Psalm 138:2a English Standard Version (ESV) I bow down …

Now that we have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth abides with us to teach us all the things that Jesus has to say. Hearing it from the Holy Spirit is hearing it from Jesus, they are One.

John 14:26 English Standard Version (ESV) But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

To remember anything we must first place this information within the library of the mind. Reading His Holy Word is essential to activating this passage surrounding remembrance. It is also one of our more difficult efforts because of how we must access that storehouse of information. That is where humility gives us our best clue.

We cannot teach a know-it-all anything.

When reading the Word our attitude should be one of emptiness, an empty vessel eager and willing to receive what the Spirit of Truth has to reveal. We have to forget for a moment that we know anything. Humility will allow us to put aside what we think we know and make room to listen as the Holy Spirit speaks to us through His Word. This is the primer, the first best way to hear the Holy Spirit. These first moments of hearing have to come from a place where the mind is quieted and not active in reasoning out what has been taught by preachers and teachers and counselors. We will have plenty of time to sort all that our later.

This exercise is all about hearing the Spirit of Truth and coming to know by faith that God is talking to us in the most personal way. He has opened up the lines of communication, do not close them with pride.

Psalm 138:2 English Standard Version (ESV) I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.

Having decades of experience in hearing God it has always been difficult to relate to others exactly how God speaks. What works for one person might not work for another and we must believe people when they say they are saved. We must no cast a shadow of suspicion just because the say they are not hearing God speak. God knows how to reach each of us in a way we can accept His Word and do His will.

Trying to boil it all down so that anyone will stand a better chance means placing this in the most basic terms. It must begin with our belief that God does want to talk to you and that we are willing to listen.

Hebrews 11:6 English Standard Version (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

This is a faith based relationship and the reward we seek is to hear God for ourselves. Towards that effort the Lord has said a good place to start is Psalm 138:2. We must start with humility. We are asking the God of the universe to speak to us. Attitude is everything when coming before the King of Kings. We should be grateful for the opportunity to have an audience with the King.

Acts 11:16 English Standard Version (ESV) And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’

Have we received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? If we are not sure, then we should sit down with our pastors and have that discussion.

This comes next. See tomorrow’s post.