and some people take them seriously to the extent that their mood and activities are affected.

 

Dreams play a significant role in the Bible, serving as a means for God to communicate and reveal things to people. Two examples that stand out are when Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and when Daniel was able to tell King Nebuchadnezzar the meaning of his dreams. The Bible gives several instances where dreams had clear-cut and significant meanings. It is necessary to examine the significance of dreams in the context of Christianity. Some people believe that dreams are merely subconscious reflections during sleep and carry no deeper spiritual implications. Others believe differently.

 

We grapple with the question of whether or not it is appropriate for Christians to seek interpretation or understanding of their dreams from other people. Let's take a look at these points of view and questions to see what insights we can gain from dreams.

 

The Importance of Dreams in the Bible:

 

Dreams as portrayed in the Bible are not merely products of the subconscious mind of the dreamer but were often regarded as a means through which God communicated with His people. Numbers 12:6,” And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” Both the Old and New Testaments portray dreams as a way used by God to deliver messages, offer guidance, and give prophecy. For instance, in the book of Genesis, Joseph's dreams not only foretold his future leadership but also played a critical role in the fulfillment of God's plan for the nation of Israel.

 

Dreams also served as a way to convey God's instructions and warnings. The prophet Daniel, for example, was gifted with the ability to interpret dreams, enabling him to unravel the hidden meanings behind Nebuchadnezzar's perplexing visions. Daniel was very careful to make it known that the interpretations he gave were not from his own abilities but from Almighty God. Through Daniel's interpretations, God revealed His rulership over earthly kingdoms and foretold future events, demonstrating the profound significance of dreams. To this day many are still trying to interpret some aspects of these dreams and visions. Daniel’s Seventy Weeks Prophecy is one of the most written about and discussed prophecies of the Bible.

 

In the Bible, dreams often serve as a means of encouragement and reassurance to believers facing adversity. In the New Testament, Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, was guided by God through dreams, in which He instructed him to protect the infant Jesus from Herod's raging anger and search to kill Him. God told Him to take the baby Jesus and his mother Mary to Egypt and He later told him to return home after Herod had died. Similarly, the apostle Paul received a vision in a dream, prompting him to journey to Macedonia and spread the Gospel, highlighting the role of dreams in directing believers in their walk with Christ. In doing so Paul became known as the apostle to the Gentiles. Although the eleven disciples chose Matthias to replace Judas (Acts of the Apostles 1:21-26), the twelfth apostle, Paul was the one chosen by God.

 

Matthew 27:19 tells us that when Jesus was facing trial before he was crucified, Pontius Pilate’s wife had a dream about the trial that her husband was presiding over. She told her husband about it and in the end, Pilate symbolically washed his hands of the decision of the Jews to crucify Jesus. They knew that Jesus was innocent of the charges brought against him.

 

Some Takeaways for Christians:

 

The dreams found in the Bible offer valuable lessons and insights into God's character and His plans for us. Firstly, dreams underscore the all-powerful and all-knowing nature of God, revealing His ability to communicate with His people through various means to accomplish His purpose. They remind us that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding us and imparting wisdom through supernatural means. In many of the dreams, God gave specific instructions. There was no need for interpretation. God told Jacob in a dream, “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you back” (Genesis 46:3-4).

 

At other times interpretation of a dream was needed. In Judges 7:13-14,” Gideon arrived just as a man was telling a friend his dream. ‘I had a dream,’ he was saying, ‘A round loaf of barley bread came tumbling into the Midianite camp. It struck the tent with such force that the tent overturned and collapsed.’” The man’s friend told him that the dream meant that God had given Midian and the entire camp into the hand of Gideon.

 

Secondly, we should be careful who we share our dreams with and how we share them.  Sharing our dreams can get us into trouble with others even if it is not done in a boastful way. Joseph's dreams while he was still a young boy got him into trouble with his brothers. Even his father was not pleased when he told his dream about the moon and the sun bowing down to him.  Israel interpreted that to mean that His wife and he would bow down to Joseph. The rest of the story shows how it all worked out according to God’s plan although Joseph went through several sufferings and tribulations. Not every dream is to be shared.

 

Thirdly, dreams serve as a reminder of the spiritual battles that believers face. In the book of Ephesians, Paul exhorts Christians to put on the full armor of God to withstand the schemes of the devil. Dreams can often be a battleground for spiritual warfare, where believers may encounter demonic influences seeking to deceive or discourage them. Discernment and prayer are therefore essential for interpreting dreams in alignment with God's truth and rejecting any false or deceptive messages. It is important to note that the interpretation of dreams or visions was only done by persons when God gave them the ability to do so.

Moreover, some people believe that dreams can provide insights into one's spiritual journey and relationship with God. They feel that through our dreams hidden fears, desires, or unresolved issues that require attention and prayer may be revealed. Some also believe that the themes, numbers, and symbols present in dreams, can give a deeper understanding of a person’s spiritual state, and can be used to discern God's guidance for their life.

 

Seeking Interpretation of Our Dreams

 

Some Christians argue that seeking the interpretation of dreams can open the door to superstition, demonic forces, or reliance on human wisdom. Others believe that God can use individuals gifted with the ability to interpret dreams to carry out His purposes. We need to ensure that we do not allow ourselves to be drawn into the devil’s snares while seeking to understand the meaning of our dreams. It is also possible that some dreams have no real significance. Ecclesiastes 5:3, “For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.” You may have had some of those and there may be others that left you perplexed as you knew that they had significance.

 

As Christians, we need to approach the interpretation of dreams with discernment and reliance on biblical truth. Seeking advice from our pastors, spiritual leaders, or mature believers, who are grounded in scripture can provide valuable insights and guidance in discerning the meaning of dreams. However, it is crucial to test interpretations against the principles outlined in God's Word and to pray for wisdom and discernment.

 

The interpretations given for dreams in the bible were not always favorable. Of course, no one wants to have an unfavorable dream. Man is not in control however, God is.  Nebuchadnezzar’s dream about a huge, magnificent tree that was cut down was a warning of his downfall and was interpreted by Daniel. The fact that the king was troubled by the dream is an indication that he knew it was not a favorable dream. This was God’s judgment on him because of his pride. Daniel 4:31-32 shows that he went mad, roamed about like a wild animal, and ate grass for seven years. When he acknowledged and turned to God he was restored to his right mind.

 

Furthermore, we should be cautious about placing too much emphasis on dreams or using them as the only basis for decision-making. While dreams can offer valuable insights, they should always be viewed in light of scripture and subjected to prayerful consideration. Since it is the Lord Who says that He will talk to us through dreams. He will also ensure that we have the interpretations of the dreams that He has given us. When you have perplexing dreams, you should ask the Giver of dreams to give you an understanding of them. If it is from Him, you will get the understanding. He may reveal it to you directly or through an interpreter.

 

Conclusion:

Dreams in the Bible serve as evidence of God's faithfulness, rulership, and desire to communicate with us. They offer clear insights into His mysteries, provide guidance and encouragement, and reveal the spiritual realities at play in our lives. While interpreting dreams may be complicated, we can approach them with discernment, prayer, and from the perspective of biblical truth. We should not allow ourselves to be too deeply entrenched in getting dreams and in seeking interpretations that we find favorable.

 

Ultimately, dreams are a means of communication from God to us therefore He will always give us the understanding of the dream. Otherwise, the communication would have failed. By learning from the lessons and insights from dreams in the Bible, we can deepen our faith, strengthen our relationship with God, and walk confidently in His purposes for our lives.

Please let Christ Live In You: An Exploration of Galatians 2:20

   

The Apostle Paul made a bold statement, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me”, Galatians 2:20. This is a cornerstone of our Christian faith. The term "crucified" refers to the act of putting a person to death by nailing or binding them to a cross or tree, typically as a form of capital punishment. For us, the crucifixion refers specifically to the execution of Jesus Christ on a cross as described in the New Testament of the Bible. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central event in our Faith and beliefs.  According to the Gospels, Jesus was betrayed, arrested, tried, and ultimately sentenced to death by crucifixion by the Roman authorities. He was nailed to a cross and left to die, and after several hours, he gave up the ghost and died.

 

Are You Crucified with Christ? A Profound Identity Shift

 

We are taught that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God and that in Adam all died, and even so in Christ shall all be made alive. This new life was given to us through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

The statement, "I am crucified with Christ" in Galatians 2:20 refers to the spiritual identification of believers with Jesus in His death. It symbolizes the believer's death to sin and old way of life, and their new life in Christ. It represents a profound transformation in identity and a commitment to live in obedience to God's will, empowered by the indwelling presence of the Holy Ghost. Being crucified with Christ means that we have decided to accept Christ's sacrifice for us on the cross, turn away from our old lifestyle, and begin to pattern ourselves after Jesus’ lifestyle. We begin to try to live by the word of God and try to please Him and not ourselves. This is not a physical death but a spiritual and symbolic one, signifying our repentance from sin and our willingness to die to our old way of life. It is a radical change that requires a made-up mind, where we no longer live for ourselves but for Christ.

 

Nevertheless, I Live: The Paradox of New Life

 

Our new walk with Christ is captured beautifully in the phrase, "…nevertheless I live, yet not I… ." Yes, you and I are still alive, but in our minds, we have decided to change and that takes time. Paul said we should present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto the Lord, and that we die daily. Change takes time, we therefore must be committed and patient with ourselves. As we die to our old selves, we are not buried in a grave or extinguished. Instead, are still alive and working to change into the fullness of the stature of Christ. This change is not immediate but gradual so please be patient with each other. It is not a continuation of our old lives with some religious modifications. It is a radical change in how we view things and how we relate with people. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. Our desires, priorities, and values are reshaped by our relationship with Christ. We are no longer enslaved to sin but are set free to live a life of righteousness, love, and service.

 

Christ Lives in Me: The Indwelling Presence of Christ

 

The most astonishing aspect of this transformation is the indwelling presence of the Holy Ghost in the believer. Paul says, "… yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." This is when we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The omnipotent, eternal spirit of God takes up residence within us, empowering us to live a life that reflects His love, grace, and truth. The presence of Christ within us is not a passive or distant relationship but an active, intimate communion. It is a relationship characterized by love, guidance, and empowerment. Christ lives in us to comfort us in our sorrows, strengthen us in our weaknesses, and guide us in our decisions. He is the source of our wisdom, courage, and perseverance.

 

Living by the Faith of the Son of God: A Life of Trust and Surrender

 

The culmination of this transformative journey is living "by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." Living by the faith of the Son of God means trusting in His promises, surrendering to His will, and relying on His strength to navigate the challenges and trials of life. Living by faith is not a passive resignation to fate but an active trust in a loving and sovereign God. This is done when we commit ourselves to believing His words. Joshua 1:7-9, “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses My servant commanded thee. Turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein. For then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” It is a daily commitment to seek God's will, obey His commandments, and rely on His grace to sustain us. It is a life of surrender, where we acknowledge our limitations and weaknesses and trust in Christ's sufficiency and power.

 

Conclusion

 

As Jesus Christ continues to work on us and as we continue to present ourselves as a living sacrifice to Him, as painful as a living sacrifice might be at times, the change that takes place in our lives will make us internally happier and those who are close to us will recognize the change in us. I hope they will be influenced to desire to have this change take place in themselves also. “Christ lives in me" is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the gospel. It calls each of us to die to our old self, embrace our new identity in Christ, and live a life empowered by His indwelling presence and sustained by His unfailing love. As we journey through life, may we continually draw upon the faith in Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us, to guide us, strengthen us, and transform us into His likeness. May our lives be a living testimony to the power of the cross and the reality of Christ's presence within us. Let us embrace this profound truth and live each day by faith, trusting in the One who loved us and gave Himself for us, so that His life may be manifested in and through us for His glory.

Submitting to God as He Reproves (Prunes) and Directs You

   

If you are reading this right now, you may be going through a spiritual pruning. Spiritual pruning is the process of removing the unfruitful or harmful aspects of our lives to make room for fruitful and beneficial ones. It is a form of discipline that God uses to help us grow spiritually and become more like Christ. Hebrews 12:6, “For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” Pruning may involve cutting off sinful habits, unhealthy relationships, worldly distractions, or anything else that hinders our spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

 

We know that God is love and that He wants us to develop His qualities. We have been chosen to be like Him. We are His bride, and we shall rule and reign with Him. God is therefore perfecting us in this life through the things we experience. There may be some things in your life that need to be changed. God wants you to face them and make the right choices. You will find yourself having to make some tough life decisions.

 

As an avid gardener, I sometimes have to undertake the painful task of pruning my fruit trees. Sometimes I do this to maintain the plant’s health and aesthetics. Pruning when done correctly benefits the tree and its owner. I have experienced the pruning of the Lord Jesus Christ in my life many times. Each of us has our individual strengths, weaknesses, and beliefs. Our beliefs and personalities are shaped by where we were born, how we were educated, the family we were raised in, our unique experiences, and our DNA (Divine Natural Abilities).

 

When we get saved and surrender our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, He wants us to be transformed and conformed into His image and likeness. That is where our greatest battle begins. I struggled with telling the truth. When I was growing up my friends called me by the nickname Wizla, because they said I was a trickster. After I became a Christian, I was confronted with many situations where I tried to “wizzle” my way out, but I was confronted by the word of God which told me that I could no longer operate in that way. That became a challenge for me. What are some of the habits in your life that you know are contrary to the word of God, but you like to do them? Do they include adultery, fornication, stealing, unforgiveness, envy, or others?

 

Spiritual pruning involves being put in situations where you are confronted by your bad habits, thoughts, beliefs, emotions, relationships, or attachments that are preventing you from reaching your true potential and you are forced to let go of them. You may not want to, but you have to make a choice. It is a form of discipline that God uses to help us grow spiritually and become more like Christ. Pruning may involve cutting off sinful habits, unhealthy relationships, worldly distractions, or anything else that hinders our spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

 

 

Spiritual Pruning is a Scripturally Based Principle

 

We have been told by the Lord to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service (Romans 12:1). When an animal was offered as a sacrifice it was slain and then placed on the altar for an offering. We, however, are living sacrifices, so we feel the pain of change. That is why Hebrews 12:11 states, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

 

The pruning that you are going through at this time may be causing you to feel sad and downhearted. You may even feel like you should give up and walk away from the faith. I am encouraging you not to give up. As the bible states in Hebrews 12:12, “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” This means that even though you are going through your pruning, the Lord Jesus wants you to encourage yourself. Rest assured that He is working it out for your good.

 

Here are some Bible verses that show why God is allowing you to go through this process:

- John 15:1-2 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

- Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

- Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

- Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

 

 

Challenges of Spiritual Pruning

 

- Pruning requires humility. We need to acknowledge our need for God’s correction and guidance and submit to His will.

- Pruning requires faith. We need to trust God’s goodness and wisdom, even when we don’t understand His ways or see His plans.

- Pruning requires patience. We need to endure God’s discipline with perseverance and hope, knowing that He is working for our good.

- Pruning requires obedience. We need to follow God’s commands and instructions, even when they go against our preferences or desires.

 

 

Ways in which spiritual pruning can have a positive impact on our spiritual growth:

 

Spiritual pruning is not easy or comfortable. It can be challenging in many ways. The process often involves self-reflection, introspection, and sometimes seeking guidance from spiritual mentors or practices such as meditation, prayer, or mindfulness. By eliminating distractions, negativity, and excess baggage from your life, you can create space for new growth, greater clarity, and a deeper connection with your spiritual beliefs or higher purpose. It is about purifying the mind, heart, and soul, to cultivate a more harmonious and fulfilling spiritual life.

 

- Pruning helps us abide in Christ. As we remain connected to the true vine, we receive His life and grace to bear fruit for His glory.

- Pruning helps us become more like Christ. As we are “conformed” to His image, we reflect His character and love to others.

- Pruning helps us produce more fruit. As we are refined by God’s discipline, we become more productive and effective in His Kingdom.

- Pruning helps us experience more joy. As we are filled with His Spirit, we overflow with His joy and peace.

- Pruning leads to spiritual transformation. As we are changed from the inside out by God’s grace, we become new creations in Christ.

- Pruning leads to spiritual maturity. As we grow in wisdom and understanding of God’s Word, we become more equipped and ready for every good work.

- Pruning leads to spiritual reward. As we serve God faithfully and fruitfully by His power, we receive His approval and blessing.

- Pruning leads to spiritual legacy. As we share God’s love and truth with others through our words and actions, we make a lasting impact on their lives.

 

 

Impacts on Our Personal Growth:

 

Mental Clarity and Peace: Pruning the mind of negative thought patterns and distractions fosters mental clarity, peace, and focus. This can lead to better decision-making, increased productivity, and a deeper sense of inner calm.

 

Emotional Well-being: Pruning the heart of negative emotions and cultivating love, compassion, and forgiveness promotes emotional resilience, satisfaction, and healthier relationships. It allows for greater joy, contentment, and a sense of fulfillment in life.

 

Alignment with Higher Values: Pruning the will of selfish desires and aligning with higher principles or spiritual values leads to a sense of purpose, integrity, and authenticity. It fosters a deeper connection with one's inner truth and a more meaningful way of living.

 

Strength of Character: Pruning character weaknesses and cultivating virtues such as honesty, humility, and patience builds inner strength, resilience, and moral integrity. It enhances self-esteem, confidence, and the ability to navigate life's challenges with grace and dignity.

 

Healthy Relationships: Pruning toxic relationships and nurturing healthy connections based on mutual respect and empathy fosters deeper intimacy, trust, and support in relationships. It leads to greater harmony, communication, and fulfillment in personal and professional interactions.

Clarity of Purpose: Pruning distractions and clarifying one's purpose or calling in life provides direction, focus, and motivation. It empowers individuals to pursue goals aligned with their passions and values, leading to a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.

 

Spiritual Connection and Growth: Pruning barriers to spiritual connection and deepening one's relationship with the divine or higher power fosters inner peace, spiritual fulfillment, and a sense of interconnectedness with all beings. It leads to greater wisdom, compassion, and a transcendent perspective on life's challenges.

 

No one likes chastisement at the outset, however, with hindsight you will be able to appreciate it. 2 Timothy 3:16-7, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” By embracing God’s pruning in our lives, we can experience a more fulfilled and purposeful life that glorifies Him and blesses others. I am asking you not to run away from your test but to surrender your will to His will and allow yourself to be transformed into His image and character.

What to Do When You Need to Hear from God

 

Link for an updated blog post here (copy and paste in URL):  https://possibilityplusliving.com/am-i-hearing-from-god 

Are you going through a difficult time in your life, and you desperately want to hear from God...you want a solution, you want help, or you just need a word of reassurance from Him?  It could be an illness, the death of a loved one, a divorce, unemployment, financial or other hardships. You feel hopeless, lonely, or abandoned. You are wondering if God cares about you, or if He even exists. You cry out to God for help, guidance, or comfort, but feel like you have gotten no answer. You want to know that He is with you, that He understands and cares about your situation, and that He has a plan for you.

 

You may wonder why it seems that some people hear from God more easily than you do. You may even wonder if there is a secret formula or a special technique to communicate with Him. Is it possible that He is speaking to you, but are you listening? It is possible that you are not able to discern His voice from the many other voices clamoring for your attention. Many times, God is speaking to you and trying to grab your attention, but you are so overwhelmed with your situation that you don’t hear Him. You may also wonder if you are hearing from God or if you are just having your own thoughts about the issue. You may be fearful of being deceived or misled by mistaking another voice for His voice. Hearing from God is one of the most important aspects of the Christian life. But how do you know when God is speaking to you?

 

In this blog post, I will share some biblical principles and practical tips on how to hear God and be sure of his guidance. I will also address some common questions and challenges that many believers face when they seek to hear from God.

 

First, let me say that God speaks to us. He is not a distant or silent God who only communicates through His written word. He does not only speak to a select few and not to others. He doesn’t only speak to your pastor, the prophet, or the preacher you listen to We can all hear and experience the voice of God. He is a personal and living God who also speaks through His Spirit, His creation, His people, and His circumstances. He lives in us and is always speaking, but we need to tune in to His frequency and listen with an open heart. We need to allow Him to reach us rather than allow our situation to overwhelm us to the point where nothing else matters.

 

The truth is, that God is always speaking because His word is already written in the Bible. God speaks to us through His creation. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands (Psalm 19:1). The natural world reveals God's power, wisdom, beauty, and creativity. As we observe and enjoy God's creation, we can hear His voice speaking to us through it.

The Bible is God's inspired and authoritative revelation of Himself, His will, and His ways. It is the primary source of truth and wisdom in our lives. It is also the standard by which we test and evaluate any other voice that claims to be from God. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." Have you ever gone to church and the word that was preached seemed to be directed to you. It perfectly fits your situation, and it touches you to the core? You may even wonder if someone told the preacher about your situation. God will send the right word at the right time because His timing is perfect.

 

Therefore, if you want to hear from God, you need to read, study, meditate on, and obey His word daily. You need to ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate your mind and heart as you read the Scriptures and apply them to your specific situations and needs. You need to compare any other voice or impression that you receive with what the Bible says and reject anything that contradicts or adds to it.

 

Another way that God speaks to you is through His Spirit, who lives in us as believers. The Holy Spirit is our counselor, comforter, teacher, guide, and witness. He speaks to us in various ways, such as through conviction, peace, joy, love, promptings, impressions, dreams, visions, prophecies, words of knowledge, words of wisdom, etc. He also helps us to understand and apply the Scriptures to our lives. Have you ever disobeyed a strong prompting not to do something only to regret it later? God can and does speak to us in an audible voice as he did to Samuel, but not always.

 

You need to be cautious, however, as not every voice or impression that you hear, or feel is from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it can be from your own flesh, your emotions, your desires, your fears, your prejudices, your expectations, etc. Sometimes it can be from the enemy, who can disguise himself as an angel of light and deceive you with lies or half-truths. Therefore, you need to test the spirits and discern whether they are from God or not. As 1 John 4:1 says, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." How do we test the spirit? By using the Bible as our plumbline. As I mentioned earlier, the Bible is the ultimate authority and standard for truth. Anything that contradicts or goes beyond what the Bible says is not from God.

 

Have you ever had someone come to you with a word that you know to be one hundred percent from God? I have had that experience; I remember years ago I was going through a difficult time, and I felt abandoned by God. I was coming out of a supermarket when I saw a lady standing near my car I walked past her and as I entered my car she came and knocked on my car window, I rolled it down slightly, she said to me she was walking by earlier and as she approached my car the Lord told her to wait until the driver of the car returned and tell the driver that He has heard their cry. She told me the scripture that the Lord had given her to tell me and then she just turned and walked away. I was so shocked I could not respond. I was stunned because I knew that that message was sent by God. I should not have been stunned but I was. Many times, we pray and expect an answer from God, but when it comes, we are taken aback. This should tell us that we were harboring doubts or that we were not sure that we would get an answer. He is not a figment of our imaginations He is real.

 

Whatever your situation, be assured that God loves you unconditionally, cares for you intimately, and works for you sovereignly. He is always with you and for you, even when you don't feel or see Him. He is always speaking to us through His Word, His Spirit, His creation, His people, and His providence. He is always listening to us when we call on Him in prayer. He is always faithful to His promises and plans. We should not only cry out to Him when we are in trouble or when we need a solution to a problem. We need to continually seek His presence and worship Him in all we do.