Category: Thoughts

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Do You Attain Higher God Connection When Stoned or Straight?

The desire to connect with God is a deeply human pursuit that has inspired countless paths, practices, and debates throughout history. Among these, the question of whether to seek communion with the Divine in a natural state or with the aid of mind-altering substances sparks particularly passionate discussions. For Christians and people of faith, approaching this question with tolerance, compassion, and understanding is crucial, as it reflects the love of Christ and acknowledges the diverse ways humanity seeks the Creator.

Considering Humanity’s Diverse Pathways to the Divine

Let’s explore both perspectives—connecting to God in purity and connecting through altered states of consciousness—without judgment, offering insights into the intentions, merits, and challenges of each. It also suggests how Christians can embody love and grace when engaging with those whose spiritual paths differ from their own.

The Call to Purity: Approaching God in a Natural State

For many Christians, the belief in presenting oneself before God in purity is rooted in scripture and tradition. Passages such as 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, which refers to the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, emphasize the importance of honoring God with a clean heart and mind. From this perspective, connecting with God in a natural state reflects reverence, integrity, and trust in God’s accessibility without external aids.

Merits of Purity

    1. Authenticity in Worship
      Approaching God with a clear mind allows for unfiltered, authentic communion, free from the influence of substances that may distort perception. It fosters a sense of personal responsibility in the relationship with God.
    2. Alignment with Scripture
      Many Christians view natural connection as consistent with biblical teachings that call for self-discipline, clarity, and purity (e.g., Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 4:8).
    3. Consistency and Reliability
      A sober mind provides a stable foundation for ongoing spiritual growth, ensuring that insights and guidance are grounded in reality and aligned with God’s will.

Challenges to Consider

Even for those committed to purity, the journey can be difficult. Quieting the mind and connecting with God requires patience and perseverance.

Frustration or feelings of inadequacy may arise, but these struggles often lead to deeper faith and reliance on God.

The Use of Substances and Altered States as a Spiritual Tool

On the other side of the spectrum, some people, including certain indigenous traditions and even modern seekers, advocate for the use of substances like cannabis, psilocybin, or other entheogens to transcend ordinary consciousness and access the Divine. While this approach may not align with traditional Christian teachings, understanding its intentions can foster compassion and dialogue.

Merits of Altered States

    1. Breaking Through Mental Barriers
      Mind-altering substances can quiet the “monkey mind” and dissolve the ego, enabling individuals to experience profound states of unity with God and creation. For some, these experiences spark life-changing spiritual awakenings.
    2. Historical and Cultural Precedent
      In many ancient and indigenous cultures, substances have been used in sacred ceremonies to facilitate connection with the Divine. These practices are often deeply reverent and structured, aiming to heal, guide, or gain spiritual insight.
    3. Catalyst for Transformation
      For those struggling to connect through traditional means, altered states may serve as a starting point for deeper exploration of spirituality. The experiences can inspire a greater sense of awe, humility, and purpose.

Challenges to Consider

While altered states may open the door to profound insights, they also carry risks. Lowered defenses can make individuals vulnerable to deception, confusion, or harmful influences. Dependency on substances for spiritual connection can also detract from the trust in God’s presence and guidance in everyday life.

A Compassionate Christian Perspective

As followers of Christ, Christians are called to love their neighbors and extend grace to all, regardless of their spiritual practices (John 13:34-35). While the Bible offers clear guidance on maintaining purity and self-control, it also teaches humility, understanding, and the importance of meeting people where they are.

1. Recognize Shared Intentions

At its core, the desire to connect with God reflects a universal yearning for meaning, purpose, and relationship with the Creator. Whether one approaches this through purity or altered states, the underlying intention is often sincere.

2. Avoid Judgment

Jesus consistently modeled compassion for those whose paths differed from societal norms. His interactions with tax collectors, sinners, and Samaritans demonstrate that love transcends human distinctions. Similarly, Christians can approach those who use substances for spiritual purposes with empathy rather than condemnation.

3. Embrace Dialogue and Witness

Instead of dismissing alternative practices, Christians can engage in open, respectful dialogue. Sharing personal experiences of God’s grace and presence in a natural state may inspire others to explore similar connections.

4. Trust God’s Sovereignty

Ultimately, God’s ability to reach and transform hearts is not limited by human choices or practices. Trusting in God’s sovereignty allows Christians to release the need to control or critique how others seek the Divine.

Practical Ways to Deepen Connection to God

For Christians and seekers alike, certain practices can enhance the authenticity and depth of spiritual connection, regardless of one’s approach:

    1. Daily Prayer
      Communing with God through prayer fosters intimacy and openness, allowing for a two-way relationship with the Divine.
    2. Meditation and Reflection
      Quiet moments of meditation and scriptural reflection can help individuals attune to God’s voice amidst the noise of daily life.
    3. Fasting and Spiritual Cleansing
      Fasting, whether from food or distractions, can heighten spiritual receptivity and focus.
    4. Community Worship
      Gathering with others in worship strengthens faith and provides support, encouragement, and accountability.
    5. Intentionality in Practices
      Whether straight or altered, approaching spiritual practices with clear intentions honors the sacredness of the pursuit.
    6. Seek the Fruit of the Spirit
      Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that true connection with God produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Use these as benchmarks to evaluate the authenticity of your spiritual experiences.

The debate over whether to connect to God stoned or straight ultimately highlights humanity’s diverse attempts to bridge the gap between the finite and the infinite. As Christians, adopting a compassionate attitude toward all variations of this effort reflects the heart of Christ, who meets each person where they are.

By focusing on shared intentions, practicing humility, and prioritizing love over judgment, Christians can witness the transformative power of a natural connection with God while respecting the paths others take in their spiritual journey. Ultimately, the goal is not to dictate how others find God but to embody the grace, truth, and love of the One who invites all into a relationship.

 

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How to Talk to People About Jesus

I’ve been in the Christian ministry since I got out of high school and I have been trained in how to talk to people about Jesus, and today, I realize that all of these efforts in all their various styles were not correct. I will tell you how I talk to people about Jesus today. Maybe it will work for you, too.

What’s wrong with the old ways?

The common thread that runs through all the previous methods that I was taught about how to talk to people about Jesus, is that the methods were approached from what I call “spiritual arrogance,” which is referred to in Christian mental health issues as spiritual narcissism.

Spiritual Narcissism

Spiritual narcissism is an arrogant state of mind that assumes that the person who is delivering the message is superior to every person that you are communicating with. The status of an inflated ego will make the delivery of any message more difficult to receive by anyone who would have an open heart even if they would benefit greatly from the message you are trying to deliver.

Spiritual arrogance or narcissism is offensive and will put any listener on the defensive. Here are the things that will cause someone’s heart to close down, making the delivery of your message fall on deaf ears:

    • Bragging about your spiritual or religious endeavors.
    • Using your faith or spirituality to manipulate others in order to improve your religious status.
    • Communicating with a condescending attitude, passive-aggressiveness, and/or defensiveness.
    • Pointing out flaws and errors in personal or religious areas of life.
    • Telling someone that they are wrong, and they must do what you (or the Bible says) or else.
    • Asserting that you and your view of God are right, therefore everyone else is misled.
    • The assertion that this or that is black-and-white.
    • Overburdening a non-believer by quoting 2,000-year-old text (the Bible).
    • Avoiding personal responsibility, “It’s not me, it’s God.”

I’m sure you could think of other things to add to the list, but you get the idea. As much as you are trying to relate to this person, you cannot do it, if you’ve caused them to disconnect due to your delivery method. Check the body language, they stiffen, lean back, reduce eye contact, and after the eye roll, you’re done. You have lost before you even got started. To keep going, after the receiver has already shut you out, is equivalent to narcissistic abuse.

Debate and Intimidation

I know, back in the day, bullying people and overwhelming them with data, scripture, and the threat of burning in hell could result in a conversion to your idea or belief and truth. Today, debating and over-powering someone is not effective. You cannot intimidate someone to give their life to God.

Just stop it.

How to Talk to People About Jesus

This is so simple, but if you are used to outdated methods of manipulating or persuading someone to convert to your idea of what God is all about, you may have bad habits that you will need to break before you can effectually communicate with another human being heart-to-heart.

Heart-to-Heart

Heart-to-heart communication is the only way to truly reach out and connect to another person.

To do so, you must,

    • Let go of any expectation of an instantaneous conversion.
    • Love them with the level of love that Jesus would have.
    • Make it about the person you are talking to. Don’t make it about you.
    • Seek to listen to them, then understand where they are coming from.
    • Use scripture sparingly and paraphrase it in your own words, this increases relevancy.
    • Use your religious experience and words sparingly.
    • Let your life be your testimony. Let them ask you why you are different.

Avoid doing these things at all costs. Do not:

    • Judge them or try to hold them responsible for believing differently than you.
    • Be critical about their current lifestyle.
    • Offer them your perspective or advice unless they ask for it.
    • Overwhelm them with TMI “too much information.”

That is a lot of ground to cover in this brief presentation, and it can be extremely hard to change the way you approach others about something that you are so passionate about.

Let it be known that it is not working the way that you’re doing it now, and you’re probably doing more harm than good.

I often see people and try to support them to recover from what they call, “spiritual abuse.” Don’t be one of the perpetrators of spiritual abuse, or risk being labeled a spiritual narcissist. Don’t let this happen to you.

How I Do It

I guess I just live my life and love everyone like I think Jesus would. I am a big fan of Jesus and I think he just loved everyone. It didn’t matter who they were, where they were on their life’s journey, or even if they had a questionable character in the past. He just loved them.

That’s what I do, in the work that I do when I meet with people. I no longer try to get them to fit in my world, I do like St. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9 (22), “I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some.” and that works for me.

It works for them because they are inviting me into their world. They are never defensive, always open, and I never judge them. It’s a real connection that we share. It’s that heart-to-heart thing. The added benefit for me is that I get access to the most interesting information that they wouldn’t tell anyone else. I am blessed just to be there.

Try it. You might like it.

If you are interested, you can take our free course, “How to love others like Jesus.”

 

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Want to live by The Law? Here are some Laws You May Have Overlooked

So, you’re pretty proud of your own righteousness. You’d never be caught doing something that the bible was quite clear about insisting that you should avoid, right?

Even so, I wonder, in all of your self-righteousness, if you may have missed a few Thou Shall Nots. such as…

Men Cutting Their Hair and Shaving

Leviticus 19:27 advises against trimming the hair at the sides of one’s head or clipping the edges of the beard for men.

Mixing Two in One

Leviticus 19:19 and Deuteronomy 22:9-11 discourage cross-breeding animals, planting different seeds in the same field, and wearing clothing woven from two types of material.

Sex Outside of Marriage

1 Corinthians 7:1-5 emphasizes that sexual relations should occur within the bounds of marriage to avoid temptation.

Self-Love:

1 Corinthians 6:18 cautions against sexual immorality, stating that it harms one’s own body.

Eating Pork

Leviticus 11:7-8 declares pork unclean and unsuitable for consumption.

Seafood

Leviticus 11:10 labels creatures in the seas or streams without fins and scales as unclean.

Eating Snails

Leviticus 11:41 lists snails among creeping things that are considered unclean.

Associating with Excessive Drinkers and Eaters

Proverbs 23:20-21 advises against joining those who indulge in excessive wine and food, as it can lead to poverty.

Swearing

Ephesians 5:4 advocates for gratitude over obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking.

Cursing Your Parents

Exodus 21:17 warns against cursing one’s parents, with the punishment of death.

Tattoos

Leviticus 19:28 discourages making cuttings in the flesh or getting tattoos.

Women’s Appearance

1 Timothy 2:9 suggests that women should dress modestly, avoiding elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing.

Gossip

Psalm 101:5 condemns slander and haughty talk.

Same-Sex Relationships

Leviticus 18:22 and Leviticus 20:13 forbid romantic relationships between individuals of the same sex.

Fortune-Telling

Leviticus 19:31 discourages seeking mediums or spiritists.

Divorce

Mark 10:11-12 states that divorcing one’s spouse and marrying another constitutes adultery.

Cheating

Matthew 5:27-28 considers lustful desires for someone other than one’s spouse as a form of adultery.

Observing the Sabbath

Exodus 20:10 mandates resting on the Sabbath day, refraining from work.

Attending Church with Genital Problems

Deuteronomy 23:2 restricts individuals who have been emasculated from entering the assembly of the Lord.

Torn Jeans

Leviticus 10:6 advises against tearing one’s clothes.

Fighting with a Cheap Move: Deuteronomy 25:11-19 mandates the amputation of a woman’s hand if she seizes her husband’s assailant by his private parts during a fight.

Revenge

1 Thessalonians 5:15 advocates for not repaying evil with evil but instead seeking to do good.

Covering the Head During Prayer

1 Corinthians 11:4-6 explains the guidelines for men and women regarding head coverings during prayer.

Women Speaking in Church

1 Corinthians 14:34 recommends that women maintain silence in the church and be obedient, as per the law.

If you know of some more things we need to avoid but may have overlooked, share them in the comments below…

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Recalibrate and Keep Going

Many times, in life, we face circumstances that are beyond our control. Recalibrate and keep going. Sure, you could throw yourself on the ground and pitch a hissy fit, find someone or something to blame as you assume the role of the victim, take it all upon yourself as a martyr, or give up completely. “That’s the last time I ever try that again.” And no one would blame you for doing so.

I like to approach my life in five-year increments. That is to say that I feel more confident about tackling a phase of life with specific and detailed intent, like a game plan that stretches out five years. Often I am running several plans, all in different stages, concurrently.

Rarely, if ever, does a phase proceed according to plan. This is the nature of life: It happens. Often when you least expect it, the unexpected challenge, circumstance, or obstacle blindsides you and interrupts your energy flow of the plan you’ve set in place.

Expect these things to happen. If you’re like me and assume there is a grand force that is ultimately working all things for good, you start looking for alternative routes as well as the silver lining. I believe since I assume that all things work together for my ultimate good, they always do. Always.

To onlookers from the field, it may look as though the challenges I have faced were insurmountable, some things nonsurvivable. Yet, here I am. Granted, I have been as shaken up as anyone can be, but I gather my faith, recalibrate, and keep going.

This could require reconfiguring my original five-year plan, maybe starting over with a whole new plan, or aborting the original plan and its theme altogether, which usually leads me to make a choice. Will I focus on managing the other plan(s) I currently run only, or will I be looking for a new theme to begin planning a new phase?

I embrace the idea of living my life overshadowed by divine influence and while it is not for everyone, it serves me well. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

This is the method I use to recalibrate and keep going. Sometimes my plans can be askew, for I am just doing the best I can, based on the information I have before me at the time.

When you factor in the divine, that puts a whole new perspective on what may be unfolding before you.

There is a higher plan, one that supersedes the limitations of the human experience, one that desires to protect you from any harm that might otherwise be unbearable and also will lead to your greatest benefit and prosperity.

Some people regard the Jeramiah citing as an invitation to go forth with no plan because God’s plan is better than any plan that you might conceive. This is also true. It depends on you, where you’ve come from, where you’re going, and, what kind of a person you are at the moment in your life’s journey.

These days, when I pray due to being unexpectedly thrown off track, I am not likely to include a cry of, “Why?” Why? Because due to my experience, I’ve come to know that there is this overarching divinity in all things. So, my prayer would be more of a prayer of faith, like everything I do is in honor of my creator.

My intention is pure, even though I may have wandered or engaged in an activity or phase which is not in my best interest. I trust that the overarching plan is always perfect, and as I continue to recalibrate according to that, all things will ultimately work for good.

~ Rev. David M

 

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Connecting to God Source Energy with Clarity and Integrity

The pursuit of a deeper connection with God Source Energy—the ultimate frequency of love, wisdom, and creation—is a shared aspiration for many spiritual seekers. This connection transcends religious labels and speaks to our universal longing to align with divine truth. Achieving this connection can take many forms, and every individual’s journey is uniquely valuable. However, there are practices and insights that can help refine the clarity and authenticity of this sacred bond.

For those walking a faith-based path, including Christianity, these ideas are intended to deepen understanding while honoring the love, grace, and wisdom that God offers to all. This exploration focuses on the importance of a pure connection, the nature of spiritual realms, and how to discern divine truth.

Why Seek a Clean Connection?

A clean connection to God Source Energy is like tuning a radio to the clearest frequency. The more aligned we are in mind, body, and spirit, the more accurately we can perceive divine truth. This is not about judgment but about intention—preparing ourselves as vessels to receive God’s love and guidance without interference.

Scripture encourages believers to pursue holiness and purity, saying, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Keeping this in mind, creating a clean environment—free from toxins, distractions, and distortions—can be seen as an act of devotion.

Here are some principles for fostering a clear connection:

    • Honor the Body: Avoid substances that cloud the mind or distort perception. This includes harmful chemicals, excessive alcohol, or processed foods that affect health and energy.
    • Renew the Mind: Focus on thoughts and practices that uplift and align with love, gratitude, and faith (Romans 12:2).
    • Invite the Spirit: Approach spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, and worship with an open heart, free of distractions or negative influences.

Navigating the Realms of Spiritual Connection

The Bible speaks of both heavenly and earthly realms, as well as spiritual forces that exist beyond our understanding (Ephesians 6:12). To connect with God Source Energy, it is helpful to understand the vibrational landscape of these realms and approach them with discernment.

Realm One: The Earthly Plane

This is the world of our daily experience—the physical reality we navigate in our waking consciousness. Here, we encounter God through creation, relationships, and scripture. It is our starting point for spiritual growth.

Realm Two: The Unseen Layer

This realm holds energies and presences that are often invisible to the physical eye but can sometimes be perceived through dreams or heightened spiritual awareness. This is where lost souls, echoes of the past, and trickster energies may reside.

Realm Three: Spiritual Opposition

The Bible refers to this realm as the domain of principalities and powers opposed to God’s will (Ephesians 6:12). Here, one may encounter deceptive forces—fallen angels or entities that seek to confuse and manipulate. These beings can appear as false guides or angels of light, making spiritual discernment essential (2 Corinthians 11:14).

Realm Four: The Angelic Realm

This is the realm of God’s messengers—angels who minister to and protect humanity. Guardian angels and divine guides operate here, reflecting God’s love and care. This realm reminds us that God’s presence is always near (Psalm 91:11).

Realm Five: God Source Energy

The highest realm represents God’s ultimate truth and presence. While direct access to this realm is rare, moments of deep prayer, worship, or near-death experiences can provide glimpses of this divine reality. Accessing this realm requires humility, faith, and a focus on God’s love.

The Importance of Spiritual Discernment

As we seek to connect with God, discernment becomes a vital tool. Not every spiritual experience aligns with divine truth, and not all entities encountered in spiritual realms are from God. The Bible reminds us to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1).

Signs of a genuine connection to God Source Energy include:

    • A sense of peace and alignment with love (Philippians 4:7).
    • Guidance that reflects God’s character—truthful, just, and merciful.
    • Messages that align with scripture and do not contradict God’s revealed word.

On the other hand, experiences that bring confusion, fear, or disconnection from God should be approached with caution.

Preparing for a Higher Connection

Connecting to God Source Energy requires intentionality. Here are some practices that can help create a strong and clear connection:

    1. Focus on Prayer and Worship: Spend time in communion with God, seeking His guidance and presence.
    2. Pursue Purity in Body and Spirit: Treat your body as a temple, honoring God through healthy living and avoiding influences that dull your spiritual sensitivity.
    3. Meditate on Scripture: Allow God’s word to renew your mind and strengthen your spirit (Psalm 1:2).
    4. Seek Community: Surround yourself with others who encourage your spiritual growth and alignment with God’s love.
    5. Practice Gratitude: A grateful heart aligns with the frequency of God’s love and opens the door for deeper connection.

A Word on Altered States

Some individuals seek altered states of consciousness as a way to transcend earthly limitations and access higher realms. While this may provide temporary glimpses of the spiritual world, it often comes with risks, such as encountering deceptive entities or misinterpreting experiences.

From a faith-based perspective, reliance on substances or altered states can distract from the simplicity and purity of God’s grace. Instead, believers are encouraged to trust in God’s ability to meet them exactly where they are, saying, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

A Loving Approach to All Paths

Every individual’s spiritual journey is sacred and unique. While I personally find clarity in seeking a clean, natural connection to God Source Energy, I respect those who explore other methods. The most important thing is the desire to grow closer to God and align with His love and truth.

As you pursue your connection, remember that God’s love is unconditional and always accessible. Whether through prayer, meditation, or moments of silent reflection, He meets us with open arms, inviting us to step into the fullness of His presence.

Connecting to God Source Energy is a profound journey of faith, love, and discovery. By approaching this connection with clarity and discernment, we open ourselves to divine truth and the transformative power of God’s love. No matter where you are on your spiritual path, know that you are deeply loved and supported by the Creator who desires an unfiltered relationship with you.

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Is It a Coincidence or Is God Trying to Tell You Something?

Have you ever been looking for God to provide a clear answer to your prayers and noticed a sign or signs that might be from God or a skeptic might say was just coincidental? Could it be God actually trying to tell you something?

How do you know if it’s God or a coincidence? Does God offer signs to us? Does He speak to us in that way? Don’t just miss it and write it off as your imagination!

Here are 7 questions to ask to help you know if a sign, song, feeling, or experience is actually from God Himself (or if it is all just wishful thinking).

Question 1: Does What I’m Hearing Line up with God’s Word?

God will never contradict what He has already told us in His Word, the Bible. This includes what Jesus tells us are the two greatest commands of all: to love God and to love others (Matthew 22:37-40). Any thought or action that does not come from love for God, for others, and for ourselves cannot be from God.

Question 2: Is It True and Logical?

The Bible tells us repeatedly that God is a God of truth (Deuteronomy 32:4; John 14:6). If what we hear is not true, it is not from God.

Similarly, while God can ask us to do things that don’t make sense from a human perspective (for example, asking Noah to build an ark or Joshua to march around Jericho), He is not going to ask us to do something that makes no sense in light of where He has already called us or how He has already gifted us.

Question 3: Does It Contribute to My Own Good and the Good of Others?

God promises that He “works for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28).

We know that doesn’t necessarily mean that life will be easy — Jesus says that his followers each have a cross to carry (Matthew 16:24). However, we can be confident that following God’s voice will not harm us and will ultimately give life not just to ourselves, but also to others.

Question 4: Does It Make Sense in Light of My Gifts, Resources, and Abilities?

God has created each of us with unique gifts and abilities and an individual story. God’s voice will be true to those unique traits. Your story will look different from someone else’s and that’s the way it should be. This doesn’t mean that God can’t call us to something beyond our own human ability — He can and will — but it should make some sense in light of the ways He has equipped and gifted us.

Question 5: What Are the Likely Consequences of Each Choice?

Emotions are important, but so is logic. Honestly evaluating where different paths will lead can help us know when we are hearing God’s voice. This isn’t the same as trying to control every aspect of the future — that’s impossible! But sometimes looking a few more steps into the future can make God’s voice more clear. This is where a simple pros and cons list can be very helpful.

Question 6: Does It Lead Me to Growth or Shame?

God’s voice can be challenging, but it’s never unloving or condemning. God will call us to grow more like Christ; He will never tell us that we are worthless or not good enough. God never causes us to feel shame or condemnation.

Negative thinking should be dismissed, but correction should be welcomed.

Question 7: Have Godly Mentors Also Seen This as a Call of God on My Life?

If you ever get stuck inside your own head, it can be helpful to actually speak out loud about an issue with a trusted mentor or friend. Asking someone else to discuss something with you, walk you through your thoughts, or even just pray for you can help you discern if it’s God’s voice you’re hearing.