What do you expect?

What do you expect? (Full Version)

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Little_1 -> What do you expect? (5/5/2008 2:47:34 PM)
[sm=s231.gif] Some people wonder why God does not communicate with them like He seems to communicate with others. Why do you think this is (keeping in mind that God does not have any favourites)? [8\|]

Ignited-Faith -> RE: What do you expect? (5/5/2008 2:59:21 PM)
Could it be that there is too much interference from the T.V; Radio, Newspaper, Talking on the phone, etc. that some aren't quiet for a minute to stop and just listen? (I personally hear God the best when I am quiet.)

CherishedbyGod -> RE: What do you expect? (5/5/2008 3:59:05 PM)
It could be a number of reasons... Sometimes He is communicating with us but we do not recognize His voice. I was never really taught by leadership how to listen until the Lord used speakers at a conferance to begin teaching me.. It can be sin...especially not walking in agape love. He grieves when we do not walk in agape love and when we grieve Him it is quite hard to hear Him[&o]

Liveloved -> RE: What do you expect? (5/5/2008 4:16:35 PM)
Be still and know that I am God. Ps 46:10 And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. John 17:3 It is His desire that we know Him. Knowing Him is eternal life. But you must be still and have ears to hear. Few do. It's a hearing problem that begins in the heart.

LCannon -> RE: What do you expect? (5/5/2008 4:18:24 PM)
Every soul is unique but all redeemed souls have an extra measure of grace and ability to listen for His Voice. Our primary avenue of communication with the Holy Spirit is the dual responsibility of prayer(praying)and listening for His 'voice' through the regular exercise of the sieve of scripture. That exercise isn't a either/or or a sporadic pursuit rather an outside conformation(or reputation)of my imagination.

mvic -> RE: What do you expect? (5/5/2008 5:02:00 PM)
You're right - God does not have favourites. God does communicate with many people. Some are just not tuned in to listen to Him. They are too busy living their lives to bother about Him. He isn't relevant to them. Sad isn't it?

Walker311 -> RE: What do you expect? (5/5/2008 7:10:39 PM)
Because they are always on their cell phones or text messaging. God can't get a word in edgewise!

pstrdebi -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 12:00:51 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Walker311 Because they are always on their cell phones or text messaging. God can't get a word in edgewise! Right on!

maddog4god -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 5:48:33 AM)
This is an interesting dilemna because I have always "heard" God - I have a hard time helping people who say that they never hear God. I don't think it's cell phones and text messages that keep people from hearing God as people said this to me in the 80s. I think sometimes it COULD be sin possibly (and not in that mean church person way am I saying that). Mostly I think people don't realize what god sounds like so they chalk that up to being themselves rather then god. I have known people to try for over an hour to hear God. I think the learning to hear is a process that doesn't happen over night.

deliveredarling -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 6:08:03 AM)
I think we can become busybodies with our priorities skewed. The Mary and Martha example. Our own stubbornness gets in the way of His voice. We think we "know" something and He tells us that whatever is not so, but we are convinced that it is. So in essence we step in and block the Father's voice. Been guilty of this a few times in my life.......[&o] We simply don't want to hear differently than what we believe. We are taught He is one way, and when He doesn't present Himself in that way-"It can't be God I'm hearing". We have put the Almighty in a very small box.... We are conditioned to believe that He only speaks to certain "holy" ones, that's what some would have us believe.. The biggest reason we don't hear from God is because we get in the way. We can be very guilty of hearing what we want to hear and not what He is saying. If we don't hear from Him, it's not because He's not speaking to us, we aren't listening. When His voice is quiet, we need to look to His Word. He always answers, just not always in the way we would prefer.

Liveloved -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 12:15:46 PM)
I said in my earlier post that it is both a hearing and heart problem. The gospel of John gives good explanation. And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God. John 3:19-21 Hearing God means a willingness to be truthful, truthful about yourself. That is what being in the light does---it exposes. Men love darkness. Darkness is that place of hiding and pretending. So if you call yourself His and don't come into the light, the place of being exposed, are you really His? Practicing truth is walking in the light. Practicing lawlessness is walking in darkness. If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself. John 7:17

pstrdebi -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 1:09:17 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: deliveredarling We have put the Almighty in a very small box.... Exactly! God speaks to people at all times. Even when we're not walking with Him... so I don't think it always has to do with sin. Certainly God does not condone our sin... but He is a big God... and can speak to us whenever He wants! He has spoken to me many times through my children... as well as worked through my children. I remember once when my youngest was about 4 years old, and I was not really walking with God,... I was driving down a long blacktop road in the desert. She was in the front seat reading something or playing with a toy.. unable to really see over the dashboard. I, in my haste, was driving almost 95 mph. This little darling couldn't have realized the speed I was doing... and without missing a beat... without even looking up, said, "I think you should slow down." I found it strange for her to say this, since she really couldn't see out the window, nor was she paying attention. (to be quite honest, it kinda creeped me out). So... I slowed to about 50... and then my tire blew! One of the most profound times I heard the audible voice of God was many years ago when I was in a very tough place in my life. I was broke beyond belief. I was walking home and found a check laying on the ground for $200... everything filled out and signed, except for the "pay to the order of." I said, "Oh Lord, you know the situation I am in, why are you testing me." I immediately heard Him say.... "Is this a test for you, or a blessing for someone else?" I have never looked at trials the same since that day. God speaks through dreams, through visions, directly... as a still small voice, and oft times as an audible voice. He speaks through others, He speaks through prophesy... and much more. And, He doesn't speak to me the same as He speaks to you. He knows your personality and what words and dialect are going to impact you personally. You are so right DD... many folks like to keep God in that box so that He fits their idea of what He is suppose to be. (Hmmmm.... folks don't like to hear that.) Much love... Pastor Debi

Little_1 -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 1:28:06 PM)
Many good replies. Also - some people *don't expect* to hear from God! I remember someone once saying "Expect little and you won't be disappointed!" [;)]

Little_1 -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 1:32:35 PM)
quote: pstrdebi ...... He has spoken to me many times through my children... as well as worked through my children. I remember once when my youngest was about 4 years old, and I was not really walking with God,... I was driving down a long blacktop road in the desert. She was in the front seat reading something or playing with a toy.. unable to really see over the dashboard. I, in my haste, was driving almost 95 mph. This little darling couldn't have realized the speed I was doing... and without missing a beat... without even looking up, said, "I think you should slow down." I found it strange for her to say this, since she really couldn't see out the window, nor was she paying attention. (to be quite honest, it kinda creeped me out). So... I slowed to about 50... and then my tire blew! ...... Much love... Pastor Debi WOW - I just love to hear people's testimonies.

HisCovenant -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 1:34:31 PM)
I saw a difference in my own life when I went from expecting to hear Him to listening to what He has already revealed. I think there was also a change in me at the same time from expecting to hear certain things from Him to knowing Him for Him and learning what were realistic expectations of Him.

Little_1 -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 1:48:31 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: HisCovenant I saw a difference in my own life when I went from expecting to hear Him to listening to what He has already revealed. I think there was also a change in me at the same time from expecting to hear certain things from Him to knowing Him for Him and learning what were realistic expectations of Him. Yes - I believe that we need to obey God's revealed Word (the Bible) and to obey God's Word - we need to hear it and to hear it we need to listen and to listen we need to expect (believe) we will 'hear' what it has to teach us. "He who has ears - let him listen....."

HisCovenant -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 1:50:42 PM)
Yes, but you can't be expecting for your own glory or for junk that isn't Biblical.

Little_1 -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 1:55:55 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: HisCovenant Yes, but you can't be expecting for your own glory or for junk that isn't Biblical. Absolutely correct. We need to be careful to weigh everything up against Scripture. There have been a couple of occassions during the past year when I have cried out to God in desperation to Him for guidance/direction. During study, whilst reading my Bible on the same day as I cried out to God (and on both occassions) - the Lord gave guidance via the Bible passages I was reading on these particular days. They were so fitting and described our situation to a T. That is not coincidence. God knew I would cry out to Him for guidance; He knew what I would cry to Him concerning; and He also knew where I was at in my Bible study on those particular days. I am reminded of Psalm 139 and how God knows every little thing about us - even our rising up and our sitting down! Awesome! However, dipping into your Bible and claiming the first 'good text(s)' that you read is extremely dangerous and will only lead to disappointment and disillusionment - I call such 'Bible bingo!' ---------------------------------------------- Also re: OP - I believe that unconfessed SIN is a major reason why we sometimes don't hear God and this is really relevant regarding the OP.

Liveloved -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 2:16:00 PM)
quote: God speaks to people at all times. Even when we're not walking with Him... so I don't think it always has to do with sin. Certainly God is speaking. However, if we're asking why some don't hear God or think He is not communicating with them, I think God is clear that it is sin that separates men from Himself. And I think this is one time when we can rightly say always. Men love darkness. So they choose not to listen, to hear. That is sin. Certainly God does speak to us about many other things. And through many people and mediums. Those who have ears to hear, hear. When we are not hearing, whose fault is it? Anyway, it seems we are answering two different questions at times. Does God speak? Yes. and Why don't some hear? Sin.

pstrdebi -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 3:25:16 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Liveloved quote: God speaks to people at all times. Even when we're not walking with Him... so I don't think it always has to do with sin. Certainly God is speaking. However, if we're asking why some don't hear God or think He is not communicating with them, I think God is clear that it is sin that separates men from Himself. And I think this is one time when we can rightly say always. Men love darkness. So they choose not to listen, to hear. That is sin. Certainly God does speak to us about many other things. And through many people and mediums. Those who have ears to hear, hear. When we are not hearing, whose fault is it? Anyway, it seems we are answering two different questions at times. Does God speak? Yes. and Why don't some hear? Sin. I would have to absolutely disagree... this line of thinking is against God's supernatural power... What about Saul of Tarsus????? Was he not in sin? Did God not speak to him saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? Sin seperate man from God... but it does not stop the Almighty from His work. Blessings... Pastor Debi

HisCovenant -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 3:36:18 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Little_1 However, dipping into your Bible and claiming the first 'good text(s)' that you read is extremely dangerous and will only lead to disappointment and disillusionment - I call such 'Bible bingo!' My I swipe your phrase? I love it... well, I hate that it happens, but the phrase is cute!

crh737 -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 5:09:18 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Little_1 [sm=s231.gif] Some people wonder why God does not communicate with them like He seems to communicate with others. Why do you think this is (keeping in mind that God does not have any favourites)? [8\|] The only time I can think of why God would directl speak to one is when they are fearful, discouraged, or confirmation. I say this because in the O.T. there was a prohpet who believed he was the only one who was left! Yet when he reached a safe place by a cave God told him, Arise! I have 7,000 who have not knelt to Baalam. When Jesus was on the boat and the waters changed their course the Apostles became fearful stating Awake Lord for we will perish, Jesus awoke and calmed the seas. When Thomas known as the doubting stated he would not believe and the Lord appeared an spoke unto him, which confirmed what he had doubted CRH

HisCovenant -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 5:22:40 PM)
I do think those are times He speaks to us, but I don't think those are the only times. What about through Christ's ministry? What about the writing of the law? What about all the covenant making with Moses? What about the guidance for the Israelites? What about Saul's conversion? What about the inspirition of the NT?What about His answer to Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple? What about the message He gave the prophets to communicate on His behalf throughout the OT? What about walking with Adam in the Garden? Ok, maybe they walked in silence there [;)]... but I am sure about the other examples. Those are all examples of when God spoke without needing to calm us and comfort us because of our distress.

crh737 -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 5:43:06 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: HisCovenant I do think those are times He speaks to us, but I don't think those are the only times. What about through Christ's ministry? What about the writing of the law? What about all the covenant making with Moses? What about the guidance for the Israelites? What about Saul's conversion? What about the inspirition of the NT?What about His answer to Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple? What about the message He gave the prophets to communicate on His behalf throughout the OT? What about walking with Adam in the Garden? Ok, maybe they walked in silence there [;)]... but I am sure about the other examples. Those are all examples of when God spoke without needing to calm us and comfort us because of our distress. Covenant~ There's no doubt He needed to connect with these folks, as he had to "confirm: to Moses what He directed him to do. and.... He did consoled the "discouraged" Isralites during their journey not to mention provide for them. He answered Solomon mainly on His promise to father David in which Solomen was a "discouraged" spirit, before he prayed for wisdom. He encouraged Adam after the fall and also gave him, who was "doubtful" of the new agenda of his life of leaving the comforts of a new world. Puleeze everyone person written in the bible need encouragement, confirmation, esteem, or what have you from God.... if they didn't what is HIS PURPOSE ???? and the purpose of those today? CRH

HisCovenant -> RE: What do you expect? (5/6/2008 5:46:17 PM)
To show Himself, not to comfort us. We can take comfort in Him and He does comfort those who are his and need confirmation or encouragement... but I wouldn't say His purpose is always encouragement/ comfort/ our esteem.

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