Selective hearing occurs when we tune in to what we want to hear, and zone out that which we do not want to listen to.

• Greg wonders why his boss does not seem to have heard his repeatedly expressed concerns about safety in the workplace, and yet jumps at the smallest complaint from customers.

• Kelly, a young mother, jokes with her friends about what she calls her husband’s ‘selective hearing.’ At night he seems to be oblivious to the baby’s cries, slumbering on while she wakes and attends to their son’s needs.

In spite of these examples, selective hearing can actually be a good thing. It is important to filter out those things that are clamouring for our attention, but are a distraction, or wrong and ungodly.

Selective Hearing in our Relationship with God

When selective hearing occurs in our relationship with God, we may genuinely believe that we are hearing from Him. However, the truth is that we are only listening to what He is saying to us on some issues. We have neglected to listen to His voice regarding other, important things.

I know that many of my readers have a great love for God and desire to serve Him. Like me, you may be involved in some kind of ministry or service, or helping people, or preparing for ministry.

When it comes to our ministry priorities, many of us eagerly listen and press in to God. But I believe He desires to encourage us to hear His voice in other areas of our lives.

The Father wants you to know that He knows and cares for every area of your life intimately. He does not have a hierarchy of concerns—every part of your life is valuable to Him.

Remember what Jesus said: ‘even the very hairs on your head are numbered.’ (Matt 10:30)

Signs that we are Selectively Hearing

Important areas that we may overlook in our conversations with God may include health, family, finances, relationships, our attitude and even the quality of our thought life.

We may be sincerely loving and serving God and even have an active devotional and prayer life. But if we do not communicate with God over the above vital areas in our lives, they begin to clamour for attention.

• Weaknesses  in our health and general wellbeing begin to show—eventually they actually hinder us from doing what God has called us to do
• Relationships start to come under stress, and may begin to break down
• We feel stressed, or lack the joy that we are supposed to have in our service for God
• Our financial situation starts to slide, and so on

For example, as a writer, it is very easy for me to spend a lot of time sitting at the computer. This is a vital ministry role for me. But sometimes I work additional hours at the computer and do not spend sufficient time resting and walking and exercising. After a while my body starts to ache and complain because I am not living a balanced lifestyle and looking after my fitness and wellbeing.

If I were listening to God and following His leading in the area of my physical health, then I would be attentive to this.

Selective hearing does not just happen with ministry. We can also be focusing on some priorities in our lives to the exclusion of others—for example working hard in the area of fitness, but not spending quality time with our family.

Do a Self-Check for Selective Hearing

At this time of year especially, it is beneficial to do a self-check in each of the following things. Note: if you have recently had a holiday, think about the quality of your life immediately prior to your break.

• What is my body telling me?
• What is the quality (or lack of quality) in my close relationships telling me?
• What is my schedule saying?
• What about the state of my finances?
• Am I honouring God in my thought life?
• Am I communicating with and listening to God in each of these areas?
• What am I tolerating?

As you consider these questions, the Holy Spirit may bring another area to mind.

I have come to realise that selective hearing is defective hearing.

It is not honouring to God when important areas of our lives are not in submission to Him.

Samuel was one of the greatest prophets in the Bible. He had an intimate relationship with God, listened to His voice and instructed a nation in God’s ways. And yet, he did not pass on his spiritual values and legacy to his sons—they grew up to be godless men who neglected justice and took bribes. (1 Sam 8:1-4)

Talk with God about your Whole Life

One of the best things that I did last year was take a week’s break to get aside and relax and spend quality time talking with God with no ministry agenda. After a few days, I found myself talking to my Father about important things in my life that I did not normally take the time to pray about. There were things that I was tolerating, that I knew were not His best for me. I was able to be honest and to process some things. I came away with a renewed sense of vision for the whole area of my life, not just my vision for ministry.

Do you call Jesus Lord? Do not just listen to Him concerning the areas that satisfy your desire for fulfilment. Give Jesus the leadership of your whole life, not just a part.

The life that honours Him is one of balance and wisdom.

As you enter this New Year, take some time to meditate and pray about on these different areas in your life. And remember, you can be transparent in your dialogue with God. The Father’s love for you is intimate and all-encompassing, and no issue in your life is too small or too big for His interest and care.

Related Posts:

Jesus Is Lord: What Does This Mean In My Daily Life?

Your Prophetic And Christian Ministry Will Be Impacted By This Choice

How To Recover The Wonder Of Hearing God’s Voice

Do you have any further thoughts about the topic of hearing God’s voice? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

Did you receive this from a friend? Read more from Enliven Blog or sign to receive our weekly prophetic teaching updates at http://enlivenpublishing.com/blog

Over recent weeks I have been praying about a prophetic theme for ministry in 2012, as well as a prophetic word of encouragement for Enliven Blog readers.

I have found myself being drawn continually to the themes of unlocking, keys, open doors, and access. [1]

A Prophetic Vision: It’s Time to Wake Up and Rise Up

‘For through [Jesus] we have access by one Spirit to the Father.’ (Eph 2:18)

‘I saw a doorway leading into a great hallway, and realised that I was looking at the entrance to the throne room of God.

There were people standing, hesitant, at the threshold. I knew they were holding back because they felt inadequate and unworthy.

The voice of God the Father came from beyond the doorway: ‘Beloved, I have made you worthy through the blood of My Son.’

Many who had been waiting uncertainly at the door stepped through, strengthened by God’s word of encouragement. Others, however, continued to hold back.

Then, I noticed many more people, asleep on the floor surrounding the threshold. They were covered with blankets and oblivious to their location.

Suddenly, I heard the voice of the Father speaking again; ‘It’s time to wake up and rise up!’

The breath of God accompanied the sound of His voice.

At the sound, those who slept were stirred.

Some heard the Father’s voice and awakening, realised where they were. The breath of God entered them, and strengthened, they rose and stepped through the doorway.

Others did not seem to hear clearly. They grumbled, turned over and went back to sleep.

Now, I saw those who were moving through the entranceway and into the great hallway. As they began to head towards the throne of God, they became suddenly self-conscious about the clothing they were wearing—‘civvies’—ordinary, everyday clothes.

To the side of the hallway were white robes and royal crowns—perfectly tailored, created and named for each person. They put these on and proceeded forward.

I found myself outside of the hallway again, observing as those who had entered the Father’s presence stepped out once more. They were clothed in royal garments, walking with purpose.

‘These are the history-makers,’ I heard the Spirit say.’

Comprehend your Royal Birth

This symbolic vision challenges me. I recognise my own tendency at times to hold back from God’s presence or to be lulled into a state of complacency and comfort.

But I believe that right now there is a word of awakening going out.

We are in a season when we have the opportunity to catch the revelation of who we are and Whose we are, and the Spirit Who is with us, as never before.

David McCracken has recently been preaching prophetically on the topic, ‘We Are Kings.’ [1] As he says:

‘A king is king because they are born a king, their circumstances don’t make them what they are, their birth makes them what they are. We become royalty when we are born again by the Spirit of God. You are royalty because of your new birth. Live royal!’

Adam and Eve were created for dominion, and the Father’s mandate has not changed. (Gen 1:26)

Our desire to see the power of God manifested, to see people saved, healed and set free is rising to the point that we can no longer ignore it.

Our destiny is calling; our spiritual DNA is stirring.

God’s Plan—Access to Him and Through Him

Access to God, and through God, is an important Biblical theme.

In the beginning, Adam and Eve had unlimited access to the Garden of Eden, God’s intimate Presence, and the tree of life.

But after they sinned, they were banished and that access was cut off:

‘After he drove them out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.’ Gen 3:24

On the cross, Jesus purchased back the relationship with God—and access to God the Father—that Adam and Eve lost.

‘..according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.’ (Eph 3:11-12)

We have only embraced Jesus’ gift of salvation to us, to the degree that we can access the Father’s Presence with confidence and boldness.

2012: His Word of Access for your life

For those who accept the Father’s invitation to draw near to Him and to speak intimately with Him, 2012 can be a year of unprecedented access. [3]

‘The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.’(Dan 11:32, NKJV)

• We will come out from God’s presence with keys—divine strategies and authority to access and take new ground for the Kingdom of God.

• We will find ourselves in situations for which prior experience and knowledge have not prepared us—but for which God’s word has equipped us.

• He will lead us in such a way that we will have no choice but to utterly rely upon Him and exercise the authority we have received from God.

• I see young people catching the vision of who they are and Whose they are and the Kingdom authority they carry. Observing their boldness will stir up the desire in those of us who are older in the faith to enter in.

• I sense God restoring access to some who have felt that they were sidelined or disqualified.

• I believe this is a word for some leaders, and churches—your current vision, strategies and plans are too small—it is time to revisit what God has shown you in the past. Your current vision has led you to this place, but He wants to enlarge your vision.He is giving you keys—keys of favour, of strategy, of prayer—to go through doors that have previously been closed off.

“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”  (Rev 3:8, NKJV)

Notes:

[1] Keep an eye out on Enliven Blog as I will be teaching on topics relating to this over the next few weeks and months.

[2] David McCracken’s message is available for a short time on the DMM podcast.

See, Breakthrough Night Pt 1 – We Are Kings on the podcast page here:
http://dmm.podcast1.s3.amazonaws.com/david-mccracken-ministries—audio-podcast.xml

[3] In last week’s post, I shared some important thoughts about weighing up general prophetic words such as the one I have shared above.

See Prophetic Words For 2012: How To Make The Most Of Them

Related Posts:

This Can Be A Year Of Visitation From God

ABC’s of the Kingdom of God

4 Things You Don’t Need A Prophetic Word For Concerning 2012

Do you have any further thoughts about this topic? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.
Alternatively, you can join the conversation on Enliven Blog’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Enliven.Blog.Prophetic.Teaching

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog – Prophetic Teaching

On team with David McCracken Ministries: Prophetic Ministry That Empowers The Church

Personal guidance—receiving direction from God for our lives—can hold great power when we hear Him clearly and follow Him fully.

However, as with prophecy, there are some pitfalls if we do not exercise wisdom and care in the process of hearing from God for ourselves and others.

What are these dangers, and how can we make the most of personal guidance?

What is Personal Guidance?

As God’s children, we have a personal relationship with Him and can expect to hear His voice. [1] (John 10:2-5) Personal guidance occurs when we receive and follow instruction from God for decisions relating to our own lives.

A great example of someone who received personal guidance from God and acted upon it is Abraham, who is known as our ‘father of faith.’ Abraham set out from his home town and followed the call of God to Canaan. His obedience to personal guidance from God impacted the destiny of generations to come. (Gen 12:1-5).

The Holy Spirit has a significant role in our lives as our teacher and guide. (John 16:12-15)

You can receive guidance from God in many ways, including:

• Circumstances—for example, doors of opportunity opening or closing
• Scripture—a verse or story speaks to you
• Through Prayer
• Internally—an idea, thought or impression you perceive is from God
• Prophetic Dreams
• Suggestions from other people around our lives
• Through leaders
• An inner sense of peace
• The desires of your heart (Ps 37:4)
• Other prophetic means—a vision or word

When it comes to guidance for decision-making, confirmation is important. The strongest guidance occurs when a number of these things line up together, much like signposts pointing in the same direction.

If you are dependent upon receiving personal guidance through another person—for example a leader or a prophet—something is amiss in your relationship with God.

You can have confidence that God desires to speak to you personally and that you do have the right as His child, and the ability, to hear Him.

Weighing up Personal Guidance

It is amazing how people who understand that prophecy needs to be submitted and weighed up, throw all caution out the window when it comes to personal guidance!

The first test of personal guidance concerning big decisions should be the same as that of prophecy:

• Is it in agreement with the Bible’s instruction?
• Is it consistent with the nature of God?
• Is it consistent with the way God has wired and gifted you?
• What is the fruit—check the projected outcome of your decision?
• Do wise and mature Christian leaders around your life confirm your guidance?

Avoiding Pitfalls when it comes to Personal Guidance

‘But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.’James 3:17

Faith and Wisdom need to work Together.

God has given us minds to consider and process decisions. We need the wisdom that comes from consideration by ourselves and others. As David McCracken says, ‘Hear clearly. Plan wisely. Obey boldly.’

Timing

However clearly God’s direction comes to you, it is important not to forget that there are always variables. And a big one is timing. Does the direction relate to right now, or to a time in the future? Does it relate to a small window of time, or is it relating to long term?

I made a mistake once when God spoke to me clearly about taking on a certain ministry role. I made the error of assuming that His guidance related to long term, when the role was transitional. This resulted in unnecessary personal pain.

You may hear God speak something to you but the timing is not yet. I recommend recording what He has said, along with your response, in a journal.

Guidance Involving Other People

Something to watch out for is if you believe God has spoken to you about something, but the outcome is dependent upon the decisions and actions of others. Examples of this include promotion, vocationally or in ministry, or direction about a relationship such as marriage.

If your perceived guidance relates to a specific person or situation, hold onto it lightly. Consider your guidance unconfirmed until the person responds accordingly.

In the practice of personal prophecy, we have a saying, ‘No dates, no mates!’ In other words, don’t apply specific timelines, or prophesy concerning marriage relationships. I personally believe this guideline should be applied to personal guidance as well. If you sense God is saying something strongly in this area, I recommend that for your own safety and that of others, you take it to a leader or someone who you can be accountable to. [2]

Unity

‘But the wisdom that comes from heaven is… peace-loving, considerate’ (James 3:17)

Following through on your perceived guidance should not result in division—this is especially true of church life [3] or in a marriage relationship.

If your spouse is not in agreement with personal guidance you have received, this should be an orange flashing light warning that something is amiss! It may be a timing issue that will try your faith until it is resolved.

Leadership and Advice

‘For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.’ Prov 11:14

We need to understand that we are not infallible, and we do not stand alone. God has created us to be interdependent upon one another. [4]

Remember that I am talking about big decisions here—not the small daily ones!

The aspect of accountability is so vital that I will spend the next post discussing it.

Don’t Hold on too Tight

Don’t hold on to personal guidance too tightly, or be specific or dogmatic about it—be willing to release it or allow it to be clarified as time goes on.

If you believe you have received instruction from God, or a vision from Him for your life, do not view it as though it is a target bulls-eye that you have hit directly centre. That is a sure way to be disappointed! Remember the stories of Joseph, and David?

Most often, the journey of following God is like the flow of a river. People in scripture who followed the call of God experienced opposition and change, but in spite of these things moved towards their destiny as they kept their hearts right. We need to trust in the sovereignty of God.

Desire of our Hearts

‘Take delight in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.’ (Ps 37:4)

It’s important to distinguish between what our God-given heart desires are, as opposed to desires that are sourced from weakness. Wrong desires can result when we have a deficit in our lives where we are not fully established in God’s love.—this is especially true of desires relating to relationships.

Confusion

Watch out for confusion. It can also be a sign that the guidance is not clear enough for you to act upon—for example the timing may not be right. However, confusion may also be a sign of spiritual warfare.[5]

God’s Grace for our Mistakes

Many years ago, The Hunk and I made a business decision based upon what we believed was guidance from God. Upon review, we missed some practical steps of wisdom and moved too quickly.

When we do make the wrong decisions based upon our interpretation of what God has communicated to us, all is not lost. His grace and mercy prevails. God uses these times to teach us and grow us.

In our case, although we lost a lot of money and learned some hard lessons, our Father delivered us miraculously when we realised, repented and cried out to Him for help. We also emerged stronger and wiser.

The Power of Obedience

Like Abraham’s response to God’s call to go to Canaan, decisions that we make in the will of God have the power to positively impact not only our own lives, but to have a ripple effect that can affect those around us, our families and generations to come.

I recommend that this post should be read in conjunction with next week’s one: Do You Have A Ministry Call?

Do you have any experiences or questions to share on this topic? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

Notes:

[1] As I have pointed out in the following post, the Holy Spirit has many creative ways of speaking to us:
How to Recover The Wonder Of Hearing God’s Voice

[2] See next week’s post on The Power of Accountability for Personal Guidance

[3] I have personally made mistakes in the area of division in church life. See my book, Prophetic People in a Changing Church, or listen to my testimony on the podcast page.

[4] Not Word Perfect: Understanding How Prophecy Works In The Church Today

[5] See the following post: 12 Signs Of Spiritual Warfare

© Helen Calder 2011 Enliven Blog

On team with David McCracken Ministries

‘Can we remain confident in God’s love and His purpose for our lives when crisis looms or disaster strikes?’

The Day David Lost Everything

(1 Sam 30)
If anyone ever had cause to believe that God had abandoned him during a time of crisis, it was David.

David returned with his men to their hometown Ziklag, to find it had been attacked, looted and burned by Amalekite raiders. Their wives, children and possessions had been captured and taken away by their enemy. (1 Sam 30:3)

The Bible tells us that David and his men cried aloud until they had no more strength to weep.

And then, seeking a place to lay blame as grief turned to rage over the loss of their families, David’s men turned on him. They began to talk of stoning him in retaliation.

It had to have been one of the worst days in David’s life.

These dire circumstances had arisen from a leadership decision that David had made, which resulted in his men being away from their families during the time of attack. It appeared that he had failed to protect his own.

He could have given up.

But instead, David’s response resulted in breakthrough—the recovery of their families and possessions and the destruction of their enemies. It also helped position David for his ascent to the throne of Israel.

How did this incredible turn-about in circumstances happen? And what can we learn from this Bible account when faced with our own crises?

4 Things you can do in Times of Crisis

1. Don’t Cover up the Pain.

‘All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you.’ Ps 38:9

David wept—he expressed his grief and anguish and let it all out.

One of the things we learn from David’s psalms is that we can be completely honest before God. The psalms teach us that we can ask God the hard questions, cry out our pain, and even express our doubts and rage.

But the Psalms do not stop there, and neither did David at this time.

2. Choose to Trust in God and Find Strength in Him

At this lowest point, we are told that David ‘found strength in the Lord His God.’ (1 Sam 30:6)

David held to the truth that God was still present with Him—that he had not been abandoned.

When we are faced with trials, danger, natural disasters or even spiritual warfare, God is with us. He is our Father. When we have no strength left of our own—He is our source of strength.

This is the ultimate test of trust.

David was overcome with grief, but instead of allowing his feelings to dictate his response, he chose at that time to turn to God.

Trust is not a feeling; it is not something that we need to look within ourselves to supply.

Trust is based on the sure knowledge that God is completely trustworthy.

David wrote in the Psalms, ‘The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.’ (Ps 18:2)

3. Ask God Questions and Find out what He is Saying

David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.” (1 Sam 30:8)

Does evidence seem to point to God having abandoned you? To His destiny for your life not being fulfilled? Are people around you, like David’s men, expressing a negative opinion?

David did not respond to the talk of his men; he did not respond to his feelings or the circumstances he was presented with. He responded to the word of God.

When faced with a crisis, we can ask

• What is the truth in God’s Word—the Bible—that I need to believe about who I am, and about who God to me right at this time?

The next question is

• Father, what is Your specific word to me right now?

Through Jesus, we have a personal relationship with God and He wants to speak with us.

Take time to listen. [1]

4. Remember who you are and Whose you are—and Respond Accordingly

During a time of crisis, it is time to dig deep and to rediscover the foundations of our own history with God.

It is time to remember the call, the gifts, and the grace on our lives.

We know that David did that, because his response to this trial came out of the gift and anointing God had given to him from the very beginning.

We see that he responded firstly as a worshipper, then as a leader, and then as a warrior.

Perhaps he remembered protecting his sheep from the lion and the bear. Maybe he recalled slaying Goliath with a stone and the word of God—or the times God had rescued him from Saul and his armies.

David’s own history told him that even though the odds against him were great, they were no match for God and His word.

David took 600 men with him to pursue the enemy. When he had to leave 200 behind who were too exhausted to continue, the odds against him increased yet again.

But they not only succeeded in overcoming the enemy, they regained their families and possessions and a great deal more—all the plunder the Amalekites had captured from other places.

When crisis hits, take time to reflect on what God has done for you and through you in the past. He is faithful.

Your Story is not Finished yet

This crisis not only resulted in a victorious outcome, it came just prior to the fulfilment of the destiny on David’s life.

Ziklag was burned and their homes destroyed. This was a devastating event. However David asked God for guidance and was later led to take his men and their families and settle in the city of Hebron.

It was in Hebron that David would be anointed King of Judah, and later of Israel (2 Sam 2:4, 5:3)

Choose God, choose His Word, and you will find that the pathway through the crisis you are currently facing leads to your destiny.

There is another chapter ahead of you.

When problems or disasters take place—as the book of Job reminds us (Job 42:10)—life does not end there. Sometimes, it begins.

Notes:

[1] I have found that journaling is always a great tool to record conversations with God, and this is particularly true in times of testing. To find out more about journaling, these posts may be helpful:

When Your Devotional Life Is Dry: How To Fall In Love With The Bible Again

Activate Your Prophetic Gift Through Prayer Journaling

Do you have any ideas or experiences to share on this topic? I would love to hear from you. Leave a note in the comments box below. If the comments box is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

© Helen Calder 2011   Enliven Blog  http://propheticpeople.com/

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

You have to know someone intimately to be familiar with the desires of his or her heart.

And you have to be in close proximity to hear your friend express a quiet wish.

But it takes more than intimacy, and more than proximity, to move you to sacrifice your own priorities in favour of those of your friend.

Only love will move you to lay down your life.

Such was the love of three of David’s mighty men who were close enough to hear him say, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”

Unbidden, the three warriors broke through enemy lines at risk of their lives to fulfil David’s wish. (2 Samuel 23:13-17)

Intimacy With The Holy Spirit

Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. (Romans 8:5)

There is a lot of talk about the Holy Spirit in Christian circles today.

Many of us have a great longing to see the Holy Spirit move, or for His power to be released to bring healing, deliverance, signs and miracles.

Kathryn Kuhlman once said,

‘There are literally thousands and thousands in the great charismatic movement who have never become acquainted with the person of the Holy Spirit, only with His gifts.’ [1]

And sadly, that statement is as true today as it was then.

So the question I am asking of you and myself today in response to this statement is, ‘Are you one of the many—the ‘thousands and thousands’—or one of the few?’

Many times we talk about ‘using’ the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

But there is another way of life possible—where we allow the Holy Spirit to ‘use’ us.

This way of living is only going to happen when we give Him leadership of our lives.

• When we so value His Presence with us, and the relationship that we have with Him, that we cannot bear for anything to come between us.

• When we are listening, ready for the sound of His voice

• When we have so become attuned to Him as a Person—to His desires and what grieves and pleases Him…

…that we will respond accordingly [2].

The Fellowship of the Spirit

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you. (2 Cor 13:14)

The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity—God living in and with us.

He is not merely an impersonal power. The New Testament reveals the Spirit to be a Person with will, mind and emotions.

As well as empowering us, the Holy Spirit communicates and fellowship with us. He guides, teaches, helps, assures and comforts us. [3]

The Holy Spirit is God up close and personal.

The Ungrieved Presence of the Holy Spirit

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Eph 4:30)

Many years ago I read the story of a Chinese scholar-turned-pastor called Hsi [4].  It made a lasting impression upon me.

Pastor Hsi ministered deliverance to a troubled young man called K’ong at a conference.

A missionary who saw Hsi minister in the power of the Spirit pressed a large sum of money into his hands, as a gift towards his ministry.

Hsi received the cash without praying as to whether or not he should accept it. Immediately he felt uncomfortable.

As he went to pray about the matter, Hsi heard cries as the demonised man became uncontrollable once more.

No longer fearing Hsi, the demons in K’ong taunted him, saying ‘You have no power to control me any more.’

Realising that his soul’s response to the money had affected his ability to minister in the Spirit, Hsi went to the donor and returned the cash. He confessed that the sudden possession of a large sum of money had ‘come between his soul and God.’

Immediately he went to where K’ong was causing the commotion and quietly commanded the demons to be quiet and leave—with immediate and effective results.

Pastor Hsi later summed up this painful lesson with the words,

‘The ungrieved presence of the Holy Spirit is more to be desired than abundance of gold and silver.’

How To Have An Intimate Relationship With The Holy Spirit

Or do you suppose that the Scripture is speaking to no purpose that says, The Spirit Whom He has caused to dwell in us yearns over us and He yearns for the Spirit [to be welcome] with a jealous love? (James 4:5, AMP)

I want to have the kind of relationship with the Holy Spirit that Kathryn Kuhlman experienced—and that Hsi valued.

If this kind of relationship with the One who is God present with you, the Holy Spirit, is what you want, here are some steps to help you move closer to Him:

1. Realise that such a relationship—fellowship with the Holy Spirit—is possible

2. Hunger and thirst for intimacy with Him

3. Learn all you can about the Holy Spirit. Study His role, purpose, names, likes and dislikes from Scripture

4. Pray—ask to know Him more and for Him to fill you

5. Make a decision to go deeper in your relationship with God—to be more available to Him

6. Allow God to put His finger on anything in your life that displeases the Holy Spirit—and deal with it

When I stand before the Father on that Day, He may ask me,

‘What did you do with what I entrusted to you—your gifts and talents, your time, opportunities, relationships, and call?

But there is another question He may ask that is currently challenging me:

‘What did you do with the One I sent you?’

[1] A Glimpse Into Glory, by Kathryn Kuhlman with Jamie Buckingham

[2] Recommended Reading: Romans 8

[3] Recommended Reading: John chapters 14-16

[4] One of China’s Scholars, by Howard Taylor

Hunger For God: 6 Ways You Can Stir It Up

© Helen Calder  2010  Enliven Publishing

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

Have you ever declined to do something because you are ‘not gifted’ in that area?

I have.

‘I’m not gifted in that area’ is an apology that I have used often, especially when it comes to things like hospitality or evangelism.

And this can be a very good thing!

In the church environment particularly, it is vital that we serve where we are gifted and passionate and called.

‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’ (1 Peter 4:10)

But—what about in my relationships and my everyday life? Does ‘I’m not gifted in that area’ work as a reason to not speak to someone about Jesus, or not to pray for a family member who is sick, or not to provide hospitality when it is needed?

Don’t be Intimidated by Others’ Spiritual Gifts

We will never truly be fulfilled until we step into the fullness of life that we are designed for—and be comfortable with our own unique expression of spirituality.

I have an old Toyota Camry, which is a vehicle that serves my family and me well. If I am driving and alongside me a hot, turbo-charged Ferrari pulls up, I don’t say, “What is the point of me being on the road? My car is not as powerful as that one.”

My car may be ordinary, it may not go as fast, but it is the only one that will taxi my children around, carry my family’s groceries and get me to work.

In the same way, we must not allow the fact that we do not have a spiritual gift of prayer, prophecy, healing and so on, intimidate us, or stop us living the supernatural life that is our rightful inheritance as Christians.

You and I will connect with people in our everyday life that the pastors and gifted people in our church will not, and occasions for prayer will arise when there is no one present but the Lord and us.

Where is the evangelist when the opportunity arises for you to discuss your faith with a neighbour, or work colleague, or lead your child or grandchild in a salvation prayer?

Where is the prophet when you or someone near you is struggling in your daily life, and needs direction or breakthrough, and could benefit from an encouraging word from God?

A Spiritual Gift, or a Characteristic of Christian Living?

It is vital that we grasp the difference between what a spiritual gift is, versus what is a basic characteristic that we should be exhibiting as followers of Jesus.

For the most part, spiritual gifts are turbo-charged, Holy Spirit-boosted versions of attributes that should be present in the life of every Christian believer.

For example:

• Every Christian is a witness and can share the Good News about Jesus (Col 4:5-6). However, a person with a gift of evangelism will see more people make commitments to Jesus through his or her ministry than the average Christian.

• Every Christian can pray (1 Thess 5:17, Eph 6:18). In fact, prayer is foundational to our relationship with God. Some Christians will pray more, and experience more miraculous results, because they have a gift of prayer or intercession

• All Christians can prophesy (Acts 2:17-18)—i.e., hear God’s voice for themselves and others. Some people can prophesy more powerfully, with greater accuracy and at a higher level, because they have a spiritual gift of prophecy

The same is also true of other areas such as healing (James 5:16), helps (Mark 10:43-45), giving (Rom 12:13) and hospitality (1 Peter 4:9).

This is why, in Ephesians 4, Paul describes the 5-fold (‘Ascension’) ministries—not as exclusive ministers in their area of giftedness—but as those whose primary calling is ‘to equip God’s people for works of service.’ (Eph 4:11-12)

The Basis for Supernatural Christian Living is Not a Spiritual Gift

It is true that some people do have a higher degree of giftedness than others in prayer, healing, prophecy, and so on.

But having a gift is not the basis for you being able to share with someone about Jesus, or pray, or receive a message from the Father for yourself or someone else.

Your ability to hear God’s voice is your right as a son or daughter in His Kingdom.

The source of your authority is the Name of Jesus Christ. What He has accomplished on the cross, and the authority that He has given to you as His committed follower, is the basis of your prayer power.

Further—and this is amazing—you and I have the same Holy Spirit indwelling and anointing us, who empowered Jesus to go about His life and ministry in the Gospels.

I have come to realise that there is NO ONE more qualified than you and I

• to hear from God
• to offer a prayer
• to have a Divine appointment
• to be involved in leading someone to Jesus

wherever we are in our everyday world.

Some Questions to Consider:

• What spiritual gifts am I aware that I do NOT have?
• Have I used the absence of a spiritual gift as a reason to not expect that God could use me to help love and lead people to Jesus, or to pray, or to believe God for miracles in my everyday life?

Prayer

Father, I want to be fully alive—to be all you have called and designed me to be.

Help me to be comfortable with my own unique, down-to-earth expression of spirituality and to not be intimidated by the spiritual gifts and strengths of others.

Thank You that Your Spirit anoints and empowers me to be a supernatural Christian in my everyday world—to live a life for which Jesus is the only explanation, and to love and lead people to you.

In Jesus’ Name

Do you have any thoughts or experiences to share on this topic? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment in the box below. If the comments area is not visible, click on this link and scroll down.

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Now on team with David McCracken Ministries

The thing I love most about teaching beginners’ classes in prophecy is that look of joy and amazement on people’s faces when they realise that they have heard God’s voice for another person for the first time.

We should never lose the wonder of hearing the voice of God—whether for others or ourselves.

But sometimes over the passage of time, familiarity, staleness, or just plain weariness can rob us of that sense of awe, joy and privilege.

Early last year I was burnt out and in a place where it was difficult to hear from God. But now, the communication—and the wonder—is back.

So, how can we retain or recover the wonder of hearing God’s voice? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Reflect on the Privilege and Power of Hearing God’s Voice

Adam heard the voice of the Lord as He walked in intimacy with Him in the garden. (Gen 3)

And yet later, Moses wondered that Israel had heard God’s voice and lived. (Deut 4:33)

Such was the destructive power of sin on humanity’s relationship with God that upon hearing God’s voice Israel cried out,

‘We will die if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any longer.’
(Deut 5:25)

The Power of God’s Voice

I have come to realise that the ability, power and strength of the voice of God is far beyond my capacity to perceive.

• Using His voice, God created the heavens and the earth
  (Ps 33:6, Gen 1)

• God’s voice shatters His enemies (Isa 30:31)

• God’s voice is heard in creation’s majesty—the roaring of the waves, thunder and lightning, the events of nature (Ps 29)

John heard His voice like a trumpet (Rev 1:10) and as rushing waters (Rev 1:15); Daniel, ‘like the sound of a multitude.’ (Dan 10:6)

Paul was taken to heaven and heard ‘inexpressible things.’

Reflecting on this causes me to wonder.

2. Consider What Jesus Has Done

That you and I can hear the voice of God and live is a truth that demonstrates His incredible grace.

Jesus reconciled us to God through His death on the cross so that the voice that once threatened death to Israel can bring LIFE to us.

In John 10:27, Jesus said, ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me’.

God desires an intimate relationship with you and I even more than we want it with Him—He created us to fellowship with Him and to hear His voice. He wanted it so much that Jesus paid the ultimate price.

And this causes me to wonder.

3. Remember it is About Relationship

When I was burnt out, it took me a while to realise that I had made the mistake of equating ‘listening to God’ with a type of performance—and I had nothing left to give.

I needed to get back to relationship.

Think about when the phone rings and you pick it up. How different are your responses when the caller is:

• A telemarketer
• Someone you love

You see it’s not about the Voice—but the Person behind the Voice.

When we are in love with Jesus, we look forward to hearing Him speak to us in our everyday lives.

4. Put Yourself in a Place to Encounter Him

We need to position ourselves to encounter God and hear His voice, and what that looks like will be unique to each of us.

For me, it firstly meant recognising and repenting of wrong beliefs that had trapped me in a lifestyle of performance.

I then rediscovered His grace.

It also meant being creative with my devotional life, trying new ways to journal, and discovering a new appreciation for the Bible’s personal message to me.

It meant paying attention to my ‘spiritual pathways’ and realising that spending time with God outdoors and with listening to fresh worship music helped me to personally encounter Him.

As I did these things—as I put myself in a position to encounter God—I began to hear His voice breathing life back into me.

5. Explore the Unique Ways the Holy Spirit Speaks

‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says…’ Rev 2:11

One day we shall look upon Jesus’ face in all His glory, and hear His voice in all its strength. For now, we hear Him speaking to us by His Spirit.

However, we need to realise that God speaking is not like a person speaking.

When we talk about ‘hearing God’s voice,’ we are using an earthly expression to describe a heavenly concept. We simply do not have a framework to understand it

You and I use words, speech and body language to communicate. However, the Holy Spirit has endless ways that He can communicate with us.

We hear His voice, not with our physical ears, but with our heart and our spirit.

Throughout the Bible there are many different ways God spoke to His people.

In the book of Acts alone, we see God speaking through prophecies, dreams, visions, angels, leaders, signs, the inner voice of the Spirit—and so on.
There are many ways in which the Holy Spirit can speak to you. Meditate on what the Bible shares about this and be open to hearing Him in new and fresh ways.

The Wonder Recovered

This year, my sense of wonder has returned.

During the past couple of weeks I have heard God speak to me personally in many ways:

• A conversation with my pastor that rocked my paradigm
• The words of a stranger who walked into our church for the first time
• A lone eagle in the sky during time out with God
• An insight from the Bible that has fed me for days
• Circumstances that could only have been orchestrated by the Holy Spirit

Last week The Hunk and I were ministering when I heard God’s voice for a woman in the room. As I shared the word, I watched her face change from defensiveness, to amazement and delight.

And right at that moment I fell in love with the Holy Spirit and prophetic ministry all over again.

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Related Posts:

Face To Face With God: Can I Have A Relationship Like Moses?

When your Devotional Life Is Dry: How To Fall In Love With The Bible Again

Spiritual Renewal: Café Moments With God

© Helen Calder   Enliven Publishing

Now on team with David McCracken Ministries