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COMMUNICATING WITH GOD
Kris Vallotton
October 4, 2016
GOD’S STILL SMALL VOICE
At times, the Lord speaks to us in a still small voice from within our spirit. This is not a booming, audible voice. This can be heard as a passing thought, sudden impression, or internal “sense” of something that God is saying. This still small voice is illustrated in the Book of First Kings. In this account, God is not in the strong wind or the earthquake, but rather He is in the gentle blowing (see 1 Kings 19:11-13).
This is an Old Testament example of the still small voice of God in operation. In the New Testament, we read of the inward witness of the Holy Spirit that bears witness with our human spirit.
(Romans 8:16) The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God.
Instead of describing an audible voice of God that we hear with our natural ears, we read that the Holy Spirit “bears witness” with our human spirit. In this context, the Spirit is confirming that we are the children of God. The same gentle internal assurance that reminds us that we are sons and daughters of God also gently leads us in our everyday lives.
Earlier in this same chapter, Paul taught us that those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God (see Romans 8:14).
ANGELS
Angels are another voice that speak to us from the heavenly realm. Throughout the New Testament angels spoke to people and gave them instruction for their lives.
(Acts 8:26) But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza”.
(Acts 12:6-7) On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.
TRANCES
Trances are another way God speaks to His people. Trances are much like visions, except when we are in a trance, we are completely unaware of our surroundings. The Greek word for trance means, “to be out of your mind.” Trances take us out of our natural minds and into the Mind of Christ. Many Christians are convinced that because people in the occult have trances, that all trances are from the devil. The truth is, satan can only copy the things of God. He is not a creator; he is a forger. Counterfeits simply reveal that there is an important source of truth that needs to be properly applied.
(Acts 10:9-11) On the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. But he became hungry and was desiring to eat; but while they were making preparations, he fell into a trance; and he saw the sky opened up, and an object like a great sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground.
Have you ever found yourself in the midst of life's chaos, desperately needing a break, clarity, and a spiritual reset? Picture it like halftime – that pivotal moment when the coach steps in, recalibrates the team, and sparks a turnaround. The game isn't over; this is a chance to come back stronger and claim victory! In recent weeks, a resounding message has been echoing in my heart and mind: January is the Church's halftime! Our divine Coach is calling us to the huddle, to draw close, and let Him fine-tune our game plan – our values, thoughts, and behaviors. Amid the noise, He's inviting us to step away, knowing that leaning into these divine moments will catapult us into the second half, ready for victory. And in this game, we already know the final score – He wins!
Gen Z, labeled as the seemingly lost generation to Christianity, and Gen Alpha, the digital natives immersed in screens, stand at the crossroads of an era defined by the rapid evolution of technology. As they navigate the evolving landscape of identity, both personal and global, a crucial question reverberates: "Has the Church lost this next generation?"
Have you ever grappled with the intersection of an unwavering belief in a supernatural God who releases healing from heaven and the pragmatic world of science and medicine? Perhaps you've found yourself standing at the crossroads, fervently praying for a miracle yet receiving healing through the hands of a compassionate doctor. It's a tension many face—the delicate dance of faith in God's miraculous power juxtaposed with the gift of modern medicine. What if there is no tension at all and there is actually a beautiful integration of faith and science?
