Most of us have suffered loss by following our own desires and understanding. We often ask, "How can I hear from God?" This is usually followed by, "I just wish He would talk to me and tell me what to do." We may also say, "I am tired of making mistakes and having trouble." If these thoughts have crossed your mind this letter is for you. It is very important for God's people to hear and follow His instructions. By this method we become reproductive in the kingdom of God; by this method we become like Jesus who is like His Father and by this method we live happy, productive lives.
Jesus prayed to the Father, saying, Neither pray I for these [His disciples] alone, but for them also which believe on me through their word. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory [expressed image of the Father] which thou gavest me I have given them: that they may be one, even as we are one. (John 17:20-22). Hearing from God takes dedication (allegiance, devotion and loyalty) to God instead of one's self. However, there is great reward in giving one's self to God. When we become one with Him we enjoy those things which gives joy to Him and we share in all His bounty; ... we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28).
We become the expressed image of Jesus by reading His word daily, communicating with Him daily and receiving everything that He has for us. This means that we must renounce all doctrines that are not truth and ask God for truth; we must not rely on our own intellect, it can get in God's way. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9). (See Proverbs 3:5 & I Corinthians 1:19).
Often we do not hear from the Father in Heaven because we try to bring Him to our level of thinking. With the mind of man we try to understand His ways. We must concede that this will not work. His mind is on a different level from us. We must therefore take on the mind of Christ in order to hear from Him. (See Romans 7:25; I Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5;). This cannot be done while we are filling our understanding with all the salacious (lewd, impure and lustful) words of this world.
People with the mind of Christ are different from the world, therefore, they will make decisions which are in opposition to worldly thinking. I have done this many times, even when I thought, "This is a foolish looking thing to do" I knew that I had the mind of God and each time I was blessed; the end result was good.
I suggest that you think of yourself and God as one considers two unlike computers. Data programmed by Macintosh (Apple) cannot be understood by an I.B.M. computer, and the reverse is true. In order to transfer data between them, ASCII (computer language) must be employed. In like fashion, men who are born with a perverted mind cannot understand God. This is why God sent His Holy Spirit as an information bridge for us. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost [Spirit] whom the Father will send in my name [the name of Jesus], he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26).
I must complete this message with a warning. Never forget that the cares of the world can make the word of God ineffective in your life, and if this happens you will not hear God's voice until you focus on Him. (Read Matthew 13:3-8;18-23 and focus on verse 22).
(For a better understanding of this message please read John, Chapter 17, and then read Chapter 14).
P.S. Robin Walters, a twenty year old cheerleader, paralyzed from the neck down in a practice fall has requested prayer.