3. The inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
God has sent the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us. We should pray and commit all of our ways to the Lord, asking for his guidance and direction. God wants to reveal His thoughts and feelings to us. He does this through His Word but also through the person of the Holy Spirit. He has been sent to be our friend and our helper (see Rom.8:14. 1 Jn.2:20,27).
God led the Israelites through the external means of a cloud by day and a fire by night symbolising the Holy Spirit. Pretty simple, just watch the cloud. When it’s moving, get a move on! Other decisions were made with the Urim and Thummin in the priest’s breastplate. God would give an indication of “Yes” or “No” when a question was asked. We now have an inner witness of the Spirit to guide us ... if we'll only listen.
4. The supernatural.
God sometimes uses "special revelation" to guide and direct us. This could include prophecy, which is primarily given for strengthening, encouragement and comfort (1 Cor.14:3). Be careful of directive prophecy. You don’t get the will of God from a prophecy only. God does not lead you by one sign. You need to test the word. Get some more confirmation. Who knows whether the prophet is right and the word? Check it out. Paul had a prophecy from Agabus but did not let it turn him from what God had already spoken to him about (Acts 21:10-15).
God also speaks at times through dreams and visions, and occasionally through an audible voice or through angels (but never contrary to God's word - see Gal.1:8).
[More tomorrow]
Thank you Mark. Very inspiring encouragement and balanced wise advice. Have you thought about writing another book?
Posted by: MarijaThornton | March 12, 2010 at 08:30 AM