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INTRODUCTION
Ralph Mahoney, the founder of World Map Organization and major contributor to the book "Shepherd's Staff,"shares his live story about hearing God's voice.
A Personal Testimony
During evangelist training, Ralph preached to everyone he met using a four-point outline. However, despite his efforts, not a single person accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. He realized that relying on a formula and method instead of listening to the Holy Spirit hindered him from hearing God's voice. Years later while observing Brother Heeley lead scores of souls into salvation, Ralph discovered how incorrect his approach towards soul-winning had been.
Everywhere Brother Heeley went he led people towards Christ by praying for guidance from God’s spirit and then listening for gentle directions before encountering sinners who were ready and willing to receive salvation as he followed those leads.
One day after asking him what method he uses when talking with people about faith matters, Brother Heeley replied that he didn't have one; instead, he listened intently for God's voice directing him about what precisely needed saying. The Lord helped him discover their specific needs so they could discuss them together. "Since meeting Brother Heeley, Ralph has endeavored emulating his tradition because if you desire divine direction, you'll get just that - listen attentively enough and God will guide you gently towards those who require redemption most urgently.
HINDRANCE TO HEARING GOD'S VOICE
God is highly concerned with our affections/motives/intentions because worldly affections offend Him (1 John 2:15).
Impure motives like prophet Baalam or wrong intentions like Ananias and Sapphira can result in harsh condemnation from GOD!
Guarding affections, motives, and intentions become necessary, because man looks upon outward appearances but only GOD ALMIGHTY scrutinizes innermost thoughts/desires (1 Samuel 16-7).
Hardness of heart can prevent us from hearing His voice (Hebrews 4:7).
During times of ministry where prayer teams pray in tongues for supernatural help during ministry sessions several different teams may be praying for people throughout the day while sitting in circles with those being prayed over positioned at their center.
Forgiveness brings back God's voice; filled with compassion toward someone whose unforgiveness caused hardship instead of healing since hearing nothing more than silence from above despite yearning desperately once again after salvation results in complete healing within just three minutes!
LESSON IN THIS TESTIMONY
Having one’s heart right with God proves crucially important because many “heart conditions” can prevent us from hearing Him speak including hardened hearts calloused ones unbelieving ones among others.Unregenerate states lacking rebirth via spirit indwelling leave individuals unable ever hear voices coming forth divinely ordained.
Faith originates from hearing the Word of God and acting obediently upon it which means we must respond obediently to His words rather than merely listening with our ears. Pride often hinders our ability to respond obediently. Don’t let pride immobilize you.Take risks.They are essential components required when attempting something new. Have faith and endeavour great things for GOD.
Preconceptions stem from pride.
A preconception implies 'knowing everything beforehand' which prevents compliance directed specifically-by-God.
Always listen/obey exclusively-to-God-that alone distinguishes individual amongst thousands unable/willing ignore/deviate far removed-from Divine Will!
Naaman nearly missed receiving blessings due to clinging onto preconceived ideas about how He anticipated being healed. Our theology at times comes into conflict with direction provided through Holy Spirit guidance within life. Placing ourselves at grave danger missing out on blessings bestowed by GOD.
When events don't unfold precisely as we envisioned them—the foundation crumbles apart. Let go off your presuppositions concerning how He intended doing things. Listen/obey HIS VOICE directly.
GOD possesses unique plan tailored individually.Everyone needs obey directions given by Almighty. Do HIS WILL. Try your best regardless—there will also be successes along the way.
SUMMARY
In conclusion, Ralph admits shamefully, admitting he couldn't hear anything going on during service. However gladly thanking GOD that his partner could! He obeyed, and a great revival broke out shaking entire island end-to-end. O Lord! deliver me, us, them, him, her, all-of-us, the-world, everything-and-everyone-in-it, from disobedience, traditionalism, hardness-heart that is preventing us from listening-obeying Your Voice in the name of Jesus Christ - Amen!
