how does God Speak?

Patricia Bootsma is the author of "A Lifestyle of Divine Encounters" (Destiny Image Publishers). She provides a list of thirteen ways in which God speaks to us:

1) The Word of God.

2) The Still, small voice of God....Often, the still, small voice sounds like our own thoughts as the Lord communicates to us subtly as His thoughts invade ours (see Ps. 40:5).

3) Visions / Pictures—We can see in the spirit through still pictures or unfolding visions.

4) Dreams—Dreams are an important way God speaks to His people.

5) Things in the Natural that speak of the supernatural—God can speak spiritual messages through nature. ...the Lord can use seemingly ordinary things to speak to us: a newspaper heading, a billboard, or a particular object that crosses our path at a specific moment in time.

6) Word of Wisdom—When the Lord gives divine instruction, blueprints, or insight into certain situations, it can be called a word of wisdom (see 1 Cor. 12:8). As we ask for wisdom in life circumstances, we will receive it.

7) Word of Knowledge—A word of knowledge is simply insight or information given divinely (see 1 Cor. 12:8). 

8) Discernment--Also referred to as impressions, discernment is the ability to differentiate what is of God and what is not (see 1 Cor. 12:10; 1 John 4:1). ..Listen to the discernment God is giving you all the while not giving into unrighteous judgments. True discernment will be proven with time.

9) Peace or Lack of Peace—Since peace is one of the fruit of the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22) the Spirit will use peace as a way to communicate to us.

10) Circumstances--Doors that open and doors that close can be indications of God’s will. If we are banging on doors that simply refuse to budge, it isn’t always the devil holding it closed. It may not be the best for you or the timing may not be right. When the disciples would come to a city that refused them, they were instructed to shake the dust off their feet and go elsewhere (see Matt. 10:14). 

11) Others—The Lord certainly uses other people to speak to us. 

12) Angels—Biblical precedence for angelic activity is large in scope and amount.

13) Audible Voice of God—The Lord spoke audibly throughout the Bible. A significant interaction occurred at Jesus’ baptism where the Father affirmed His Son, “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22).