Through Scripture

I once heard someone say that the Bible was merely a history book. Well, think of it this way, it is HIS-story and He left it for us. Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (NASB) Not only is the Bible living and active, it is His instruction manual, to us as found in  2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” His words will never pass away. If you want to hear God speak, you must be in His word and allowing the teachings to transform your mind. (Romans 12:2) Don’t just read, but let it pierce you. Let it change you from the inside out. Carve time out every single day to read scripture. Prepare yourself with prayer. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to you. Ask him to shine his holy spotlight on dark corners of your heart and mind. Submit yourselves to his conviction, own what he reveals to you, and be willing to be transformed.

Through Music

Many of the hymns of old as well as contemporary Christian radio are songs that are inspired, if not direct lines of scripture taken from the Bible. Not only are we to offer songs of worship and praise, but I believe our Heavenly Father uses music to speak directly to us as well. This past week during worship the song “Cornerstone” was sung and these words leapt off the screen, off my lips, and quickened my mind to scribble down “Dressed in his righteousness alone…” What are you wearing right now? Did you put on the Armor of God this morning? Are you trying to hide or cover up something you don’t like about yourself? What do you need to take off (confess and turn away from) in order to be dressed in Jesus’ righteousness alone? Don’t worry if the questions above sting a little, it is a dose of healthy conviction. Thank you Lord, for holy discipline. May we each be quick to submit ourselves to your will and grace. 

Divine Appointments

These are appointments that you have not made in a calendar, or set aside time for, but there has been no doubt some scheduling from the heavenly realms. Author Squire Rushnell uses the word “Godwink” to describe those times of silent miracles or answered prayers. For example, you just happen to bump into that person that says exactly what you needed to hear. You receive a money you weren’t expecting at the moment you needed it most. Two worlds collide and intersect at just the perfect moment that changes the trajectory of your day if not your life. The unbelieving world would call such moments coincidences, fate, or luck. Most people will respond, if they connect the dots at all, with an “awe-struck” moment. However, the majority will move on quickly and forget the most important part. ALL glory belongs to God! “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6  Start taking notice and make a point to give God credit for what he is doing every day because “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  James 1:17

Through Nature

The beauty and complexity of nature is mesmerizing and astounding. Science has tried to rely on the intelligence of man to explain and theorize what we see in our living world. The more mankind learns and discovers, the more complex and miraculous the findings. God is the creator of the universe. Everything was made by his very hands and His immense beauty in artistry, and mathematic superiority is on full view. The more we know should point even more squarely to intelligent design. We are finite people and our God is infinite in His powers and nature. Romans 1:20 “²For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” 

Through Prayer

There is nothing as sweet as my time of prayer with the creator of the universe, the Alpha and Omega, the Great I Am, the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Heavenly Father, Abba, Name above all names, and I could go on. The most important piece to hearing from God through prayer is to be still. Humble yourself before the throne, and enter into his presence. Submit yourself to being completely surrendered to His will and providence. When you align your wants and desires to God’s plan it will produce clarity of thought. Prayer produces results. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17  Do you feel as though your prayers are not being heard? Are you just running to God only in your time of desperation and need? You must be in prayer and in a relationship with Jesus as your savior and Lord of your life to receive the full benefits of prayer. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 teaches, “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

Through Testimony

The very start of Christianity begins with testimony. The church was built on sharing the gospel by way of mouth. The life story and first hand witness to the miracles and wonders the disciples experienced when they walked side by side with Jesus Christ. As a believer, all of us have a testimony. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. Life as a Christ follower is transformative. I was blind, and now I see. Hearing another person’s testimony has the power to strengthen even the most dedicated follower. People can be amazed, they come to believe and are baptized after hearing the good news of Christ. It is up to us to share our personal story of redemption, the power Jesus has had upon our lives, and to point others to know Jesus as their personal savior.  2 Corinthians 5:20 “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”