Good day, Black Creek Church family, 
I am not sure about you, but I love looking at the snow on the mountains at this time of year.  
Colourful leaves, last night's sunset.  God's creation resonates by 'filling up' my spirit with a sense of beauty and peace.
Recently, I joined a cohort of ministry leaders that focuses on personal 'Renewal'. 
We are exploring experiencing the Christian life in ways that are refreshing....
This week, we talked about "Does God still speak?"
The lesson material spoke of some of the 'normal' ways of hearing God's voice.
- Through the Word*
- Time in prayer
- Through Godly friends / the body of Christ
- Through circumstances - open doors, confirming events
and
- Through Him 'speaking' in my journaling times.
 
The exercise challenged me to ask God a question.
Then write down what came into my mind as a possible answer from him.
Hmm...  
Trying it out kinda felt audacious, bold, and maybe even kinda 'pushy'.
Like this:
P: God, what do you think of me?
and then write 'G' and wait for a thought, then write it down.
Like:        G: I see you - you are a faithful son.
This week I asked Him if He could tell someone something.
And the thought that came to my mind.....
G: They will hear. 
Really?   
Are those really your words to me, God?*
All that day, every time I thought about it, I felt reassured that God had it under control.   
Later on, it was confirmed.  The person heard. 
 Camp Homewood Men's Retreat November 20-22   Check out it out HERE
 Last week I was praying for more awareness of what the Holy Spirit was saying to me... in the moment.   This week I will pray for more of us to hear His voice clearly.
 
God's words to the Jewish leaders were through:
- the scriptures*
- the works Jesus did
- Jesus' words
 John 10:24  So the Jews gathered around him and said to him,  How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.
25  Jesus answered them,  I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me,
26  but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock.
27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
28  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.
 
*Principle of knowing: The words He speaks always align with Scripture
 
I know His voice, 
but I don't always hear it,
or know if it is His*..... 
And yet, He calls me to
learn to trust Him through His words to me
Join me in this adventure 
of listening for the creator of the universe 
to speak into our hearts AND minds,
 
Peter Jackson
Part of Your Team
Black Creek Community Church