The past three Wednesday messages have touched on the topic of hearing God, and I hope you have found value in them. This is such a vital topic for us, as believers, to really dive into. Without knowing how to hear God, we can be so easily deceived. Let’s face it, no one wants to be deceived! We are in this together, which is why I have set aside these Wednesday messages for you and I to learn, and grow, together.

So far, you have learned how to discern which voice you are hearing – your own or the enemy’s. Today, we are going to dive into what God’s voice sounds like and now you’ll learn how to recognize His voice.

Your own flesh, as well as the enemy, tell you to deceive, justify, do the “wrong” things, violate agreements, gossip, slander, be selfish, oppress others, condemn, divide. Those voices instill fear, pride, dishonor, hopelessness and depression in you… and the people around you. Those voices try to convince you to do what seems to be best for you, without considering anyone else.

But God speaks hope, correction, strategy, love, wisdom, peace, justice, warning, unity, encouragement. He speaks in a way designed to make your faith grow. He challenges you to believe. He speaks good, true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, excellent and praiseworthy things.

When I first rededicated myself to the Lord, a war for my ears and my heart raged in me. So much fear and condemnation came at me. An aggressive voice reminded me of my past and how filthy I was. It seemed like I was being tormented day and night, and I didn’t know what to do.

At that time, I came across II Corinthians 10:5, which instructs us to take every thought captive. I used this passage to answer the accusations and condemnation coming at me constantly.

You have to get to a point where you no longer fight with your strength, words or knowledge, but you run into the arms of the only one you can trust – God. Not yourself, your money, your brain, your knowledge, your friends. God is the only one where you can put all your trust!

In order to hear God’s voice, you have to make the decision to trust Him fully. After all, He is the safe place you seek. He is the greatest source of wisdom!

What I began to do in those early days, when I was just learning how to hear His voice, is a very simple strategy. I began to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. I said these words: “God, if this thought is from You, I receive it. If it is not, Satan I rebuke you.”

So when those thoughts would come – “You’re a loser, you’re a failure, you can’t do anything right. You’re going to lose your companies. You’re a fake. You’re a terrible wife and mother.” – I would say those words. “God, if this is from You, I receive it. If not, then Satan I rebuke you. Go back to hell where you belong!”

THAT is how you take every thought captive and helped me learn how to hear His voice. Even when I wasn’t sure whose voice I was hearing, this strengthened my discernment.

Soon, I began hearing different words. “You are loved. You are precious to me. You are my daughter and I am your Father.” So, again I said the same words. “God, if this is from You, I receive it. If not, then Satan I rebuke you.”

I would hear messages of love, safety and acceptance, as well as messages of rejection and condemnation. But I learned to recognize whose voice was talking to me, and I received what was from God and rejected what was coming from the enemy – or even from myself.

I highly encourage you to make this strategy part of your everyday life. Just try it this week. If you are really serious about learning how to hear the voice of God, do this for the next 30 days. I promise, you are going to begin to hear God in a way you’ve never experienced. You are going to know His voice, and be able to reject the voice of the enemy.

Please let me know your thoughts and experiences with this strategy by leaving your comments below. I also strongly encourage you to share this with your friends and family. Like I said at the beginning of this message, this will dramatically change every believer’s walk with God. So take some time to pass this along right now.

And, be sure to tune in to The Dani Johnson Show today for a special Spiritual Equipping message today! You can find the show on your TV and radio and remember you can always stream today’s show right here on our website.

In great faith,

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