Where is God Amidst All This Chaos?
Special: Counseled by God Free Video Event and up to 50% off!

Hearing the Lord’s Voice and ACTING on What He Tells Me to Do by Tom P.

Mark Virkler's picture

This past year I’ve been doing extensive two-way journaling.  For a committed left-brain, analytical person, it’s been an eye opener.  Two-way journaling has addressed a long-standing desire of mine to hear the Lord’s voice, so I could not only have a deeper relationship with Him but also receive wisdom and guidance for the work He’s called me to do.  It’s helped me not only get in touch with the Lord’s heart, His love and compassion, but also better understand the desires and purposes God has placed in my heart; the good works He has called me to do.


I LOVE hearing but... obedience has been hard

Two-way journaling has helped me distinguish my thoughts from His thoughts.  It’s reaffirmed to me that the Lord is always speaking to me and providing encouragement and wisdom for the work and important relationships He’s placed in my life.

I’ve noticed, though, that while I’m receiving godly wisdom and direction for different areas and relationships in my life, I’m not always following up on the things He’s asked me to do or work on.  The Holy Spirit is a gentleman (Rom. 8:26; Jn. 14:26) and doesn’t condemn or shame me for not be following up on His counsel.  Yet I’m aware I need to be not just a hearer of the Word but also a doer as James says (Jas. 1:22).  Failure to obey means I’m limiting the Lord’s ability to work in and through my life.

Reflecting on obedience

As I’ve journaled about hearing and then acting on His counsel and talking with others, several things have come to mind to help me better walk in obedience.

First, the importance of hearing His voice and getting His wisdom and direction is foundational.  His sheep hear His voice and follow him (Jn. 10:27).  Jesus said He only did what He saw the Father doing (Jn. 5:19).  He regularly prayed for guidance and direction throughout His time of ministry (Matt. 14:23).  There are a lot of things, even good works, I can spend my time doing, but what’s really important is doing the work the Father has prepared for me to do (Eph. 2:10).  That’s what will last, not what I dream up on my own (I Cor. 3:15).

Second, I need to faithfully pray and seek the Lord’s wisdom and direction and then act on what I hear Him saying to me.  I need to include the Lord in the follow-up process.  With the Lord, regularly journal on what I need to be doing, how things are going and asking Him for ongoing counsel and direction. I realize I’ll make mistakes, but that’s OK.  It’s part of the training process.  I didn’t expect my children when they were young to do everything perfectly, and I don’t think the Father views me any differently.

Third, I need other people I regularly, weekly share with about what’s happening, how things are going.  For those married, our spouse should be one of these persons.  But other believers are also important to interact with either one on one or in a small group setting.  I need to share what I’m hearing from the Lord and what I’m doing to follow up on His counsel and direction.  These relationships can be important sources of encouragement, counsel, and accountability. 

I find these principles of support, accountability, and encouragement throughout the Scriptures.  Jesus sent out His twelve disciples in pairs as He later did with the 72 disciples (Mk. 6:7; Lk. 10:1).  Paul traveled on his missionary trips with at least one other person and at times with larger groups of people (Lk. 13:2).  Jesus, of course, did the same (Mk. 9:2).  Moses had Aaron (Ex. 4:14).  David had trusted advisors in his life (2 Sam. 7:17).

Fourth, I need to report back to others about what’s happening with the work the Lord has given to me to do.  When the 72 returned, they shared with the group how things went (Lk. 10:17).  Paul shared with others about his work and experiences (Acts 15:4).  Letting others see and hear about how the Lord is working through me builds everybody up (I Thess. 5:11).

Fifth, write down and keep a chart on what I’ve done and how the Lord used it.  It will be a reminder and encouragement of the Lord’s faithfulness. 

Sixth, when I’m tempted to give up or procrastinate, memorize and use Scriptures to speak truth to my heart and mind.  I need to remember that the enemy will do everything he can to discourage or distract me from doing the work the Lord has given me to do. 

And finally, I need to remember that if I come up short and haven’t followed through or made mistakes, I can acknowledge it and commit to doing things better or differently next time.  The Lord is with me to encourage and strengthen me, not condemn or shame me.

This is a lengthy list which I shouldn’t apply legalistically.  Rather, as with all things, I need to ask the Lord how He wants me to move ahead in this area. What specifically He wants me to do and who are the people I should do it with.

Yes, learning to the hear the Lord’s voice is foundational for our walk with Him.  It provides us with direction and encouragement.  But we also need people who through their presence and prayers are providing us with the encouragement and accountability we need to be not only hearers of the Word but also doers.

Journaling about obedience by Tom P.

Lord, what do You want to tell me about hearing Your voice and obeying it? 

Tom, yes, you need to hear My voice first and foremost.  Only then can you do what I am doing and see what I am seeing.  Otherwise you are doing things, however good in and of themselves, but they aren’t in the area I’m asking you to work; they become your plans not Mine.  I will still use them, but they aren’t My perfect, ideal area of work, the things I have specifically called you to.

Lord, you’ve been telling me a lot of things to do or giving me a lot of counsel, however, I’m challenged in following through on it or fully discerning what it is You’re telling me to do.  How can I better obey you?

Tom, it’s My heart’s desire that you would hear My voice and then work on the things I’ve called you to under the wisdom and guidance of My Spirit.

It’s important for you to not only hear My voice initially but then continue to consult with Me on what I have said.   

It’s also helpful to have your wife or other followers of Mine be with you in the process.  Share what you are hearing with Me.  It will help confirm that it was from Me.  If you’re unsure then ask them.  However, if it’s clear to you, consistent with My Word, and they agree, then that’s a good basis for moving ahead with your actions. 

They can also help you make sure you take the next steps.  If fear and doubt enter in, then the enemy can divert you from the task I’ve called you to.  Yes, it’s important to have other believers walk with you along the way, to provide encouragement and exhortation.  Yes, invite others into your life and the process of hearing, discerning and then following through on what I have asked you to do.

You can do this a number of ways.  Meet with them regularly.  At your regular meeting share what you sense I am telling you to do and then purpose to act on it before the next meeting.

If you come up short and don’t act on it then simply acknowledge it and realize My Spirit is still with you to provide counsel and wisdom and encouragement.

What are examples of this in Scripture? 

Paul and Barnabas, walked and worked together.  When My Son sent out the 12 and then the 72 disciples, they went together.  So having a friend to encourage and motivate you is important.

Working in the context of the body and when the church is sending you out, it’s good to share with them what you are doing and report back to them on your results.

Paul regularly reported to others what he did and how things went.

Specific steps of action which help in establishing obedience - by Mark Virkler

  1. I ask the Lord to circumcise my heart, removing evil desires and replacing them with godly desires.
  2. When tempted to fail, I purpose to seal my lips from speaking negatives about myself, life or God. Instead I memorize and speak God's truth over myself strengthening myself in the Lord.
  3. Any time I fail, I repent immediately and ask for and receive a cleansing of Jesus' blood and then I put on Christ's robe of righteousness.
  4. I ask the Lord to explain why I failed and what I could do differently in the future so I don’t continue failing.
  5. I journal out a detailed description of the blessings of living righteously in this area and the devastation of living unrighteously. Reviewing these pictures provides powerful emotional energy for change.
  6. I ask my spouse (or accountability partner) to hold me accountable through some mutually agreed upon signal, that will not be shaming, but a simple reminder.
  7. If the above is not sufficient, I engage an accountability partner whom I connect with weekly.

 

Related Resources: 

How to Hear God's Voice!   

Related Blogs: 

How to Hear God’s Voice   
Add new comment

Results

Results 11 - 20 of 479

Pages

Hearing God

Hearing God - for Intimacy, Healing, Creativity, Meditation and Dream Interpretation

by Mark Virkler and Patti Virkler | 192 Pages

Reviewed by Sid Roth on It's SupernaturalWhat does it sound like to hear from Heaven? In this interactive journal, Dr. Mark Virkler takes you on a life-changing journey that reveals three powerful ways you can hear God’s voice and recognize how He is speaking in your life everyday.

Price: $16.95
Naturally Supernatural

Naturally Supernatural

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 161 Pages

A step-by-step guide on “abiding in Christ” or how to let go and let God live naturally and powerfully out through you. Disarmingly simple. Mind-blowingly powerful.

Price: $14.95

Unleashing Healing Power Through Spirit-Born Emotions

by Mark Virkler and Charity Kayembe | 314 Pages

Experience Healing for Your Body, Soul, and Spirit through Kingdom Emotions!

In Christianity, emotions are often considered to be misleading and untrustworthy—a lingering part of our fallen nature that distract us from God’s truth. But our emotions were created by God, and though the enemy may seek to manipulate our hearts, Jesus sets us free! This practical teaching will empower you to see emotions as unique channels through which the Holy Spirit works to bring miraculous life-transformation, deliverance and healing.

Price: $16.99

Your Extraordinary Life!

by Mark & Patti Virkler | 197 Pages | $14.99 Retail

Can you imagine starting new believers off with the Holy Spirit! What if the first thing you were taught as a newborn Christian was how to connect easily and daily with the Holy Spirit Who was living inside you, anointing you, empowering you and transforming you?

Save $4 off retail for this book, plus huge quantity discounts available!

Price: $10.95

Rivers of Grace

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 189 Pages

You can be the parent God wants you to be: loving, encouraging, trusting and able to raise up your children in the way they should go, fulfilling their own unique destinies. Parenting was not intended to be a burden, and anyone who tells you differently has bought into a lie. You will learn to enjoy parenting as an exciting, joy-filled, divinely-ordained opportunity, not an wearying responsibility.

Price: $14.99

4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice - Teen Edition

by Kay Velker and Mark Virkler | 164 Pages

Get your teens excited about hearing God's voice, two-way journaling and receiving divine vision! Keep them from going through teenage rebellion by teaching them how to hear from the Lord personally every single day of their lives. Give them a foundation that will let them accomplish more than they ever dreamed possible! 

Price: $9.95
4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice Pre-Teen Edition

4 Keys to Hearing God's Voice Pre-Teen Edition

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 39 Pages

This book will ensure that your children learn to hear the voice of God. Generally young people can hear God’s voice easier than adults can! And by teaching them the four keys early on they will clearly recognize His voice as they grow up, positioning them to readily experience His maximum grace and goodness every day of their lives.

Price: $7.95

49 Lies Book – 49 Religious Lies Jesus Told Me to Stop Believing

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 112 Pages

If you have ever believed any of the following lies, then this book is for you: "Emotions are soulish;" "Money is evil or secular;" "It is wrong to seek vision;" "Don’t trust experiences;" "God gave me a mind and expects me to use it;" "Politics are evil;" God is always beating on me;" or one of 43 more such detestable lies...

Price: $11.95
Am I Being Deceived?

Am I Being Deceived?

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 110 Pages
Do you know where the boundaries are? Do you know the distinguishing traits of true Christianity, phariseeism, and the New Age Movement? You will after you have read this book. Set your borders straight, your vision high, and your passion at full steam ahead. Come explore true Christianity, phariseeism, and the New Age Movement.
Price: $12.99
Apprenticed to Leadership

Apprenticed to Leadership

by Mark and Patti Virkler | 74 Pages

Apprenticeship: "Soaking up the spirit and anointing of another."

Apprenticeship is the most time-honored approach to learning. It has proven itself through all of history, was used by Jesus of Nazareth to disciple the Twelve, and is being restored in America today by progressive educators.

Price: $10.95

Pages