Amen and amen, Brad.  Well said.  Praying prosperity, not exactly in the
money sense, on your trip.

Vicki

----- Original Message -----
From: "Brad D" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, April 11, 2005 7:13 PM
Subject: [ECHURCH-USA] Hearing the voice of God


> I remember a few years back. I was engrossed in transcribing some sermons
> for our pastor's book project, and right in the middle of a totally
> different topic altogether, the Lord answered a question I had been asking
> him concerning my life.  I had been asking, "Lord, what is it you want me
> to do, what is your purpose for me here". I had been seeking just what my
> purpose was, what god's plan was for my life. Then, right in mid-sentence,
> mid-thought, fingers slapping the keys and mind totally wrapped up in a
> separate thought, nearly audibly, and if I didn't know better I'd have
> thought it was, but although it was very clear, very pronounced, I heard
> no voice from my physical ear. But right in the midst of this project I
> heard, "Help my people understand". I immediately stopped my typing and a
> chill went down my back in realization that God, the creator of all, God
> of this Earth and maker of all, just spoke to me personally. I knew that I
> knew that I knew that was him, and not just a creation of my own thoughts
> or a bad pickle for lunch. I thought. "Lord? Understand what? What do you
> mean? Tell me more, talk to me Lord, talk to me!"  But I heard no more. I
> suspect he wanted me to search that out for myself. unfortunately I feel
> I've not obeyed him as I should in that regard, not forgotten it, but
> perhaps the timing isn't just right, or I am in  a prep stage and don't
> realize it.  To this day I haven't gotten a clear direction on that, other
> than the obvious of helping others to see his work or word and its
> understanding, but of course I must have it myself to help others and so
> he is not yet finished with me I suspect.  Now, the point of hearing God's
> voice has little to do with that incident's topic, or that particular
> message from God other than he speaks in different ways. There has been
> times when although it couldn't be explained, you just know and you know
> that you know that you know something needs doing and so you do it. Some
> months ago I was determined and even told others I'd attend a vending
> conference in Denver. Made all the arrangements to go minus the hotel and
> flight. Had even planned on dropping in on ole Phil and break bread, have
> a time of prayer and etc. Was all jazzed about going, but yet something
> told me no. I said is it the money in volved in going? At first that was
> my answer, but then I realized that if I really were to go, it would work
> out financially. Once past that I still had this nagging pull every time I
> was about to make hotel and flight reservations. I just could not do it.
> I'd go to pick up the phone, or get online to do it, and I couldn't do it.
> This week, tomorrow in fact, I am planning to make arrangements to get
> back over to my parents during this surgical recovery time for my mom. At
> first I thought my mom wouldn't want anyone around when she is not feeling
> well, there is pride there, and also not wanting to be a bother to anyone.
> But when I told her earlier that I was planning on coming over, that I
> felt I should have been there during the surgery but couldn't do it, but
> plan to be there tomorrow, she, yet in a groggy, painful state, was happy
> to hear that. They basically live there by themselves with no other
> relation around other than two nephews of mine, grandkids of theirs who
> really are off doing their own thing and rarely communicate, with
> exception of one who is now a parent them self and getting older. I now
> know why God held me back from making that trip, he wanted me to be with
> my parents during this time. Even though it isn't a life threatening
> operation, any operation is risky at 65 and having a history of blood
> pressure issues during such, but more so I think is for them to just know
> someone cares enough to inconvenience themselves to spend time with them.
> They would never ask, but just the fact one shows up makes them elated
> without showing it outwardly. Perhaps God has more in store for this time
> with them than even that, but I do believe this little lesson in hearing
> his still small, but powerful voice in my not attending that conference
> this week despite my desire to go, may yet be a primer for me to hear him
> on another matter down the road. In fact, I believe with as much
> assuredness as I did in not attending this conference this week, that this
> is a warmer up for a much more important directional change in life, or to
> brace me  to walk close to him for a rough road ahead. I haven't figured
> out which yet. I'm feeling a directional change but who knows. Point
> being, take these times of when you feel God's tugging, and remember them,
> remember what that feels like, what intensity you feel, and despite what
> is going on around you, or what plans you've made, follow that inner voice
> that is guiding you, and you will then see why it is he's led you to where
> he has. Each time you do this it is a deeper sense of following god, not
> necessarily easier, but one can do it with more assuredness and faith
> knowing he is in control.
>
>
> Brad
>