Before doing this Bible study, please read the 1-minute introduction: 5 Ways God Speaks or listen to it on YouTube HERE.
It offers Scriptures showing that God speaks to us through His Word, creation, other believers, circumstances, and His Holy Spirit. This study will build on three of those truths: God's Word, creation, and two types of circumstances.
1. God speaks to us through His Word.
Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
There is nothing more reliable than God's Word. And there is always something new to learn when we read it. List the characteristics of God's Word mentioned in this single verse.
1 Peter 1:3-9: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
2. When you read Romans 1:20 below and consider the colors, textures, variety, and design of nature.
"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse."
This week look for messages of God's divine nature in His Creation. I encourage you to read these 1-minute devotions about enjoying God's creation: God's Wonderful Creation.
3. Think through last week and consider the messages God was sending you in the blessings of your week.
James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
Even if you've had a difficult week - especially if you've had a difficult week, think through the blessings of your salvation.
4. Ask God what messages He was sending in your difficulties, interruptions, and hardships this last week.
1 Peter 1:3-9: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Never forget that God is able to use difficulties, disappointments, failures, and sorrows for our good if we seek His purposes in them.
Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
See No Pain, No Gain for more on this point.
copyright 2016, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, updated 2024
Amen it's very important to know or search what God is saying through circumstances,colours,and changes in our lives and environment ,I am very happy for this message because sometimes I see things differently and when I share with my other Christians it's like you are an old school or you think you know too much but that's how God brings it to my mind,thank you
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