One of the most important leadership trait is the ability to hear God. Leaders must lead not by human reasoning but by Divine revelation.

Samuel learned at an early age to discern God's voice. Eli, the High Priest, instructed Samuel on how to listen and answer the Lord. Samuel thought the voice of God was the voice of Eli. Samuel had to learn to discern the voice of God. We are similar to Samuel. Discerning God's voice is learned by us.

Jesus said, "My sheep hear my voice." That scripture has always brought me comfort. I know I am the sheep of His pasture. The Lord is my shepherd. Since the Holy Spirit indwells me, I have the ability to hear God speak to me. I am alive in my spirit to God's Spirit. The Psalmist said, "Deep calls to Deep." What does that mean? It means God's Spirit calls to our spirit.

How does God speak to you and me?

1. God speaks by an audible voice.
2. God speaks by His Spirit to our spirit.
3. God speaks to us by our conscience.
4. God speaks to us through dreams and visions.
5. God speaks to us through His written Word.
6. God speaks to us through prophecy, word of knowledge, and word of wisdom.
7. God speaks to us through our circumstances. I know I am in the will of God when I know I am not
out of the will of God.
8. God speaks to us through Godly counselors.
9. God speaks to us through chastisement. If I can't hear it, I need to feel it. ha!
10. God speaks to us through burdens and desires.
11. God speaks to us through inner peace. Peace is the number 1 indicator that you are in the will of God

"Can you hear me now?" That's what we say when we talk on our cell phones when the reception is bad. Incline your ear to the Lord, so you can hear Him. God wants to speak to us. Are we listening?

Grace to you, Pastor Tim