When God speaks at any time, we do well to familiarize with what He is saying. In other words, when God speaks, it is pure wisdom. Again, we do well to listen to His voice. God is sovereign and unlimited. He is power. He is wisdom. God can speak through people, His written Word, circumstances/issues, the supernatural gifts of the Spirit, direct impressions to the heart, and in other ways as the Lord sees fit.
So, once we have discerned that God has indeed spoken a word, we have the utmost responsibility to listen and obey. James declares, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves" (1:22). To ignore and pass on the wisdom from above is absolutely foolishness. Repeatedly ignoring God's voice will lead ultimately to a hardened heart and eternal consequences.
On numerous occasions, Israel failed to listen to the voice of God and brought judgment upon themselves. Psalm 106:25 says they "murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD." Zephaniah 3:1-2 says, "Woe to her that is filthy and polluted to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice: she received not correction; she trusted not in the LORD; she drew not near to her God." These are prime examples of Israel failings to heed and understand the voice of God. As Spirit-filled believers we should value, seek after, and obey the voice of God even when His words are contrary to our own desires.
The voice of God is powerful and unfailing. The voice of God is full of majesty. The voice of God divideth the flames of fire! Read Psalm 29:4-9. Do not ignore the voice of God. If God is the ultimate source of the wisdom we seek, it follows that reading His Word is a source of wisdom. God has revealed His will in His Word, and we do well to pay attention, listen, and obey what He showing us. His Word is quick and powerful (Hebrews 4:12); it is a pure shield (Proverbs 30:5); it is not bound (II Timothy 2:9); and it is abiding in us (1 John 2:14, John 15:7). His Word is powerful! Therefore, we should take it seriously.
Thanks for reading. God bless!
Pastor Charles Gonzales