Just as a reminder... the movie "Fireproof "opens this weekend. It is worth seeing and supporting!!!
Oh I had some big plans for a little kitchen extravaganza today... complete with featuring several of you and your recipes and your blogs. It was going to be a tasty day for sure.
And then the writing bug finally bit me once again. All things homemakerish have gone to a far away place temporarily. Kind of like gasoline. Just as a side note, we have none in this town o' mine. None.
Oh the homemakerish things will be back next week as soon as this book is done.
I will have to be especially homemakerish next week if the gas doesn't return. I think I'll be scrounging the neighbor's corn fields gleaning left over stalks and trying to figure out a way to make some kind of home made ethylene. Can't you make gasoline from that?
Or is that the making of moonshine? Can cars run on moonshine?
I was talking with a friend yesterday about the lack of gas and the economy. Isn't it interesting that when America started talking about taking "In God We Trust" off our money, that things started going down hill? Almost as if God is saying, "If you take me off your money, I will take the money off of you."
Not that I'm trying to put words in God's mouth. I'm just making an observation. God has been patient with America for a long time.
Now on a slightly related note...
I am working on finalizing the chapter that invites people into the glorious possibility of seeing God and recognizing His hand of activity in their lives. And I want to get your input. I have quoted many of you in the book so far. I'll be sending out e-mails in the next couple of weeks letting those of you that I've quoted so far know about it.
But today I'd like to gather some more of your thoughts.
Have you ever been frustrated when others talk about hearing from God or seeing His activity in their life?
What do you think holds some people back from experiencing God and hearing from Him?
Lastly, look at these following verses and if anything strikes you, let me know your thoughts.
Thanks sweet friends. Have a happy weekend! Here are the verses:
1 Corinthians 2: 9-11, "However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."
Isaiah 48: 3-6, "I foretold the former things long ago, my mouth announced them and I made them known; then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass. For I knew how stubborn you were; the sinews of your neck were iron, your forehead was bronze. Therefore I told you these things long ago; before they happened I announced them to you so that you could not say, 'My idols did them; my wooden image and metal god ordained them.' You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not admit them? "From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you. "
Matthew 13: 33- 35, "He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount[a] of flour until it worked all through the dough." Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world."
Oh I had some big plans for a little kitchen extravaganza today... complete with featuring several of you and your recipes and your blogs. It was going to be a tasty day for sure.
And then the writing bug finally bit me once again. All things homemakerish have gone to a far away place temporarily. Kind of like gasoline. Just as a side note, we have none in this town o' mine. None.
Oh the homemakerish things will be back next week as soon as this book is done.
I will have to be especially homemakerish next week if the gas doesn't return. I think I'll be scrounging the neighbor's corn fields gleaning left over stalks and trying to figure out a way to make some kind of home made ethylene. Can't you make gasoline from that?
Or is that the making of moonshine? Can cars run on moonshine?
I was talking with a friend yesterday about the lack of gas and the economy. Isn't it interesting that when America started talking about taking "In God We Trust" off our money, that things started going down hill? Almost as if God is saying, "If you take me off your money, I will take the money off of you."
Not that I'm trying to put words in God's mouth. I'm just making an observation. God has been patient with America for a long time.
Now on a slightly related note...
I am working on finalizing the chapter that invites people into the glorious possibility of seeing God and recognizing His hand of activity in their lives. And I want to get your input. I have quoted many of you in the book so far. I'll be sending out e-mails in the next couple of weeks letting those of you that I've quoted so far know about it.
But today I'd like to gather some more of your thoughts.
Have you ever been frustrated when others talk about hearing from God or seeing His activity in their life?
What do you think holds some people back from experiencing God and hearing from Him?
Lastly, look at these following verses and if anything strikes you, let me know your thoughts.
Thanks sweet friends. Have a happy weekend! Here are the verses:
1 Corinthians 2: 9-11, "However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."
Isaiah 48: 3-6, "I foretold the former things long ago, my mouth announced them and I made them known; then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass. For I knew how stubborn you were; the sinews of your neck were iron, your forehead was bronze. Therefore I told you these things long ago; before they happened I announced them to you so that you could not say, 'My idols did them; my wooden image and metal god ordained them.' You have heard these things; look at them all. Will you not admit them? "From now on I will tell you of new things, of hidden things unknown to you. "
Matthew 13: 33- 35, "He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount[a] of flour until it worked all through the dough." Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: "I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world."
46 Comments:
I do get frustrated. My church is very "alive" and as a new'ish' christian, I"m not as close to God as some people. When I'm talking with friends and they're discussing the sermon, I have felt like a hypocrite because I didn't feel what they felt. I have felt the Lord on me but not often. I think I have avoided His moving in the past because He pushes me out of my comfort zone and it scared me. The times I have followed His leading, He blessed me. And it is getting easier to follow.
I think fear and doubt hold me back from experiencing God. I forget sometimes that God is more powerful than Satan. I forget that God will hold me up under any temptation.
I also think I put God in a neat box that I can understand. The verses you shared show me, yet again that He does not fit in any box or thought that I can come up with!
My the way, I agree with you on the money thing. I pray every day that this country has a turn around!
May God continue to bless your writing!
I agree that fear and doubt can hold me back from experiencing God because if I listen to Him and open myself up to Him then I have to be prepared to obey. As my faith grows I see the challenge in this - He calls us out of this world, which is scary, but yet it's a privilege because what better place to be than in God's will.
As I am in the midst of God calling me way out of my comfort zone, it has been interesting to see and hear people's reactions. The contrast between believers and church-goers amazes me. Your question makes me think how the world and living in it make it so difficult to experience and hear God. If they're living in the world without knowing Christ obviously they know no different, but even as believers it can be easy to get caught up in the ways and lose focus. The struggle for me lately has been to not allow those who don't understand to interfere with what God is telling me and wanting me to experience.
I'm looking forward to reading this book Lysa and pray God continues to bless you as another walk in faith comes to an end.
God bless you,
Jill
*Have you ever been frustrated when others talk about hearing from God or seeing His activity in their life?
:::: I haven't. It usually gives me Jesus-bumps!
*What do you think holds some people back from experiencing God and hearing from Him?
:::: Lack of faith, unconfessed sin, lack of spiritual maturity, not recognizing Him when He actually is at work in their lives
*Lastly, look at these following verses and if anything strikes you, let me know your thoughts.
1 Corinthians 2: 9-11, "However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."
::::: Our hearts are not exempt from being examined by God. God's ways are not exempt from being examined by man, although we will never know on this side of Heaven what He has prepared for us. What we see now in shades of black and white, we will see in living color when we are at Home with Him.
Still thinking on the other two. I may come back and leave a comment, or simply ponder them in my heart.
May God be with you, Lysa, as you embrace the writing bug within you, especially since you don't have gas, LOL! Don't resort to moonshine, though. It might make the car act up!
I think we often crowd God out with our false idols (money, possesions, television, etc.). We allow the busyness and 'noise' of everyday life to drown out the still, small voice of God. We just don't take the time to "be still and know that [He] is God". He speaks through circumstances, His Word, other people, His Spirit...He is everywhere, if we would just take the time to just 'BE' with Him, look and listen for Him, and make room for Him.
Blessings,
Linda
You were on my heart this morning. I haven't been on the computer much lately. My computer time seems to come in waves. :) But you and the finishing of this book were on my heart, and I just stopped by to let you know I am praying. I should have let Holly know long ago that I have been praying, but never did. Anyways....I am very excited about this book and I am praying. :)
I will think on these passages of scripture, and if some nugget I just have to share drops into my head, I'll come back. :)
Oh....and if you perfect making gas at home, do share. :) Maybe you could sell it online and make millions. But...um....I don't recommend selling the moonshine. :) For some reason I think that may be damaging to one's testimony. :)
Love and Blessings!
K
Lysa,
I used to be very frustrated (especially as a teenager) when others talked about hearing God, because I wondered what was wrong with me that I didn't "hear" him. I thought they were experiencing something I had not - that God audibly spoke, that they broke out in sweat... I don't know, something tangible! The following verse haunted me: He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God. (John 8:47)
I knew Jesus, so why wasn't I experiencing these important moments too? As the years progressed I realized I was hearing Him all the time. For some reason I was putting others on a pedestal, thinking they had something I didn't have. It wasn't true. God speaks in my heart, softly and unbeknownst to others. I know now that when I'm feeling a gentle urging in my spirit, it's my Father.
Meredith Dangel
I don't get frustrated when others hear from God, it opens up my heart to His possibilities. I find that sometimes when I am waiting on the Lord to feel His direction on something He might point me to something completely different, I just need to get my agenda out of the way so I can be open to where God's agenda wants me. As one of the ladies above said that the noise and busyness gets in our way of hearing, when I realized what I wanted most was to hear from God but my life was not open to that because I was too overscheduled God put it on my heart to slow some things down and to seek solitute in Him. It has been a great journey.
Hi Lysa,
A while back I posted a blog where I gave an answer to your question about what I think holds someone back from experiencing God and hearing from him. It's too long to post here, but if you'd like to read it you can go to:
http://lpgodspots.blogspot.com/2008/04/doubting-thomas.html
Have a great weekend. Hope your area gets some relief soon from the gas shortage.
Luanne from Michigan
Hearing others who have experienced recognizing God speaking to them does not frustrate me or discourage me. I love to hear it and know that His Spirit is speaking and His children are open to receiving it.
The scripture you referenced are some from my daily reading this week. I think one of the most important tools to being receptive is being in His Word. He can use so many different channels to speak to us, but His Word is living and new every day. Any time that I've been able to connect the dots from God, it's always had His Word in the chain, always.
Surrender of our will opens the door wide. That stiff-necked stubborn streak often holds us back from receiving His voice.
Praying blessings for your new book.
I think I have missed seeing God around me, because I limit Him to only what I could perecieve Him doing. Or I limit Him to only working through certain people.
May He remove my limits of Him so that I can experience Him beyond what my mind and heart could ever imagine!!!
I would say, first, to be careful about using those Christian phrases like "experiencing God" because a lot of people don't know what that means. It's kind of an "emerging church" kind of phrase that non-believers and those who worship in a more traditional way might not understand. Just my two cents.
BUT, having said that, I had coffee with a friend about a year ago. She was so excited about what was happening in her life because she had decided to slow down and really "listen" for God. And He was doing some amazing things in her life. This was so encouraging to me, so I started "listening" too. Some pretty interesting things have happened in my life too.
Like Meredith above, I sense God's speaking in gentle ways, through His spirit. It's not scary or discouraging, and I have some choice in the matter--whether i will listen and obey or whether I will just ignore it (but that's another LONG story).
At the conclusion of the first day of the first "She Speaks" conference that I attended, I was overwhelmed with the desire to know God in such a way as to hear Him in my DAILY life; much as I felt the P31 team that were presenting messages do. I was not discouraged or frustrated, just was desperate to be filled to capacity with Jesus. Then after bible study on Wednesday evening one of the participants stopped me after class, her question to me stunned me. It was, "Joanie how have you managed to live in surrender to God? How do you hear from Him so clearly that He guides your life?"
WOW! The power in that statement could easily have gone to my head, but praise His name it made me even more humble and gave me the desire to continue my quest even more. In essence, this sweet sister was asking me, "What is holding me back from experiencing God?"
The determination in her voice and the tear in her eye told me that she was where I was on that first night at "She Speaks." She was desperately seeking God. I wanted to tell her that she could just go home and pray and God would fill her up, but I realized that God wants a relationship with us. A relationship takes time and it takes committment. It takes seeking Him in His word, through prayer and through quite time to hear Him speak to us. I know that God has been preparing my friend and sister's heart to hear from Him and I think that she is now ready to put the time into pursuit of Him. I know that He will faithfully answer this prayer of her heart.
However, so many people today want the quick fix. They pray a time or two and do not get the results that they hoped for, so they reason that God isn't real, or isn't listening, or doesn't care, or can't answer, or a host of other lies perpetrated by the evil one to keep people bound and in chains, away from God's grace.
As I said, God seeks relationship. Sometimes we try to do 'religion' and expect that God will honor us with His presence in our lives because we are living a good and moral life.
Then, as others have said, we sometimes live in fear and that keeps us from experiencing God. We fear what we think He will ask of us.
As for the verses, and what strikes me:
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him" but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit"
Living daily for God, and daily drinking of His fountain and sharing with Him through prayer, once in a while I get a vapor or a wisp of a vision of what He is preparing for us. It is during those wonderfully special times when I can almost see Jesus sitting with me and enjoying my worship of God, that I feel the Holy Spirit is guiding me to a sense of Fathers deep love for me.
No my eyes have not yet seen, my ears have not yet heard, nor has my mind been able to yet conceive what God has prepared for me, but occasionally God does reveal a tiny fragment, just a sliver, a delicious, delicate taste, to us by his Spirit; and PRAISE HIS NAME IT IS OH SO SWEET! That is enough to keep me going and to keep me drinking at the well of the living water of life daily!
Praise God for He is so good!
On a practical note, we continually are on a "God Watch" in our home. Trying on our own to reveal the Glory of God to our children is frivolous, but when we label something a "God Watch" they know that we are deliberately and intentionally bringing something to the feet of our Lord and fervently waiting to see how He works in that given situation. It has been amazing to see - not just a simple situation unfold before their eyes, but also the mountainous ones. For us to vicariously live through other friends' "God Watch" situations allows our children (and us)the opportunity to glimpse His power in others, while we wait expectantly to see what He he will do with ours. Yep - the waiting....the hardest part! Right now we are on a "God Watch" with my husband's job. His job is moving to Houston in 2 months...we have decided not to. (Kind of hard to move away from a family homestead that you are creating as a generational legacy...hee hee).
He is in the financial industry,so after all the big bombs were dropped this past week, we hold fast to our decision, knowing that God will show up big time in our situation, and we will have another stone to add to our "remembrance pile." Can't wait to share our God Watch big reveal with you. It's always amazing!
I have often said that God is not a very good marketer. I was raised a Christian, but fell off the wagon as an adolescent and just rededicated my life to Christ 21 months ago. My life wasn't in shambles - yet - but it wasn't good either. I honestly expected things to improve once I came over to God's side, but it didn't work like that. I remember after one particularly difficult setback laying on my living room floor just staring up at the ceiling yelling at God. I felt like He didn't want me on His team. At that point, I just decided that life with God couldn't be any worse than life without Him. And I was right. Although the things in my life that I wanted to change still have not changed (I'm still without a job and am now on the verge of bankruptcy), for some crazy reason I feel better. I can't really explain it except that I have just accepted that I am able to trust, hope, and believe that this is not all there is and God has something better for me.
Jaye (jayesimp@msn.com)
I will admit that I have been frustrated at times when other people hear from God, or when it seems like He is working in their lives and not in mine. But here's the catch - am I willing to DO what they have done in order to hear or experience Him? Am I willing to spend time waiting on Him and seeking His face?
I agree so completely with Joanie, "So many people today want the quick fix. They pray a time or two and do not get the results that they hoped for"...I know I am guilty of this.
I think so many times we don't "experience" God because we aren't willing to BE STILL, and WAIT on Him. Abraham had to wait 25 years for the fulfillment of God's promise to him. Many aren't willing to wait 25 minutes to linger in His presence, or 25 days for an answer to prayer. (again...I'm guilty)
More from Joanie: "God seeks relationship. Sometimes we try to do 'religion' and expect that God will honor us with His presence in our lives because we are living a good and moral life." Yes, God wants our obedience, but more than our "deeds", He's after our hearts.
Above all, the thing that holds me back the most is an unwillingness to surrender - and I mean completely, totally, 100% dying to my self in absolutely every single aspect of life. I will SAY I surrender, but then I continue to hold on to a hurt, or my anger, or my PRIDE, or my agenda, or even a dream. We can't experience God's fullness until we truly offer ourselves as a living sacrifice. Remember, the sacrifice retains NO rights of its own.
We had a series at church earlier this year about the Godly heritage of our country and it's not just the money-it's our education system, taking God out of our history books, out of the halls of government, off of the judicial bench. It makes me very sad. I actually got into a long debate on twitter with some non-believers about it a couple of weeks ago. That was interesting!
Anyway, more thoughts: "...holds people back from expeiencing/hearing God?" On an elementary level I think that not hearing God is as simple as not MAKING time for bible reading and prayer time. However I think that many times we are scared of what we might hear, even when we completely trust God. For instance, earlier this year I heard God tell me something quite disturbing and it scared me. Years ago I would have run, with fingers in my ears, screaming "Lalalala, I'm not listening!" But with a little more understanding of God, His word, and 'wanting to say YES to God', I embraced what he told me, prayed more about it. There was nothing I could do but pray. I found peace in that and know that when He tells me something mighty, there is a mighty reason for doing so, and He has a plan for the things He's telling me, even if it isn't readily evident.
Yes, I think fear is a big reason that many don't or won't hear from God.
(Hope this isn't too long!) Blessings!
Hi Lysa,
I'm glad you got the writing bug back again. I have been praying for you this week as you finish your project.
I was amazed recently when we were talking to some fellow Christians recently about my husband looking for a new job. They asked, "how are you going to know which job is God's will for you? Are you doing a fleece or what?" I was flabbergasted by the question. I have been a Christian for over 38 years. (Boy that makes me sound old! :) I was five when I asked Jesus into my heart). For many years I have walked closely with the Lord. When you walk and talk with someone each day you know and recognize their voice. When they call you on the phone you know immediately who it is before they tell you. That's how I feel with God, when you talk to Him each day and listen for His voice as well, you begin to recognize it and know what it is He is telling you to do or not do.
Well that's my two cents worth for the day. I hope you have a good writing day and a great weekend as well.
Blessings,
Pearls
Yes, I do get frustrated when I hear of others' testimonies of "hearing from God", etc. I think its common to be frustrated when we see God's activity in others' lives and not our own. Sometimes I re-evaluate myself..Am I not spending enough time w/ God? Are my prayers lifeless? Am I not serving God as I should? Am I not still enough and quiet enough to hear Him?
I think our busy lives can hold us back from experiencing and hearing God. As well as sounds all around us...the tv is on, the radio, the kids, the phone, then computer..I think it all applies.
I'm very interested in doing some of Priscilla Shirer's studies on hearing God speak to us. We're starting one soon and I have been asked to maybe lead it, so I need to praying about that and I'll be waiting to hear from Him!
Hey, Lysa! Before I comment on your post, I have a blog that you might want to check out--with all of your cute decorating ideas! This chick is great! I am amazed at some of the things she has done.
http://joysofhome.blogspot.com/ Enjoy!
Ok, now to your questions. What do you think holds people back from experiencing and hearing God?
This makes me think of my first ever Bible study--Henry Blackaby's "Experiencing God!" I think that we are so busy in our own little worlds that we put Him in a little box. When we need Him or happen to think about Him, we take Him out of the box...but only for a little while. Then, He goes back in until we need Him again. How dare we do that to the Creator of the Universe, the Maker of all, our Heavenly Father. He needs to be with us in our hearts and on our minds all of the time. Because we live in a broken world, it just doesn't happen that way. We are so caught up in the busyness of the world,we do not notice Him. We should pursue Him minute by minute...not just Sunday to Sunday.
Will be praying that God will bless your book and for y'all to get some gasoline! It was out in Columbia, too, a couple of weeks ago!
Love ya,
Susan
Lysa, I have been thinking about your questions here ever since reading them early this morning. They have touched a soft spot in my heart. It was because of the ‘frustration’ you mention that led me down two very different roads.
The first time I was overcome by the reality of God and His activity in the lives of others, I craved it soooo badly. I was trying to do everything right to get God to talk to me in the same way He was speaking to others or show Himself to me some incredible way. When all my longing seemed to be met by silence and my performance was proving pointless, I went into a depression. I began to doubt all that I had been taught since childhood. I mean, if God was ‘REAL’ why was He not showing Himself to me? For a year I took a journey down paths of disappointment, loneliness, doubt. I closed my heart to everything and everyone. Oh, I ‘acted’ right on the outside, but I was numb on the inside. To make a long story short, thankfully one day, God broke through and for the first time in my life I really accepted His love for me.
However, I was ‘hit’ by this frustration again years later. And actually my friend, this time it was you. I was hearing over and over again all your God-stop moments. I had read, “Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed” and I was thrilled how God was speaking to you so specifically and excited how He spoke to you so individually…and SO OFTEN…yet my reaction was bittersweet. I was rejoicing over recognizing His power and goodness, yet I can remember in tears asking…Lord…why? …Lord, why aren't You speaking that way to me? I want one of those God-stories to punctuate my life...this gal seems to have them daily...what am I doing wrong that I don't hear You or see You writing this clearly over my life? Lord, why do You seem silent? What is she doing that I'm not doing? Lord, I long for one of those defining moments.
The difference this time though…I kept waiting…I kept seeking…I kept listening…I kept believing. I stopped trying to do everything right to gain God’s attention. I began looking for Him in everything. I began expecting Him to show up. I began treasuring His silence knowing that when the time was right He would speak. Through the journey God was calling me to a greater faith.
I still would love to experience Him and hear from Him more. I struggle with the whole listening thing. When thoughts come to mind, I wonder…OK…is that just a nice thought of mine, or is it God speaking to me. Is that God’s direction or my desire? This morning I sat for an hour in tears before His throne of grace as I’m needing to know His direction in a certain area. I don’t always know….but because Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, and I know what He’s done in the past, I can trust Him with my uncertain future.
Oh my…this is altogether too long. I would so love to share what those verses spoke to my heart, but I’ve probably said too much already :o) (Can I just quickly say I loved the phrase in the Isaiah passage that said, “suddenly I acted, and they came to pass”. - we just never know when God is going to ‘suddenly act’ - we need to be watching for Him at all times.)
Thank you my friend for being that example that helps me believe and know that God is real and that “no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” Don’t ever stop sharing your stories. Yes, I’ll admit, sometimes I’m jealous and envious of your relationship with the Lord….but it makes me know beyond a doubt that such intimacy is possible. When I read of your amazing encounters with God, they give me hope to keep believing because God shows no partiality. As that song says, “What He’s done for others, He can do for you.” I see God in your life and my hunger increases to know Him more. My stories won’t be the same as yours, nor should they be, but they’ll be just as real and amazing because the common denominator is God!!!! He’s the One doing it all - for His Name and for His glory.
Living for Him,
Joy
I have definitely been frustrated when I hear God moving in someone's life in a way that I've been asking Him to move in mine. It's not pretty, I know, but it's honest! One thing that has helped me not slip into keeping a bad attitude about it, is to begin to acknowledge what God is doing in my life. God is working, so it's a matter of keeping my focus on Him and not on others.
Secondly, I am convinced that we don't see Him more because we are so busy. A few other comments have touched on this too. When we rush through our lives and phone-in our time with God, we miss Him. He misses us. His creation, His goodness, His grace and love are all so much more visible to me when I've had some quiet, still time with Him and in His word each day.
Lastly I am loving the verses in 1Corinthians right now. They are part of the confirmation in a call I have felt to go on a mission trip with my church. There have been doubts, gas & grocery prices that blow the budget, and nay sayers in this process. But thanks to your 5 questions in the Yes to God book, I'm seeing God's confirmation and trusting Him for the funds!!
Lysa,
I have at times been frustrated when I've heard someone talk about all the Lord is doing/speaking in their lives...but my frustration is more with myself and not God. This usually happens if I've slacked off in my quiet times with Him or have been too busy to hear His voice.
I've learned that the Lord WILL speak when we seek Him and sit still long enough to hear Him. He WANTS to reveal Himself to us, so if we go to Him seeking HIM, to know Him, hear His voice, be reassured that He is on the throne of our situations He will respond. His response may not always cause a "feeling"..whether I have a tingle or not, He is God and that never changes. I may have to just "faith it out" for a bit until He speaks; but if we keep seeking we will find Him.
This subject reminds me of the 10th chapter of John where Jesus is speaking through the parable of the shepherd and His sheep. He tells us that His sheep know His voice and they won't follow a stranger because they don't know His voice (v. 5) I also love v. 14 where He says "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me..." As believers, or in this parable His sheep, we can know His voice. If we feel we are unsure of when He is speaking or what He is saying I believe that if we go before Him with a sincere heart seeking Him and ASK Him to make Himself and His voice known to us; to speak to us in a way that we can understand then He will do it. It's His will for us to know Him and hear Him.
Believe it or not, I've been sharing lately some of this with my precious 74 year old grandmother. After growing up in a very legalistic church and family she has FINALLY realized that Jesus loves her and He makes her "good enough". Now she's digging into His Word with all of her energy and effort but gets frustrated b/c she's not sure she's getting it. I've been praying for her and I've told her to pray and ask the Lord to let His voice be heard and to give her understanding. I believe she's going to hear from Him. I only hope one day she will understand just how long He has been pursuing her with His love. Isn't it awesome to think that God has patiently waited on her to respond to Him for 74 years. Just like His Word tells us, He is long suffering and merciful and she's living proof. Praise His name!
Thanks for allowing me to share...I think I just blessed myself! :)
God bless,
Alesha
amoreno@carolina.rr.com
PS - My faux pumpkins and leaves are going up tonight! It's our family night activity. Thanks for sharing your fall decor pix! :)
I used to get really frustrated when I saw someone who was so intimate with God that they could openly refer to Him as "Daddy, Daddy." I think, for me, what held me back boiled down to a lack of believing. His Word tells us that we "must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." I failed on believing the rewarder part. God rewards us with Himself when we persistently seek after Him. Desperately seek after Him. Beggingly seek after Him.
I finally got so desperate that I told God that I wanted "a journey all my own. I don't want to live off of the spiritual left-overs of others. I want You to feed me." And I said it out of desperation and a deep knowing that He was my only Hope. I prayed Jeremiah 17:14to Him: "Heal me and I shall be healed, save me and I shall be saved, for You are my praise." And He did exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can think or ask. Just like the woman with the alabaster flask. He accepted her and rewarded her with His peace.
Praise God I no longer live off of others' walks with God. Mine is personal, intimate, worshipful. And it is my reward from Him. If I want to know Him, then I must rely on the agent of the Holy Spirit to enlighten me. That is what those scriptures mean to me. It is all about seeking hard after God. The reward is to know Him greater, better, deeper, more intimate. All this occurs through the Holy Spirit with the use of His Word and often other people. Seek and keep seeking, knock and keep on knocking, ask and keep on asking. He will reward. I know. May we keep pressing hard after Him, knowing that it is NEVER in vain!
In His love and hope,
Karan
kstandley@winstream.net
Hi Lysa,
I've been rolling your questions around in my mind all afternoon.
"Have you ever been frustrated when others talk about hearing from God or seeing His activity in their life?"
Often times I've been inspired when someone seems to get such clear direction from God, but others times it is frustrating. Especially when someone talks about having a back and forth exchange with God, like one would talk to a girlfriend. God says such and such, the person responds, God clarifies and so the conversation goes. I just accepted that the speaker took creative license with their storytelling. Upon closer reflection I wonder, does this really happen? Does God speak so we can actually hear a voice?
It may be heresy to say, but I have a hard time believing God regulary and audibly speaks to most Christians. That said, I have definitely experienced the presence and urging of God, but it was a pressing in my soul. A nudge to go one direction instead of another. To take action or be still. It was in Scripture that really "spoke" to me.
1 Corin. 2:9-11 seems to reaffirm this thought. "No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." If we don't have the Holy Spirit in us, by what means are we capable of hearing God? As believers we are given the Holy Spirit as a deposit. It is the Spirit in us that "translates" for God so we can experience Him personally. Romans 8:26 says, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."
I believe the one-on-one communication between us and God doesn't happen as much with our mouths and ears as it does with Holy Spirit in us connecting with the Spirit of God. (Although I have frequently experienced God through circumstances or others' words.)
"What holds people back from experiencing Him and hearing from Him?"
Previous comments have already touched on many "flesh" reasons why. Another is that while believers have the Spirit in them, we leak. Our souls may be damp, but are streams of living water flowing from them? We need to be continually "refilled."
In the end all of us, can offer whatever opinions we have, but God is still God and sometimes there are reasons we can't understand why one person experiences Him dramatically and another much more subtly.
For all Mother Teresa did for the Lord, she lived with a darkness in her soul and no real sense of God's presence. That this happened to someone so dedicated to God confuses me, but it also is a dramatic example of true faith and the hope for what is not seen.
Sorry, I think I have rambled far too long!
I have enjoyed visiting your blog. The posts and comments from your readers are so thought provoking!
Thanks for all the time you put into this.
Would love for you to join us for our Fruit of the Spirit Friday!
Come on over and join the fun!
robin@heartofwisdom.com
http://heartofwisdom.com/blog/
As far as feeling frustrated when others talk about hearing from God or seeing God work in their lives, I must honestly admit that I have been there a time or two in my life. It usually occurs when I have neglected my relationship with God.
I have gone through short seasons where circumstances overwhelmed me and my focus was on the wrong things. Those are times when I have almost become jealous of others and began to 'blame' God or start believing that He didn't care about me or my life.
I am sad to say that I have had several of those seasons in my life. But I am grateful to a God who is always waiting for me to return and quietly listen for His voice.
I have learned that God is always desirous to speak to us and at all times. As I have grown in Christ and my relationship with Him I understand that good and bad things happen in life. We make a choice how we will respond to each event. I can choose to focus on the circumstance ignoring God's voice attempting to help me. Or, I can choose to see the circumstance but then turn my focus to my creator and wait for His response. I am learning to choose the latter.
Blessings to you, Cindy
Saw the movie Fireproof tonight, thought it was great!! Everyone should see it!
Okay...as soon as I turned off my computer and turned off my lights, this popped in my head. So I figured it couldn't hurt to share. :)
The verse that I thought of was this..."The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me." (John 10:27 Amp)
I got to thinking about talking on the phone. (My husband would say that is because I am on the phone all day to which I would reply...can't hear you, I'm on the phone. hee hee. JK) I always laugh at my sweet man because he announces to his parents that its him every time he calls them. I'm like, sweetie, I think your parents recognize your voice. :)
But then you have people who call you that you don't really know very well and they assume that you know them and just talk and talk and talk without ever introducing themselves. You are in panic on the other line, praying God will give you some word of knowledge on who on earth this person is!
God is always speaking to us. Through His Word, through circumstances, through creation, through loved ones (AND ones we may not love so much.) But He doesn't say up front, "Hi, this is God." And that isn't out of rudeness on God's part, like the assuming caller. He WANTS us to know Him, but He doesn't force us to know Him. He desires for us to know His voice. And we need to be prayerfully ready to listen.
He knows us. He is speaking to us. But for us to follow Him, we have to recognize His voice. And just like others mentioned in their comments, being able to hear Him and know His voice is birthed out of relationship. It comes from knowing what His nature is and what His voice will sound like from His Word. And, as I said before, I need to be prayerfully ready to listen. I can ask Him to help me hear Him, to give me ears ever ready to hear His voice above all others (especially my own deceptive heart). I am so thankful I can pray for anything...even more efficient spiritual ears! :)
Wow...that went on forever!
Anyways, just what I was thinking on as I lay in bed last night. I am praying for you as you finish this book! And I am praying you clearly hear Him speaking to you as you wrap this all up!
Blessings!
K :)
I don't get frustrated when I hear others talking about God speaking in their lives, I would call it a longing.
It does at times challenge me when I hear them talking about the Lord speking in their lives. Other times it's a great encouragement.
I think we don't always hear from the Lord and are frustrated because we have lost our first love-weighed down with life here on earth. I know this has been my case from time to time. So, when others tell me about hearing from God, it sends a pain in my "gut" knowing I need to get back to that place.
Other times I'm in a desert place where the heavens are silent for a time.
Rebellious habitual sin will keep you from fellowship w/Him.
The verses?
Christ died that we might recieve the Holy Spirit to live within us to cause us to live as God commands as christians.
True believers in Christ have the Holy Spirit who knows the thoughts of God living within them. Awesome!
The mystery of Christ since before creation is revealved through Christ in us...Jew or Gentile.
1 Cor. 2:16~
...We have the mind of Christ
John 15:15~
..I have called you friends, for all things that i have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
Reading the verses you laid out this is what came to my mind.
One more thing...hearing God speaking or Him being active in your life may have no emotion attached. it can be as simple as reading the word of God and doing what it says..this is having spiritual 'bionic' ears!
Thanks for your ministry.
~libby
I love 1 Cor 2:9-11, one of my favorite verses ever.
I am not frustrated by those who have experiences with God that lead them to knowing one thing or another, I just never have that kind of clarity. The thing to me that is odd, is that those who receive those kinds of clear communiques from God, seem to get a lot of them. It would be nice if He could spread them around a little ;0
On the money thing, I don't think God cares one wit about our money. I think he wants to be in our lives, not on our coins. Our country suffered a Great Depression and many other economic woes with our current coinage which pokes a hole in that theory. I find it's always precarious to engage in theological cause and effect thinking. Having said that, I agree with your point that God has been patient with America. It reminds me of this quote from Abraham Lincoln:
"But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious Hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own."
We are not so blessed by our own cleverness or because we deserve it.
I wish I could hear God in my quiet time. I seem to hear Him better when I'm busy, or when "hearing" Him through someone else. I've been a Christian for many years, but have been so frusterated with not being able to have a very productive quiet time with God. I loove reading Christian books and get a lot out of them, but when it comes to the Bible I get frusterated because there's not a whole lot of new that I can get out of it (even with the scripture that you gave), and my mind wanders like crazy. My mind also wanders when I try to worship Him on my own. But yet I can connect with Him a lot better when I'm at church, where my faith is stimulated by others around me. I want with my whole heart to mature in Christ where I'm not depending on others to bring me there. I know God's not the problem, I know it's me. It seems there's a thin little veil between me and God that I can't break through (and He's leaving it up to me to break through).
Connie, Canada
Hi Lysa! I just blogged about hearing the voice of God last week. Here is an exerpt of what I said:
I'm always in awe of folks who say "God told me....." Really? It's practically impossible to believe. I do believe them. But I wonder why God has a steady conversation with some, but not me. I thought I was his favorite? (just kidding - there is a t-shirt I saw that says "GOD LOVES YOU, BUT I'M HIS FAVORITE." I always joke to ADHD-Jo, my sister, that I want it.)
In my blog, I write that God speaks to me always, sometimes and rarely. (Always in his word, sometimes in answering my specific prayers, and rarely in hearing a word from him - I have once.)
If you'd like to read the blog in entirety it is here:
http://chattykelly.blogspot.com/2008/09/listening-for-god.html
You are welcome to quote me. SMILES to you on your last chapter! Go girl!
Hi! I just wanted to say that the times I really experience God without any doubt are the times I cry loudly to him. . .He always answers by revealing to me another bit of who He is (my protector, my provider, etc). . .I highly recommend Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God study. . .
One of his assignments early on in the study, was to take a walk for 15 or 20 minutes and tell God what you adore about him. . .I did that, and was interrupted by a driver in a truck who tried to pick me up. . then turned around in a driveway to further pursue me. . .I had to run to a nearby house and call my husband to come take me home. I was devastated.
Once home, I went into a room, closed the door and cried and cried, why God, WHY would you let that happen. . .I was trying to spend time talking to you WHY WHY WHY I sobbed.
A still small voice impressed on my heart - Read Ps. 91. It actually startled me, I felt kind of foolish but I went and read it.
Yes, He revealed himself through that passage as My Protector. . .I never forgot it. . .I want to experience Him like that all the time!
-What do you think holds some people back from experiencing God and hearing from Him?
Lysa, I believe that there are several reasons we may not experience God and hear Him in the way that God would so desire.
It could be that we've got unconfessed sins, or we are running from a call He has put on our life. Those reasons would be because of the choices WE make to run from Him or continue living in sin.
I believe sometimes we may not be hearing from God because we've not been shown or taught the ways He speaks to us, especially new believers. Some people make it out like God speaks to them with signs and wonders all of the time, but we have to remember that it's that still, small voice that calls us and speaks to us. THAT is the Holy Spirit, and yes God did speak to Moses through a burning bush, but Jesus left us the "Comforter" when He ascended up into Heaven, and the Spirit speaks to our hearts with that little urge letting us know what we are supposed to do, without question. So maybe some people just don't know they are hearing from God because He's speaking in a way that they don't expect!
Lysa, I know my answers probably aren't earth-shattering and revelating, but I thought it would be fun contributing nonetheless! I enjoy reading your blogs, sometimes laughing and other times crying. You are an inspiration to so many. Thank you for saying "yes" to God! It has blessed me!
The world of gasoline is almost as mysterious as God. In our part of the world gas is plentiful and getting cheaper and cheaper by the day. Pretty good reason not to focus or think about the world and its ways too much. Eyes on God, asking how to pray, listening to know His heart for you and you're set for the day. I think perhaps it's best to not try and figure much out. Just get closer to Him---keep it simple. I think it's essential that we pray for this country but our focus must be on Him, not the circumstances, then fear will not overtake us. Crazy world, Amazing God---so glad I have an option to hang on to Him and trust Him through the ride. Oh, find some homeschooling friends and ask them to start a science project with their kids to develop that moonshine idea.
If you're still taking comments...
First of all - Fireproof was AMAZING! My favorite movie in a long time. I've had it on my calendar since you first posted about it months ago! (Thx!) Hubby and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My heart is heavy for our country these days. As a Christian it is so frustrating to see the sin seep deeper and deeper into our culture and to almost feel God withdrawing His hand from our nation - great point about "In God We Trust."
I am so caught up in this election, the economy, the looming "gloom and doom" that truly could be upon us. I could go crazy with it... BUT! How amazing that we have a God above it all - a Rock in our scariest times present or future. I pray that God would send Revival. I have seen it in our church a few years ago and what an amazing thing it was.
Sisters, please pray and even fast if you can. I really feel that America is at a crossroads. He hears the prayers of His children!
Hang in there with the gas thing Lysa! I'm just down the road in NC and we're watching for the gas trucks like kids watching for the ice cream truck!!
Take care,
~Kim
Hi Lysa,
So excited that you are on the last leg of your book and that you are writing on the subject of hearing God's voice.
That subject has been a passion of mine for years now, and I'm seeing God starting to bring it to the focus and forefront of my ministry, at least for now.
I've been blogging solely on that subject since March, and would love for you to browse the blog and use whatever you like...if you find anything book-worthy. I'd be so very honored.
In a nutshell, I believe most people, including myself, don't hear God because they don't really know what they are listening for...what God sounds like. Since there are so many other voices, it's very difficult to discern which one is God.
Taking the time to get to know God's language (His Word), His character, His culture and His friends are all things that can help. Believing that you are created to hear God (My sheep hear my voice)is essential. Humility is a huge component (Moses is a great example of this).
It's hard for me to NOT write more...this subject makes my heart soar like nothing else right now! I'm actually going to be teaching an 8 week class to our church about Hearing God's Voice in January!!
Anyway, keep plugging away, girl. You're almost there. I'll be praying for you.
Love,
Sandy
www.godspeakstoday.blogspot.com
OH...and we saw Fireproof last night. Not a dry eye in the theater! A very meaningful datenight flick, after we picked out a 15 year anniversary band and had a lovely dinner.
Thanks for the endorsement. I don't know I would have been so excited to see it, had it not been for what you wrote a few months back.
Sandy
www.godspeakstoday.blogspot.com
Lysa,
Just came from seeing "Fireproof"... I had planned on seeing it since the first time I heard about it.
I think I like it better than "Facing the Giants". It is probably the best movie I have ever seen. I love that the Gospel message was presented in such an awesome way.
Just wanted you to know...
Hi Lysa,
I think that i have been frustrated at times, especially when i was in the throws of depression, when it had the heaviest hold on me. I would think that I was abandoned by God because I just was blinded to the fact that He was working in my life.
It was so hard to see that He loved me when I was struggling with depression, despair, and anxiety. I didn't see Him working, even when my friends saw Him working in my life. I didn't believe them.
Now that I am finally starting to come out on the other side, I am seeing Him... I can only hope that I am the source of unfailing hope that He will come through, for other people the way they were for me!
God bless,
Heather
I don't know about anyone else, but sometimes I say I want to hear from God, I even make a good show of trying; but really, deep deep down where I try to pretend not even God can hear me, I don't really want to. I know that if I do, He will call me to an action or place that I am not willing to go. Sometimes I am not the obedient girl that I should be. I am comfortable or tired or just not feeling connected, so I try to fake the appearence of connection so I don't have to really be lead by the spirit (or questioned by my friends and mentors). When this happens, the truth is that I am not struggling to hear Him because I am not really trying to hear Him in the first place. It isn't often that I find myself in this frame of mind (or spirit)but it does happen and it is a struggle to put myself to the side and allow God to move me in whatever way he desires. Like I said, maybe I am the only one that has ever been in this situation.
What do you think holds some people back from experiencing God and hearing from Him?
The two issues for me are fear and laziness (lack of self-discipline sounds so much better, but I have to call it what it is!)
Fear- if I listen and seek to join God in his work, what changes would that need to bring in my life; my attitude, actions, schedule, goals, circumstnces? I would lose control, there would be many unknowns. It means living life with open hands (not with my planner in them!)
Laziness- in order to hear and experience God, I need to spend time with Him. I need to commit to make time to spend with the Lord, to study the Word, to pray, to worship, and to just LISTEN. In order for this to work, it will mean planning, effort and discipline on my part.
When I do live my life with open hands, and discpline to spend time to know Him, I experience such freedom, peace and joy. It is overwhelming to be used by Him for His glory, and to be a part of HIs work.
Basically, it all comes down to the issue of self. Do I really want to be a part of HIS plan, or am I just looking to live MY own life with His okay?
Thanks for reading, Tammi
P.S. My husband and I saw Fireproof last night- AMAZING! We are going again in two weeks and taking our small group!
I didn't have time to read all the other comments, so this may be a repeat of what others have said!
The only time I feel frustrated with God speaking to or working in the lives of others (and believe it or not, particularly my husband!) is when I've been neglecting my own relationship with Him. As soon as I'm walking rightly with Him and tuning into His voice, sure enough, he's speaking and moving! When I choose other things before him for a number of days, he becomes quieter. At that point, if someone starts to speak about His activity in their lives, I get squirmy and convicted and downright jealous! I have learned to recognize that discomfort as a signal that I've strayed too far from my Shepherd and it's time to come back under His covering! Thank the Lord that He is always faithful, even when I am not!
A quick question - do you know when "Fireproof" opens in Canada? I tried contacting them but didn't get an answer. I'd love for my husband & I to go see it as well as advertise it on my blog.
Thanks!
~ Leanne
What do you think holds some people back from experiencing God and hearing from Him?
I know in my own life I kept trying to do things all on my own. Didn't matter if it was small or large problems I would try and deal with them all on my own. I think trying to do things all by ourselves is a big reason we're not experiencing Him. I know several years ago I was searching for a solution to a really big problem I had by sharing it with some other Christian ladies. Not one of the ladies pointed me to God to pray about the situation.
:( Then later on it hit me, Rose, you haven't even prayed about this, why not pray about it and give it to God because He knows EXACTLY what to do to fix the problem, where you don't. So I did, do you know within 1 week the problem was fixed? Yes, God really IS concerned and wants to help us BUT we have to ALLOW Him and LET him have our problems. Now I know to pray first and to tell others TO DO THE SAME, He really IS there and He REALLY DOES answer prayers!!! :)
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