"I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples."
~ John 15:5-8 (The Message Bible)
*if you can please read all of chapter 15*
Has the Lord ever told you something and you knew for sure that it was Him talking to you but then here comes some foreign voice telling you otherwise? If your answer is yes, take no shame. It's happened to the best of us. One thing I've realized as I am growing in Christ is that I have to take OWNERSHIP of my relationship with the Lord. I have done so and it has liberated me to the point where I am able to move when He says move and stay when He says stay. I'm not saying I don't make mistakes but I now take ownership. I acknowledge that if I mess up, it's not because of God or the influence of others but because I have disobeyed God completely or have moved without hearing from Him. I'm not saying for you not to take advice or take heed to what your family, friends or pastor(s) have to say but honestly when it comes down to it, it's all about your relationship with God and what He says. As much as we love our families, friends and pastor(s) and as much advice, encouragement and opinion they give us, their words are not the end-it-all. We have to take heed to what God says to us individually.
How do I know when it's God? Well that is what a relationship with Him is for so you don't have to wonder. I agree it does take time to learn how to distinguish His voice but be honest, don't all relationships take time? He wants you to learn His voice and hear what He is saying to you. I believe everyone hears the voice of God. It's just that we hear so many voices (influence, reason, doubt...) that we don't know which voice is His. There is no secret to how to learn which is God's voice. You learn His voice by the desire of wanting to hear Him. Desire will lead you to the place you need to be in order to hear Him. That place is on your knees, in worship, in prayer, in reading the bible. By being in this place with loyalty, reverence and faithfulness you will find that you won't need to be literally on your knees to hear from Him. You will know His voice so well that you could be in a middle of a noisy crowd and still hear Him. Even in middle of chaos (life's chaos) and still hear Him. That is so awesome. Doesn't that sound awesome? Not having to doubt because of the confidence you have in really knowing God's voice? You won't have to be confused anymore over whether it's the Lord speaking to you or so and so.
As human beings we don't like rejection. Often times we don't want to let our true feelings for another person out because we are afraid of not being wanted. In this case, don't worry because with Jesus there is no rejection. He has initiated this relationship and He is more ready and willing than you think. I urge you brothers and sisters to take time out and retaliate on this relationship with the Lord and when you do take OWNERSHIP. Don't you want to know Him, His voice, His ways and KNOW it's Him? I know I do...
Now, if you haven't done so already, take OWNERSHIP. Don't let others interfere with what you have with God. He's the only one that knows you better than you know yourself so why not get close to Him and know His voice?
Let's pray...
Father, we stretch our hands toward thee for it's no other help we know. Please help us to know your voice. Whether it's in a still small one or as loud as thunder. Work in us, through us, and in our in betweens. We love you and have faith that you have heard our prayers now help us to have faith to hear your answers. In Jesus name .... Amen.
~ Royalbutterfli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcTqTYSUHRQ&feature=related
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