5 Unique Ways to Hear from God

5 Unique Ways to Hear from God

To hear from God is a critical issue that had always disturbs the heart of a lot of Christians. When Jesus Christ was preached to me as the only One who has the master-key to open all the closed doors of my life, I was eager to meet Him for a serious discussion. I asked myself: “how can I communicate to God and hear His response?”  You might be going through a similar experience, but when you read this article, I’m sure you will hear from God.

1. Hear from God through your Mind

God speaks to our mind, but we don’t hear Him. Simply because our thoughtful desires are more audible than His small still voice. He can speak to your mind anytime and anywhere, but you can only hear from God if your mind had been transformed from the thoughts of worldliness to holiness.

Romans chapter 12 verse 1 and 2 says: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
If you practice the habit of frequent prayers and awesome worship to the Lord in your mind, then you will hear His response to whatever you ask from Him. God loves to be in a regular communication with genuine Christians.
My Christian life in God had been so awesome through His steady communication to my mind. Whenever I hear from God in my mind, it sounds like a fast typist typing on the keyboard of a computer. His speech to me through my mind has a high-speed. The speed of my brain to plan thoughtful expressions can never be compared to the speed of God’s voice in my mind.

The easiest way to differentiate the voice of God from that of Devil is to test the message with the word of God in the Bible. If there is no misconception of the scriptures, then the voice of Devil will always fail the test.

2. Hear from God through Vision

You do not need any special eyes or ears to hear from God through visions. Vision is a medium of communication which involves display of pictorial images or active conversation in another realm different from the earth. The unique experience in vision is the conscious mode of your body, unlike the dream realm.

God conveys a lot of prophetic messages to me through visions. And none of the visions had failed the Bible test. For instance, I was on my bed on the 8th of May 2003 (am not fast asleep because my mind is conscious of my environment) and in the vision I saw a huge Being sitting on a chair. I had the understanding in the vision that He is my Master. I sat on a chair in front of Him, and He opened the Bible in His Hands to Galatians chapter 6:15&16, He told me to read it, which I did. Then He said: ‘’Preach to the people, only those practicing holiness will I take to heaven’’. When the vision came to an end, I opened my eyes and I was amazed that I heard God speak to me!

The tendency to hear from God through visions involves genuine repentance from sinful lifestyle. When you give your life to Christ, His Spirit will come upon you and it will become possible for you to see visions. The book of Act chapter 2 and verses 17 says: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.”

3. Hear from God through Dream

God uses this medium to communicate to a lot of us who always experience a busy day. You can hear from God through your dreams (unconscious sleeping mode). Some dreams requires interpretations unlike vision which has a direct meaning. Don’t be confused when you hear from God through dreams, He will explain the meaning of the dream to you in your prayers to Him.

When I was in the University, I always pray to God to glorify my hard work and sometimes He responded to my prayers by revealing some course topics to me in the dream. Surprisingly, all He revealed to me in the dream were part of the exam questions. Am sure God will not show such dream to a lazy student who does not pray and read his book…

4. God Speaks through the Word in the Bible

The easiest way I had discovered that God can speak to you without any confusion or wrong interpretation is through His word in the Bible. If you want to hear from God, then read the Bible regularly with a humble mind.

To hear from God, you must be ready to obey all His instructions in the Bible. You will agree with me that only an obedient child can receive the full attention of his father when the need arises. Thus, your obedience to the word of God in the Bible is a sign that you will surely hear from God. Jesus says: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (John 15:4)

5. Your Neighbor can be God’s Mouth-Piece

I do not argue about the gift of prophesy, but run away from the false prophets who prophesy because of the money/gift they intend to get from you. God made the Israelite to hear from Him through prophet Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah. So, you can also hear from God through genuine Christians in your neighborhood or on the media.

You don’t need to jump from one pastor to another before you hear from God. The Lord will direct the right person to you, or He can make you stumble on the right solution-providing article on the internet. Every message from the Lord through your neighbor will never contradict the scriptures.
It is essential to hear from God for a cordial relationship with Him. God is not limited to these five major ways of communication, but you cannot be deaf to His voice when you read and obey the word of God in the Bible daily. Your reformed mind and prayerful lifestyle are essential prerequisites of a good chat with the Lord!!

Tattoo: God’s View to Tattoo on Your Body

Tattoo: God’s View to Tattoo on Your Body

The oldest discovery of tattoo on human skin was found on the upper lip of a Chinchorro culture mummy from South America, dating to about 6,000BC, while the oldest direct evidence of tattoo in Europe is the body of Otzi the iceman, dating from the late 4,000BC.

Tattoo had been an ancient practice for different purposes across the world. For instance, the Greeks and Romans used tattoo as punishment and identification of slaves and criminals. While in some part of the world, tattoo is an idolatry practice to show solidarity to idols.

Presently, tattoo is referred to as fashion in the western civilization. One in every five adult in the United States has at least one tattoo on their skin, and women have the highest figure according to the results of The Harris Poll. It is unfortunate that most of the film artists, musicians and sport men are promoting tattoo through the media.

 

Is Tattoo Acceptable for Christians?

Romans chapter 12 verse 1 and 2 says: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.’’ This passage always struck my heart when I ponder on controversial topics such as this.

As a child of God, your body is designed for God, and not to the fashions of the world. The teachings of God were different from the culture of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites who lived on the promise land, so He warned the Israelites to destroy them and never to follow their customs. Deuteronomy chapter 7 says: “…and when the LORD your God delivers them over to you, you shall conquer them and utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them nor show mercy to them’’.

Piercing, cutting and tattoo on the skin were popular practices in the midst of the heathen to worship their idols and to pacify the infernal deities they dreamt of, and to make them propitious to their deceased friends. God gave the strong warning, because He does not want the Israelite to receive the image and superscription of the dunghill deities.

Four reasons for Christians to Stay Away From Tattoo

1. God is the sole creator of your body, so any tattoo that could change the natural appearance of your skin is not acceptable by Him. God does not want you to idolize your skin, because He is a jealous God. Deuteronomy chapter 4 verses 24 say: “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God’’.
2. Bleeding of the skin: The tattoo artist uses a machine with the attachment of needles piercing the skin repeatedly. Every puncture of the needles inserts tiny ink droplets and this process causes bleeding and pains to the body.
3. There is the high risk of viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis through the use of the needles.
4. There is no scriptural reference that supports the practice of tattoo.
Tattoo might look like an attractive fashion, but not all what looks good is beneficial to the body. Christians must be careful not to be carried away by the lustful desire of tattoo which has no spiritual benefit. Paul knew what your body can push you to do, but He warned in Romans chapter 6 verses 12, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts’’.
I belief tattoo was not mentioned in the New Testament, because it was not a threat to the faith of the early Christians. I discovered the view of God on tattoo when He was teaching the Israelite how to live an acceptable life. Leviticus chapter 19 verses 28 say, “You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD’’.
Tattoo is becoming popular, and you must not be deceived by the false preachers who support the wrong fashion. God cares for your skin so much. I consider the use of tattoo as an abuse to the body created by God.
The inks of tattoo change the natural appearance of the skin created by God. If we surrender our body to God as a genuine Christian, then you will agree with me that tattoo is completely unnecessary in the Christendom.

How your power of Choice Can Restrain God’s Power!

How your power of Choice Can Restrain God’s Power!

The power of God is so great and no one can quantify the size. When God created us in His own image, He gave us the power of choice.
The first assignment of Adam was naming the animals created by God through the use of his power of choice, as stated in Genesis chapter 1 verse 19 and 20, “Out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature that was its name. So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field…” (NKJV)

 

Have you ever asked yourself why the omnipresent God did not stop Eve from eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden? The simple answer is that God respected the power of choice made by Eve. Genesis chapter 3 verses 6 says, “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate…”

 

God gave us the power of choice so that we can have the liberty to take helpful decisions in life. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve abused the power of choice through disobedience to God’s instruction, but thanks to Jesus who devoted His power of choice to save us from eternal condemnation.
He says in the book of John chapter 10 verses 18, “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father.”

 

I discovered that God respects my choice so much, and He cannot compel me to obey His instructions in the Bible. The glorious life I enjoy today starts from the moment I turned away from worldliness, and I devoted my power of choice to obey the word of God in the Bible every day.

The power of God cannot stop you from taking any decision in life, but the reason for the instructions in the Bible is to prevent you from abusing the power of choice.
God made it clear that we must live a sinless life for us to gain heaven. Paul says, “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”  (Romans 14:17). So the atheists have to think twice…

 

God gave us the power to make good choice, but people chose various categories of religion such as; Christianity, Judaism, Muslim, Satanism, Buddhism, Atheism, and so on.
The only way to heaven is through Lord Jesus. He says in the book of John chapter 14 verses 6, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

 

It is impossible for the power of God to take a sinner who chose to live a sinful life to heaven.
Your power of choice is significant for your success in life.

Three Benefits of God’s Power

• The Power of God had brought salvation and grace to the world, but it is the power of your choice that will determine the acceptance of the Good News into your life.
• The Power of God had created the beautiful and peaceful mansions in heaven for all the interested human beings who devote their power and strength to obey God’s commandment. Jesus says: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
• The Power of God is available to defeat Satan and to solve any problem in this world, but you cannot enjoy this Power of God’s salvation if your power of choice is devoted to worldliness.
God will never abuse His mighty Power, so you must take the wise step which involves devoting your power of choice to obey God’s word in the Bible daily. If your power of choice is aligned with God’s Power, then you will be victorious on earth and enjoy eternity in heaven.

Suicide: An Escape Route to Heaven?

Suicide: An Escape Route to Heaven?

Suicide is liken to a player on the football field who chose to run away from the pitch because his team had been terribly defeated by the opponent with ten goals to zero at the first twenty minutes of the game.
World Health Organization estimates that over 800,000 people worldwide die due to suicide every year and it is predicted that by 2020, the rate of death will increase from one death every 40 seconds to one every 20 seconds.

 
Suicide is a wrong choice made by those who thought their problems can never have a solution. Besides, there is always a solution to every problem in life when you obey the counsel of Jesus in the Bible. He says in the book of Matthew chapter 7 verses 24 and 25, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.” (NKJV)

The Causes of Suicide

There are lots of challenges in life such as: Financial problems, health issues, job… but we must not allow any challenge of life to control our emotions. If you allow yourself to be carried away by the unwanted conditions of life, then depression will hit you in a hard way. Some people thought drinking alcohol is a good way to forget their problems, but unfortunately the stupor lifestyle will never solve the problems.

In fact, experts had confirmed that depression and alcoholism are two major factors that hasten the act of committing suicide. King Solomon condemn this act in the book of Proverbs chapter 23 verse 29 and 30, ‘’ Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine.’’

How to Avoid Suicide

Suicide is a taboo in the stable cultural settings across the world, and the powerful salvation of Jesus is to save us from committing suicide when we are in trouble. Jesus proclaimed this in John chapter 16 verses 33, ‘’These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’’ (NKJV)

Suicide is not an option to solve any problem in life, so we must help anyone at risk of committing suicide.
• Avoid putting on the cap of depression; the best way to overcome the thoughts of committing suicide is to move out of your closet and speak with any genuine servant of God in your area. I am very sure that the attempt to commit suicide by someone who speaks to the professionals for help will not see the light of the day.

 
• Reading the Bible to know more about how God saved the people of the past from their problems is a good recommendation for people who attempt to commit suicide.

 
• Since abuse of drugs and alcoholism affect mental stability, then the best way to overcome suicidal thoughts is to stay away from such lifestyle. Paul said: ‘’ And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.’’ (Ephesians 5:18-19)

 
• Gamblers who have lost everything are prone to commit suicide, so it is advisable to stay away from the casino.

 
• You must not allow the feeling of faithlessness and hopelessness to take control of your mind.

 
The solutions you want to all the complex issues of life are available in the power of God, but you must be hopeful and have faith in the word of God written in the Bible. If you accept Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and Savior, then He will give you peace of mind. Jesus says in the book of John chapter 14 verse 27, ‘’ 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.’’

 
Committing suicide will not open the gate of eternal rest in heaven because such act is referred to as murder. Revelation chapter 21 verse 8 says, ‘’ But the cowardly… murderers… shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.’’ (NKJV)
Please, help anyone around you suffering from any attempt to commit suicide.

The Best Ways to Overcome Depression

The Best Ways to Overcome Depression

Depression is a joy snatcher when occurrence of unwanted situation takes place in one’s life. Unfortunately, no one on earth is immune against depression. So, everyone must have experienced depression at a particular condition of life. But the good news is that you can overcome depression in your life by the use of light-mind-control system available in the power of God.
World Health Organization estimates that 350 million people throughout the world suffer from depression. The condition reportedly affects 1 in 10 Americans, and more women are affected by depression than men. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence estimates that in the United Kingdom 21 in every 1,000 (16 to 65 years old) live with major depression.
Life is filled with ‘ups and downs’. The causes of depression include various problems such as: Financial, health, job, loss of loved one, childbirth, family issues etc. Jesus Christ was also aware of the bad influence of depression on human when He said in the book of Mathew chapter 11 and verse 28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. (NKJV)
Depression can occur in various forms, but there are two major permanent solutions to overcome it;

• Engage Yourself in Helpful Events

Depression is an output of low mood which affects the behavior, sense of well-being and activity of the sufferer. So, stay away from your room if you have the strength to visit your friends.
Your expression and laughter in the midst of your friends will improve the mood, and depression will have no power to overcome you. Whenever depression wants to entangle you, join the evangelism team of your church and go out to witness the good news of Jesus to people.
The more you read the word of God, the more strength and power you receive for your soul, and depression will have no power to knock you down. One perfect method I used to overcome depression when I lost my loving sibling was reading a lot of bible verses related to faith and hope for Christians who died in Christ’s righteousness.
When you feel the symptoms of depression, let your mind be filled with the promises of God in the bible.

  • Squeeze depression with your Headphone

Listening to music is a very effective solution to depression of any form. People with depression can feel sad, hopeless, restless or anxious, but music has a unique form of exciting people’s feelings and emotions.

A number of studies were done to test music therapy to treat depression. One 2011 study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry involved 79 people between the ages of 18 and 50 with depression. 46 received antidepressants psychotherapy and counseling, and the other 33 were given the same treatment but with an extra 20 music therapy sessions.

Participants were followed after treatment when it was determined that those who received music therapy experienced fewer symptoms of depression and reported an improved sense of overall well-being.

Music makes your body more relaxed and your mind will be in a creative mood of hopefulness. I do not allow depression to overpower me whenever the symptom arises. All I do is to put on my headphone and place my body in the sofa to enjoy the different tunes of good Christian classical music.

Music is the language of your soul, so you can listen to free classical Christian music online. It is a form of an antidepressant that is devoid of side effects unlike the drug therapy.

When you give your whole life (body, mind and spirit) to Jesus, depression will have no effect on you. The book of John chapter 8 verse 36 says: ‘’ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed’’. The Holy Spirit will always refresh your mind with the powerful word of God and you will be set free from the bondage of depression.