If you’re new to or unfamiliar with the idea that God talks to people today, content like this can feel really confusing. If that’s you, I’d encourage you to read this full page.
This is not meant to be an in-depth study on the voice of God, or of all the passages from the Bible around the concept, just an overview of some basic ideas.
God still speaks today
That said, people hear from him in various ways, including (but not limited to): gut feelings, imagined pictures, visions, dreams, an audible voice, and thoughts that come from nowhere. While people can experience all these things without God’s involvement, these are also various ways that God can speak to people.
Knowing what is God and what is not takes practice and discernment, and as someone is learning, they may make mistakes. But Jesus also says “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27, KJV). Understanding God’s direction is available to anyone who follows Jesus.
Knowing God’s direction just means we can know his next step for us, not necessarily that we know the long-term plan or our path’s outcome. We may also know what he told us, but have no idea what it actually means.
My personal experience of hearing God is usually like a series of thoughts (not audible) that interrupt my regular thought process, but I receive them as a series of clear words I can easily write down. Over the years, I’ve had to learn what was me and what wasn’t, compare what I believed I was hearing to the Bible, and step out to test the results.
How to view this journal
1. My relationship with God is shared to encourage yours, not replace it
Relationship with God is available to you by accepting Jesus Christ, regardless of your past or present. Our relationships will look different, because they’re personal, but God wants to connect with you too!
2. Compare what I say with the Bible, not the Bible with what I say
These entries are filled with references to the Bible, and I test what I receive against the teachings of the Bible. But if the Bible and my experience ever seem at odds to you, go with the Bible. This is not disrespectful to God, but is honoring to him; it is showing you believe in what he has done, and are seeking his truth, which he will help you find.
3. The Trinity (God/Jesus/Holy Spirit) is three in one, but I often experience aspects separately
God does this to emphasize different aspects of himself so I can understand his intentions better. But God is still one.
4. Though God speaks to me, I am not God and do not replace God
I am a human being who follows Jesus. Followers of Jesus represent Jesus and God, but are not God.
5. When I speak to God, I confess thoughts and feelings that contradict reality
I want to let God point out and free me from lies I believe. When you read my words, know that I am not putting myself out there to be “the example”, but rather to be vulnerable.
6. These entries always have a greater context
Entries may seem to hit on random topics out of nowhere. You may wonder “why is God bringing this up? This isn’t where the last entry left off.” These entries aren’t necessarily a continuous story, they are just pieces from my life.
7. These entries are edited for privacy
Names, obvious identifiers, or extremely personal details are removed, but phrasing is unchanged to the best of my ability.
How I format journal entries
- “Joshua: Text“: Words I am speaking.
- “God/Jesus/Holy Spirit: Text”: Words that God is speaking to me, with a different aspect of the Trinity emphasized.
- Parentheses ( ): May be part of the quotation, or used to describe an action (perhaps physical, or a picture I sense). Context should clarify which is which.
- Brackets []: Text not part of the original entry.
- Italics: Emphasis. Often when writing a journal entry, God directs me to use italics. Speaker names are also written in italics, but it’s only a speaker name if it’s the first item on a line followed by “:”.
- Bold: Emphasis. God directs me at times to use bold.
- ALL CAPS: Also emphasis. God directs me at times to use all caps. Is there a difference between italics, bold, and ALL CAPS, or special meanings for the various combinations? Probably, but I don’t know what they are.
My relationship to you
1. I am a fellow human being (and brother in Christ if you follow Jesus too!)
I am not your pastor, prophet, or guide. I’m learning alongside you.
2. I am not your boss
Hearing from God doesn’t let me demand anything from you, or let me give you orders. If you disagree with me, that does not mean you are disagreeing with God. Using your own discernment in following God is honoring to him, even if that means you disagree with me. I would rather you grow in confidence in your ability to hear from God than lean on mine.
3. I am not your spiritual piggy bank
You can give me money through the Support page, but you can receive blessings whether or not you do. You’re not building up some sort of spiritual debt by accepting freebies. If I want money for something, I’ll charge for it; if it’s free, it’s free. Just be blessed and on your way!