Is This Journaling from God?

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Wright on September 3, 2009 at 8:15am

Hi,

Big question that I am sure you have heard many times before: Without giving a long history, hearing Gods voice is the most painful and frustrating part of my entire Christian life. When I get alone with God, I have lots of thoughts flood over me, from condemnation to I love you. I know his voice is NOT condemnation, but when I have this thought I love you, I have no idea if it is The Holy Spirit or my own thought, know in my head that God loves me. A friend gave me your book about two years ago, I read it for a bit and I couldn't hear anything in journaling so I threw the book out because I was frustrated and it didn't work for me. Recently I bought your book again with some encouragement from friends, and I still can't sense anything that I could say with confidence that is from God, I would hope it is from God but have no confidence that it is Him. Any way out of this?

Tim

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Permalink Reply by Mary Ann E on September 3, 2009 at 10:54pm

I don't think you understand who you are yet...you still have fear..perfect love casts out fear

Also read 1 John 4:17
Please check out Bertie Brits

Bertie Brits
http://www.dynamicministries.com he has free mp3s, videos , and you can donate if you want

The only thing I don't agree with him, Bertie Brits is that he says God doesn't test us. I think he honestly disagrees with some of the reason that people say God tests us...some people percieve it wrongly but nonetheless much of his preaching is definitely confirmation of what God wants me to know

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Permalink Reply by Theokrat on September 4, 2009 at 4:18am

Tim,

I started to write a reply to you, but since this involved my testimony it looked like I should post it in the "My Story of God's Working in My Life" section. It is titled - Theokrat - My Story (God's Voice and Vision in My Life)!

I've had some of the same difficulties. Hopefully my testimony may be of some encouragment to you.

I believe this URL should take you directly there -

http://www.koinonianetwork.org/forum/topics/theokrat-my-story-gods-...

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Permalink Reply by Fran on September 4, 2009 at 10:53pm

Tim,
I dont know if you will feel this is obvious but perhaps reading the Bible first especially the new testament will help.I get the word in my memory and it helps to verify that I am hearing God.He says His sheep hear his voice... so we do.We can write down verses and memorize verses at first to get to know how He would talk.He says I have loved you with an everlasting love.He says I will never leave or forsake you.He says my word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.I know He may speak to some in dreams and visions etc but to me he speaks a lot thru reading His word.I also like to listen to music and we call it soaking and after one hour or so of listening to the words in music I am filled with His love and have heard Him.I do read some other christian books too and as I read I feel I am seeing a word or phrase that stands out to me...that is his message to me at that time.It seems even in the Bible that a phrase may seem to be illuminated and then we say its a rhema word to me..I am trying to make it simple here so hope it helps

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Wright on September 5, 2009 at 7:57am

Hi Fran,

I think your idea is excellent! I am starting to really immerse myself in the Bible more and more. Found a system to reading the entire Bible in 90 days. What I must get past which I find hard because it affects my confidence in hearing the Lord, is this: When I hear/think something, how do I know that it is not just scripture or my wanting to receive a comforting thoughts from God or that it is really God. I am right brained as a man. I value relationships above all. I spend hours every day mentoring men one to one so all i ever live in is emotions and relationships. But I have to find someway around this dilemma. Thanks for the encouragement. I am jealous of you for the sun in your photo. I am in northern England and it rains so much here. I have moss growing on the rubber molding of the windscreen.

Bless you and thank you for taking the time to respond to my question.

Tim

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Permalink Reply by Diane Manuel on September 6, 2009 at 11:30pm

Hi! I just joined the network yesterday. I really like what you said here, Fran! I think that sometimes in "charismatic circles" it is so easy to just focus on hearing/vision/ journaling, experiences, etc, and neglect the Bible. In what you said here, as well as what Mark says in his books, it is a good reminder that by reading the Bible we prepare ourselves for "hearing." By feeding on the "logos" (written Word of God) we are prepared to receive the "rhema" (spoken or quickened Word of God).

Re, this part of what you said, "I do read some other christian books too and as I read I feel I am seeing a word or phrase that stands out to me...that is his message to me at that time.It seems even in the Bible that a phrase may seem to be illuminated and then we say its a rhema word to me." - I like that - in seeking to "hear God" I tend to think that in order for it to be God speaking, I need to "hear" whole sentences, such as what we find in some of the examples on here as well as on the website and Mark's writings, but having a phrase or verse "quickened" (standing out) to us or having a Scripture or song come to mind are ways that God speaks as well and we need to acknowledge that.

Tim, here is a suggestion - when you sense that you are hearing a Scripture or comforting thought from God, you could write it down; then, rather than questioning at that moment about whether or not it is from God, thank God for it and ask Him something about it. - e.g. "What would you like to say to me further about this?" and see if you get something more, and write that down. One thing Mark mentions is that journaling (writing down what we "hear) gives our "left brain" something to do while our "right brain" is listening to God. In this way we don't allow our "left brain" to interrupt the flow of the Holy Spirit speaking, by "analyzing" what we hear. After our time of listening and journaling, we can later go back and check to see if what we heard was from God. A couple of ways to check include seeing if it lines up with Scripture (e.g. principles of Scripture) and the character of God, and sharing it with others who also listen to God. (e.g. this discussion). Hope this helps as well.

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Permalink Reply by Fran on September 7, 2009 at 1:08am

Thanks Diane for sharing.It seems you are quite articulate and have read a lot of Mark's work.I too took a course on Mark's work but it has been a while so it's nice to be refreshed on it by what you shared.We are on the same page so to speak.Thanks again for being you.

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Permalink Reply by Diane Manuel on September 7, 2009 at 9:43pm

Thanks, Fran!

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Permalink Reply by Timothy Wright on September 7, 2009 at 4:33am

Hi Diane,

That is very helpful. I need to practice the presence of God and not just listen for His presence. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Tim

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Permalink Reply by Diane Manuel on September 7, 2009 at 9:44pm

You're welcome, Tim!

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Permalink Reply by Carol Barton on September 19, 2011 at 4:28pm

Hi Fran, Your words to Tim from '09 to now when I reconnected, is a real help to me, thank you so much.  One thing I am seeing, is His grace brings more belief or faith that I will hear Him.  Recently, I had 2 important questions and heard His answer immediately, that everything was going to be all right.  He also said He would take care of my adult son about to be homeless.  Six days later his Dr. intervened w/help.  My son was homeless and in a park for 6 hrs. then he was provided w/free motel room.  He still needs a home,, so God led me to a home that welcomes those on SSI and is affordable.  So God is taking care of my son, PYJesus.  God bless you for helping others with your wisdom and love, Carol

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Permalink Reply by Mark Virkler on September 7, 2009 at 7:29pm

Tim, you have received lots of great advice from the group. Let me just suggest one more thing. after you journal, you need to share your journaling with a couple of your spiritual advisors and ask them if they feel in their heart, this came from God. It is in the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses that thins are confirmed. And I am sure you could post some of your journaling here and ask the group if they felt it was from God, and they would give you good responses. Skipping this important step means journaling will not work well for you.

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