During my studies, I read several different translations/versions of the Holy Scriptures. One of my favorites is the The Power New Testament - Revealing Jewish Roots Third Edition by William J. Morford. I like this translation because it is written from the original manuscripts and to me, it brings more light to the actual meaning of what the Word is saying.
In beginning this study on the "I Am's" of Jesus, the first one I came across is found in the Gospel of John, Chapter 4. As many of you know, this Chapter is a teaching on the Woman at the Well and has generally been used as an illustration of worship. When I came to verse 26, it was though it was jumping off the page at me. It reads, "Jesus said to her, "I AM, the One Who is speaking to you." I had to stop right there. Jesus said, "I AM the One"! Next, I saw "Who is speaking".... This is just as exciting in the New King James version but in a different way - "Jesus said to her, "I Who speak to you Am He".
First of all, let's breakdown the phrase "I Am". What was Jesus saying about Himself? "Am" is an action word, a verb coming from the word "to be". So, in short, He was saying "I Be". In Exodus 3:14, God told Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, 'I AM has sent me to you.'" He was saying He was, is and will be whatever you need Him to be!
Jesus said. "I Am the One who is speaking". He is always speaking to us through our environment, situations and circumstances, through people, through His Holy Spirit but mainly through His Word. His Word speaks! He said in John 6:63, ". . . The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life." Again, in John 4:26 (NKJV) He said, " I Who speak to you Am He." I know we have many voices speaking to us. Family, friends, people giving advice, people who mean well, co-workers, pastors, our own spirit, and the devil ususally has a few things to say but, it is important that we are able to sift through all these voices and listen to that still small voice... God will say nothing that is contrary to His Word. If you are not sure what you are hearing is God, search His Word. If it is God, it will line up with His word. John 12:48, "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him-the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." So God is speaking... are you listening??
It is imperative in these times that we position ourselves to hear God's voice. Jesus is the King of the Kingdom of God in which we are citizens. As citizens of the Kingdom, we should be in position to hear commands, directions, instructions, etc from our King. How else are we to carry out His plan? We must find a way to quiet the other voices. Meditate on His Word. Focus. Get rid of other thoughts, distractions and anything that is trying to speak louder than God's voice. Sometime this means shutting yourself off from everything and finding a quiet place. If thoughts come, write them down, make a list and put them to the side so you can look at them later. For me, it helps if I get into a position of praise and worship first. This clears my mind and gets me focused on Him. It brings me to a position of prayer which is nothing more than communication with God. Speaking to Him and then taking the time to listen to Him to see what He is saying to me. Many times different scriptures will come into my thoughts. When I read those scriptures, they are the answer to the questions I was asking Him about. Sometimes I do not speak at all, just listen. He will speak to me through His Word.
The year 2010 is going to be an exciting year. I believe it will be great for the Body of Christ, those intune with what God is doing. Not so great for those who are not His. It is very important during this time that we are able to hear His voice for guidance and direction. He is speaking! Are you listening??
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