All through the scriptures we find that God guided His people, and His works were done by men following His directions. In Acts 10, we read about Cornelius, a man of Caesarea. He was fasting and praying when God gave him a vision. He was telling Cornelius to send for a man named Peter who could be found in Joppa. He followed the directions and found that God was already speaking to Peter about coming to him. Because both men were obedient to God’s instructions He filled the gentile Cornelius and his entire household with the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus was an example for us and He said, ... I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him (John 8:28-29). God has not changed, His word is still alive and by the Holy Spirit He is still speaking to His people. He speaks through tongues and interpretation of tongues and by prophecies (I Cor 12:10). He instructs through dreams and visions (Joel 2:28 & Acts 2:17-18) and most often in a still small voice, words of wisdom and words of knowledge (I Cor 12:8). However, in order for this to take place we must spend time with Him, receive everything He has for us, and expect to hear from Him daily. The outcome of all His works is in our best interest and especially in the best interest of the "Kingdom of God." Even when we do not understand what or why certain things are happening, He knows what needs to take place in and through us. Today, you may be wondering what you should do about something in your life. God has the answer! Just ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you, and do this in the name of Jesus. It is easy to get someone else to fast and pray for us, but to every man God gives this ability. 

When I think about hearing from God I think about Jesus telling the parable of the sower. Here we find things that prevent God’s will from being activated on our behalf. (1) Lack of understanding. Not being in tune with the Holy Spirit allows the devil to catch away the word of God (Matt 13:19). (2) Hardness of heart. This is where the word of God does not take root, and because of tribulations and persecutions we become offended, losing the power of the word of God (Matt 13:20). (3) Deceitfulness of riches will choke the word from us (Matt 13:21). It is okay to be rich, but this desire must not overcome our relationship with God. (4) Cares of the world make the Word ineffective (Matt 13:22). On the other hand, hearing the word of God and understanding what we hear, by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, can bring forth much fruit for the Kingdom of God and for one’s self (Matt 13:23). This comes by a close relationship with Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit. 

Fear can keep us from hearing from the Holy Spirit and receiving from God. What if Cornelius, a gentile, had been afraid to call for the Jew named Peter. Recently, I received emergency calls from another state that had to do with someone in trouble. It was something God could fix and was ready to do so, but when I heard from God and told them where they were to go for help they said, "I don’t think I can do that, I may start speaking in tongues." I do not know why this came up or the outcome, but fear of one of God’s gifts may have kept them from receiving the freedom they so badly needed. Isn’t it time for us to put away all fears, which are gifts of the devil, and press on toward the high calling of God? It does not make any difference what kind of fool we look like to the world as long as God’s work is getting done. It is obedience to the Father’s instructions that really counts. 

God desires to have a close relationship with each of His children and this takes two-way communication. I must believe that every day He is speaking to us, but the things mentioned above often prevent us from knowing what He is saying. I know that there are times when we just do not feel like communicating with the Lord, but he knows our heart and is always waiting for us to be active with Him. 

I would like to leave the subject above and address hurting people. I know from experience that one can go through times when you just do not feel like doing anything, all motivation is gone. I had such a period after JoAnn left to be with the Lord. However, these times pass when we are open with our God, tell Him how we feel and ask Him to change us. He is faithful to take over when we ask with an open heart and receive from Him.

Thank you for praying for Bob Jackman, the husband of my daughter Glenice. Bob, like my wife JoAnn, was transferred to be with the Lord. Now I ask you to pray for Glenice, her three adult children and eight grandchildren.

Dean Hubbard

3002 Prince George Road * Hattiesburg, MS 39402 * Phone (601) 268-9126E-mail: koj@knowledgeofjesus.org Web: http://www.knowledgeofjesus.org