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Post by Mosquito on Apr 17, 2011 22:29:27 GMT -5
How do we differentiate when we "hear from God" vs. our own thoughts or feelings?
Here is a scripture reference that I like on the subject.
James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
There are more than a few ways that we might hear from God. Sometimes God speaks to some individuals in dreams or an audible voice. His sheep do know His voice.
Here are a few other examples: Studying scripture, a person's testimony, a sermon, an exhortation, a word from a brother or sister, a dream, a vision, or even by inspiration of the Holy Ghost within ourselves. Note that in verse 17 the wisdom from above is first pure, or uncorrupted. Everything described after that point may not be entirely noticed on first inspection. These later attributes come forth afterward, they follow along as a process in the contemplation and application of the wisdom by the Christian.
It is easy to begin to discern wisdom that isn't from above (v. 14-16).
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