Guideposts for Listening to God

I thought I would share again the guideposts we use to direct us as we listen to God:

1. Does the message we hear seem to manipulate God? If it does - if it puts God on our agenda or timetable - it's not from God.

2. Does the message we hear seek to manipulate people? If we get a message that will try to coerce people in a direction that personally benefits us, it probably is not from God.

3. Does the message we hear contradict scripture? If so, it is not from God. God is not going to rewrite the Bible just for you or your particular view of the world.

4. Do we need a guide to help us understand the message? Seek out counsel from a circle of friends (this is why your particpation in a group is vital).

5. Where does the message lead us? As John Ortberg said, "A wise guide will often lead you where you do not wish to go." I often find God leading me in the direction of service, sacrifice, courage, and rest - all directions I would not normally go.

6. Have you tested your impressions? We often speak of God opening doors, but it might be more helpful to think about putting pieces of the puzzle together. How do you know if a puzzle piece fits? You try it out!

7. Is your response to God's message, "Speak Lord; I'm listening with the heart of a servant?" As Dallas Willard challenged us, maybe God isn't speaking to you because He knows that you will not act on His message to you.

If you have sensed God speaking to you this week, email me at wcsmith@adbc.org. I'd love to hear from you.