What are the ways God can speak to you?

There are eight major categories from the Scripture.

1. Through the Word of God

Proverbs 4:20-22 (NKJV): My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV): All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

John 1:1-3 (NKJV): In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

2. Through thoughts and impressions while praying

1 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NKJV): But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 

3. Through dreams and visions

Matthew 2:13-14 (NKJV): Now when they (wise men from the east) had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him." When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod...

Acts 9:10-12 (NKJV): Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight."

Daniel 7:1-3 (NKJV): In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed... Daniel spoke, saying, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other."

4. Through your conscience or inner witness

Romans 2:14-15 (NLT): Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right.

5. Through God’s voice

1 Kings 19:11-13 (NKJV): Then He said, "Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

6. Through prophecies given to you

1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 (Amplified): Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken revelations - words of instruction or exhortation or warning]. But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it].

7. Through angels

Acts 10:3-8 (NKJV): About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, "Cornelius!" And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, "What is it, lord?" So he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do." And when the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among those who waited on him continually. So when he had explained all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

8. Through circumstances or happenings in life

Matthew 10:11-13 (NKJV): "Now whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you." 

Acts 16:6-7 (NKJV): Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.

Prayer with you: "O LORD God, You love to speak to us. You always want to show us Your will, Your direction and Your plans for each of us Your beloved. Sensitize our spirit to receive from You. Sensitize, clean and clear our 'spiritual antenna' to receive all that You want to show us and tell us, every step of the way, and in every season of our lives. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."

Click here to watch the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

The end is going to be good!

As I was seeking the LORD for the message for this week, this is what He says: "Many of My people are hurting. Many of My people are disappointed. But bless one another, not curse."

Indeed, this is a time to bless one another in the Body of Christ. There's been too much division in the Body of Christ recently, and everywhere you see God's people 'drawing swords against one another'. 

The LORD is also saying to 'stop shooting at one another', lest the whole Body of Christ will implode. This is an urgent and important message. The real enemy is not within, but outside the Body of Christ.

It is better to choose to walk in humility, rather than to be forced to walk in humiliation one day. You see, there is a difference between 'walking in humility' and 'walking in humiliation'.

Ephesians 4:2 (Amplified) says, 'With all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love'.

Ephesians 4:2 (Expanded) says, 'Always be [or Be completely] humble, gentle, and patient, accepting [putting up/bearing with] each other in love'.

This is also a time to bless your nation. Pray that God will teach and guide your nation's leaders to do the right thing and have divine wisdom to make the right decisions.

We all may have differing political views (that is our right, and that is everyone's right), but God is the One who raises up and God is the One who pulls down. He knows what He allows to happen and what He doesn't allow to happen. He is, after all, a Sovereign God. He knows what He is doing. He sees further than anyone of us human can.

1 Timothy 2:8 (Expanded) says, 'So, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up their hands in a holy manner [their hands in reverence; holy hands], without anger and arguments [quarreling; disputing]'.

1 Timothy 2:8 (ESV) says, 'I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling...'

Let's go to Daniel chapter 7 now. This is an important chapter to read in this time and season. In this article, I shall write about the fourth beast (signifying the fourth kingdom), because we are still living in this time of the fourth kingdom, before the coming of the Ancient of Days (the LORD our God) to rule and reign forever and ever.

Daniel 7:19-22 (ESV) says, 'Then I desired to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrifying, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze, and which devoured and broke in pieces and stamped what was left with its feet, and about the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn that came up and before which three of them fell, the horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and that seemed greater than its companions. As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom'.

You see, all the kingdoms of this earth come and go. These kingdoms are not permanent. They rise and they fall. Look at the Babylonian kingdom. Look at the Medo-Persian kingdom. Look at the Greek kingdom. But the time is coming when the kingdom that the LORD shall establish is forever and ever.

Daniel 7:23-25 (ESV) says, 'As for the fourth beast, there shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all the kingdoms, and it shall devour the whole earth, and trample it down, and break it to pieces. As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them; he shall be different from the former ones, and shall put down three kings. He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time'.

This fourth kingdom is the current kingdom on this earth, that speak 'pompous words' against the Most High God, wear out the saints (persecuting God's people), and even think to change the times and law of the LORD our God.

But let's see what happens next. 

Daniel 7:26-27 (ESV) says, 'But the court (of heaven) shall sit in judgment, and his (fourth kingdom's) dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end. And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; His kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.'

In the end, God's kingdom shall rule and reign, and His kingdom shall be the everlasting kingdom. Mark these words: This kingdom shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High. And who are these 'saints of the Most High'? You and I who are in Christ!

Daniel saw all these long before our time. Daniel saw the sovereignty of the LORD, and that the LORD sees the end from the very beginning.

You see, it is so important to persevere in times like these and keep your eyes fixed on what the Word of God says, because the end is going to be good!  

James 1:2-4 (Expanded) says, 'My brothers and sisters [fellow believers], when you have many kinds of troubles [trials; testing], you should be full of joy [consider it all/pure joy], because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience [perseverance; endurance]. [And] Let your patience [perseverance; endurance] show itself perfectly in what you do [have its full effect; finish its work]. Then you will be perfect and complete [mature and whole; or completely mature] and will have everything you need [lack nothing]'.

In other words, to persevere through difficult times will cause you to come to a place of greater spiritual maturity.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) says, 'Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God'.

Let us pray:

"O LORD God, we ask for Your divine encouragement and divine touch in a time like this, when there's so much uncertainty about the future. We know You are a Sovereign God and You are still in control. You see further than anyone on earth can see, and You know the end from the beginning. Therefore, we take heart in this truth, and we take courage, knowing that You already have the ultimate victory for us, your saints. In Jesus' name. Amen."

Click here to watch the full video in TiC YouTube Channel

How do you hear from God?

Many people ask us these questions:

- How do you hear from God?

- How do you know what is from God and what is not?

There is really no method or 'magic formula' when it comes to hearing from God. 

But there is one key. And that key is called 'familiarity'. Familiar with His voice, just like in the natural realm, you are familiar with your loved ones’ voice or family's voice (even without you seeing that person talking in front of you physically).

I would suggest that you read about the life of Elijah in the Bible (1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 2). Elijah was a prime example of someone who walked with God closely and who was familiar with God's voice, every step of the way. 

How do you become familiar with your loved ones’ voice or family’s voice?

Answer: You grow up with them. You live with them. You are in it together with them, every step of the way. The same it is spiritually with your walk with God. You grow to recognize His voice because you have been walking closely with Him.

To grow to recognize His voice involves humility (on your part) to receive from Him (even to receive His correction), and to be more sensitive to feel how He feels. You will know when He is happy and you will know when He is not so happy (i.e. grieved) whenever you say (or do) something. You will know what breaks His heart and you will know what doesn't break His heart. 

The above is the entrance to the realm of hearing Him correctly.

As I have mentioned just now, there is really no method or 'magic formula' when it comes to hearing from God, just like there is no such method or 'magic formula' how you grow to know more about one another in your family. You simply grow up with them and live with them!

However, here are some daily practices or daily lifestyles that you may adopt moment by moment, day by day, as you grow to hear from Him:

1. Familiarity with His voice

2. Intimacy with Him

3. Walk closely with Him

4. Being quiet in His presence

5. Shut off the voices and noises of the world

6. Grow in your walk with Him

7. Humble yourself before Him

8. Be willing to be corrected by Him

9. Be sensitive to His feelings 

10. Have the revelation that He wants to and loves to speak to you

Click here to watch the full video of this teaching in YouTube

Receive priestly blessing to start your new year!

Numbers 6:22-26 (NKJV): And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: "The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."'

Numbers 6:24 (NKJV): "The LORD bless you and keep you..."

The word 'bless' here is 'barak' in Hebrew, and it means 'to kneel (in order to bless)'. This speaks of your Heavenly Father kneeling in front of you, making Himself available to you, like a good father on earth kneeling before his child in order to minister and bestow good things to his child.

The word 'keep' here is 'shamar' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'to hedge, to protect, to watch, to attend to, to guard, to surround (with divine embrace), to preserve'. This speaks of God's divine protection over you, guarding and keeping you in His divine embrace, so that no weapon formed against you shall prosper.

Numbers 6:25a (NKJV): "The LORD make His face shine upon you..."

The word 'face' here is 'paniym' in Hebrew, and this speaks of 'His front, His countenance'. This speaks of Him looking at you with favor, instead of turning His back against you. 

The word 'shine' here is 'owr' in Hebrew, and this means 'to show light, to give light, to let His glory fall (on you)'. In other words, His face illuminates (supplies light, brightens with light) on you, bringing light and brightness to your life.

Numbers 6:25b (NKJV): "And be gracious to you..."

The word 'gracious' here is 'chanan' in Hebrew, and it can mean either of these: 

(a) to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior;

(b) to favor, to bestow favor and mercy.

Indeed, He is the 'superior' and we are the 'inferior'. He is the Creator and we are the creation. He is God and we are not. Yet, He loves you so much that He would bend or stoop to show kindness to you. Your Heavenly Father is looking into your eyes and smiling at you, because He has pleasure in seeing you walking in His grace and His truth.

Numbers 6:26a (NKJV): "The LORD lift up His countenance upon you..."

The word 'lift up' here is 'nasa' in Hebrew, and it means 'to bring forth, to lift up (and carry you)'. You see, He doesn't just lift you up, but He also carries you in His arms, like a good father on earth lifting up and carrying his beloved child. 

Therefore, of whom shall you fear on earth? 

Numbers 6:26b (NKJV): "And give you peace..."

The word 'peace' here is 'shalowm' in Hebrew. It can mean 'peace, happiness, health, prosperity, safety, wholeness, wellness'. As you can see, 'peace' here isn't just about the absence of war or absence of fighting on earth. It is much, much more than that. It means your Heavenly Father is setting in place all you need to be whole and well, to be healthy and prosperous, to be safe and happy, so you can walk in victory on earth. It is supernatural peace. It is directly from heaven to you, not as the world give to you.

So, there you have it! A priestly blessing for you to start this new year! Receive every word of this prayer by faith!

To wrap up, the LORD says this in Numbers 6:27. "So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them."

The word 'put' here speaks of 'to pour, to invoke (to call upon His own name to help or bless you)'. In other words, the LORD, your Heavenly Father, pour His name over you and surround you with His name, the name above all names. When light comes, darkness has to flee. When darkness sees His name on you, darkness or any work of darkness will tremble and will have to run away!

Indeed, this is your time to arise and shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon you (Isaiah 60:1). Amen!

Click here to watch the full video in TiC YouTube Channel

Prophetic declaration for 2021

For this year 2021, the LORD is saying to you:

"Arise and shine! This is your time to receive My light and My glory! The world will get darker and darker, but My glory will be shown upon you brighter and brighter! So, fear not! Your time to arise and shine has come! Many who have despised you will come running to you! Many who have overlooked you will come acknowledging you!"

Isaiah 60:1-3 (NKJV) says, 'Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising'.

And the LORD says further:

"Your key this year is to stay close to Me! Stay close to Me and walk with Me. As I move, you move. As I stop, you stop. Like the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, you shall follow Me."

"Make this your first and foremost priority: Intimacy. Nothing else matters more than being in intimacy with My Spirit this year! For I am looking for humble and yielded hearts whom I will pour My glory upon! Walk in this key, and you will see how the promises I have spoken in Isaiah 60 shall come upon you, even in ways you cannot imagine!"

People of God, no matter what happens around you in this world, stay close to the LORD and walk with Him closely this year. This is the key for the year 2021. As you walk in intimacy with His Spirit and humble yourself under His mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6), you will see all the promises of God in Isaiah 60 coming to pass in your life.

As for the nations, many nations and cities will be humbled this year, if they do not choose to humble themselves. Let not your nation or city be one of those. Pray and ask for forgiveness and healing for the sins, disunity, strife, corruption, pride, or whatever the LORD has put in your heart to ask for forgiveness and healing. 

Pray especially to let go of pride. The Spirit of God is grieved when there is pride. Pray for the leaders in your nation or city (e.g. government leaders, political leaders, church leaders, etc) to learn to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God this year.

2 Chronicles 7:14-15 (NKJV) says, 'If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place'.

The word 'humble' here is 'kana' in Hebrew, and it means 'to bend low (before the LORD), to come into subjection/submission/obedience (before the LORD)'. 

1 Peter 5:5-6 (NKJV) says, '... Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time'.

Indeed, when God's people humble themselves, God gives grace. God's grace can mean God's ability and God's supply from heaven. This includes the supply of His light and His glory. And this is how it ties up with the promises of God for you in Isaiah 60.

Click here to watch in TiC YouTube Channel