8 Tips to discernment

8 tips to trying to help us discern whether God is speaking to you (From sermon on 07/29/07):

1) If you are being moved out of your comfort zone . . . pay attention, it’s probably God. (The story of Abraham: Gen. 12:1-4)
2) If you don’t want to go where you are feeling led to go… pay attention, it’s probably God calling you. (The story of Jonah: Jonah 4:1-3),
3) If you feel unequipped to do something that is pulling you toward it…pay attention, it’s probably God. (Exodus 3-4)
4) If you find yourself arguing with the bible and trying to make it say what you want it to say . . . pay attention, it’s probably God. (Hebrews 14:12)
5) If you get mad at any person who tells you something that you didn’t really want to hear, but which is consistent with God’s nature and character…pay attention, it may be God. (Matthew 12:9-14).
6) Open doors or closed doors…pay attention, it may be God (Acts 12:1-5).
7) If the voice in your head or heart is inconsistent with the scriptures and the advice of other Holy Relationships in your life . . . run the other way . . . God is not talking to you. (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
8) If, despite the hardship and difficulties, the calling has led to a more abundant life in the end . . . Be thankful. It was definitely God. (John 10:10, Jeremiah 29:11)