Sensing and hearing from God

The Lord says:

"This is a crucial time for My people to hear My voice. In fact, there are many secrets that I want to reveal to you in this time and season. Continue to live a life of holiness. Continue to live a life of submission. Continue to live a life of humility. Wash your hands. Wash your hearts. Let it be clean. Continue to stir up your spirit man. Don't let your spirit to slumber. Keep your spirit alert and ready for what's coming ahead and the glory days ahead!" 

Colossians 2:8 (NKJV) says, 'Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.'

Colossians 2:8 (Expanded) says, 'Be sure [Be careful; Watch; See] that no one leads you away [takes you captive] with false [deceptive] and empty [worthless] teaching that is only human [according to human traditions], which comes from the ruling spirits of this world, and not from Christ.'

It's for this reason in Colossians 2:8 that it's so important to be able to sense and hear correctly from the right spirit (i.e. the Holy Spirit), and not from other spirit or spirits of this world. 

In fact, some of these human philosophies or human traditions have even sometimes crept into the church, and contaminated or adulterated the church and what Christ has meant the church to be. 

Also, nowadays, there are so many 'predictions' or 'prophecies' being spoken around, that even some Christians are taking it without checking and sensing if these are really from the Holy Spirit, or if these are merely from the minds of men. So, that's why Paul wrote in Colossians 2:8 to be careful. Every prediction or every prophecy has to be tested. The Scripture says so. 

What are the keys to sensing and hearing in the spirit correctly? 

1. A life of humility, submission and surrender

There's no other way around it. Without humility, submission and surrender to God and God's Spirit, we cannot be effective in sensing and hearing from Him. 

2. A life of holiness

It is like a radio antenna that receives reception. If you clean it, the antenna can receive better and function better. If you remove any dirt, dust, or other contaminants that might interfere with the reception, the antenna can receive better and function better. It is the same with your spirit, if you want to receive more clearly from the Holy Spirit. Therefore, allow the Holy Spirit to clear anything that hinders your walk with God. 

3. A life of worship

This simply means a life of surrender to God. Because to worship God is to surrender to God. Worship is not just in songs and singing. 

In Hebrew, the very word 'worship' is translated as 'shachah', which literally means 'to bow down, to kneel, to prostrate oneself (before God)'. So, worship, in the truest sense of the word, is about the heart. It is about a heart and a life of surrender and submission to God. It is about lowering ourselves and humbling ourselves before God. It is not so much about the outward performance or outward show, but 'shachah' or 'worship' is essentially lowering ourselves in our hearts before the Lord. 

One example of this word 'shachah' or 'worship' in the Scripture is found in Genesis 22:5. That's when Abraham told his servants that he and Isaac (his son) will 'shachah' on the mountain, which is translated as 'worship' on the mountain.

Let's move on to 1 Corinthians 2:12 (NKJV) that says, 'Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.'

What are the things that have been freely given to us by God? One is His wisdom. Another is His revelation as to what you should do or what you should avoid, and even what's to come in the future!

Just a few verses before that, 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NKJV) says, 'But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.' In The Expanded Bible, it is translated as 'the deep secrets of God'. 

That leaves us with the next question. In what way does God reveal His deep things through His Spirit? The answer can be found in 1 Corinthians 2:13 (NASB) that says, 'We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.' 

See the words 'spiritual thoughts' and 'spiritual words' here? In other words, one way God can speak to you is by placing intelligible thoughts and words in your spirit. It means thoughts and words that can be readily understood by you. These thoughts and words are deeply imparted by the Holy Spirit inside of you, and these are not the product of one's own mind or one's own logic. Some Bible teachers call this 'the voice of the Holy Spirit'. It means the voice of the Holy Spirit spoken into your spirit. 

What are the general characteristics of the voice of the Holy Spirit? 

1. It comes as a spontaneous impartation, not premeditated by the hearer (Matthew 10:19-20)

2. It comes with specific commands or instructions (Acts 13:2)

3. It is distinctly divine, and the hearer knows it comes at the right timing when he/she needs it (Acts 10:19-20)

4. It is always aligned with the Word of God and the will of God, and not contradict it (Isaiah 55:8-11)

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How to hear clearly from God?

"How do you hear from God?" 

"How do you know what to do and what not to do?" 

"How do you know things should be done this way and not that way?" 

"How do you know that person is the right person to work with, and that other person is not?" 

"How do you know God is calling you to do certain things, or move to a certain location?" 

These are some of the questions people often ask me. 

Now, if I say, "I know that I know that I know", those who ask probably won't be convinced or satisfied with that kind of answer. 

So, to begin with, let's go all the way to 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NKJV). 'But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him." But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.' 

Look at the three parts that I've underlined here: 'revealed', 'all things', 'deep things'. 

The word 'revealed' here in Greek is 'apokalupto', which means 'take off the cover, disclose, unveil'. In other words, God wants to share many secrets with you. May your spiritual eyes be opened to see, and your spiritual ears be opened to hear.

How about the words 'all things'? Now, 'all things' here means 'all spiritual things'. You see, the spiritual things are the deeper things of God. 

Notice the words 'deep things' here. It can mean 'depth, mysteries, profound, far-reaching, great knowledge'. In other words, deeper knowledge. Deeper knowledge of what? Deeper knowledge of what God wants to tell us, or the secrets that God wants to tell us. And the Scripture tells us that He reveals all this to us through His Spirit. 

Amos 3:7-8 (NKJV) says, 'Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants...' 

See the word 'reveals' here? See the word 'secret' here? You see, God is still speaking, and He is still in the 'business' of speaking to you today. So beloved, expect to receive His secrets or His revelations when He speaks to you. He reveals first before He acts, or before He works through your life. 

1 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV) says, 'But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they (the things of God) are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.' 

Then, 1 Corinthians 2:15 (NKJV) says, 'But he who is spiritual (i.e. the spiritual man) judges all things...' 

See the contrast between the natural man and the spiritual man here. 

The natural man here is translated 'Psuchikos' in Greek, from the word 'psuche', which means 'soul'. The natural man here is a person who operates only from his soul. This is a person whose spirit is uninfluenced by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God; and therefore cannot receive revelation from the Holy Spirit. That's what the natural man is, according to the writings of Paul here. 

How about the spiritual man? The spiritual man here is translated 'Pneumatikos' in Greek, from the word 'pneuma', which means 'spirit'. The spiritual man is a person whose spirit is directed or led by the Holy Spirit. He operates with his spirit, not just with his soul. 

As a matter of fact, the spirit of a man is a supernatural faculty, and is created to receive revelation from the Holy Spirit.

The statement 'spiritually discerned' in 1 Corinthians 2:14 means 'spiritual things are to be spiritually discerned', i.e. 'discerned by the spirit of man'. For example, only Joshua and Caleb could "see", while the other spies could not "see" (Numbers 14:9). Both Joshua and Caleb saw with their "spiritual eyes", not with their "natural eyes". 

So you see, the Scripture tells us that our spirit is created for communication with God, not just to worship God, and to fellowship with God. 

How do you receive from the Spirit of God? 

1 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV) says, 'But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him'. 

In other words, as a believer, you are in union with God, and He lives in you. His Spirit lives in you, and His Spirit reveals deeper things inside of you. You can understand His revelations and His secrets when your spirit is joined with Him (i.e. having a personal relationship with Him). 

There are two ways God can speak to you: 

1. Extraordinary way. This can be an audible voice of God, i.e. 'voice that is audible to your natural ears'. For example, Saul heard the audible voice of God with his natural ears on the way to Damascus. This is not the usual way, but this is becoming more and more common in this end-time. 

2. God speaks to your spirit. It means the Holy Spirit communicates with your spirit within you, instead of an audible voice to your natural ear. 

And this is what we are going to focus right now, i.e. God speaking in your spirit, to your spirit, within your spirit. 

"How does God speak inside of me?"

1. You can receive directly in your spirit. 

1 Corinthians 2:12 (NKJV) says, 'Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.' 

You see, that's where we get this expression: "I know that I know that I know"; that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 

The word 'know' here is 'eido' in Greek, meaning 'to be aware, to behold, to be sure, to understand, to see'. It means to see what God wants us to see, and to see what God sees. 

2. God speaks inside of you with the Word of God. 

John 14:26 (NKJV) says, 'But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.' 

The statement 'bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you' here means 'the Holy Spirit is teaching us and bringing to our remembrance the Word of God, and what we have learned from the Word of God'. In short, He is speaking to you through the Scripture. That's why reading the Bible is so important. Never let your eyes depart from the Word of God. 

Very interestingly, just one verse later in John 14:27, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." 

This is God's assurance for you, because He speaks, and He still speaks and guides you. Because of that, you have this peace that you are not left forsaken. So, let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

"In what ways does God speak to my spirit?" 

1. With signals or indicators. 

For example, inner witness, i.e. 'peace or no peace' in your heart. This is the simplest form of communication, but it's very reliable. Do you have peace to go ahead, or do you have no peace to go ahead? Listen to the Holy Spirit inside of you. Yes or no? Peace or no peace? Go ahead or not go ahead? 

Another example is through stirrings in your spirit. It means promptings from the Holy Spirit within your spirit. The Holy Spirit can stir your spirit to go ahead on something or prompt your spirit to go ahead on something. 

2. With intelligible contents.

For example, voice of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can direct you, command you, or instruct you through His voice inside of you. This is not a product of your mind. This is not a mind play. But this comes from God. Therefore, it carries the character of God. 

Another example is through word of wisdom. The Holy Spirit can reveal to you a specific instruction for a specific situation, or specific direction to handle a specific situation. 

Another example is through word of knowledge. The Holy Spirit can reveal to you about a specific need, especially as you minister to people. For example, while you pray for somebody or minister to somebody, the Holy Spirit can drop words inside of you about that person's specific need, and you minister to that person accordingly. 

And of course, another way is through dreams and visions. If it's from God, it's vivid, it's clear, and it's not confusing. When you wake up from the dream, you can remember it, as if you've just watched a drama. Write it down. Ask the Lord for the interpretation. The Lord will speak. The Lord will tell you. The same it is with vision. You can receive vision from God while you are praying or reading the Word of God. 

3. By perceiving with your spirit, or discerning with your spirit. 

To perceive with your spirit, or discern with your spirit, this may require some training with your spiritual senses. But this is possible. 

One example is found in Acts 5:1-4 when Peter discerned with his spirit regarding a lie. 

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How to train yourself to hear God?

People often ask me these questions: 

How do I know what to do in each time and season? 

How do I know when to hang on and when to move on? 

How do I know what is of God and what is not of God? 

In the Old Testament, the books of Samuel imply that whenever King Saul or King David needed to ask God for direction or guidance, they asked a priest for the ephod. 

For example, 1 Samuel 30:6-8 says, 'Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Then David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, "Please bring the ephod here to me." And Abiathar brought the ephod to David. So David inquired of the Lord, saying, "Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?" And the Lord answered him, "Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all."'

As David sought and inquired of the Lord on what to do, the Lord answered. How did the Lord answer? The Lord answered through the using of Urim and Thummim!

What is Urim and Thummim? This is a set of two objects used by the high priest to answer a question, or to reveal the will (or direction) of God. Also known as 'lights and perfection', or 'revelation and truth', this is a priestly device for obtaining oracles (i.e. obtaining prophetic guidance on what to do or what not to do). Its purpose is to confirm or to refute about something, either 'Yes' or 'No', 'Innocent' or 'Guilty', 'Go ahead' or 'Not go ahead'. 

By the way, the word 'oracles' is from the word 'orare' in Latin. It simply means 'to speak'. So, 'to obtain oracles from God' is 'to hear God speak' or 'to receive guidance and revelation from God regarding something'. 

In 1 Samuel 30:6-8 just now, the Lord actually answered David through the operation of Urim and Thummim! 

To enhance our understanding of Urim and Thummim, and in cross-reference, let's go to Exodus 28:30. Here, the Scripture says, 'And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron's heart when he goes in before the Lord. So Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel over his heart before the Lord continually.' 

Aaron here speaks of 'priesthood'. Here, the high priest was to carry the Urim and Thummim, i.e. the two stones in a pouch (or pocket) on his breastplate. When he needed a decision, or needed to make a judgment on what to do (or what not to do), he would kind of cast lots to see the result from his casting of those stones. That's how the priest inquired of the Lord on behalf of the king (or the ruler) those days. Of course, this can only be used for the king, the court, or someone serving the need of the nation those days. In other words, it's not to be used randomly, or as and when anyone likes, like throwing dices. But it's done in the fear of the Lord. It's done in the presence of the Lord. It's about some major decision making. It's regarding the nation. It's regarding important decisions by the king. 

In 1 Samuel chapter 30, you can see that David needed to make a crucial and major decision, whether to attack or not to attack the enemy at that time. 

For the record, there are three main legitimate ways of obtaining oracles (hearing from God) in the Old Testament: 

1. Through Urim and Thummim

2. Through dreams and visions 

3. Through prophets 

In addition to all these three legitimate ways, there can also be sovereign overruling by the Lord through angelic visitation. The angels would speak on behalf of the Lord to the person.

Let's enhance our understanding further by looking at 1 Samuel 28:6. When King Saul inquired of the Lord at that time, see what the Scripture says here: 'The Lord did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets.' 

When Saul saw an army of the enemy (at that time, it was the Philistines coming against him), he was afraid, and he sought the Lord. But the Lord didn't answer him. Why? Because the Lord has moved on from him. Why? Saul was disobedient to the Lord, and he was more concerned with advancing his own kingdom rather than God's kingdom. So here, the Lord didn't answer him. In this verse also, notice the three legitimate ways of hearing from God: Through dreams (and that includes visions), through Urim and Thummim, and through the prophets. 

But how about today? How about we as believers in the New Covenant? Because we don't use Urim and Thummim. In fact, many scholars believe Urim and Thummim have been lost since Babylonian captivity those days. 

So, how about today as believers in the New Covenant? You don't need the physical Urim and Thummim like those days. Why? Because you have something better! Because the Holy Spirit lives in you. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit. You already have it in your spirit, inside of you, i.e. your inner witness (or some people call it 'inward witness'). You will know whether there's 'Peace' or 'No peace' from the Lord regarding something, whether it's a 'Yes' or 'No', whether it's a 'Go ahead' or 'Not go ahead'.

But how do you train yourself? How do you train your spiritual senses to hear from God, or to hear God on what to do (or what not to do) in your life? 

What I'm trying to say here is, today in your life as a believer in the New Covenant, your inner witness (or inward witness) is the Urim and Thummim! In other words, you can receive guidance or direction from the Lord through your inner witness, i.e. 'Peace' or 'No peace', 'Yes' or 'No', 'Go ahead' or 'Not go ahead'! 

In Romans 8:14-17, Apostle Paul wrote: 'For as many as are led by the Spirit of God (i.e. guided or directed by the Spirit of God), these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ...' 

Just as God the Father spoke to God the Son, God can speak to you too. It's a matter of you allowing your spiritual senses to be enlightened, or to be clear to receive from the Lord.

In John 16:12-14, Jesus said: "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He, the Spirit of truth (i.e. the Holy Spirit) has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine, and declare it to you." 

That's why it's so important for us believers in this end time to be spiritually sensitive, to walk in the reverence and fear of the Lord, and to cleanse our hands and our hearts. Because that's how we are going to hear and receive more clearly. Our 'spiritual antenna' will be sharp, and we are going to receive revelation and wisdom regarding our lives, regarding our future, and even regarding the nations and the world. Amen!

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Take heed and stand firm!

Sometimes the Lord would give me dreams or visions, and then accompanied by prophetic words or words for the time and season. But sometimes the Lord would just put in my heart a certain chapter in the Bible. Today is like that. 

1 Kings chapter 13 is what the Lord wants me to share today. This is one of the most bizarre and unusual stories in the Scripture. But the lessons or principles derived from it is so important, especially if you are a minister of God or you are doing ministry. However, this applies also if you are in the business or commercial world. 

1 Kings 13:1-3 says, 'And behold, a man of God went from Judah to Bethel by the word of the Lord, and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. Then he cried out against the altar by the word of the Lord, and said, "O altar, altar! Thus says the Lord: 'Behold, a child, Josiah by name, shall be born to the house of David; and on you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you; and men's bones shall be burned on you.'" And he (this man of God) gave a sign the same day, saying, "This is the sign which the Lord has spoken: Surely the altars shall split apart and the ashes on it shall be poured out."'

Here, this man of God rebuked Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom of Israel at that time. This man of God pronounced judgment against the altar, which has been used by King Jeroboam for his idolatrous practices. 

Now, who is this man of God? What we know here is he's from Judah, which is the southern kingdom of the previously united kingdom of Israel. By that time, the kingdom was already split into the northern kingdom and the southern kingdom. So, this man of God is from the southern kingdom (Judah), whereas King Jeroboam was from the northern kingdom. 

What's the name of this man of God? Interestingly, he's anonymous. Yet this prophet of the Lord was used in an important way by the Lord, even though his name was not mentioned. This only shows that one does not have to be known or famous to be greatly used by the Lord. 

For the record, in cross-reference, 2 Kings 23:15 says, 'Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he (Josiah) broke down. And he (Josiah) burned the high place and crushed it to powder, and burned the wooden image.' 

So the prophecy by that man of God in 1 Kings 13 came to pass in 2 Kings 23 many generations later, in the days of King Josiah, the king of Judah, who was one of those good kings who wanted to restore worship before the true God, YHWH.

Let's continue with 1 Kings 13:4-5, 'So it came to pass when King Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, who cried out against the altar in Bethel, that he stretched out his hand from the altar, saying, "Arrest him!" Then his hand (King Jeroboam's hand), which he stretched out toward him, withered, so that he could not pull it back to himself. The altar also was split apart and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the Lord.' 

So you see, this man of God was authentic and genuinely used by the Lord to work signs mightily, even though there was no mention of his name in the Scripture. And he actually pronounced judgment against the altar, which was actually a rebuke to King Jeroboam. King Jeroboam, feeling threatened, then commanded for this man of God to be arrested. And that's when King Jeroboam's hand was withered. Not only that, God caused the altar to be split apart, and ashes poured out from the altar. 

1 Kings 13:6 says, 'Then the king answered and said to the man of God, "Please entreat the favor of the Lord your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me."' 

So the man of God entreated the Lord, and the king's hand was restored to him, and became as before. The Lord heard the prayer of this man of God. 

1 Kings 13:7-10 says, 'Then the king said to the man of God, "Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward." But the man of God said to the king, "If you were to give me half your house, I would not go in with you; nor would I eat bread nor drink water in this place. For so it was commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, "You shall not eat bread nor drink water nor return by the same way you came."' 

As you can see, King Jeroboam wanted to give this man of God an invitation and a reward. But this man of God declined. Why? Based on the forewarning given by the Lord beforehand. Well, to accept Jeroboam's invitation would have been to fellowship with idolatry. 

So far, what can we learn here? This man of God chose to heed what God says more than even what the king says. Indeed, what God says is more important than what man says. Now, don't get me wrong. This is not to say you are not to submit to authority, or submit to one another. But there is a place when God wants us to do something, or when God has already forewarned us not to do something, we better heed, no matter what kind of enticement or reward that man can give to us. 

Do not allow yourself to compromise what God has spoken to you. Do not allow yourself to give in to any form of temptation or enticement offered by man. When God has already said no, it's better to heed what God has said, even if the offers by someone of higher stature or someone in high position seem to be tempting. 

When God says no about something, or when God forewarns us about something, that's because God sees further, and knows what's ahead, and knows all the pitfalls ahead for us to avoid.

Let's continue with 1 Kings 13:11-14, 'Now an old prophet dwelt in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel; they also told their father the words which he had spoken to the king. And their father said to them, "Which way did he go?" For his sons had seen which way the man of God went who came from Judah. Then he said to his sons, "Saddle the donkey for me." So they saddled the donkey for him; and he rode on it, and went after the man of God and found him sitting under an oak. Then he said to him, "Are you the man of God who came from Judah?" And he said, "I am."' 

There's this old prophet in Bethel who heard about what this younger man of God had done. And see what 1 Kings 13:15-17 says, 'Then this old prophet said to this younger man of God, "Come home with me and eat bread." And he said, "I cannot return with you nor go in with you; neither can I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place. For I have been told by the word of the Lord, 'You shall not eat bread nor drink water there nor return by going the way you came.'"' 

Now, the very same answer given by this man of God to this old prophet, just as he said to King Jeroboam. Initially, this younger man of God refused the invitation, because he knew that God had specifically told him to return to Judah without accepting any further invitation, and to return via a different way. 

Speaking about job done, and it's time to return home. Once a job is done in a time and season, the Lord wants you to move on. But if one would not heed what God says to move on, and if he still lingers, there will be pitfalls, there will be danger, and he will get stuck. And true enough this happened to this younger man of God. 

1 Kings 13:18-19 says, 'So this old prophet said to this younger man of God, "I too am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, 'Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.'" And there's a bracket there: (He was lying to him.) 

This old prophet was actually lying to this young prophet, and alas, this young man of God went back with this old prophet, ate bread in his house and drank water. Now you see this old prophet had the audacity to lie just to get what he wanted. 

So, what can you learn here? Just because some people, even some people who claim to be minister of God or prophet of the Lord claim this and claim that, and say it's from the Lord, it doesn't mean you take it hook, line and sinker. Sense in your spirit first. That's why it's so important to be sensitized in your spirit man. Be open and yielded to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will give you the peace if it's a yes, and no peace if it's a no. So, sense first. Do not just agree to anything and take whatever people claim and say, even if that person claims to be a minister of God or prophet of the Lord.

Now again, don't get me wrong. This is not to teach you not to submit to one another. But this is to teach you to be wise. There can be lots of temptations and enticement, especially when you start to become more and more known by people around you, or  more and more known by people who are in high position or by other fellow ministers of God. 

This old prophet was trying to persuade the younger man of God to change his course from doing exactly what God had told him. And this time the younger prophet gave in. He did not give in to King Jeroboam, but he gave in this time. If you continue to read 1 Kings chapter 13, you would know that's the beginning of the end for this man of God who was so greatly used by the Lord prior to this encounter with the old prophet from Bethel. 

Beloved of God, I'm not saying we will all end up like this man of God. Not at all. But what I'm saying is be very careful when you start to get more and more well known in the world. If there's any invitation, check with the Holy Spirit first. The Holy Spirit knows all things. The Holy Spirit will never lead you into trouble and pitfalls. The Holy Spirit will always lead you to the perfect will of God. So, let the Holy Spirit guide you. Let the Holy Spirit direct you. Wherever the Holy Spirit turns, you follow. Like God turning the river. Just flow with the river of the Holy Spirit. And that's how you have safety. It will save you from lots and lots of troubles or pitfalls. 

This is my message for you today. The Lord has put in my heart to release this to you today, for whatever reason only He knows. But I just want to obey and release what He wants me to release in each time and season. Amen.

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

5 keys to hearing in the Spirit

I heard the Lord say: "Learn to hear from Me, just as Samuel heard from Me. Ask for it, and you will receive. Let your spiritual ear be sensitized and ready to hear. For I am now awakening My people's ear to hear what I have to say. I am showing My people what they should do and what they should not do in this new season. I am refreshing My people from their weariness and purposelessness, so long as they would humble themselves to hear Me and heed Me." 

Many people ask this question: "How do you hear from God?" The Bible certainly has the answer. Of course the first person you can think of when it comes to hearing from God is none other than Samuel. In fact his name 'Samuel' has to do with hearing from God. It is 'Shemuw-El' in Hebrew, meaning 'Heard of God'; from the word 'Shama' meaning 'to hear attentively, to give ear, to hear carefully, to hear in order to obey', and 'El' meaning 'God'. 

I believe we are now in this time and season like Samuel, when many people in this world are spiritually blur and 'hit and miss', but you, beloved of God, are like the 'Samuels' of today. You are the people who will hear from the Lord. You will not be spiritually blur. You will continually hear from the Spirit of God, and you will know what to do in your life. I want to declare this upon you. Amen! 

1 Samuel 3:1-4 says, 'Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli (the high priest those days). And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. And it came to pass at that time, while Eli was lying down in his place, and when his eyes had begun to grow dim that he could not see, and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was, and while Samuel was lying down, that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, "Here I am!"'

At that time, in Samuel's younger days, revelation from the Lord was scarce. Even the priest was blur in the Spirit. But the Lord began to speak to Samuel, even in times when many in his days were spiritually blur. Samuel was being trained by the Lord to be clear, to hear clearly from the Lord. 

Right now, the Lord is anointing your spiritual ear as well. Let the Lord touch your spiritual ear. Let the Lord open your spiritual ear and awaken your spiritual ear, so that you will hear what God has to say in this new time and season. Amen!

1 Samuel 3:5-6 says, 'So he (Samuel) ran to Eli and said, "Here I am, for you called me." And he (Eli) said, "I did not call; lie down again." And he went and lay down. Then the Lord called yet again, "Samuel!" So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you called me." Eli answered again, "I did not call, my son, lie down again."' 

As you can see here, the young Samuel was still learning how to hear from God, and how to differentiate between the voice of God and the voice of man. But you see, you've got to start somewhere, just like Samuel. Samuel has got to start somewhere too. You and I know that Samuel went on to become a great man of God, who would hear from the Lord to anoint David as king. 

1 Samuel 3:8-9 says, 'And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, "Here I am, for you did call me." Then Eli perceived that the Lord had called the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, "Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, 'Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.'

See the word 'hear' here? 

1 Samuel 3:10-12 says, 'Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears." Then the Lord said to Samuel: "Behold I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle (it means many will be awakened, and many will be shocked upon hearing it). In that day I will perform against Eli, all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end."' 

Now over here, God was about to judge Eli's household, because his sons were corrupt and Eli did not restrain the sons. 

And then 1 Samuel 3:18-19 says, 'Then Samuel told Eli everything that he heard from the Lord, and hid nothing from him. And Eli said, "It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him." So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.'

You see over here, Eli still had some godliness in him, even though he was somewhat spiritually blur. So these words of Samuel spoke to Eli. Eli was awakened about it, and he acknowledged what's been said by the Lord. Eli knew the Lord has spoken to Samuel. 

Now, here lies the first key. What was the key of Samuel hearing from God, but not Eli, not Eli's sons? Samuel was innocent and pure before God. That's the difference. So that's key Number 1. Stay innocent and pure before the Lord, no matter how complex the world has become. Clear yourself from every form of deception, lies, or even corruption - in your spirit, soul, and even in everything that you put your hands on to do.

In John 10:27, Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." So, you are the sheep, and Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Hear Him. Pay attention to Him, to His voice. The word 'hear' is 'akouo' in Greek, meaning 'to give audience, to give ear to.' Just like Samuel was a good sheep to God, and he was obedient and faithful to what God has to say; so are you and so can you be. You will hear the voice of God, and you follow whatever He says. And that's how you are going to fulfill God's destiny for your life on this earth! 

In John 10:28, Jesus said, "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." Now, this is interesting. You know what this means? No one can snatch you away from Jesus, as long as you continue to hear His voice and follow Him! Therefore, hear Him and follow Him. Because when you hear and follow Him, His voice, His way, His will, and His words for you, no evil can snatch you away from Him; and no evil can snatch you away from His plans and purposes for your life on earth! So, key Number 2 here is to stay humble and yielded before the Lord, like the sheep towards the Good Shepherd. Hear Him and follow Him. And that takes humility on your part. That takes yieldedness on your part. That takes submission on your part. 

Isaiah 50:5 says, 'The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away.' Here, Isaiah heard from the Spirit of God regarding Jesus the Messiah who was to come. This verse is actually talking about Jesus and how Jesus obeyed till the point of death, never turning away from His Father. But having said this, this verse also applies to Isaiah himself. After all, the name 'Isaiah' is 'Yesha Yah' in Hebrew. It means 'Yahweh is Salvation'. It's a typology, a 'type' of Jesus. In fact, the whole book of Isaiah is likened to a mini-Bible. 66 chapters in total represents 66 books in the Bible (39 - Old Testament, 27 - New Testament). You can see that God has spoken a lot of things to Isaiah - 66 chapters in the whole book of Isaiah! 

Many people would ask this question: "How do I identify God's voice from other voices?" It is true there are three major kinds of voices - voice of God, voice of your own flesh, and voice of the evil spirit. The answer is simple. Whatever you hear must be 'screened through' the Word of God, and cannot contradict the Word of God. 

Another way to be so sensitive to the voice of God is by getting yourself familiarized with the Holy Spirit. How? Pray in the Spirit often. Get yourself familiarized with the Holy Spirit. When you are so familiar with the Holy Spirit, you will know how to differentiate between His voice and the voice of your own flesh or the voice of the evil spirit. 

One more question people may ask, "When is the best time to hear from the Holy Spirit?" The answer is simple. Anytime is a good time! After all, God is 24/7. He is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Your part is this: As long as you get rid of all those 'noises' of this world, or even from social media for a while, and just spend time exclusively with Him, read the Word of God, pray in the Spirit, worship Him, lock yourself in your own room (or your prayer closet), and just enjoy being in the presence of God; you are actually positioning yourself to hear from God! 

So, the answer is anytime is a good time, as long as you make time for God. As far as I am concerned, practically speaking, I find between 4am and 6am is best. You know why? That's when I would wake up and feel refreshed. Now, when your spirit, soul and body - all 3 parts of you - are well rested and refreshed, you are more likely to hear from God. So sleep early and wake up early when it's still quiet, and when many people are not awake yet. First thing in the morning, come into His presence and hear Him. Now this is just my own practical advice. Different people may be different. Because some people are morning people, and some people are night people. Go with what suits you best.

Isaiah 50:4 says, 'The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning. He awakens My ear to hear as the learned.' You see here? 'He awakens Me morning by morning'! Early in the morning, when you are fresh! In fact, that's Jesus' lifestyle! Jesus woke up early and often withdrew Himself to hear from His Heavenly Father. As Jesus is, so are you! 

May the Lord awaken you to hear from Him, just as Isaiah 50:4 says! Though this is about Jesus, the same can apply for you, just as the same applied to prophet Isaiah himself. God can awaken your ear! So Isaiah tells us how he received his messages from God - in the morning - when he's most rested and refreshed, and most sensitive to the promptings and voice of God. That's when you too would receive many things and revelations from God! Yes, even saying refreshing words to the weary or the purposeless. Not only it refreshes others, but it also refreshes you!

So, prepare yourself, be refreshed and be well rested - spirit, soul and body - and you are more likely to hear from God. Now, Holy Spirit can speak to you in many ways, for example, in the inside of you, through your thoughts, through the Word of God that you read, or even in an audible voice!

Proverbs 6:22 says, 'When you roam, they (the Word of God) will lead you; When you sleep, they (the Word of God) will keep you; And when you awake, they (the Word of God) will speak with you.' You see here? When you awake from your sleep, the Word of God will speak with you!

5 keys to hearing in the Spirit:

Number 1: Stay pure and innocent before the Lord, no matter how complex this world has become. Keep yourself from deception, lies, and corruption. 

Number 2: Stay humble and yielded before the Lord. Like the sheep to the Good Shepherd, hear His voice and follow Him. To follow Him, you've got to humble yourself and say, "God, You are God, I am not. I will follow You because You know better than me." 

Number 3: Be refreshed - spirit, soul and body. This is the practical part. You are more likely to hear correctly and precisely from the Lord when you are well rested and fresh, after a good night's sleep. So wake up fresh and spend time with the Lord!

Number 4: Read the Word of God often. No shortcut here. The more you read, the more likely He will speak to you!

Number 5: Pray in the Spirit often. Again, no shortcut here. The more you spend time praying in the Spirit, the more likely He will speak to you!

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

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

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

A time to dedicate your spiritual ears to the Lord

I heard these words from the Lord recently:
"Come to a place of rest, security and safety in Me. Draw near to Me, and I will draw near to you. Find rest in Me, find your security in Me, and nestle in Me. For I am calling you for such, before a new assignment is given to you."

And then I heard further:
"This is a time to dedicate your spiritual ears to Me, and let Me anoint your spiritual ears. I will cause you to hear many more secrets that I have wanted to tell you. I will show you My will and My way. I will reveal Myself to you, just as I have revealed Myself to Samuel in Shiloh."

Let's look at the Scripture now. 1 Samuel 3:19-21 (NKJV) says, 'So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the Lord. Then the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord'.

The word 'revealed' here is 'galah' in Hebrew, and it can mean 'to disclose, to tell, to show'. In a time when Israel was hardly 'in tune' with the Lord (see 1 Samuel 3:1), this was indeed 'a breath of fresh air' for the nation, and it marked an end to one era, and the beginning of a new era. Eli's time was ending, and Samuel's time has come! It was a pivotal time in the history of Israel, and Samuel was about to walk into a new assignment from the Lord!

By the way, the name 'Samuel' is 'Shemuw-El', literally meaning 'heard of God'; from the word 'shama' meaning 'to hear attentively, to hear obediently, to give ear', and 'El' meaning 'God'.

How about 'Shiloh'? And why did the Lord reveal Himself to Samuel in Shiloh? There are no insignificant details in the Bible. Interestingly, 'Shiloh' ('Shiyloh' in Hebrew) means 'a place of tranquility, security, safety', from the word 'shaw-law' meaning 'to have peace, to be secure, to be in safety'. It was a place of 'drawing near to the Lord' and 'finding rest, security and safety in Him'. It was also a place of worship and sacrifice to the Lord those days (see 1 Samuel 1:3), and of course, a place where Samuel was dedicated to the Lord (see 1 Samuel 1:24-25).

People of God, as you 'draw near to the Lord' and 'find rest, security and safety in Him', this is also a time to dedicate your spiritual ears to the Lord and let Him anoint your ears to hear the many secrets that He had wanted to tell you! (1 Corinthians 2:9-10)

Samuel's life and ministry was never the same again since then, and he went on to become a great blessing wherever he was. Indeed, for you too, this is a time to declare that your 'Eli' time is ending, and your 'Samuel' time has come!

Incline your ear and hear Him for the coming glory!

Proverbs 4:20 (NKJV): My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.

The word ‘incline’ here is ‘natah’ in Hebrew, which means 'to bow down, to bend towards, to cause to yield'. Notice 'natah' does involve humility and 'yieldedness' on the hearer’s side.

People of God, this is a crucial time to incline your ear and hear Him! Not that you don't hear at other times, but there's an urgency in the spirit to release these words at this juncture. 

I heard these words as I was communing with the Lord recently: 

"There has been a stagnancy in many of My people far and wide, but a new glory is coming! There will be a new hunger and a new thirst, a 'deep calling unto deep'. I am going deep into the hearts of many, even nations and governments. Watch My hand reach into the deepest most, where no one had reached before. There will be a setting free! And there will be a release!" 

And then, I heard:
"I am raising the 'Samuels' of today, those who would incline their ears and hear Me for this coming glory!"

In 1 Samuel 3:10, the Bible says, 'Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant hears."' 

The name ‘Samuel’ here is ‘Shemuw-El' in Hebrew, coming from two words - ‘Shama’ and 'El'. This word 'Shama' literally means 'to hear with attention, to hear with obedience, to hear with an understanding heart', while ‘El’ is the name of God. Notice the words 'attention', 'obedience' and 'an understanding heart' here? These qualities in him were also the very reasons why 'he grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground' (1 Samuel 3:19).

During a time of worship and prayer recently, I heard and declared these words to the congregation: 

"This is the time to receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit to break every stone that hinders you from hearing in the spirit! These stones have been put up by the enemy to block you from hearing clearly from the Lord. But God has released this holy anointing oil today, and your 'ear' will be clear to hear again!" 

In Ezekiel 11:19-20, the Lord said, "Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit (i.e. the anointing of the Holy Spirit) within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes (instructions) and keep My ordinances (blueprints) and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God."

In Ezekiel 36:25-28, the Lord then said, "Then I will sprinkle clean water (speaks of 'the ministry of the Word and the Spirit') on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit (i.e. the anointing of the Holy Spirit) within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes (instructions), and you will keep My judgments and do them. Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God."

People of God, on a more personal note, this holy anointing oil is also here right now to destroy every stone that may have hindered you in the recent months. The yoke is broken, and the stones are being removed, in Jesus' name! Receive these words by faith, and be set free to hear anew and afresh from the Lord again, even on what He has in store for you in the coming half of this year! I declare that your spirit is sensitized to hear clearly again! You will dream dreams and you will see visions again! And there's going to be a fresh new outpouring of His power and a fresh new flow of His revelation in your life again! Amen! 

Mark 16:3-4 says, 'And they (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome) said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away - for it was very large.' 

You see, nothing whatsoever could stop Jesus from being set free and to walk free on that day! As He is, so are you in this world! (1 John 4:17) And no matter how large the stone around you may have been in your past, His hand and His power is strong enough to roll it away from you today.

People of God, like Jesus those days, the time of being set free is now, and your time of glory is at hand! This is only the beginning of the ever-increasing glory! I pray that you’ll continue to walk from glory to glory in Him, now and forever more. In Jesus' name. Amen!