asking questions...

you may have noticed that in the column to the right, you can see what mike &/or i have been reading lately...

on that list is a book a co-worker recommended & gave to us that i've found really interesting... can you hear me? tuning into the God who speaks. by brad jersak
while he comes from a slightly different perspective than i am used to, i've gotten a lot out of his writings... and have been challenged to listen for God's voice & expect to hear Him speak to me... through things like scripture, my pastor, or even an urge to pray for or encourage someone... everyday things we may dismiss as just our own thoughts.
while waiting for mike in bangkok airport last weekend, i did a little exercise he suggested... he called it asking God "friendship questions". it seemed a little weird at first, but i felt prompted (by God??) to give it a go & try the author's suggested list of things to ask God, as my friend (John 15:15):

• What's grieving You these days? Why?
• What's exciting You these days? Why?
• What do you like about me? Why?
• What do You see when You look at me?
• When was the last time You wept over me? Why?
• When was the last time You laughed over me? Why?
• If You could meet me anywhere face-to-face where would it be?
• If my heart is Your home, what does it look like?
• If You could play a game with me, what would it be? Why?

He encourages us to pray first for the peace of God in our hearts & minds, then not to analyze too much or try to "get it right" as we listen for God's answers... He says that anytime we listen to God, we should always dismiss anything that does not line up with Scripture, but take confidence in Jesus' promise that we will be able to discern His voice (John 10) if we are His sheep.

I am not a person who regularly "hears" God... but as i asked Him the questions above, though i didn't hear an audible voice, i did have a very clear impression of His answers in the form of thoughts in my head... it was really surprising! some of the answers spoke very directly to some struggles & fears i was having at the time, though i was not expecting them to. i think i'd like to ask questions & listen more often now!

i hope you'll try it & be surprised, too, by our God who longs for us to have a very personal relationship with Him. let me know if you do!