Dave’s Monday Blast – August 20, 2018

Last week we were chatting about the value of listening to the Lord, and then making obedience to His Word our top priority. We considered passages from Luke, Joshua and Exodus (nets, walls and a staff).

The truth is…it is dangerous to refuse to listen to God and obey his directives. In fact we read in (Zechariah 7:11 – 13) that if we do not listen to and obey His Word His voice will become increasingly distant. The Ministry of the Holy Spirit to His children is to enable them to “Hear Well and to respond in Obedience”.

The Holy Spirit:

– Teaches us all things (John 14:26)
– Reminds us of everything Jesus says to us (John 14:26)
– Testifies about Jesus (John 15:26)
– Guides us into all truth (John 16:13)
– Tells us what is yet to come (John 16:13)

But I know there are time when we all question if what we are “hearing” is actually from Him. We all know the story of Gideon found in (Judges 6:36 – 7:22) . Gideon struggled to understand God’s voice and His meaning. It seemed counter-intuitive. Gideon’s questions and his requests for clarification are very human. President John Jackson of William Jessup University shares the following Biblical process that I find very helpful when I wrestle with the interpretation of and obedience to His Word:

1. Does it agree with the Bible? Luke 21:33; Psalm 19:7 – 11
2. Does it make me more Like Christ? Philippians 2:5
3. Does my church family Confirm it? Proverbs 15:22; Ephesians 3:10
4. Is it consistent with God’s Design for me? Ephesians 2:10
5. Is it in my sphere of Responsibility? Romans 14:12; Ephesians 4
6. Does it bring the Conviction and Corrections of God or the Condemnation and Despair of Satan? 1 John 1:9; Revelation 2:10
7. Does God’s Peace come with it? 1 Corinthians 14:33
8. Is it consistent with God’s Character? James 1:17
9. Would it Please God? “Love God and do as you please” Augustine

Please take a few minutes and work your way through these scriptures and be INTENTIONAL about using this process as you determine that God is speaking to you and what He requires of you.