How to Know When God is Speaking to You

If you're a parent, you know how frustrating it is when your kids don't listen, right? You keep repeating yourself and it seems no one is paying any attention. I think that is how God feels about me sometimes when I run from one thing to another and don't bother to tune in to that still small voice, or worse yet, ignore it. 

God is still speaking to us today. 

So we know that God spoke to people back in the days of the Bible. But God still speaks to his children today. He wants to be in relationship with you and me and what does a good relationship require? Communication. Regular. A relationship can only grow based on the amount of regular and healthy communication. 

God speaks to Each of us Uniquely. 

As I recently explained to my youngest son, God speaks to each of us uniquely. He speaks in ways only we will understand. It doesn't matter whether someone else understands, what matters is that you know when God is speaking to you PERSONALLY .

Personal Story 
This happened a few years ago but first, a little background. Over the years, being a pretty decent dancer myself, I have dated several men who were also good dancers but none of them turned out to be marriage material.

So there was this one guy I had been dancing with on Friday nights who is a really good dancer. I felt like I was in heaven when we danced together. One Friday night, we danced to a particular song and those few minutes were exceptionally memorable.

That weekend, the same song played on the radio, and I started dancing around my condo like Liza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady". All of the sudden, the building smoke alarm system goes off chirp chirp chirping and snapped me right out of my reverie. It was quite the rude awakening, you might say.

I knew what it meant immediately. "Stop thinking about that guy. You know where it will lead if you go down that path again. Danger, danger." The message was LOUD and CLEAR. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed, but I knew that the message was to protect me from making the same mistake again. Where our thoughts go, eventually, we go. 

Now you might laugh it off and say it was just a coincidence, but I know when God speaks to me. And there are no coincidences with Him. If you could have been there and heard that alarm go off while dreamy thoughts danced in your head, it would have scared you smack into obedience too.

Slow Down and Make Time  

A relationship with God is quite similar to any human relationship. A good one requires slowing down and making time to talk to one another and to listen to the other person. Think of Jesus as your invisible friend. 

The problem is many of us are in way too much of a hurry to slow down and listen for God's voice. We are so preoccupied with our plans and our agendas, we care little for what God's plans and agendas for us may be. I have learned that God's plans are MUCH BETTER than my plans. 

God is still speaking to you, too. The best way I can describe it is a strong sense or prompting in your inner spirit. It is easy to dismiss and disregard, but God is trying to guide you and protect you. Start paying attention to that "still small voice". It's almost like a faint whisper sometimes. It's a sensing of someone speaking inaudibly. Practice slowing down and really listening and you will soon recognize how God is speaking to you. 

For Reflection 
Ever have something like this happen to you? What was the message? Did you listen or ignore it and what happened then? God is still speaking to us today and He will use any method to get our attention, even smoke alarms. The question is will we listen and obey, or will we not.

If you'd like to read more about how to hear from God, get a copy of my first book, "The Power of Faith" and read about all the ways God speaks. 

If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment and do share it with your friends. And pop on over to Pinterest to check out all the goodies I have collected there for you. https://www.pinterest.com/arielpaz/

Stay tuned for more on how to hear from God and 

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

How to Receive Guidance from God

Decisions, decisions. We make a lot of decisions both big and small on a daily basis. Do you have trouble making decisions? Does making them stress you out? Would you like to have more faith in your decisions? If so, this post is for you. 

As a single mom and single lady, I've had a lot of big decisions to make; from dealing with rebellious teenagers to selling the family home, to buying a new condo, to whether to leave my job, to where to relocate my elderly mom who lived out of state. There are also decisions of less importance like where to go on vacation and who to date. What decision is facing you today? 

Why We Have it Backwards
People seek guidance in different ways, and all of them have their place - to a point, but the first place we should go to is the Word of God. Sadly, the reverse is often true. We go to other people or our feelings first, and then when things don't work out we go to God. Maybe. 

Folks, human beings still struggle with the choices of life and the principles of God are there to guide and direct us because - as we know- making the right choice can be difficult. There is a better way. 

                                              

1. Get really quiet.
I mean for an extended period of time. No, you don't have to go to an ashram or become a monk. You can find stillness in your own home, in nature, in prayer and meditation. We have to quiet our minds and clear the mental muddle if we want to tune in to that still small voice. I like to do this in the early morning or while I am journaling. Journaling helps get my thoughts and feelings off my mind and onto paper. It is one of the 10 skills to help us grow spiritually. 

2. Say a little prayer.

This simple step can have a major impact on your decisions and the outcome. Ask God to direct your steps. After all, He promises to give wisdom to those who ask and who are not double-minded (James 1:5).

3. Open the word of God.
Now if you are not a regular bible-reader, sometimes you can just flip it open and start reading. The Lord will often give you the answer. However, it is better if you are somewhat familiar with the Bible so you can know where to look. I ask myself the question "Who in the Bible had a similar situation to deal with?" Another option is to go to the book of Proverbs where there is a ton of practical wisdom that applies to daily life. 

4. Seek wise counsel

This means discuss the decision with people who have good heads on their shoulders, people you respect, preferably Christians. Your immediate family members might be helpful. Or a close-friend. We are exhorted to seek wise counsel (Prov 15:22) from multiple sources.

5. Wait for peace
Do not - under any circumstances - make a decision you are still conflicted about. This is the worst thing you can do because you are not at peace about it. Sadly, I went ahead and walked down the aisle when I did not have a peace about the decision. I guilted myself into it but you can read about it in my book, "The Power of Faith". 

6. Do not ask for a sign.
Sorry folks, and yes, I know there are instances in the Bibles where people asked for signs, but we have to listen to what Jesus said. Matthew 12:39 calls the people who begged for signs "an evil and adulterous generation". For more on asking for signs, see this article "Is it right to ask God for a sign?"

7. Ask if it is God's will 
Now this is the tough part. It is hard to put aside our own feelings and desires, but if we want God's best it is crucial to do so. Our flesh wants to lead us into what will satisfy it, temporarily. We have to have the big picture and think long-term. Will I be happy with this choice 5 - 10 years down the road?

Personal Story
Years ago, in my early dating life, I thought I was in love with this guy. He was Jewish and that was the first obstacle. But God ordained to have him meet with a messianic rabbi, and a former accountant, same as my friend, to explain to him about Christ. Well, we were close to getting engaged, but then when I met his father, who also had the same critical, sarcastic traits I asked myself "You are looking at your future. Is this the kind of person you want to live with for the rest of your life?" The answer was no. 

8. Wait for God's Best 
God has three answers to our requests: yes, no, and not now. We want things on our own terms and our own time-table. We want it NOW. The problem is this -God's time frame is usually not the same as ours. If we rush ahead with our plans before the time is right, things won't work out. I could tell you a story about that too, but not today. 

The yes answer usually comes on very strong. You can sense it in your spirit. Things just fall into place. You have a sense of peace. You ask, seek, and knock and the door opens. 

The no answer feels like a knot in your stomach. Something just doesn't feel right. You don't have peace about it. This is especially important when it comes to relationships. 

Another personal story. 
I dated this one guy who checked all the boxes. Christian - check. Attends church - check. Good job - check. Sense of humor - check. But something didn't feel right. There was a lot of arguing over stupid stuff. I couldn't put my finger on it, even when he wanted to put at $36k ring on it. Then one Christmas, it all became crystal clear. He wasn't the person he was pretending to be. I broke it off before the New Year because once I am clear, I take prompt action. 

The wait answer is harder to accept, because we want things NOW. Things don't fall into place. There are setbacks and delays, but you still sense in your spirit that the answer is not no. So keep being obedient. Keep doing the right thing until the path opens. It can take years but it is important to keep being obedient even when we don't see our prayers answered.

For Reflection
What decision do you need to make right now? What are you feeling in your spirit? Are you feeling a check or a green light so to speak ? These steps will guide you into making the right decision. 

For more on how to develop this skill and 9 other skills for spiritual growth, order your copy of my newest book, Ignite the Power Within: 10 steps to supercharge your spiritual growth".

Stay tuned and until next time, 

Keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

Follow me on Instagram @Arielpaz
Facebook
Pinterest
X

How to Make Wise Decisions

Every day we have hundreds of decisions to make. Most of them are small, like what to have for dinner or what color shoes to wear to work. However some decisions are major such as a career decision,  a home purchase, or a relationship decision. These are times we need wisdom, knowledge, and God's guidance.

In some situations such as business decisions, good decision-making is a learned mental skill. Professional football coaches get really good at making decisions in the heat of the moment with limited information. They are mentally trained at making multiple quick decisions. They evaluate the facts, combine it with their experience and execute a decision. Done.

Making Personal Decisions 

These are often more difficult to make because the heart and the mind are both involved. We are torn between conflicting values and it takes quiet time alone with God to get clear on what is most important to us. We want to do the right thing but often we are unclear as to what that is. This is where God and Scripture come in.

Use the Word of God
When I am unsure of a decision, I go straight to the word of God.  It helps me to step outside my emotions and take an objective look at the situation. As a long-time student of the Bible, I am familiar with the principles and ideas in most of the books. A good place to start is the book of Proverbs. There is much wisdom in this book regarding the major facets of life including relationships, finances, child-rearing, lending, and communication to name a few. Write down all the verses pertaining to the issue you are facing, pray about it, and you will get clarity on what to do.

Reverse Your Process 
Many people, however, have this process reversed.  Instead of asking and seeking God's will regarding their decision first, they often make the decision and then, when things don't work out, they talk to God about it. This is not the way it works, folks. God wants the best path for us, but we must make the diligent effort to determine what that is, trusting that God ultimately knows better than we do. He sees the future and we only see with limited vision, often colored by rose-colored glasses or past-experiences. 

God wants the Best for You. 

Don't be afraid to seek his advice and guidance while you are talking to your friends. God is faithful to answer our prayers and guide us in the right path. Let peace be the umpire of your decisions. Where there is no peace, there is no green light. Don't settle for less than God's best. Ask yourself "Is this the best thing for me?" and then listen to that still small voice. 

For Reflection
What decision is keeping you up at nights? God wants us to make good decisions, not ones we will regret. Did you know God promises to guide and direct our steps? All we have to do is ASK. "If anyone of you lacks wisdom, ask God, for he gives it freely and without reproach." (James 1:5). We are not alone in our decision-making. We have a supernatural force that wants to help us make good decisions. 

If this post has encouraged you, do leave a comment and share this post with your friends. Many people would love to know how to make better decisions. My book, "Take Back Your Life: 5 Keys to reclaiming your Personal Power." , will give you practical advice on how to make decisions about your daily life so you can enjoy more peace, less stress, and more joy. 

If you'd like to join our community and receive my weekly posts, enter you email address in the box provided. You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path". 

Stay tuned for more on igniting the power within and until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

Ignite the Power Within Step 5: How to Tell If You're Making the Right Decision

Most of us like the word "yes", don't we? I know I do. When someone asks me to do something I really want to do or I find something I really love, my immediate response is an emphatic "YES"! I am passionate about it. There is no hesitation, no doubt, no waffling. Joyful anticipation is a sign we are making the right decision.

A friend of mine was recently considering buying a certain car. As she relayed the pertinent facts, figures, and safety features, I noticed there was no enthusiasm in her voice.
"You really don't sound too excited about this car," I said. "Do you really want to buy it?"
"No, I don't think so," she admitted.
A few days later, she called me up all excited about another car she found and bought that one instead. She has been a happy camper ever since.

Here's another example. Let's take the shoe shopping experience. I'd venture to say that shoe shopping is difficult for most of us.  Either I can't find my size, the right color, they cost too much or they don't fit quite right. Bummer! And so frustrating. But when I finally find just the right pair of shoes -  good color, comfortable, and on sale, - YES!!!!! I get so excited. It borders on euphoria at times.

We know we are making the right choice when we not only have peace about our decision, but we also have joy about it too. When God wants to give us something or get us going in a new direction, we will be filled with excitement, enthusiasm, and hope. We wake up in the morning energized and motivated. This is how we know we are living in the will of God. Just as good parents want to guide their children and give them good things, so it is with God. He enjoys blessing us and he wants to see his children prosper.

But we must be careful. Sometimes we are excited at first because of the idea of something: the new guy, the new car, the shiny whatever. It is foolish to jump into a situation without giving it some careful analysis and prayer. We love new cars, but don't go rushing off to buy that Lexus without giving it some serious thought such as how you are going to afford those monthly payments.

There will be bumps along the way. The bumps are checkpoints for us to check in with God to make sure we are on the right path and ask for confirmation of our direction. An example I like to share is when I was trying to sell my house years ago and one deal after another fell through. I felt like I was supposed to sell it but started having doubts when the contracts weren't working out. So I went to God in prayer, and he confirmed what I was supposed to do in a most astonishing way. If you want to read more about this, check out my book, "The Power of Faith". 

Making good decisions has to do with listening to that still small voice inside of us. When we are connected to God, we can trust He is guiding us in every decision big or small. When we leave God out of the equation, we usually make the wrong choices. I know from personal experience.

Hearing from God and making better decisions is possible and we get better with practice. If you enjoyed this post, please click the +1 icon and share with your friends Many people would love to know how to hear from God and make better decisions.

If you would like to join our community, enter your email in the box provided. You receive my bi-weekly posts plus a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path".

Stay tuned for more on igniting the power within and until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

How to Hear from God

Ever feel like God is "up there somewhere", distant? Think He's too busy for you and your "stuff"? Perhaps you go to church on occasion and pray from time to time when things get really tough. You believe God exists, but you don't really know him on a personal level.

Know God on a personal level? Is that even possible you may ask? The answer is a resounding YES! It is not only possible, God wants to connect with you on a personal level. Yes, YOU! He is crazy about you and cares about everything you care about. In fact, He wants to help simplify your life. He wants to make things go well for you. He wants to give you your heart's desire. But, like any good relationship and like the saying goes, it takes two to tango.

What is the key component of a good relationship? Communication, right? It all starts with talking. Well, it's the same thing with God. He wants us to talk to Him: not just on sundays, not just at church, not just when we're in a bind. Let me give you a quick example.

The other night, I was contemplating what to do with my Friday evening.

"Lord, should I go to the movie or to hear the music?"

Go to the concert.

No, I'm not crazy and no, it was not an audible response, but let's just say, I have learned to listen to that still small voice, for the most part that is.

"But, you know how much I love to dance and I hate sitting there with no one to dance with.. and besides - it's been raining all afternoon". 

Silence. I don't think God likes to repeat himself.

So off I go to the concert. The sun began to peep its face out and the skies began to clear. The music starts. My feet are a-tapping and my hands are a-clapping. You get the picture. Next thing I know, out of my peripheral vision, I notice this guy walking towards my chair. I turn to look at him.

"Would you like to dance?" he asks. Now I will tell you I have been to this event many times over the summer and this is the first time someone from the crowd has asked me to dance.

"I'd love to," I replied delighted. I could tell the guy enjoyed dancing as much as I do. He was smiling from ear to ear and in his own world.

"Thank you, Lord," I uttered to myself. "Thank you for sending someone to dance with me tonight and for keeping the rain away. Thank you for a fun evening."

Now this is just a simple story but it kind of gives you the idea. When we are unclear about a decision, or need assistance - say finding a parking spot, deciding what to do or where to go, it is to our benefit to talk to God about it. In fact, there are several scripture verses that speak to this:

"In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will make your plans straight." (Prov. 3:6)
"Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find." (Matt 7:7)
"Pray without ceasing," (I Thess 5:17).

For Reflection
I encourage you to start talking to God about the little things in your daily life as well as the big ticket items. God is interested. When we have an attitude of gratitude, it shows our gratefulness for our blessings. You will see more of God in your life because God wants us to know him. Why do you think he created us? Share a situation in which you connected with God or post a comment on your thoughts about this post. I'd love to hear your story.

If you'd like to receive a copy of my free e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path" enter your email address in the box provided and I'll get it right to you.

Until next time, keep smiling and keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

Follow Me

"Do we take the highway or go through the city?" I asked my son, Jon, on a recent trip to the airport. "I don't know how to go through the city though."

"Well, let's try the highway then" Jon said. As soon as we had passed the route to go thru the city, the traffic on the beltway came to a complete stop. We inched along for maybe 20 minutes.

"We have to get off this beltway and find another route or I'm going to be late for my flight", I said, starting to feel nervous as time was passing. We got off at the next exit and I saw a sign that said "alternate 83" which turned out to be an alternate route through the city.

"Follow those signs" I told him.

Now as long as I've lived in Baltimore, I don't think I've ever been in this part of town, Park Heights Avenue. The road was very convoluted and hard to follow.
After driving for some miles, we finally made it to the city. My anxiety was growing as the time passed.

"Now what?" Jon asked.

"Now we start praying for guidance and direction." I muttered a short prayer of desperation to the Lord as we were stopped at a light. "I'm going to ask this guy" I said as I rolled down my window to ask the driver in the car next to me for directions.

"Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to the airport from here?"

"Follow me," the man replied. "I'm going there myself."

Incredibly relieved, I looked at Jon and said "That's God. Ask and you shall receive".

We both smiled and followed the driver.

Jesus loves us so much. He knows our every need. All we have to do is turn the situation over and ask for His help and He is ready, willing, and more than able to help us. Who or what are you following today, dear one? Follow Jesus and He will never lead you in the wrong direction.

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz