Reigners Radio

Direction Most of us have put such an emphasis on being in the center of the divine will of God that we lose the peace and rest that comes from letting Him guide us as He chooses. His purpose, His goal is not that we make the “right” choice or decision, but that we depend on Him to reveal what that decision is. As we mature in rest we will more and more find ourselves making decisions and choices without realizing it; not until after we find ourselves traveling in a new direction will we even notice, for our eyes and ears will be upon Him, not on our surroundings. Confirmation One of the benefits of gaining the confidence of knowing that we are hearing the Lord’s voice is we will become less dependent on the need for confirmation. As we begin, the Lord knows we need this encouragement, and will use confirmation, giving a sign in some way, for instance, that what we’ve heard or understood is from Him. Part of the process of learning to hear is not only testing what we hear, but also how it is confirmed; the

Direction One of the main ways the Lord gets our attention, to draw us to Him, is by putting us in positions where we need to make a decision or choice. Most of us have put such an emphasis on being in the center of the divine will of God that we lose the peace and rest that comes from letting Him guide us as He chooses. His purpose, His goal is not that we make the “right” choice or decision, but that we depend on Him to reveal what that decision is. As we mature in rest we will more and more find ourselves making decisions and choices without realizing it; not until after we find ourselves traveling in a new direction will we even notice, for our eyes and ears will be upon Him, not on our surroundings. Confirmation One of the benefits of gaining the confidence of knowing that we are hearing the Lord’s voice is we will become less dependent on the need for confirmation. As we begin, the Lord knows we need this encouragement, and will use confirmation, giving a sign in some way, for instance, that what we’

Specific There are, of course, times when we will be able to identify a specific message or idea from the Lord. Sometimes I marvel at the level of detail God can communicate; think of the direction Moses received concerning the tabernacle and priesthood, and the mathematical and construction details relayed to Noah for the ark. And both of these guys lived before the Resurrection! We have so much more available to us today—we have the Living Christ dwelling and speaking within us. Don’t be surprised if the Lord begins to find ways to stretch your hearing to accommodate His details, whether in financial matters (how much should I pay for this?), travel (when, where, for how long, with whom), or any matter that may arise. Direction One of the main ways the Lord gets our attention, to draw us to Him, is by putting us in positions where we need to make a decision or choice. Most of us have put such an emphasis on being in the center of the divine will of God that we lose the peace and rest that comes from lett

Understanding (recognition of WHAT is being said, by revelation and experience) Once we realize it is indeed the Lord speaking to us, the next task is identifying what He is saying to us. Over time we will begin to become familiar with the way He speaks to us individually, but at first, as our confidence is nurtured by the Spirit, it is often helpful to approach this aspect of training fairly objectively. Keeping a record, or talking it over with a trusted friend may be helpful. There’s no rush; God’s goal is relationship with you, not holding it against you that you may not hear Him as accurately as you’d like. General God is speaking to us 24/7/365 in our spirit. What is He saying? Very often, it’s the same things that we speak to our family and friends about on a regular basis—what’s going on in our life, what are we going to do today, how much He loves us. He doesn’t want us to “over-react” to what He says to us; He’s usually not that dramatic. We find that as we are tuned to His voice, most of what we

Practical exercise in hearing God using the example of asking Him if / how to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Questions answered at dianne@thereignersclub.org?

The enemy is subtle, and will often speak to us in phrases we use ourselves. The above test, “Is that You, Lord,” will likely expose him, though it may take several times applying the test. That’s fine with the Lord; He wants us to grow in confidence and authority. The enemy is NO HINDRANCE to hearing from the Lord, as he is a conquered enemy. God has left him here, though, to reveal where we are wounded and living out of our flesh, and to teach us how to overcome (how to hear the voice of the Lord). Just because you’re hearing the voice of the enemy doesn’t mean you’ve missed God or are in some kind of dire straits. It simply means God has placed an opportunity before you to overcome the enemy by standing on your authority and commanding him to skedaddle or to reveal a wound so you can get healed. Either way, his presence in your life is allowed by God and serves His, and your, purpose for that time. As we learn to IDENTIFY the voice of the Lord, we will also be learning to discern if what we are hearing an

Being able to distinguish between our own thoughts, thoughts the enemy may speak to us and the thoughts of the Lord is a long-term process that begins with becoming aware of what we are thinking. We will likely find that we have a thought-life that is flesh-based rather than Life-based. But if we are going to hear from the Lord, as He cleans out our ears we will likely have to lay aside that which interferes with our hearing to begin with.  The Voice of the Butcher The enemy is subtle, and will often speak to us in phrases we use ourselves. The test, “Is that You, Lord,” will likely expose him with some effort. That’s fine with the Lord; He wants us to grow in confidence and authority. The enemy is NO HINDRANCE to hearing from the Lord, as he is a conquered enemy. God has left him here, though, to reveal where we are wounded and living out of our flesh, and to teach us how to overcome (how to hear the voice of the Lord). Just because you’re hearing the voice of the enemy doesn’t mean you’ve missed God or ar

Most of us are totally unaware of what we are thinking, feeling, or even how we make decisions. So part of the training that God puts us through is for the purpose of bringing these to the surface, so we can objectively evaluate the source. That which is Life will stand the light of day, but we must also be willing to change our beliefs. We will likely find that we have a thought-life that is flesh-based rather than Life-based. We think thoughts that keep our flesh in control, which keeps us protected and comfortable. But if we are going to hear from the Lord, as He cleans out our ears we will likely have to lay aside that which interferes with our hearing to begin with. Environmental influences (what we read, listen to and say) and internal dialogues (what we spend our time thinking, and affirming to ourselves) will be evaluated over time, with the Lord’s direction, to separate life from waste. The Voice of the Butcher The enemy is subtle, and will often speak to us in phrases we use ourselves. The above

Talking to Your Self Being able to distinguish between our own thoughts, thoughts the enemy may speak to us and the thoughts of the Lord is a long-term process that begins with becoming aware of what we are thinking. Most of us are totally unaware of what we are thinking, feeling, or even how we make decisions. So part of the training that God puts us through is for the purpose of bringing these to the surface, so we can objectively evaluate the source. That which is Life will stand the light of day; but we must also be willing to change our beliefs. We will likely find that we have a thought-life that is flesh-based rather than Life-based. We think thoughts that keep our flesh in control, which keeps us protected and comfortable. But if we are going to hear from the Lord, as He cleans out our ears we will likely have to lay aside that which interferes with our hearing to begin with. Environmental influences (what we read, listen to and say) and internal dialogues (what we spend our time thinking, and affir

1. Identification (WHO is talking) Ears to Hear Whatever the condition of your hearing, ask God to give you ears that hear, and a heart to respond. We often miss the connection between the circumstances in our life and direction from the Lord simply because we have a preconceived idea of what and how the Lord speaks. “Is That You, Lord?” Remind yourself that knowing God is simple; we often want to make it complex for reasons of control of others or to keep from changing our own beliefs or experiencing the pain that accompanies getting healed. But this is really the sum of hearing: asking, “God, is that You?” We can come up with all kinds of guidelines (which may be helpful), but the bottom line is the answer to that question. Say you hear (in whatever sense) what you believe to be the Lord. You ask, “Is that You, Lord?” You hear, “Yes.” How do you know this is the Lord? There are two voices that speak to the sheep: the butcher and the shepherd. Is the voice you’re hearing reflecting the qualities of the

Discerning the Voice of the Lord 1. Identification (WHO is talking) Ears to Hear The first step in hearing the voice of the Lord is recognizing that you are hearing something! This may involve the Lord cleaning out your ears, and perhaps clearing away some wounds and beliefs that are keeping you from hearing clearly. Whatever the condition of your hearing, ask God to give you ears that hear, and a heart to respond. We often miss the connection between the circumstances in our life and direction from the Lord simply because we have a preconceived idea of what and how the Lord speaks. “Is That You, Lord?” Remind yourself that knowing God is simple; we often want to make it complex for reasons of control of others or to keep from changing our own beliefs or experiencing the pain that accompanies getting healed. But this is really the sum of hearing: asking, “God, is that You?” We can come up with all kinds of guidelines, but the bottom line is the answer to that question. Say you hear what you believe to b

3. Cultivation If we really want to be able to recognize the Lord’s voice, we will have to make lifestyle changes, rearranging our schedule and beliefs to make room for Him first. The more time and attention we give to God, the more fine-tuned our senses become to His leading. He reveals Himself, we spend time with Him, then we begin to act on what we’ve heard. As we test what we’re hearing, His voice will likely change in character. His direction, encouragement and comfort is likely to become unspoken and subtle the more intimate our relationship with Him becomes. The more we work to know Him, and labor to enter into His rest, the fewer specific words are needed. Discerning the Voice of the Lord His voice has been revealed to our spirit, and our spirit is perfectly communicating with His Spirit at all times. Let’s assume we have decided that we want a more intimate knowledge of Him and want to be able to hear Him more clearly and more often in our conscious awareness. We decide we want to cultivate, put t

3. Cultivation If we really want to be able to recognize the Lord’s voice, we will have to make lifestyle changes, rearranging our schedule and beliefs to make room for Him first. The more time and attention we give to God, the more fine-tuned our senses become to His leading. Discerning the Voice of the Lord Now that we know the stages in developing our ability to hear, we can look practically at learning how to recognize His voice for ourselves. Spend time with the Lord, both throughout the day and at specific times we’ve set aside, so you can objectively evaluate what you are sensing, discerning and hearing: 1. Identification (WHO is talking) Ears to Hear The first step in hearing the voice of the Lord is recognizing that you are hearing something! This may involve the Lord cleaning out your ears, and perhaps clearing away some wounds and beliefs that are keeping you from hearing clearly. “Is That You, Lord?” Remind yourself that knowing God is simple; we often want to make it complex for reasons

If we really want to be able to recognize the Lord’s voice, we will have to make lifestyle changes, rearranging our schedule and beliefs to make room for Him first. The more time and attention we give to God, the more fine-tuned our senses become to His leading. He reveals Himself, we spend time with Him, then we begin to act on what we’ve heard. As we test what we’re hearing, His voice will likely change in character. His direction, encouragement and comfort is likely to become unspoken and subtle the more intimate our relationship with Him becomes. The more we work to know Him, and labor to enter into His rest, the fewer specific words are needed. Now that we know the stages in developing our ability to hear, we can look practically at learning how to recognize His voice for ourselves. His voice has been revealed to our spirit, and our spirit is perfectly communicating with His Spirit at all times. Let’s assume we have decided that we want a more intimate knowledge of Him and want to be able to hear Him m

1. Revelation The process of hearing the voice of the Lord begins with Revelation. Unless God chooses to make Himself known, we cannot of ourselves hear His voice. Thankfully, part of His gift of grace at salvation is exactly that: when He re-created us, He revealed Himself to our spirit. The process now involves His voice being revealed from His Spirit through our spirit to our soul. If you are a believer, God has already revealed Himself to you and given you the ability to hear and recognize His voice. 2. Association Once we realize that because we are now In Christ we are already hearing God in our spirit, we can fine-tune that ability in the soulical realm by hanging out with God. Like learning to speak a new language, the best way is to actually move to that country. How do sheep learn to recognize the voice of their Shepherd? Just by being with Him, spending time thinking, listening, acknowledging that every circumstance in our life is from Him and a way He speaks to us, will quicken our ability to h

5.    ASK! God will give you a hunger that will not be satisfied with anything less than His best. 6.    Be Bold! Any interest you feel at any time in knowing God IS FROM HIM! Any desire to know Him is of divine origin, and therefore contains the divine guarantee of its fruition. 3 Principle Means of Learning to Hear 1. Revelation The process of hearing the voice of the Lord begins with Revelation. Unless God chooses to make Himself known, we cannot of ourselves hear His voice. Thankfully, part of His gift of grace at salvation is exactly that: when He re-created us, He revealed Himself to our spirit. The process now involves His voice being revealed from His Spirit through our spirit to our soul. If you are a believer, God has already revealed Himself to you and given you the ability to hear and recognize His voice. 2. Association Once we realize that because we are now In Christ we are already hearing God in our spirit, we can fine-tune that ability in the soulical realm by hanging out with God. Like

4.    Rest: Be patient, confident and dependent. The timing of the process is in God’s hands. Your success in this is not judged by how well you think you are doing, how clearly you think you are hearing from Him or anything else for that matter. Anxiety is a signal you are trying to do God’s job. Your success is based on being dependent on Him to make Himself clear. To hurry God is to find fault with Him. 5.    ASK! God will give you a hunger that will not be satisfied with anything less than His best. He gives us a hunger by giving us a personal encounter, rather than inspiring or motivating through providing a goal or presenting a need. He desires to speak with us face-to-face, now. Drop your expectation of what hearing God will be like; you are in a unique relationship with Him, and He will reveal Himself how and when He chooses. God will give you experiences you can not anticipate. 6.    Be Bold! Any interest you feel at any time in knowing God IS FROM HIM! THE GUARANTEE THAT IT WILL BE FULFILLED IS CO

3.    Develop your soulical senses. Once we experience salvation, we become a new creature, a new being that has never lived this life before. Part of that new life is that we are learning how to live using new spiritual senses, which in turn activate, or give true life to, both supernatural and natural senses. The more time we spend with God, the more our spirit is given the opportunity to bring our other senses into alignment so that, over time, direct communication can occur from God’s Spirit to our spirit, to our soul, to our body. We become united, whole and complete in Him, and can hear, know, and experience Him completely. 4.    Rest: Be patient, confident and dependent. The timing of the process is in God’s hands. Your success in this is not judged by how well you think you are doing, how clearly you think you are hearing from Him or anything else for that matter. Anxiety is a signal you are trying to do God’s job. Your success is based on being dependent on Him to make Himself clear. Can you let Him

1.    We can’t hear God without His help. 2.    Commit to waiting on Him, for Him and with Him. The goal of hearing is to KNOW God, not just to hear Him more clearly. Often part of our struggle to hear Him is that we have a misunderstanding of what God may say to us. He wants to speak to us because He wants to speak to us, not merely to correct us in some way. As we commit our time and attention to hearing Him, He turns every circumstance in our lives into a teaching opportunity. 3.    Develop your soulical senses. The more time we spend with God, the more our spirit is given the opportunity to bring our other senses into alignment so that, over time, direct communication can occur from God’s Spirit, to our spirit, to our soul, to our body. We become united, whole and complete in Him, and can hear, know, and experience Him completely. God is always speaking to us, and our confidence will grow as we experience His Life. 4.    Rest: Be patient, confident and dependent. The timing of the process is in God’s h

1.    Recognize that we can’t hear from God without His help. We’ve seen how He has already removed all obstacles, but He also does the enabling in us, providing the teaching, opportunity, encouragement and confirmation we need. He’s already given us ears to hear, a mind that understands and a heart to respond. 2.    Commit to waiting on Him, for Him and with Him. The goal of hearing is to KNOW God, not just to hear Him more clearly. He wants to speak to us because He wants to speak to us, not merely to correct us in some way. As we commit our time and attention to hearing Him, He turns every circumstance in our lives into a teaching opportunity. 3.    Develop your soulical senses. The more time we spend with God, the more our spirit is given the opportunity to bring our other senses into alignment so that, over time, direct communication can occur from God’s Spirit, to our spirit, to our soul, to our body. God is always speaking to us, and our confidence will grow as we experience His Life. 4.    Rest: Be