How does God communicate with us?

[BornAgain490]

18 minutes ago, RootedDude said:

Absolutely, that's such a powerful and faith-filled perspective! God’s ways are often unexpected and profoundly diverse, as He reaches us in ways we may not always anticipate. Throughout Scripture and in everyday life, we see God using a variety of people, situations, and even objects to communicate with His people—often in ways that surprise and humble us.

Here are some key biblical examples of this:

1. God Speaks Through People, Regardless of Status or Background

• Prophets and Kings: From Moses to David to the prophets, God used leaders, judges, and kings to speak to His people.
• Ordinary People: God often speaks through individuals we might overlook. When young Samuel heard God’s voice, Eli, the priest, had to guide him in recognizing that it was God speaking (1 Samuel 3).
• Unexpected Messengers: God used an unnamed servant girl to direct Naaman to the prophet Elisha for healing (2 Kings 5:1-14). This shows us that God can use anyone, regardless of status or prominence.

2. God Speaks Through Nature and Creation

• Psalm 19:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.” Nature itself reveals God’s power and glory, and sometimes a moment in nature—a sunrise, a storm, or a gentle breeze—can feel like God drawing our attention to His presence or His peace.
• Jesus often used parables rooted in creation, like seeds and harvests, to teach us about spiritual truths.

3. God Speaks Through Circumstances

• Sometimes, God allows circumstances to draw us closer to Him or teach us a particular lesson. While not every situation is orchestrated by God, He uses all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
• For example, in the story of Joseph, what his brothers meant for harm, God used for good, not only to save Joseph but to preserve an entire nation (Genesis 50:20).

4. God Speaks Through Unusual Means

• Balaam’s Donkey (Numbers 22): God even spoke through a donkey to get Balaam’s attention. This remarkable moment reminds us that God can use any means to reach us.
• Burning Bush (Exodus 3): God spoke to Moses through a burning bush, showing that He can use even the miraculous to communicate His purpose.

5. God Speaks Through His Word and the Holy Spirit

• Scripture: God’s written Word is one of His most profound ways of speaking to us, revealing His nature, promises, and guidance.
• Holy Spirit: Jesus told us the Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Sometimes God speaks directly to our hearts through the Spirit’s quiet prompting.

The Key: A Heart Willing to Listen

• As you rightly said, the most important part is to listen. When we’re attuned to God’s voice—open and expectant—He can speak to us in any situation. Listening is both a posture of humility and a way of honoring God’s diverse ways of communicating with us.
• James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, promising that He will give it generously. A listening heart seeks God in all things, open to hearing Him in unexpected ways.

This openness to hear God’s voice wherever He chooses to speak demonstrates a deep trust in His wisdom and a readiness to follow His leading. It’s a beautiful way to walk in faith!

This is my opinion. And my perspective of course.

God's plan for our lives is greater than that which any man, or group of men, could ever come up with.  Trust in Him.  Amen. 

[Annisissy]

1 hour ago, RootedDude said:

Absolutely, that's such a powerful and faith-filled perspective! God’s ways are often unexpected and profoundly diverse, as He reaches us in ways we may not always anticipate. Throughout Scripture and in everyday life, we see God using a variety of people, situations, and even objects to communicate with His people—often in ways that surprise and humble us.

Here are some key biblical examples of this:

1. God Speaks Through People, Regardless of Status or Background

• Prophets and Kings: From Moses to David to the prophets, God used leaders, judges, and kings to speak to His people.
• Ordinary People: God often speaks through individuals we might overlook. When young Samuel heard God’s voice, Eli, the priest, had to guide him in recognizing that it was God speaking (1 Samuel 3).
• Unexpected Messengers: God used an unnamed servant girl to direct Naaman to the prophet Elisha for healing (2 Kings 5:1-14). This shows us that God can use anyone, regardless of status or prominence.

2. God Speaks Through Nature and Creation

• Psalm 19:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.” Nature itself reveals God’s power and glory, and sometimes a moment in nature—a sunrise, a storm, or a gentle breeze—can feel like God drawing our attention to His presence or His peace.
• Jesus often used parables rooted in creation, like seeds and harvests, to teach us about spiritual truths.

3. God Speaks Through Circumstances

• Sometimes, God allows circumstances to draw us closer to Him or teach us a particular lesson. While not every situation is orchestrated by God, He uses all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
• For example, in the story of Joseph, what his brothers meant for harm, God used for good, not only to save Joseph but to preserve an entire nation (Genesis 50:20).

4. God Speaks Through Unusual Means

• Balaam’s Donkey (Numbers 22): God even spoke through a donkey to get Balaam’s attention. This remarkable moment reminds us that God can use any means to reach us.
• Burning Bush (Exodus 3): God spoke to Moses through a burning bush, showing that He can use even the miraculous to communicate His purpose.

5. God Speaks Through His Word and the Holy Spirit

• Scripture: God’s written Word is one of His most profound ways of speaking to us, revealing His nature, promises, and guidance.
• Holy Spirit: Jesus told us the Spirit would guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Sometimes God speaks directly to our hearts through the Spirit’s quiet prompting.

The Key: A Heart Willing to Listen

• As you rightly said, the most important part is to listen. When we’re attuned to God’s voice—open and expectant—He can speak to us in any situation. Listening is both a posture of humility and a way of honoring God’s diverse ways of communicating with us.
• James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, promising that He will give it generously. A listening heart seeks God in all things, open to hearing Him in unexpected ways.

This openness to hear God’s voice wherever He chooses to speak demonstrates a deep trust in His wisdom and a readiness to follow His leading. It’s a beautiful way to walk in faith!

This is my opinion. And my perspective of course.

Amen and THANK YOU for your comments and Bible references  I also believe that with God ALL THINGS are possible,  including the way He chooses to speak to us😊

[Sower]

2 hours ago, BornAgain490 said:

When dreams and visions are of God, and there is no command to remain silent, revelation of said dreams and visions would of necessity be to the brethren for the very reason of exhorting and edifying the brethren.

I confess I personally do not have perfect understanding of dreams and visions for today, nor telling others of that experience or not. I do know my personal experience of when our new music minister began telling different members in private of his having received a word directly from God for those certain people. Our church does not believe what he was doing was scriptural, but the new pastor did, meetings ensued and the church had it's first split in the 125 yrs of existence.

Those who left with the pastor started a new church and within two months ran off the music director. However, A new church was started, so God works in mysterious ways, and all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

[BornAgain490]

19 minutes ago, Sower said:

I confess I personally do not have perfect understanding of dreams and visions for today, nor telling others of that experience or not. I do know my personal experience of when our new music minister began telling different members in private of his having received a word directly from God for those certain people. Our church does not believe what he was doing was scriptural, but the new pastor did, meetings ensued and the church had it's first split in the 125 yrs of existence.

Those who left with the pastor started a new church and within two months ran off the music director. However, A new church was started, so God works in mysterious ways, and all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

Yes, I suppose when one becomes dogmatic relative to a biblical doctrine that may have beloved brethren diametrically positioned, division may result.  It happens in almost every congregation that takes Bible study very serious.  However, in congregations that don't emphasize Bible study, but emphasize reliance on its prophets and teacher/preacher, like the cults (LDS, JW's SDA, CS, RCC, Talmudic Judaism, et al)  then their congregants don't get fed truth, but get fed antichristian indoctrination. 

[farouk]

On 11/3/2024 at 2:51 PM, Cyoder said:

I wish God would communicate more directly.  I've never heard a voice or felt a presence. God has never talked to me.  Since I've turned back to God, I have really only had one experience where I thought God was listening.  I went hiking with my wife and my two dogs.  We were about a mile from the car in the middle of thousands of acres of woods. My dogs ALWAYS stay right with me.  All I have to do is say their name once and they immediately come back.  My youngest dog just took off.  At the time, I was really struggling with depression, and that dog was the one thing that always gave me joy.  We hiked for about an hour calling her name and couldn't find her.  My wife decided to head back to the car to see if was there.  After my wife left, I was really upset.  I continued hiking and yelling.  Finally, I sat down on a log and just started crying.  I started praying.  I begged God to please let me find my dog, how much she meant to me and to please let me find her.  How she wasn't just a dog but is my best friend and how lonely I would be without her in my life.  My wife works a lot, and I end up spending a lot of time alone.  Two seconds later my phone rang.  My wife found my dog.  I think about that every time I have doubt or trouble with faith.  It could have been coincidence, but I don't believe that.

Other than that, I've only felt what I believe to be God's presence.  I feel it with stunning natural beauty like when I was in the mountains of Montana and when I'm at church.  Just an overwhelming feeling of peace and awe. 

I never considered Satan's influence.  I've done some awful things in my life.  I never attributed them to anyone else but me.  Lust, addictions, anger, selfishness I own them all.  I actually hope Satan was involved; it would make me feel a little better about myself.  I just don't believe that to be true, it was me.  Maybe Satan's influence on the world made those things more acceptable and somehow normal to me?  I am truly struggling with faith.  I pray several times a day, go to church when I can and listen to the Bible most days.  I'm hoping for some miraculous change.  I'll keep working at it.  I just want to know in my heart, without a doubt I am saved.  I don't have that feeling yet.

Hi @Cyoder It's interesting that for example in Jeremiah 10.13, the order is God speaking and His creatures needing to listen:

"Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you"....

 

cc @Annisissy

Edited November 8, 2024 by farouk

[other one]

After thinking about the OP for a while, I have come to the conclusion from personal experience that it makes a huge difference fi we are actually listening or not.   If not he can get quite alarming with his communications and in some cases quite hurtful both spiritually and physically.

[farouk]

31 minutes ago, other one said:

After thinking about the OP for a while, I have come to the conclusion from personal experience that it makes a huge difference fi we are actually listening or not.   If not he can get quite alarming with his communications and in some cases quite hurtful both spiritually and physically.

The cultural background in the West is that students are so widely encouraged to "express themselves"............ Actually learning usable facts is sometimes seen as secondary.

This mindset should not be applied to reading the Bible.

[Gracejj]

On 11/3/2024 at 9:25 AM, Neighbor said:

God communicates in simple conversation too.  God listens; have a little talk with Jesus. I think He is a good listener, really good in fact. Ask of him some questions too.

"Lord how is it between you and me? Is there something I need  be doing, anything I need be about not doing anymore or changing my approach to doing? "

Love it!! I am always down for the good old simple conversation with God. Like that bestie that you always reach out to share & ask everything & anything. 

[christsavedme]

On 11/2/2024 at 11:50 PM, missmuffet said:

God communicates with us by:

1. The Bible

2. Nature

3. Prayer

4. The Holy Spirit

5. Other born again believers

6. Our conscience.

Satan harasses us by:

1. Temptation

2. The flesh

3.Deception

4.Doubt

5. Unbelievers

I find this topic fascinating and complex.

Historically these ideas have deep roots in Christian tradition, though their expression has evolved over time. The concept of divine communication through scripture, nature, and personal experience has been a cornerstone of Catholic theology for centuries.

Psychologically these categorizations reflect common human experiences of spiritual connection and moral struggle. The listed methods of divine communication often align with sources of comfort, guidance, and ethical reinforcement in many people's lives. Conversely, the "harassment" list touches on universal human challenges like temptation, self-doubt, and social pressure.

But I must note that this stark division between divine and satanic influences is a relatively modern, often Protestant-influenced view. Traditional Catholic theology tends to have a more nuanced understanding of spiritual warfare and temptation.

 I'm intrigued by how these beliefs might shape one's perception of daily experiences and moral choices. They provide a framework for interpreting both positive and negative aspects of life, which can be psychologically powerful.

What are your thoughts on this, my friend? I'd be curious to hear how these ideas resonate with your own experiences and beliefs.

[Gracejj]

On 11/3/2024 at 11:51 AM, Cyoder said:

I just want to know in my heart, without a doubt I am saved.  I don't have that feeling yet.

@Cyoder ,

I am just going to share what I learned through out this Journey of following Jesus. Hope it resonates with you,if its already something you knew then its all good. 

There have been times when God's answers to the prayers have been instant, whenever I would surround with doubts and asking God directly "what is this mean or sometimes I wouldn't even ask,  I'll just wonder 🤔,  lo and behold the following Sunday at church(i try to go regularly) the pastor would be speaking about that scripture and explaining it or he will share and explain things that i was wondering about. So one thing was clear to me that God still speak through His words and He always hears our prayers or whatever we wonder about Him and His ways. But also, in the past, there has been many times where I felt like Jospeh stranded in a pit and no one is around to get me out of there or even hear my voice. I felt alone, i didn't even feel God's presence, felt nothing, no feeling of if God is listening or not, one or two times i even have thoughts of am I even saved? 

But fast forward during those moment actually God was there this whole time, teaching me to stop being baby and become mature in relationship with him.  I learned that bcos we are in this world, we will have troubles (as Jesus warned us), bcos of that our flesh would want to do its own thing, when we are week we are strong in Him. We have to leave all our senses behind and depend on the Faith that God has gifted us with. Feelings will go and come. We can't depend on our feelings in order to connect to God, we have to connect to Him through faith, that it doesn't matter what we feel or not feel that God is here with me bcos He has said so, I'll never leave you not forsake you.  God has done His part and it is finished!! Now we need to listen, draw near and hangout with Him and incline our Spiritual ears to Him more often. So, that was my moment of learning that i shouldn't depend on feelings but through faith i should have confidence in God that He is with me.  If you have accepted Jesus as your savior in your life. You are saved. But yes It does takes time to learn to get hold of feelings and thoughts and bring them under and submit them under the authority of Christ, sometimes we fail too but HALLELUJAH we serve merciful God and His love endures forever, He would leave the 99🐑 to come and get us back to His fold. 🙌

Shalom!!