How Do You Know It's God Speaking And Not Just You?

 

How do you know it's God speaking and not just you? Or, are you wondering if it's just your feelings  because  you've heard others including your pastor tell you, "God only speaks through the Bible. Anything else is a deception."

Can I ask? ... if God only communicates through the Bible, through scripture, then why does the Bible repeatedly show God communicating through things other than scripture? 

I read God spoke to Moses through a burning bush. I read God spoke to Joseph through dreams. I read God spoke to Elijah through a "still small voice." I read God spoke to Paul by the Holy Spirt saying, "DON'T GO THERE."  And in Numbers 22:28 God spoke through the mouth of a donkey!

Jesus said in John 10:27 "My sheep hear my voice." Wait now. Do not hear what I'M NOT SAYING. I'm not saying that every feeling you have is God. I'm not saying that every thought is God. And I'm definitely not saying ignore scripture! In fact, scripture IS THE FILTER. How? If what you think you heard contradicts God's Word, throw it away. Immediately. But the Bible never says GOD is unable to guide, prompt, convict, warn. lead, or impress something on your heart through His Spirit. 

The question isn't did I feel something? The question is, did what I feel agree with God's character? God's WORD. Did it produce good fruit? Here's something that might help you. The fact you are worried about being deceived is actually evidence that you're trying to follow God. A deceived person usually doesn't want to know if they're being deceived. So don't throw away every thought and every feeling. Test them. TEST THEM! Bring them to scripture. Bring them to prayer. Bring them to wise council. Then, follow the peace of God. One step at a time. Because Jesus didn't say 'My sheep read my book' .. He said, "My sheep hear MY VOICE." And the way you know what His voice sounds like, is through the scriptures! Think about that. 

Until He Comes,

-Pat-