explanation for each module and the associated scripture within the Exact and Precise Hearing training

Welcome to this month’s “Reigning Through Training”

This month we’ll deal with Hearing God’s voice!

John 4:24 Jesus says 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. And in John 6:63 He says: The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

I would imagine that we all would personally like to hear the powerful voice of God the Father and the mighty voice of Jesus Christ God the Son.

What do they sound like? The Bible gives us an idea:

» Like the sound of very loud thunder (Job 40:9; Psalm 29:3-5; Revelation 14:2 a).

» Like the sound of harps (Isaiah 30:31; Revelation 14:2 b).

» Like the sound of trumpets (Exodus 19:16, 19; Hebrews 12:19; Revelation 1:10-11; 4:1).

Down through man's history, not everyone has heard these sounds because everyone doesn’t hear God's voice.

Matthew 17

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and the two brothers —James and John—and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone.

Mat 17:2 There, the veil was pulled back and his divine glory shone through the cloak of his humanity. His face shone bright like the sun, and his clothes radiated intense white light.

Mat 17:3 And in his fiery presence stood Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

Mat 17:4 “Lord,” Peter exclaimed, “this is awesome, and we are glad to be here to see it! If you want, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

Mat 17:5 But while Peter was still speaking, a brilliant cloud settled over them and a voice from within the cloud said, “This is my Son. I love him and am absolutely pleased with him, so listen to him!”

Mat 17:6 When the disciples heard the voice, they were frightened, and fell face down on the ground.

There were twelve disciples that followed Jesus, but Jesus didn’t invite all the twelve, here it’s only the three that were close enough to Jesus to hear. It’s through their close relationship with Jesus that they and we could hear God speaking..

"Exact and Precise Hearing God" training

Isaiah 55:3,10-11 3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

God’s word goes forth, we come in agreement with that word and it accomplishes what God designed it to do, and what returns is the outcome.

Then God says in Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, the A Clause.

There is a transitional exchange. That takes Preparation, position, and posture on our part and then we can with clarity hear His voice, the words from God.

Preparation, position, and posture are important aspects when it comes to hearing from God in a spiritual context. These elements create an environment conducive to receiving divine guidance and wisdom.

Isaiah 1:18 Come let us reason together, Let’s reason through the explanations for each, along with relevant scriptures:

Preparation:

Reasoning: Spiritual preparation involves cultivating a receptive and open heart, seeking God's presence through prayer, meditation, and reflection on His Word.

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) - "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."

Position:

Reasoning: Being in the right position means aligning your heart and mind with God's will. It involves surrendering your own desires and being in a state of humility and submission.

Scripture: James 4:10 (NIV) - "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."

Posture:

Reasoning: Physical posture can symbolize spiritual attitudes. Kneeling or bowing can represent humility, while an upright position may signify attentiveness and readiness to hear.

Scripture: Psalm 95:6 (NIV) - "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."

By preparing our hearts through prayer and meditation on God's Word, positioning ourselves in humility and surrender, and adopting a posture of reverence, we create an environment that is conducive to hearing from God.

We need to dig deeper!

Who heard the voice of God in the Bible? Many Bible stories about hearing God come from the Old and New Testaments, when God has a more tangible relationship with His people He speaks.

From the Old to New Testament, God’s people have heard God’s audible voice. However, there have also been many instances where God chose to speak in visions and dreams, even through natural elements to speak.

Rom 1:20  For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse. 

God once gave me an analogy about the dew on the morning grass, I’ve shared it many times, that clearly said to me that I must seek Him early in the morning. That’s my daily bread!

Are you ready for a 15 minute break?

Let’s take a look at the people God spoke to...

In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament):

Adam and Eve:

God speaks to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, addressing them after they eat the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3).

Abraham:

God speaks to Abraham multiple times:

Calls him to leave his homeland (Genesis 12).

Promises a son and descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15).

Announces the birth of Isaac (Genesis 17).

Commands the testing of Abraham's faith with the near-sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22).

Moses:

God speaks to Moses in the burning bush, commissioning him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3).

Communicates the Ten Commandments and other laws on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20). God says of Moses: Numbers 12:8 8“With him I speak mouth to mouth [directly], Clearly and openly and not in riddles; And he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?”

God has a conversation with Moses that transcends through scripture. Go to Exodus 19:5-6, Israel didn’t hear,

Isaiah 61:6 Israel still can’t hear, 1 Peter 2:9 we don’t hear; Revelation 1:6 God does with us through Christ what He had originally planned. Why did it take so long?

deaf ears.

Prophets:

God speaks to various prophets, conveying messages to the people. Examples include Isaiah's vision in the temple (Isaiah 6) and Jeremiah's call to be a prophet (Jeremiah 1).

David:

God speaks to David through the prophet Nathan, promising him an eternal dynasty (2 Samuel 7).

Solomon:

God communicates with Solomon, granting him wisdom and prosperity (1 Kings 3).

In the New Testament (Christianity):

Mary and Joseph:

The angel Gabriel speaks to Mary, announcing the virgin birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38).

An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife (Matthew 1:20).

Zacharias and Elizabeth:

The angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias, foretelling the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:5-23).

Well Pastor these were angels, good point, they are messenger angels that carry and relay the voice of God.

Jesus:

God speaks at Jesus' baptism, affirming His identity as the beloved Son (Matthew 3:17).

Transfiguration: God's voice is heard affirming Jesus on the mountain (Matthew 17:5).

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus speaks to individuals and crowds, delivering teachings, parables, and engaging in personal conversations.

Well Jesus is God Pastor. That’s very good insight.

Jesus came into the world fully God and fully man.

Philippians 2:6-8 The Message He had equal status with God but didn’t think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn’t claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.

What Jesus heard He heard through humanized ears and what He spoke was under the authority of His divine Father. So He spoke as God for He was eternally God the Son.

John 7:16 16 Jesus answered them by saying, “My teaching is not My own, but His who sent Me.

Apostles:

Jesus instructs the apostles, and after His resurrection, commissions them to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Paul:

Paul, formerly Saul, encounters the manifested vision of the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, and Jesus speaks to him, commissioning him for ministry (Acts 9:1-19).

In Mainstream Evangelical Christian Denominations: They believe that God continues to speak to individuals through prayer, the study of scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. While they don’t expect direct, audible communication as described in ancient scriptures, believers often seek a sense of God's will through personal reflection and spiritual discernment.

Charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity: Which we are emphasize the ongoing role of spiritual gifts, including prophecy and the speaking of God's messages through individuals under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

These instances I provided are a detailed look at the interactions between God and individuals in both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament within the Christian tradition. Each encounter serves a specific purpose, ranging from divine guidance and promises to the commissioning of individuals for significant roles in God's plan.

The basis and idea for this training is what Apostle always says.

My wife is always saying what?

What did God say.

I want to clarify some issues I have with that at times why?

She’s not wrong in her question to you, but I believe everyone doesn’t hear God’s voice, not because of a lack of ability or capacity.

There are four things that I want you to understand about hearing the voice of God.

Mercy. All who are hearing the Voice of God are hearing him through his mercies and nothing else.

Understanding.

Do you know that hearing the voice of God is your inheritance?

Do you also know that from the day that you were born Into a physical family, you are entitled as a child of that family to everything that your family enjoys.

The main problem lies in the fact that not all believers understand that hearing God's voice is a part of their right and privileges in God.

Unpreparedness. God wants to speak to you, but you might not be ready to hear Him, so he waits until you have grown a little more.

No matter how much you love a 2-year-old, would you give him a gun?

That would be a suicide mission because he can end up killing himself or somebody else. Just as we heard about just recently.

So, God chooses to wait until you have grown some more.

I will give you this practical example. I have a friend who didn’t hear the voice of God. When I inquired whether my friend hears the voice of God, the answer was no. So, we looked at some scriptures about hearing the voice of God.

When you feel as though you haven’t “heard from God,” open His Word. You can’t say God is not speaking, if you haven’t opened your Bible.

God is speaking or confirming His voice through His Word, it is the recorded words of God.

John 8:47 Whoever Belongs To God Hears What He Says

1Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

John 10:2-4 – The Sheep Listen To His Voice

The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice.

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

Isaiah 30:21 – You Will Hear A Voice Behind You

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

It’s not that God is not speaking, it’s that His voice isn’t being heard , by the things that hinder the voice of God from you.

Job 33:14 –

For God does speak — now one way, now another — though no one perceives it.

We serve a God who is personal and relational. Just like in any relationship communication is an important aspect through which we get to know each other, and how we remain connected. We speak to God through prayer, and though He can speak to us in different ways, the primary way God speaks to us today is through the Bible, His Holy Word. When you believe that you are hearing the voice of God, go to the word of God.

God’s rhema word will not contradict His logos word. But God won't speak to us if we have issues of disobedience in our lives.

If there is a lack of...

Spiritual Preparation

Understanding Consecration (Leviticus 20:7-8)

7 Sanctify yourselves therefore and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God.

8 And ye shall keep my statutes and do them: I am the Lord which sanctify you.

The concept of consecration, a process of dedicating oneself wholly to God. Leviticus 20:7-8 emphasizes the call for holiness among God's people. This passage serves as a foundational understanding, encouraging us to reflect on the importance of consecrating ourselves to draw nearer to God.

The goal is to establish a sacred connection that prepares the heart for divine communication.

Lack of...

Developing Spiritual Discernment

Meditating on God's Word (Psalm 119:105)

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105 beautifully illustrates the role of God's Word as a guiding light for our path. In this passage, we find the transformative power of immersing ourselves in Scripture.

you learn to meditate on key passages, gaining insights into God's character and cultivating spiritual discernment through the consistent study of His Word.

Lack of...

Practicing Silence and Solitude (Psalm 46:10)

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalm 46:10 encourages us to "be still and know that I am God." This scripture underscores the importance of creating intentional moments of silence and solitude.

if you discover the value of quieting external noise to listen attentively for God's voice, fostering a deep, focused communion with the divine Father.

Even Jesus practiced this model.

Mark 1:35

35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. That’s my personal favorite scripture text.

Journaling (Habakkuk 2:2)

And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Habakkuk 2:2 instructs us to "write down the revelation." Journaling becomes a vital tool in our walk, enabling us to document thoughts, impressions, and insights during our spiritual journey. The habit of journaling facilitates self-reflection, revealing patterns that align with God's truth and aiding in the discernment process.

Overcoming Obstacles to Hearing God

Discerning God from Self (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 guides us in understanding the distinction between divine conversations and personal desires through thought. This helps us surrender our agendas, and fostering a mindset of reliance on God's wisdom and understanding. Recognizing and overcoming personal biases is crucial for accurate spiritual discernment.

Dealing with Distractions (Mark 4:19)

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Mark 4:19 highlights the impact of distractions on spiritual growth. learning to identify and eliminate distractions that hinder spiritual focus. Strategies includes concentration during prayer and meditation, fostering an environment conducive to hearing God's voice clearly.

Testing the Spirits (1 John 4:1)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

The scripture in 1 John 4:1 instructs us to "test the spirits." We have to develop the ability to discern between the Holy Spirit and deceptive influences.

It emphasizes aligning discernment with biblical principles, ensuring that the guidance received is in harmony with God's truth.

It all should coincide with God’s word.

A Act17:11 mentality is needed to determine what being said lines up with what the word of God says...

Cultivating Obedience and Action

Immediate Obedience (John 10:27)

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

John 10:27 emphasizes the prompt response to God's voice. We are to develop the habit of immediate obedience, recognizing the correlation between responsiveness and continued clarity in hearing God.

Let me Remind you of the beginning Apostle and my relationship, when God said it was her that I was seeking, I didn’t waste a moment. I told her exactly what God told me.

I stopped in my tracks and turned around and spoke what God said to me.

I found a good thing in her and I’ve obtained favor.

Immediate Obedience becomes a key aspect of maintaining an open channel of communication with the Father.

Walking in Faith (Hebrews 11:6)

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 underscores the significance of faith in our spiritual journey. It urges us to embrace faith as we receive and act upon God's instructions. Stepping out in faith, even when your understanding may be limited, becomes a transformative aspect and reward of hearing God's voice with precision.

Fruitful Living (Galatians 5:22-23)

Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit. As we conclude this training, we are to connect the training to producing these fruits in our daily lives.

The emphasis is on aligning our actions and attitudes with claimed spiritual hearing, ensuring that the transformative power of hearing God is evident in a life characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

What did God Say?

Everybody doesn’t hear God’s voice, but everyone has the capacity and ability to hear.

Luke 11:28 –

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

16. Revelation 3:20 –

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

Hearing God’s voice is not reserved for the select few of His people Jesus says anyone.

Jeremiah 33:3 –

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Matthew 4:4 –

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

Discerning and hearing God’s voice goes beyond just prayers. It takes patience and lots of journeying with God to be able to hear Him.

Hearing God’s voice clearly means listening to pastors whom God really chooses as shepherds of His faith.

It means listening to the good counsel of our fellow believers in Christ.

He is always with us, no matter where we are or what situation we’re in. Remember Joseph wherever he was, whatever the situation he was in God was with him.

And His presence is always around us, and we only need to follow His voice..

From Today forward, if you hear God’s voice, whether audibly or not, remember that the Lord always speaks to us and reaches out for us. He speaks in many ways:

1) There is a definite distinction in the Voice of God.

2) The Voice of God is in the creation, and it speaks of His existence.

3) The Voice of God is in His Word, and it expounds in almost infinite detail about the things that we need to prepared for in the Kingdom of God.

4) The Voice of God is in His prophets and apostles, evangelist, Pastors and teachers.

5) The Voice of God is in His ministry we are called to, if we are speaking in agreement with the Voice of His Word.

So let’s respond to His outstretched hands with open hearts and ears to hear His voice.

Ask yourself are you preparing yourself to speak to and hear from God?

Let’s pray...