MEMORY VERSE: After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. Acts 16:7
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2 Samuel 1-4
We learnt yesterday that guidance springs out of our relationship with God. He has promised to guide those who are walking with Him. Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” We also learnt that one of the ways God guides us, His children, is through ‘commanding scriptures’. God’s general will for all people, in all places, in all circumstances, is revealed in Scripture.
Another way God guides us is through ‘controlling spirit’. Guidance is very personal. When we become Christians, the Spirit of God comes to live within us. When He does so, He begins to communicate with us. We need to learn to hear His voice. Jesus said that His sheep, His followers, would recognize His voice (John 10:4-5). We recognize a good friend’s voice immediately on the telephone. If we do not know the person so well, it may be harder and take more time. The more we get to know Jesus (through regular study of the Word, praying in the Holy Spirit, spending time with Him in fasting and praying and so on), the easier we will find it to recognize His voice. Paul and co planned to go to Bithynia, but the spirit of Jesus would not allow them to (Acts 16:7). So they went different ways. The bible did not tell us how exactly the Spirit spoke to them but it could be a number of ways.
Briefly, let us look at some of the ways in which God speaks by His spirit. Firstly, He often speaks to us as we pray. Prayer is a two-way conversation. After praying, tabling our requests or bringing issues to Him, we must take time to listen to what He has to say. One of the common ways He speaks after prayer is through a thought coming into one’s mind. This thought may come as ‘impressions’ or ‘feeling it one’s bones’. To feel something in one’s bone simply means to be certain that something is true or will happen, without having no proof. I remember the weekend before the Monday I was suspended from work several years back. I felt it in my bones, throughout that weekend, that something was about to happen to me but I didn't know what it was. Please know that such thoughts and feelings need to be tested. 1 John 4:1 says, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Is it in line with the Bible? Does it promote love? If it does not, it cannot come from a God who is love. 1 John 4:16 says, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him". Is it strengthening, encouraging and comforting? 1 Corinthians 14:3 says, “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” When we have made the decision, do we know God’s peace? Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” God also speaks to us by giving a strong desire to do something but we will look at that tomorrow if the Lord tarries.
NOTE: As you pray, pay attention to the thoughts that come into your mind. As you lead prayers in a group, pay attention to prayer points, verses of the scripture or thoughts that come into your mind. It is better to also have a pen and paper at hand to jot down things and review them after prayer.
PRAYER POINT: Father, please give me a hearing heart.
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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world for Jesus.
