If I told you that God speaks to me, would you be offended, amused, intrigued?

Well, does not the Scripture teach that His Spirit is to live in us? Then should it not be assumed that He will speak? You say, He already spoke, through the Bible. Yes, He did, and in that Bible He points us to a living relationship equivalent to a branch being attached to a vine. If we reduce “abiding in Him” to the reading of a Book, we do Him and ourselves a disservice, in my opinion. He lives, right? He lives within me.

Consider the following. It came to me as I was quiet before the Lord, listening. You will see in this collection of thoughts a little Scripture, some C.S. Lewis and even more. You could say they are “my” thoughts. My thoughts received in various places and situations. But my thoughts, organized and drawn out by a loving God to speak encouragement to me at a given moment. It may even bless you. Some call this “prophecy.” Some do not. Here’s what I heard in my inner man…

“Be still. Stop talking. Listen. Trust Me to put the right thoughts in your brain. Stop trying to ‘feel’ delivered and healed. Stop trying to heal yourself. Listen. Listen to my thoughts from this day. Your own thoughts and efforts will fail. Your wife and all her efforts will fail. Your job will fail you. Your friends will fail you. That new Bible class will fail you. The arm of flesh will always fail you.

“But I will never fail you. Listen hard for My thoughts. As much as lies in you, think nothing of your own, but wait for the Spirit to bring His message to you. Wait. Listen. I have heard your prayers again and again. I have answered you. You will see. Now listen to My “prayers.” Answer Me. I have been waiting for you to be quiet long enough for Me to speak. Are you ready?”

Yes, Lord.

“Listen. Real men listen. You want to be a real man. Begin by listening. You are whole. No longer claim the imperfection. Claim the completeness. [You are complete in Him. Colossians 2:10.] Don’t rely on the philosophies of men. All of God is in Jesus and all of Jesus is in you. You have everything that you need. I the Lord have healed you. Enjoy your health and walk in it. Let it manifest daily more and more.

“Be careful of vain repetition when talking to Me. Be sure you are in agreement with the words from your mouth.

“Relax and rejoice in My creation. All is well in My Kingdom.

“Unnecessary chatter will weary you. Let not your thoughts or your words race.” [Ecclesiastes 5:2]

So, what think ye of this? Was I merely encouraging myself in the Lord? Was God actually talking? Was there anything said that can be contradicted by the original Word of God?