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)

Click here for the full teaching in TiC YouTube Channel

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. 

Click here for the full message in TiC YouTube Channel

Let go of your worries and let God lead you!

Words from the Lord: 

"Let go of all your worries to Me. Let go of all your anxieties to Me. Surrender to Me what's to come in your future. Cast all those burdens and concerns to Me. For I am the Lord who is still in control. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I will show you My way. I will show you the way you should go. Look to Me therefore, and do not let your heart be afraid nor be troubled." 

Indeed, look not at what's happening around you in the world, but look to the Lord! Let go of all those worries and concerns that you may have, and let God be God. Let God lead you. Let God guide you. Let God speak to you.

There can be 101 reasons why people are worried nowadays. For example, climate change, geopolitical concerns, wars and rumors of war, the possibility of a nuclear war, the struggling world economy, social injustices, religious persecution, and many more. You name it. And all these are in addition to the worries on one's personal front. For example, one's future, one's job security, one's health concerns, one's financial concerns, the future of one's children, and the list goes on. 

But beloved of God, whatever your worries and concerns are at the moment, know that your God is here for you, and He is still in control. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying all those worries and concerns are not real. But what I'm saying is instead of dwelling on all those worries and concerns, look to the Lord who is all-knowing. The world may not have the answer for you. But the Lord has the answer for you! 

Right now, as you cast all your cares and burdens to the Lord, His anointing and power is being released upon you, and you are now set free! You are set free to soar like an eagle again! The Lord is the One who's going to lead you and guide you, not the world. I declare that you are going to see greater and greater breakthroughs and victories in your life. I declare that you are going to see many more good things happening in your life. Amen!

As you let go of all your worries and concerns to the Lord, begin also to position yourself to hear from Him and receive from Him. You know why? Because He is still in the business of speaking and revealing His will and His way to His beloved. And you too are His beloved! 

There are eight major categories that you can find from the Scripture how God can speak to you and reveal things to you (regarding your life and your future). It's crucial to know this and learn this, because the world has become so uncertain and unpredictable nowadays. Let the Lord anoint your spiritual ears to hear and receive from Him clearer and clearer, so that you can make the right decisions in your life and take the right steps in your life, going forward. You shall be led by the Holy Spirit to be at the right place, at the right time, doing the right things, saying the right things, making the right decisions, in every season of your life. Amen! 

What are the ways God can lead you and speak to you?  

1. Through the Word of God. 

2. Through thoughts and impressions while you are praying. 

3. Through dreams and visions. 

4. Through your conscience or inner witness. 

5. Through God's voice. 

6. Through prophecies given to you. 

7. Through angels. 

8. Through circumstances or happenings in life. 

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

The key to His leading is your hearing!

2 Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV): Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

Notice the word 'always' here? According to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, this word in Greek means 'every when, at all times, ever (more)'. See the words 'at all times' here? Let me rephrase 2 Corinthians 2:14 now: 'Now thanks be to God who 'every when, at all times, ever more' leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place'! I like the words 'at all times' here. Praise God! You see, the Word of God never says 'sometimes' leads us, or even 'often' leads us, but the Word of God says 'at all times' leads us!

When someone leads, someone else is to follow! So, by the same token, when He leads, somebody is to follow too! And that's you, His people!

And how do we follow if we don't hear from Him first?

Therefore, the key to His leading is your hearing!

People of God, this is a time and season for new beginnings! Our God is always a God of new things. And the key to the new things (that He's going to bring forth) is in hearing Him. This is a time to hear His strategy. Ask Him for His strategy, and you'll receive (Matthew 7:7-8). Listen to His instructions as well. This is a time to be like Mary who said, "Be it unto me according to your word" (Luke 1:38) when angel Gabriel came to her with God's heavenly strategies and instructions.

And that's how God's will and God's destiny for your life will come to pass (and come to full completion) in this new season of yours, just as happened to Mary!

As you would have known, Mary eventually gave birth to Immanuel (literally meaning 'With us is God'). So, as you hear Him and walk in His plans and strategies for you, you too will also 'give birth' to 'whatever you do, with you is God'! In other words, His hands will be upon you in all that you do from now on!

Let us also not be like Simon who did not take God's words (or instructions) as it is. Let's go to Luke 5:1-11 (NKJV) now. When Jesus said to him (Simon), "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch" (Luke 5:4), he (Simon) then answered, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." (Luke 5:5)

Notice Jesus mentioned 'nets' but Simon answered 'net' here? Notice one is plural, and the other is singular? Well, Simon probably had thought (with his own logics and from his own experience as a fisherman) that it'd be rather impossible to get a big catch at that time of the day! Consequently, he had to 'scramble' for another net (from another boat) because his own net was breaking and his boat was sinking! (see Luke 5:6-7) You see, he would have been spared all those 'anxieties' had he listened and acted exactly on what Jesus had just said! In the end, God's words will still accomplish and will never return back to Him void! (Isaiah 55:11)

I know it's never easy to let go of the old (i.e. a pattern, a system, a way, or even a structure) or something you hold dear (or are familiar with), but this is the time to move on for the new things to come (so that new things can come)!

Many times, we tend to close the door that God has opened for us, and more often than not, this 'closed door' is all in the mind (i.e. our old mindset or old way of seeing things), as Simon was. But will you allow Him to 'lay the ax on those old mindsets' that may not work anymore in the new season? Matthew 3:10 says, 'And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire'. Blessed are you if you allow Him, because this is a time and season of renewal, and for new sprouts and shoots to grow! (see Job 14:7-9)

For some of you, this is also a time to ask God for His strategy to be debt-free and stay debt-free. The Bible says 'owe no one anything, except to love one another' (Romans 13:8). When you are debt-free, you can then be who and what God intends for you to be in full measure! In other words, freedom from debt allows God to use you in the fullest measure, and for you to be who and what He wants you to be. Trust me, I've been in severe debt before many years ago, and I know what I'm talking about here!

So, people of God, wherever you are in the world right now, and if you are still in any form of financial debt, I pray in Jesus' mighty name that you'll be set free from debt, and that you'll only 'lend, but not borrow'. Amen! Believe for it, and I pray you'll also receive even His specific strategy to be set free, especially in the next seven years (see Genesis 41:47-57). This is also a time for transfer of wealth (see Isaiah 60:11-12) for the expansion of His kingdom. Let Him also lead you in triumph in Christ even in any of your investments these seven years. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 2:5-6 (NKJV): ... that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

The word 'age' here is 'aion' in Greek, which can mean 'world'. Here, the apostle Paul was saying that God's people's faith should not be in the wisdom of men, but in the power (or ability) of God. And as they hear from God, they shall also speak forth the wisdom that is of Him, and not of this world.

This is a crucial time for God's people to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. In fact, there are many secrets that He wants to reveal to His people these days. Recently, I heard these words from the Lord, "Continue to stir up your spirit man. Don't let your spirit to slumber. Keep your spirit alert for the glory days ahead!"

Let's now continue with 1 Corinthians 2:7-8 (NKJV). It says, 'But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages (world) for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age (world) knew...

The word 'mystery' here simply means 'that has been hidden from the world'. In other words, the apostle Paul was saying that God's people today can have access to the wisdom of God 'that has been hidden from this world'. Not only that, this wisdom has in fact been ordained (i.e. preconceived, planned beforehand) by God for your glory (i.e. for your benefit) even before the world began! Praise the Lord!

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 then 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 (i.e. the wisdom from God) to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God'.

The word 'revealed' here is 'apokalupto' in Greek, which means 'to take off the cover, unveil, disclose'.

"So, how does He reveal His secrets to you?" Through His Spirit! Now, that leaves us with the next question: "In what way does He reveal His secrets through His Spirit?" The answer can be found in 1 Corinthians 2 :12 and 1 Corinthians 2:13.

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 (i.e. the secrets, wisdom of God) that have been freely given to us by God. I like the New American Standard Bible (NASB) version of 1 Corinthians 2:13. It says, '... which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words'.

In other words, one way God can speak to you is by placing intelligible (i.e. that can readily be understood) thoughts and words in your spirit. These are thoughts and words deeply imparted by the Holy Spirit into your spirit, and are not the product of your own mind or logics. Some Bible teachers call this as 'the voice of the Holy Spirit', i.e. the voice of the Holy Spirit spoken into your spirit.
Note: You can be familiar with His voice (and learn to recognize His voice) by soaking in Him and spending time with Him often (in worship, in the Word of God, and by praying in the spirit).

Here are two examples in the Bible when God's people heard the voice of the Holy Spirit:
1. Peter (see Acts 10:19-20, Acts 11:12).
2. The group of prophets and teachers in the church that was at Antioch (see Acts 13:1-3).

General characteristics of the voice of the Holy Spirit:
1. It comes as a spontaneous impartation, not premeditated by the hearer (see Matthew 10:19-20).
2. It comes with specific commands (see Acts 13:2).
3. It is distinctly divine, and the hearer knows it comes at the right timing when he/she needed it (see Acts 10:19-20).
4. It is effective in bringing things to pass, and it always accomplishes the will of God. It also prospers the hearer and bears good fruits to the hearer (see Isaiah 55:8-11).

Keys to hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit:
1. Leave your worries to the Lord and let Him take over (see Matthew 10:19-20). Here, Jesus says, "Do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak."
2. No need to premeditate (see Luke 21:14-15). Here, Jesus says, "Therefore settle it in your hearts not to premeditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist."

This day, my prayer is that the Lord will sensitize your spirit man as you listen to His voice. Allow Him, and may you prosper and bear much fruit in Him. Amen.

Point to note: Apart from the voice of the Holy Spirit, God can also communicate with you in many other ways, namely through your inner witness, promptings in your spirit, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, dreams, and visions.

How to be led by the Holy Spirit?

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NKJV): The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

I've had many people asking me such questions:
"How to hear from God on a consistent basis, and at all times?"
"I desire to move when He moves, stop when He stops, to stay when He wants me to stay,... basically to be led and directed by Him. How?"

To the above questions, I would say the key will always be communion with the Holy Spirit. To commune with Him is to communicate with Him and being in union with Him (see also 1 Corinthians 6:17).

Spending time with Him in the Word (i.e. time in fellowship with Jesus who is the Word) and praying in the spirit (i.e. praying in tongues) on a consistent basis every day will lead to one knowing (you know the expression: "I know that I know that I know"?) when He speaks and how He speaks. The Bible says, 'the sheep knows the Shepherd's voice' (John 10:27), and that comes by no other way but by spending time with one another in intimacy. That's how His sheep will know which 'door' is from Him and which 'door' is not from Him (see John 10:7-9), i.e. able to discern what's God and what's not. This applies to every single aspect of life, not just in ministering to others.

I also suggest praying in tongues at least one hour every day, not just some minutes. This is especially so for those who are ministers of God. Practice makes perfect too. Every great prophet of the Lord will admit they've made mistakes in hearing before, especially in younger days. So, do give room for mistakes. It's from here that one learns.

There's this prophet/pastor (the late Pa Agong Bangau) who was a key figure in ushering down the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the Ba' Kelalan Revival in East Malaysia in the 1980's. After attending Bible College and then becoming a pastor in a bigger town, he then spent some ten years 'honing' (fine-tuning, sharpening) his spiritual skills in hearing in the Spirit back in his home village in Ba' Kelalan. Now, I'm not saying in that case, we are to live a 'hermit' life. That's not my point here. But as he learned to 'simplify' his life and 'hone' his spiritual skills in hearing God (and practice makes perfect), amazing things happened, not just in his prophetic and 'signs & wonders' ministry but also in his daily natural chores. For example, many times even his fellow villagers were amazed how he just knew which direction to go in the thick jungle during hunting trips those days. When asked how he 'hit the bulls-eye' every time, his answer was simple: "The Holy Spirit led me". This, of course, also truly put to shame those visiting 'big-city' pastors in his days, the so-called "much more sophisticated and knowledgeable in theological matters, holding-many-degrees" pastors! Now, please, I'm not mocking at 'big-city' pastors here, because I myself grew up in a big city too!

But the above understanding and realization of course, was a turning point in my own ministry life as well.

My point here is one can be too much surrounded (or crowded) by 'noises' or 'pressing matters' (that compete for one's attention) every day, so much so one has no time to 'be still and know that He is God' (Psalm 46:10), and therefore to hear from Him. The truth is He still wants to speak to you today as much as He did Moses, Elijah, and David those days! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

There's a call to 'simplify your life' for God's end-time people today. This is a generation full of 'noises' and 'distractions' all over, yet all the more this is also the time God's end-time people need to hear accurately from the Lord if they are to triumph in Christ, every day, and in every area of their life (2 Corinthians 2:14). How can one be led by Him if one doesn't hear from Him? And how can one hear from Him if one doesn't have time for Him, i.e.'being still and know that He is God'? Again, John 10:27 says, 'the sheep knows His voice', and it's from here that the sheep knows which 'door' is from Him and which 'door' is not from Him!

People of God, it's possible to 'simplify' one's life even when one lives in big cities. It's a matter of re-prioritizing. For example, when one gives say, the first 10% of his day to the Lord, he'll find that the rest of his day (the other 90%) is going to be truly blessed and sanctified! Watch and see. Try it if you don't believe! I can testify to this time and again, and I've seen how His hand has been guiding without fail! Glory be to God! Now, the same applies also to your tithing/giving to Him. If you give your first 10% to Him, you'll find that your the other 90% is going to be truly blessed and sanctified as well! Romans 11:16 is very clear on this. It says, 'for if the firstfruit is holy (say, your first 10%), the lump is also holy (sanctified); and if the root is holy, so are the branches (& the fruits thereon)'.

There'll also be grace to complete the work God has begun in you, if you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. "When the Lord says so, you say so, and when the Lord says no, you say no." Life becomes so much more restful, yet fruitful. Amen! The apostle Paul was a great example. He's a man who knew what it means to be led by the Spirit (he wrote Romans 8:14), and he also lived by the revelation of the Holy Spirit (see 2 Corinthians 12:1). In other words, he moved and made decisions by the revelation of the Holy Spirit, not by mere human logics, intelligence, persuasion, or self-effort.

One thing I've observed is this: If one makes decisions based on the revelation of the Holy Spirit, the fruits (i.e. results) thereon will be long-lasting. But if it's by mere human logics, intelligence, persuasion, or self-effort, the work will fade away after some time. We are all now thanking the apostle Paul for his ministry and works. Why? Just take away all his writings from the New Testament, and the New Testament will really look rather empty! See? We are still enjoying the 'fruits' of his ministry even until today! In other words, his works have been long-lasting even to our generation. The reason, of course, is simple: Paul has learned to be led by the Spirit, moving and making decisions based on the revelation of the Holy Spirit.

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard

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.

God has secrets to be released to you, the things that 'eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man'. The word ‘revealed' here in Greek is ‘apokalupto’, which means ‘take off the cover, disclose, unveil’, and the words 'all things' here means ‘all spiritual things, deep things of God’.

Here are some of the questions people tend to ask me:

“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 what message to preach (i.e. 'fresh spiritual bread from spiritual oven') each Sunday?”

“How do you know God is calling you to Penang, out of all locations?”

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.

Notice the words 'deep things' in 1 Corinthians 2:10 can also mean 'depth, mysteries, profound, intense, far-reaching, great knowledge'. Let's now cross refer to an end-time prophecy in the Old Testament. Habakkuk 2:14 says, 'for the knowledge of the glory of the Lord shall fill the earth as the waters cover the sea'. 

You see, it's not enough to just taste and experience the glory of the Lord (though this is definitely a great and wonderful experience). But in this end-time, God also wants you to have the knowledge of what God is currently doing, and how to move with Him!

But, how do you know (what God is currently doing, and how to move with Him) without receiving it first? 
And how do you receive without hearing it first? 
This is why learning to hear in the spirit (i.e. hear God with your spirit) is crucial in this end-time.

Amos 3:7-8 says, 'Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants...' God speaks, and He still is in the 'business' of speaking to you today! So, expect to receive His secret (or revelation) when He speaks to you! He reveals first before He acts or works through you (e.g. Joshua at Jericho).

When God speaks, He speaks to your spirit. The Bible says Holy Spirit imparts revelation to your spirit, not your soul or your body (see 1 Corinthians 2:11-13).

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

And then 1 Corinthians 2:15 (NKJV) says, 'But he who is spiritual (in other words, the spiritual man) judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one'. 

Here is a contrast between 'the natural man' (1 Corinthians 2:14) and 'the spiritual man' (1 Corinthians 2:15). Let me explain:

'The natural man' here is translated ‘Psuchikos’ in Greek (from the word ‘psuche’ which means 'soul'), i.e. a person who operates his soul (mind, will, emotion) or a person who operates naturally, not spiritually. The 'soul' of man is a natural faculty, and is created for inter-human communication. In other words, 'the natural man' is a person whose spirit is uninfluenced by the Holy Spirit (i.e. the Spirit of God), and therefore cannot receive revelation from the Holy Spirit.

'The spiritual man' here is translated ‘Pneumatikos’ in Greek (from the word ‘pneuma’ which means 'spirit'), i.e. a person who operates the spirit (i.e. he who is of the spirit) or a person whose spirit is directed (or led) by the Holy Spirit. The 'spirit' of man is a supernatural faculty, and is created to receive revelation from the Holy Spirit. In short, your spirit is created for communication with God.

Notes:

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

The statement ‘yet he himself is rightly judged by no one’ in 1 Corinthians 2:15 means ‘his spirit cannot communicate with another person’s spirit’. In other words, your spirit cannot communicate with the spirit of another person (though to a certain extent, your spirit can perceive or discern the spiritual condition of another person).

You can understand His revelation when your spirit is joined with Him. 1 Corinthians 6:17 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. 

There are two ways God can speak to you:
a) Extraordinary way: Audible voice of God (i.e. voice audible to your natural ears). For example, Saul on the way to Damascus (see Acts 9:3-7). This is not the normal way.
b) God speaks to your spirit: The Holy Spirit communicates with your spirit within you (see Matthew 10:20), instead of an audible voice to your natural ear. This is the norm for most believers.

"How does God speak in me?"
a) Receive directly in your spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12) - 'that we might know' (the word 'know' in this verse is 'eido' in Greek, which means 'be aware, behold, be sure, understand, see'), i.e. 'to see what God wants you to see, or to see what God sees'. 
b) God speaks in you with the Word (John 14:26) - 'bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you'. Holy Spirit teaches and brings to your remembrance the Word of God. In short, He speaks to you through the Scripture. 
Notice one verse later (in John 14:27) is God's assurance for you - because He speaks, and still speaks and guides, you have this peace that you are not left forsaken! 

"In what ways does God speak to my spirit?"
a) With signals/indicators (no content)
Inner witness (i.e. peace or no peace in your heart) - this is the simplest form of communication, but very reliable.
Stirrings in your spirit (i.e. promptings from the Holy Spirit within your spirit) - the Holy Spirit can place a 'burden' in your heart, for example, to pray for somebody.
b) With intelligible contents
Voice of the Holy Spirit, i.e. direction, command, or instruction from the Holy Spirit. This is not a 'product' of your mind, but comes from God, and therefore it carries the character of God.
Word of wisdom, i.e. specific instruction for specific situation, or specific direction to handle a specific situation.
Word of knowledge, i.e. revelation about a specific need, especially as you minister to others.
Dream & vision. 
c) By perceiving in the heart (or discerning with the heart) - this takes further training of one's spiritual eyes/ears (example in the Bible: Acts 5:3-4).

So, allow Him to communicate His thoughts, words, or even pictures to your spirit. Leave it to Him on how He's going to speak to you. Your part is to open your heart (like an 'antenna' receiving 'transmission'). Sometimes, His instruction or revelation may not even be logical or scientific to the natural mind (e.g. Joshua at Jericho). But His ways are always higher, and His ways will surely work. Amen!

Points to note: God's grace is more than enough for you. If you have made mistakes or made wrong decisions in life before, it's never too late for God to 'restore' or 'recover' you. He loves you enough to 'raise' you again, and to Him, time is never a hindrance. To Him, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day (2 Peter 3:8). What took a thousand years for human to accomplish, God can accomplish it in a day! God is great! Amen.

A 'hearing' heart

1 Samuel 3:10 (NKJV): Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears (shema)."

The word 'hear' in this verse is 'shema' in Hebrew, which means 'to hear attentively, to hear carefully, to hear in view of obeying'. 'Hearing in view of obeying' means 'hearing in view of acting on it'. James 1:22 says, 'be not just hearers, but doers', i.e. 'acting on the words you've heard in the Spirit'. Jesus in his own town Nazareth (where He grew up) couldn't perform many great miracles because the people did not 'shema' Him (see Luke 4:28-29). They saw Jesus as merely a man in the neighborhood. "Hey, isn't he the one we used to play with at the playground those days?" But, in other towns, e.g Capernaum, Jesus could perform many great miracles because the people 'shema' Him (see Luke 4:36-37). They saw Jesus as who He was! See the big difference?

A hearing heart (a 'shema' heart) is the key to your victory in this end-time. Word and Spirit. Spirit and Word. They go together, hand-in-hand, as you 'shema'. And just as God has trained Samuel to 'shema', allow Him to train you also. In 1 Samuel 3, you'd see Samuel was still learning to 'hear in the Spirit' (with his spirit). It was then that he learned to differentiate between the voice of man (Eli) and the voice of God. And from thereon, he continued to grow from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord (see 2 Corinthians 3:18), even in the area of 'hearing with his spirit'! Praise God! 'Grow' he did! And by 1 Samuel 16, the day arrived when his 'hearing' was about to either make or break a nation! The Lord saw him as a ready 'vessel'! He was called by the Lord to 'shema' who was to be made the next king, among the sons of Jesse! And because Samuel had learned to 'shema', he heard correctly and accurately when it mattered most. That's how David was anointed, and later, Israel became so blessed because of this king! You see? A 'hearing heart' leads to many blessings for Israel!

Say (from your heart) as Samuel had said, "Speak, for Your son/daughter hears (shema)". This will lead to many blessings, victories, and breakthroughs in your 'Israel' (i.e. your 'ground', your business, your ministry, your family, your career, your investments, etc). In 'seeing the way God sees', Samuel chose the right king (Note: God told Samuel 'not to look at outward appearance, but look at the heart'). People of God, this is crucial in this end-time.

By the way, every believer can and should hear ('shema') from the Lord, not just certain anointed prophets, apostles, pastors, etc. This is the New Covenant. In the Old, only selected and anointed people can, but in the New, everyone (who's purchased by the blood of Jesus) can. Jesus has already done it for you on the cross! He has opened the way for you! The 'veil' has been torn! The Bible says as a believer, you are now called 'royal priesthood' (1 Peter 2:9). You know what? He has made you king and priest! Royal priesthood! (Revelation1:5-6) So, you don't have to be like a high priest in the Old Covenant who enters the Holy of Holies once a year to 'hear', or specially anointed prophet like Samuel to 'hear'!

As Paul said in Romans 1:9, 'he serves God with his spirit'. As you serve Him with your spirit, it's also essential to hear ('shema') Him with your spirit. Accurate 'hearing' leads to accurate 'serving', whatever vocation God has called you for! 'The Holy Spirit bearing witness in your spirit' is the foundation to every other forms of hearing with your spirit, e.g. in dreams, visions, word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, etc.

By the way, hearing with accuracy is not for you to 'pull down' your brothers and sisters in Christ (for they are God's beloved), but to edify (build up) one another. It's also for you to 'triumph in Christ', pulling down the work of darkness, and walking in victory everyday, and in every area of your life!

Beloved of God, be open to hear ('shema'). Quiet yourself down. There's sometimes just too much 'noise' around (e.g. tv, people talking everywhere, etc). It's time to have a 'hearing heart' like Samuel, for He will surely speak to you. Receive in Jesus' name. Amen!

Hearing in the Spirit

Amos 3:7-8: Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. A lion has roared! Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken! Who can but prophesy?

God always wants to speak to you, but on your part, you need to have a listening ear. And the good news is He doesn't just speak to the prophets or those serving in full-time ministry. He speaks to anyone who's willing to hear! Amos in the Old Testament was just a farmer, a 'common' man in the eyes of others, and there wasn't any record of him going to any prophets' school. So, unlike the 'Elishas' who have their 'Elijahs', Amos actually had none. But one thing he had: He had words from the Lord! And as he heard from the Lord, he spoke them out! That simple! And that's how he became God's 'mouthpiece' in his time, and as a matter of fact, God did use him to speak against many 'injustices' in his time. In fact, the word 'Amos' means 'burden bearer' in Hebrew. You know what that means? Amos allowed God to use him to speak out 'His burden' for the nations.

Once, the Lord spoke these to me: "Like an earthworm to the earth movement, your spirit should likewise be to the spiritual realm, or the Holy Spirit's movement!". He then prompted me to do some studies on 'earthworms'. I remember asking, "What? Earthworms? Out of so many creatures, earthworms?" But anyway, I just obeyed, and that's how I found out that earthworms are not only essential to soil quality, but they also have one unique feature, i.e. they are very sensitive to 'touch'. Studies have shown that they have very sensitive 'skin cells' that can sense whatever little 'vibration' in the soil! So, whenever there's any little soil movement, or any impending earthquake, they'll be the first to know! And that's when I heard God says "My people in this end-time should be just as sensitive to any movement in the spiritual realm!"

To hear in the Spirit, you need to be connected to the Holy Spirit first! Of course, even before that, you need to receive the Holy Spirit first (i.e. be baptized in the Holy Spirit). When you are in the Spirit, you'll hear in the Spirit (see Galatians 5:16-18), just as when you are in the 'flesh', you'll hear in the flesh (i.e. 'fleshly' things)! As you begin, it's always good to enter into a time of worship first, praying in the spirit (praying in tongues), or reading the Word. What you hear in the Spirit should be spontaneous (i.e. not premeditated beforehand), and bears the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It should also never contradict the Word of God. The Word of God is and will always be the foundation when you hear with your spirit.

Recently, I was led to ask the Lord for deeper spiritual understanding and discernment, and I did the same for all the people under my daily prayer covering in the church. You can ask for it too! He is definitely in the midst of preparing His people to be at the 'cutting edge' in the spiritual realm! He wants His people to know His end-time strategy on how to advance & triumph over the enemy! I was in a prayer gathering recently when someone saw a vision of white waves (like those of the sea) flowing from the worship leader to the rest in our midst, and right then, that person heard me declaring into the spiritual realm that His people is being raised up to 'ride on the wave of the Holy Spirit', like the expert 'surfers' at the sea! She only told me about it after the prayer gathering has ended.

People of God, this is your time to hear strategies. This is your time to hear His 'game plan'. The Bible says 'without revelation, the people perish' (see Proverbs 29:18). This is His time to raise up a people of revelation who would hear His 'marching orders' with such great precision and accuracy! Are you game for this? Are you willing to be part of His whole 'game plan'? Will you be like Amos in his days? Amos spoke and declared without fear whenever he heard in the Spirit, and the Bible says those words roared like lion! Lions are kings of the jungle, and when they roar, the whole 'citizen' in the jungle 'trembles'! Jesus Himself is called the Lion of Judah, and He lives in you and speaks through you!

There are many ways God can speak to you, and these are some examples:
1. Through the Word of God released/read/preached (Acts 2:37).
2. Through inner witness, i.e. Holy Spirit speaking in your conscience (Romans 8:16, Romans 9:1).
3. Through stirrings (or provoking) in your spirit (Acts 17:16).
4. Through a drop of thought or vision/dream (Acts 16:6-10).
5. Through perceiving (or discerning) with your spirit (Hebrews 5:14).