BELLA VISTA — Do you believe it when someone tells you they heard God speak to them? Perhaps it would be more believable if they used the word communicate rather than speak but who knows, maybe what they really mean is that they actually heard God. Let’s look at two real life stories… and you decide.

There is a business man in Dallas named Steve who received a very expensive leather briefcase from his wife as a Christmas gift. Naturally he was excited about putting it to use, so he put all his corporate papers in it including the check books from the three small companies he owned. One day he had the briefcase with him in his truck as he was pulling out of a company parking lot when he remembered he had forgotten his cell phone. On the way out of the truck Steve says he heard a voice tell him to lock the truck. Thinking he wouldbe back in seconds he turned off the truck and ignored the suggestion.

When he returned to the truck the briefcase and the belongings were gone. Fortunately he was able to contact the banks to stop payment on all checks. But Steve says, “The next time I hear some advice from the Holy Spirit, I’m taking it!”

Here’s a story with even more impact. On the way to fight in Vietnam Jim Skiles found a new connection to God… prayer! During the long flight, he just stared outthe window and wondered if God would help him stay alive through the experiences ahead.

Finally, he looked up to the clouds and prayed to God promising that if God would bring him back to the United States safe and sound he would give the rest of his life to Him.

Jim’s job with the Army Corps of Engineers in Vietnam was operating a bulldozer to clear paths for large artillery guns. One day he was sitting in a lawn chair between two officers while taking a break from his bulldozing.

While the three soldiers were talking about better times back home, Jim was suddenly motivated to get out of his chair and walk toward the bulldozer.

He did not view this as a suggestion; “I definitely heard a voice inside telling me to get up immediately and go over to where my partner was on the bulldozer.” So hegot up and began walking toward the bulldozer. When he was about halfway there he heard a mortar round coming in, turned and saw it land right where he had been sitting, killing both officers on impact. Jim didn’t understand why his life was spared, only that he had made another connection to God and learned a lesson in faith.

Both men heard what might have been the same voice. Jim heard the voice and responded and Steve did not. Good thing it wasn’t the other way around.

Revelation1:8 says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega”, says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Maybe we should play it smart and listen-up! God bless you and have a great day.

***

Johnson is pastor of Bella Vista Assembly of God.

Religion, Pages 16 on 10/14/2009

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