Hearing God's Voice: Seeking Him with All Our Hearts
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the question, "Is that you, God?" We delved into the importance of recognizing and hearing God's voice in our lives. Throughout the Bible, God has always desired to communicate with His people, and this remains true today. The challenge is not whether God is speaking, but whether we are truly listening with our hearts. We often complicate the process of hearing from God by not seeking Him wholeheartedly or by not being patient enough to wait for His timing.
We discussed how Jesus, the greatest prophet, has made God accessible to us. Yet, we often fail to seek Him with our whole hearts, as Jeremiah instructs. We need to lift our eyes to God and be ready to hear His voice, especially in times of trouble. Just as a child recognizes their mother's voice, we should be able to recognize God's voice amidst our life's storms.
We also touched on the importance of being close to God to hear Him clearly. This involves having a personal relationship with Him, not relying on second-hand experiences. We need to be in a place where we can hear God, which means being still and open to His guidance. Additionally, we must understand that hearing from God often leads us into uncharted waters, requiring us to trust and rely on Him completely.
Finally, we discussed the significance of God calling our names twice, as He did with Samuel and Peter. This double call signifies a special elevation and a closer relationship with God. When God calls us in this manner, it is a call to a unique purpose that only we can fulfill. We must be ready to respond and trust that God is leading us to a place of growth and deeper understanding.
### Key Takeaways
1. Seek God with Your Whole Heart: The Bible teaches us that when we seek God with our whole heart, we will find Him. This means dedicating ourselves fully to the search, not just with our words but with our entire being. If we haven't heard from God, it might be because we are not seeking Him earnestly enough. [06:48]
2. Recognize God's Voice in the Storm: Just as a child knows their mother's voice, we should be able to recognize God's voice even in the midst of our troubles. Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice," indicating that a true relationship with Him allows us to hear Him clearly, regardless of our circumstances. [08:49]
3. Be Close to God: To hear God's whispers, we need to be close to Him. This requires a personal relationship, not based on what others have experienced but on our own intimate connection with God. Being close to God means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else. [13:59]
4. Trust God in Uncharted Waters: When God speaks, He often leads us into new and unfamiliar territories. This requires us to trust Him completely and rely on His guidance. We need to seek counsel from those who have a strong relationship with God to help us navigate these uncharted waters. [18:25]
5. Respond to God's Double Call: When God calls our name twice, it signifies a special elevation and a closer relationship with Him. This call is unique and personal, meant to draw us into a deeper purpose that only we can fulfill. We must be ready to respond and trust that God is leading us to a place of growth and deeper understanding. [24:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:03] - Opening Prayer
[04:51] - Introduction: Is That You, God?
[05:55] - God’s Desire to Speak to Us
[06:48] - Seeking God with Your Whole Heart
[07:53] - How Do We Hear God Today?
[08:49] - Recognizing God's Voice in the Storm
[09:57] - The Challenge of Waiting on God
[10:41] - Misconceptions About Hearing from God
[11:29] - Developing an Attitude of Listening
[13:16] - Steps to Hear God's Voice
[13:59] - Being Close to God
[14:50] - The Importance of a Personal Relationship
[18:25] - Trusting God in Uncharted Waters
[24:01] - Responding to God's Double Call
[30:21] - Closing Remarks and Invitation
[31:52] - Holy Communion Preparation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
2. John 10:27 - "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
3. 1 Samuel 3:10 - "The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Jeremiah 29:13, what is required for us to find God? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on seeking God with our whole heart? [06:48]
2. In John 10:27, Jesus says His sheep know His voice. How does this relate to the sermon’s analogy of recognizing God’s voice in the storm? [08:49]
3. What was Samuel’s response when God called his name twice in 1 Samuel 3:10? How does this illustrate the sermon’s point about responding to God’s double call? [24:01]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think seeking God with our whole heart is emphasized in both Jeremiah 29:13 and the sermon? How might this look in practical terms in our daily lives? [06:48]
2. How can we develop the ability to recognize God’s voice as described in John 10:27? What steps did the sermon suggest to cultivate this recognition? [08:49]
3. The sermon mentioned that hearing from God often leads us into uncharted waters. How does this concept challenge our comfort zones, and what might be the purpose behind it? [18:25]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. Are you seeking Him with your whole heart? What specific changes can you make to deepen your search for Him? [06:48]
2. Think about a recent storm or difficult situation in your life. How did you try to recognize God’s voice during that time? What can you do differently next time to better hear Him? [08:49]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of being close to God to hear His whispers. What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize your personal relationship with God? [13:59]
4. Have you ever felt God leading you into uncharted waters? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you trust God more in future unfamiliar situations? [18:25]
5. When God calls your name twice, it signifies a special elevation and a closer relationship with Him. Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt God calling you to a unique purpose? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [24:01]
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to be more patient and wait for God’s timing. What steps can you take to cultivate patience and trust in God’s plan? [09:57]
7. How can you create a quiet and still environment in your daily routine to better hear God’s voice? What distractions can you minimize to make this possible? [13:59]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s message and apply its teachings to their lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and remind everyone that the goal is to grow closer to God and better recognize His voice in their lives.
Devotional
Day 1: Seek God with Your Whole Heart
When we seek God with our whole heart, we open ourselves to truly finding Him. This means dedicating ourselves fully to the search, not just with our words but with our entire being. Often, we may feel distant from God or struggle to hear His voice, but this can be a reflection of our own half-hearted efforts. To seek God wholeheartedly is to prioritize Him above all else, to make time for prayer, meditation, and reading His Word. It is about aligning our desires with His and being persistent in our pursuit, even when it feels challenging. [06:48]
Jeremiah 29:13-14 (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to seek God with your whole heart? Consider setting aside dedicated time for prayer and reflection, and ask God to reveal Himself to you in a new way.
Day 2: Recognize God's Voice in the Storm
In the midst of life's storms, it can be difficult to hear God's voice. However, just as a child recognizes their mother's voice, we should be able to recognize God's voice even in our troubles. Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice," indicating that a true relationship with Him allows us to hear Him clearly, regardless of our circumstances. This requires us to be attuned to His voice through regular communication and familiarity with His Word. By doing so, we can find peace and direction even in the most turbulent times. [08:49]
Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge or storm in your life. How can you practice listening for God's voice in the midst of it? What steps can you take to become more familiar with His voice?
Day 3: Be Close to God
To hear God's whispers, we need to be close to Him. This involves having a personal relationship with Him, not relying on second-hand experiences. Being close to God means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else, spending time in His presence, and seeking His guidance in all aspects of our lives. It is about cultivating an intimate connection that allows us to hear His gentle nudges and whispers. This closeness is built through consistent prayer, worship, and reading of the Scriptures. [13:59]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can draw closer to God today? Consider setting aside distractions and making time for intentional prayer and worship.
Day 4: Trust God in Uncharted Waters
When God speaks, He often leads us into new and unfamiliar territories. This requires us to trust Him completely and rely on His guidance. Venturing into uncharted waters can be daunting, but it is in these moments that our faith is tested and strengthened. Trusting God means believing that He has a plan and purpose for us, even when we cannot see the full picture. It involves seeking counsel from those who have a strong relationship with God and being open to His leading, even when it takes us out of our comfort zones. [18:25]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where God is calling you to step into uncharted waters? How can you trust Him more fully in this area and seek His guidance?
Day 5: Respond to God's Double Call
When God calls our name twice, it signifies a special elevation and a closer relationship with Him. This call is unique and personal, meant to draw us into a deeper purpose that only we can fulfill. Responding to God's double call requires us to be attentive and ready to act. It is a call to a unique purpose that only we can fulfill, and it often comes with a sense of urgency and importance. We must be ready to respond and trust that God is leading us to a place of growth and deeper understanding. [24:01]
1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV): "And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' And Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant hears.'"
Reflection: Have you ever felt a strong, repeated call from God in your life? How can you be more attentive and ready to respond to His unique calling for you today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Just think of what God has done and what he's getting ready to do. And truly you shall be amazed, because God said, When I be gone, I will do. Give an honor to the Lord. Thank you, Lord God, for another day to come and stand before your people and proclaim your truth." [04:03] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The kingdom of God is near. And if God is near to us, then he's done his part. He's made himself available to us. He's made himself visible to us through his word. Our problem is we are not seeking him with our whole heart." [05:55] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God wants us to learn how to listen for his voice. Follow his. Holy Spirit, which he's given you to explain the things to you. If you didn't get it the first time, you know how it is when you're going up in the house." [12:30] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You got to understand that God wants to talk to you. And if God wants to talk to you, you need to make yourself available to God. For him to talk to you. God is not that guy going to bang on your door. Sound the horn and shout and scream and call your phone over and over till you answer the phone." [16:42] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God will watch over you and keep you every day of your life. All you got to do is lift up them hands and praise God get up off your feet and give God some praise act like God has blessed you today. He brought you from somewhere." [27:45] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We spend a lot of time searching for God in our mouth. Yet rather do we attach our hearts to the search so that when God speaks, we hear clearly and responds accordingly." [04:51] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes being good gets you in trouble, but it ain't because of something you did. It's just God wants the world to take a moment to see you the way he sees you. I'm sure that there are times when we complicate this process of hearing from God." [09:23] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You need to understand this. Every one of us are precious and individual to God. And he deals with us just that way. As individuals. Is that you got? I wonder if anybody's calling him today." [24:01] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When God calls your name twice. God is getting ready to elevate you. He's getting ready to draw you into a closer relationship. With him. He's getting ready to put you in a position that not a single person in this world can do except you." [24:43] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You need someone to help you open your ears to hear what God has to say. To you. The question I have for you is God calls. You don't know how to get there who you're going to turn to. Don't say Ghostbusters ain't gonna work. Who are you going to turn to ask yourself that?" [18:25] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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