Awakening to God's Voice in Urgent Times
Summary
In today's message, we explored the urgency of preparing for the imminent return of the Lord. The signs of the times, much like those during the Second World War, serve as a wake-up call for the church to awaken from its slumber and live with a renewed sense of holiness and devotion. The current global events are not just random occurrences but are divinely orchestrated to remind us of the nearness of Christ's return. As believers, we are called to live with hope, holiness, and an intense love for God, recognizing the importance of hearing His voice in our daily lives.
Hearing God's voice is essential for navigating these times. We delved into John 10, where Jesus emphasizes that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him. This is a call to discern the voice of God amidst the noise of the world. Many struggle to hear God's voice because they are entangled in worldly distractions. Isaiah 55:3 and Hebrews 5:11-14 remind us that hearing God's voice requires spiritual training and a willingness to incline our ears to Him.
To cultivate the ability to hear God's voice, we must first eliminate distractions and prioritize His voice above all others. This involves setting aside time to be alone with God, as Jesus did, ensuring that His voice is the first we hear each day. Secondly, we must let God hear our voice through prayer, as demonstrated in Luke 3:21-22, where Jesus prayed, and the heavens opened. Lastly, seeking God's will above our own is crucial, as highlighted in John 5:30. God speaks to those who are humble and contrite, who tremble at His word, as stated in Isaiah 66:2.
Key Takeaways:
1. Urgency of the Times: The current global events are a divine wake-up call for the church to prepare for the Lord's return. We must live with hope, holiness, and an intense love for God, recognizing the signs of the times. [01:48]
2. Hearing God's Voice: To hear God's voice, we must eliminate distractions and prioritize His voice above all others. This involves setting aside time to be alone with God, ensuring His voice is the first we hear each day. [15:15]
3. Prayer and Communication: Letting God hear our voice through prayer is essential. As we communicate with Him, the heavens open, and we become attuned to His guidance and direction. [17:48]
4. Seeking God's Will: God speaks to those who seek His will above their own. By aligning our desires with His, we open ourselves to His voice and direction in our lives. [18:55]
5. Humility and Reverence: A humble and contrite heart is essential for hearing God's voice. Those who tremble at His word and approach Him with reverence will experience His guidance and presence. [21:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:48] - Urgency of the Times
- [02:52] - Signs of the Times
- [04:12] - Prophecy and Current Events
- [06:41] - Hearing God's Voice
- [09:16] - Spiritual Training
- [11:30] - Keys to Hearing God
- [15:15] - Eliminating Distractions
- [17:48] - Prayer and Communication
- [18:55] - Seeking God's Will
- [21:59] - Humility and Reverence
- [27:59] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 10:3-4, 27 - "To him the porter openeth, and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
2. Isaiah 55:3 - "Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David."
3. Hebrews 5:11, 14 - "Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 10, what is the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep, and how does this relate to hearing God's voice? [06:41]
2. What does Isaiah 55:3 suggest is necessary for our souls to live, and how does this relate to hearing God's voice?
3. In Hebrews 5:11-14, what is said about the maturity required to discern God's voice, and how is this achieved?
4. How does the sermon describe the current global events as a wake-up call for the church? [01:48]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What might it mean for believers to "incline their ear" to God, and how can this be practically applied in daily life?
2. How does the concept of spiritual training in Hebrews 5 relate to the ability to hear God's voice amidst worldly distractions? [09:16]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that current events are similar to those during the Second World War, and what implications does this have for believers today? [02:52]
4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of humility and reverence in hearing God's voice, and what biblical support is provided for this? [21:59]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you prioritize hearing God's voice first thing in the morning, as suggested in the sermon? [15:15]
2. Identify specific distractions in your life that may be hindering your ability to hear God's voice. What steps can you take to minimize these distractions this week? [11:30]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer in opening the heavens. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily life to better hear God's guidance? [17:48]
4. Consider a recent situation where you sought your own will over God's. How can you realign your desires with God's will in future decisions? [18:55]
5. The sermon calls for believers to live with hope, holiness, and love for God. What is one practical way you can demonstrate these qualities in your community this week? [04:12]
6. How can you cultivate a humble and contrite heart to better hear God's voice, as described in Isaiah 66:2? [21:59]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What changes can you make to ensure you are more attuned to His voice in the future?
Devotional
Day 1: Urgency in Recognizing Divine Signals
The current global events are not mere coincidences but are divinely orchestrated signals urging believers to prepare for the imminent return of the Lord. Much like the signs during the Second World War, these events serve as a wake-up call for the church to awaken from its slumber and live with a renewed sense of holiness and devotion. As believers, it is crucial to live with hope, holiness, and an intense love for God, recognizing the signs of the times and the urgency they bring. This urgency is not meant to instill fear but to inspire a deeper commitment to living a life that reflects the love and holiness of Christ. [01:48]
"For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: What specific global event has recently caught your attention, and how might it be a divine signal for you to deepen your spiritual commitment today?
Day 2: Prioritizing God's Voice Amidst the Noise
In a world filled with distractions, hearing God's voice requires intentional effort and prioritization. Jesus emphasized in John 10 that His sheep hear His voice and follow Him, highlighting the importance of discerning God's voice amidst the noise of the world. Many struggle to hear God's voice because they are entangled in worldly distractions. To cultivate the ability to hear God's voice, one must first eliminate distractions and prioritize His voice above all others. This involves setting aside time to be alone with God, ensuring that His voice is the first we hear each day. [15:15]
"And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21, ESV)
Reflection: What is one distraction you can eliminate today to better prioritize hearing God's voice, and how will you practically implement this change?
Day 3: The Power of Prayerful Communication
Prayer is not just a ritual but a powerful means of communication with God, where we let Him hear our voice. As demonstrated in Luke 3:21-22, when Jesus prayed, the heavens opened, signifying the importance of prayer in becoming attuned to God's guidance and direction. Through prayer, believers open themselves to divine insights and the presence of God, allowing them to navigate life's challenges with His wisdom. It is essential to cultivate a habit of prayer, where one regularly communicates with God, seeking His guidance and aligning one's heart with His will. [17:48]
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate a specific time of prayer into your daily routine this week to ensure you are consistently communicating with God?
Day 4: Aligning Desires with God's Will
Seeking God's will above our own is crucial for hearing His voice and experiencing His guidance in our lives. God speaks to those who align their desires with His, opening themselves to His voice and direction. This involves a conscious decision to prioritize God's will over personal ambitions, trusting that His plans are far greater than our own. By aligning our desires with God's, we position ourselves to receive His wisdom and direction, allowing His will to shape our lives in profound ways. [18:55]
"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!" (Psalm 143:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to align with God's will, and what steps can you take today to surrender this area to Him?
Day 5: Embracing Humility and Reverence
A humble and contrite heart is essential for hearing God's voice. Those who tremble at His word and approach Him with reverence will experience His guidance and presence. Humility involves recognizing our dependence on God and approaching Him with a heart that is open to His correction and guidance. Reverence for God means valuing His word and presence above all else, allowing His truth to shape our lives. By cultivating humility and reverence, believers open themselves to a deeper relationship with God, where His voice becomes a guiding force in their lives. [21:59]
"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility and reverence in your relationship with God today, and how might this change your approach to hearing His voice?
Quotes
1) "I have this incredible, deep feeling in my soul. And I think all of you do too. The coming of the Lord is real. really, very close. Maybe closer than we realize. And I think this is the time to prepare. And I think all that's happening on earth today is really a sign, like a wake-up call for the church, especially the church. I think God has allowed all this to happen, to wake the church up, to let us all realize the day is at hand. The day of the Lord is at hand. We are not to sleep now. We are not to number now." [01:48] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "I read 15 chapters today of the book of Revelation. And I was so glued to the coming events. Ladies and gentlemen, I've read the book of Revelation possibly hundreds of times since I have been born again, back in the early 70s. And the more I read it, the clearer it is to us because prophecy is always unfolding and the longer the time goes, the clearer prophecy becomes, you know. And I'm not going by what I just read. I'm going by the whole Bible. I'm not just going by 15 chapters I read today. I'm just looking at the whole puzzle, you know. It's like a mighty puzzle you look at and you put the pieces together." [02:52] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "So, first thing is praise. Praise removes our earplugs, you know. Praise takes away the distractions all around us. So, in John chapter 10, John chapter 10, you know, you need to share this with your friends because there's so much in the Word of God about, and I'm going to give you some real clear instructions on what to do to hear the voice of God that I've experienced in my own life." [06:41] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "You know what incline means? Bend. Bend your ear and come unto me. Hear and your soul shall live. And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Now, what people don't realize that many people are really dull of hearing anyways. You know, you know, you know why? Well, because they have not, they have not exercised their hearing ability in, in Hebrews. First Hebrews 12, verse 25. it says see that you refuse not him that speaketh for if they escape not to refuse them that speak on earth much more shall we shall be not escape if we turn away from him that that speaks from heaven meaning there's judgment there's it's a sin not to hear god's voice and why are they not hearing well because they have not exercised their senses spiritually people that that have not become accustomed to the voice of the lord how will they hear it" [09:16] (74 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "So the first voice that you must hear daily is the voice of God. That's why the Lord Jesus would wake up early in the morning and go to a mountain before anyone was awake, so he can hear the voice of his Father. So number one, distractions have got to be out of the way. Once you're with God, and once you're alone, and once you hear his voice, then go and do the things you need to do in life. With your job, with your family. So I would advise every one of you to get up when everyone else is sleeping and be alone. with the lord so he can talk to you very key i just gave you something really important that's why the lord jesus said shut the door enter into your closet and shut the door let nothing distract you shut the phone put your phones your cell phones on or just shut them all together make sure everything is shut that no way the enemy can come right through don't don't leave a door open i mean a spiritual door open don't leave a crack anywhere" [15:15] (79 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "So, you cannot hear the voice of God if he's not hearing yours. So, number one, these are simple keys. Number one, withdraw from distractions. Number two, let God hear your voice and you'll hear his. And number three, so powerful. In John, the Gospel of John, chapter 5 and verse 31. Oh, there's so much in the Word of God, I love it. Jesus said, I can of mine own self do nothing. As I hear, I judge. And my judgment is just because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." [17:48] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "So in these two amazing verses verse 37 if you put it together we have one clear answer God speaks to those who seek his will not their own will he speaks to those who seek his will so how do I hear God's voice number one withdraw from distractions number two let him hear my voice number three seek his will only and I will hear his voice is that simple and I love what I said Isaiah 66 says as I'm done today Isaiah chapter 66 and then I'm going to pray with you and I'm going to read verse 1 listen to this oh this is fabulous thus says the Lord the heaven is my throne the earth is my footstool where is the house that you have built me what is the place of my rest for all those things my hand have made and all those things have been managed I take this into my reality the Lord is my calling and the time for which I have not begun and I bring my hope me with a soul thine be thy kingdom come and be thine in every infertile crevice of man man will i look even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit and trembles at my word and then you look you look at this amazing verse wow verse five hear the word of the lord ye that tremble at his word so whom does god speak to those who tremble at his word those that have a broken heart god will not speak to people who are proud and arrogant he just won't they will never hear his voice because it says in verse 2 of isaiah 66 but to this man will i look my eyes will be on this man you even who has a poor and contrite spirit and trembles at my word. Verse 5, hear the word of the Lord, you that tremble at his word." [18:55] (141 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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