Friendship With Jesusનમૂનો

Jesus Wants to Converse With Me

The heart of God is to live in and through his people, in communion. The people God has used the most are well-versed in communion, or two-way conversation, with him. Communion is “the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings.” The Old Testament is the drama of God’s ongoing effort to have communion with his people collectively through the children of Israel, and individually. Consider Adam, Eve, Noah, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, David and others. Abraham is called the friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7). God spoke face to face with Moses as a friend (Exodus 33:11).

In the New Testament, we learn how Jesus walked and talked with his first followers from the moment their eyes opened until they drifted into sleep. He told them that after he left, his Spirit would speak to their spirit (John 16:13). This promise applies to you and me today.

The Apostle Paul experienced this personally and explained how it works. In 1 Corinthians 2, he contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom that comes from God. In verses 9-10, he says the mysteries of God are revealed to us by the Spirit. Verses 11-13 teach that it is his Spirit in us that helps us know all that God has given us. Verses 14-15 explain there is a big difference between the unspiritual (natural, worldly) and the spiritual person. Paul concludes in verse 16 by telling us we have the mind of Christ!

By faith, through his Spirit, we can hear the voice of Jesus. We can listen to his Spirit as he brings to mind his thoughts, ideas and assurances already revealed in the written word. Then we can speak them back to ourselves. It can be as simple as letting God speak Scripture — his love letter — back to us.

So how do I know if I’m hearing the voice of Jesus? Here are a few keys to discernment in my experience:

• It is always consistent with God’s word. The better you know the Bible, the better you will recognize his voice. We are to run from the voice of strangers (John 10:5).
• It is always consistent with God’s heart of love. Anything that does not result in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control should be cast aside.
• Sometimes it is an impression rather than something verbal (John 5:19-20). Sometimes at home, I will walk past my wife and get the impression I should turn back and give her a hug. I have learned to respond right away to those promptings.
• Sometimes it is a word or phrase. A few years ago, I was thinking about something our son was going through. A phrase came into my mind that was distinctly from outside of me: “He is not your own.” It was so clearly the voice of God that I got on my knees and worshiped.
• Most times it is imagining what Jesus would say to me based on his word and his heart.

So, not only is Jesus speaking to us, he is in front of us leading, he is in us by his Spirit — and he invites us to converse with him.

Pattern

Since his Spirit is speaking to your spirit, imagine what Jesus might be saying. Speak it out loud and respond to what he said. Continue this for several interchanges. Hint: Try standing and pacing in a quiet room. Here’s an example.

Jesus: “Clyde, I want to bear fruit through you today.”

Me: “I’m so glad I can abide in you and that you also abide in me.”

Jesus: “Yes, I also abide in you. I’m living in you and want us to partner together all day today.”

Me: “Thank you Jesus, I look forward to walking with you.”

You may want to write in a journal the thoughts or phrases you find most meaningful.

Overcoming the objection

What if I’m just making this up? Until you develop this pattern, it may feel awkward. But when you’re doubting, ask yourself, “Did God really say he would speak to me?” Then answer, “Yes, he did say … ‘When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears’” (John 16:13, NIV).

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for desiring communion with me as you have for thousands of years with your servants. Teach me to trust you to speak through your Spirit to my spirit. I’m excited to walk and talk with you today.