God called again, “Samuel!”—the third time! Yet again Samuel got up and went to Eli, “Yes? I heard you call me. Here I am.”

That’s when it dawned on Eli that God was calling the boy. So Eli directed Samuel, “Go back and lie down. If the voice calls again, say, ‘Speak, God. I’m your servant, ready to listen.’” Samuel returned to his bed. -1 Samuel 3:8-9/MSG

Does God speak audibly today or not? Today I believe He still does. I am not convinced that the Bible needs to be added to. Rather what I believe is that what God speaks comports with the words he left from Genesis to the last of the apostles who saw the Christ.

I believe He speaks people’s names. I have heard that many people hear their names, look up and no one is there because they heard their name audibly.

I hear people have gotten a short phrase, it aligned with Scripture, they acted on it and they prospered spiritually, and usually practically as well.

That’s God.

What I now believe is that when God calls in this way, He is calling a person to Himself.

I believe it is good to take Eli’s example and learn to say more, “Speak for your Servant is Listening.” Then wait for whatever God is putting on one’s heart.

It could be an idea, a verse, counsel or general wisdom.

Eli was wise enough after the third time to realize that God was calling Samuel to give Samuel information for Eli.

It was the worst news anyone could get; full judgment with no mercy towards the house of Eli.

But God has not always given such bad news. He has a lot of good news to share with others when He calls them.

The Bible is full of promises after getting his servant’s attention.

This is God’s Word on the subject: “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. –Jeremiah 29:11/MSG

It is up to me when I hear Him call in my heart or even if I hear Him audibly to ask, “Speak for your Servant is Listening.” Like Samuel, it is good to await whatever the message God is laying on my heart.

It may be good, it may be difficult, but it is from loving God who is there to guide me in His ways.

But since Christ came, the age of mercy and grace has fallen heavily on humanity and I continue learning to answer when I hear the Lord speak my name.

Speak

Listen

Wait

Accept

Act

The Holy Spirit through the Word and good advisors are the hands and feet of Jesus offering the wisdom of God for this age.

Amazing!