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NASB | Matthew 7:16 "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 7:16 "By their fruit you will recognize them [that is, by their contrived doctrine and self-focus]. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? [Luke 6:43, 44] |
Bible Question: A certain well-known TV preacher in his address to a very large congregation related his conversation with God concerning some question that he, the preacher, had. In telling of the experience, the preacher repeatedly sprinkled his narrative with "God said (so and so) and I said (so and so). Then God said (so and so) and I said (so and so)." Thus he continued on and on with his account of his conversation with God. My question is, Is this the way God communicates with man today? Do Hebrews 1:2, 2 Timothy 3:16 and, for that matter, the entire Bible, have any relevancy in our time? Or can we, like the preacher reportedly did, strike up a conversation with God as we would with our next-door neighbor and get from Him personalized and instantaneous answers to our every question without having to bother to search the Scriptures? What does Scriptue say about how God communicates with man and man with God? --Hank |
Bible Answer: Greetings Hank - "What does Scripture say about how God communicates with man and man with God?" I like Job 42: 1-7. Here we see examples of one who ASKS and listens to God for instruction and one who "speaks" for God.(v7) Which one was affirmed? In my opinion, I think that often our conversations with God are too one-sided. We may be diligent to pour through His Word and devote ourselves to prayer, but are we actively seeking to HEAR FROM HIM? Too often the plans we make are just a guess at what God has in mind. We see only part of the picture - kind of like looking at a wide-screen movie throught a stereo hand viewer! Secondly, I wonder if we are willing to receive His voice without preconceived notions of HOW He may speak? As for me, by virtue of my doctrinal training I believed that God's voice could only be heard through the study or reading of His Word, I struggled with doubt for far too long after I actually audibly heard His voice. After finally coming to accept that I had actually "heard" from Him, I began to see and recognize other ways that He was choosing to speak to me as well. He sure did get my attention in a dramatic way! In my experience, God has spoken directly to me in response to my prayer and yet at another time, He initiated the conversation and spoke when I was not expecting it. He has spoken to me about others, but unless He gives me a directive to share this with them, I would not utter what He has revealed. I think it is dangerous for anyone to speak without the authority of God. Yet, how often do we do just that! Most of my experience has been similar to the post by EdB. The Holy Spirit is alive and well and continues to function as our TEACHER!(John 14:26) Often He uses His Word to remind me of things or to direct my thinking. He also has used situations or circumstances; usually He teaches me through "object lessons." Perhaps my doubts still prevail in some form, for I am constantly wanting confirmation of what I believe God is saying. Frankly, I don't think that this is a bad thing as it does tend to keep us in check, fully dependent upon GOd to direct . . . During a recent illness, God's presence was very tangible. For just a brief period, He absolutely removed my pain - I felt as if His Hand was stretched out, moving over my body - it was truly an experience I can only attribute to Him as I was completely and unexplainedly at peace. Also during this time, God impresssed upon me the importance of (and need for) a healing ministry. 2 weeks later, in a book I was reading, God identified the healing that I was to focus upon; it was NOT PHYSICAL(as I had thought in Elihu fashion) but emotional and spiritual. Had I continued to presuppose what I THOUGHT GOD WAS SAYING, rather than to continue to ask Him to clarify His direction, I would have been working on my own effort rather than depending upon God. Now, as I pray about this and ask God to direct me, I confidently know that HE will open the doors and reveal His plans in HIS timing. In the meantime, I will contine to pursue Him with patient expectation. For me, this is a season of preparation. It has taken MANY years, and I am STILL in awe of how much more I don't know . . . slowly,I have learned to recognize His voice. Hopefully, my response time to Him will increase! My prayer is that you too would be open to hearing from God in ways that you might not expect! He loves to delight and surprise His children! God bless YOU! mommapbs |