Listening to God's Voice Through Creation and Obedience
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound ways in which God communicates with us through His creation and His voice. We began by acknowledging the diverse methods God uses to minister to our souls, whether through songs, scripture, or even the smallest creatures like honeybees and hornets. These creatures, though seemingly insignificant, carry divine messages that can guide and protect us. For instance, while honeybees are often seen as beneficial, hornets, which are generally feared, were used by God to bless and protect His people.
We delved into the difference between the "word of the Lord" and the "voice of the Lord." The word of the Lord, as found in scripture, is eternal and unchanging, providing a foundation for our faith. However, the voice of the Lord is a more personal, immediate communication that requires our obedience and submission. This distinction is crucial for a deeper relationship with God, as hearing His voice leads to a more intimate and obedient walk with Him.
We also discussed the importance of dreams and personal experiences as avenues through which God speaks to us. These experiences, like the dream about watermelons, serve as reminders of God's ongoing work in our lives and His promises. They encourage us to stay connected to Him and to be attentive to His voice.
The sermon emphasized that God's creation, including animals and even plants, serves as a medium for His messages. From the ravens that fed Elijah to the plagues in Egypt, God's use of creation demonstrates His provision, protection, and sometimes, His judgment. This understanding helps us see the divine orchestration in our lives and the world around us.
Finally, we examined the role of obedience in hearing God's voice. Using the example of Moses and Joshua, we saw how their obedience to God's voice led to the fulfillment of His promises. This obedience is not just about following rules but about maintaining a heart condition that is open to God's guidance and correction.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Speaks Through His Creation: God uses even the smallest creatures to communicate profound messages. Whether it's honeybees or hornets, each has a divine purpose that can guide and protect us. This teaches us to be attentive to the seemingly insignificant details in our lives, as they may carry God's voice. [39:56]
2. Distinguishing the Word and Voice of the Lord: The word of the Lord, as found in scripture, is eternal and unchanging, providing a foundation for our faith. However, the voice of the Lord is a more personal, immediate communication that requires our obedience and submission. This distinction is crucial for a deeper relationship with God. [49:28]
3. Personal Experiences and Dreams: God often speaks to us through personal experiences and dreams. These moments serve as reminders of His ongoing work in our lives and His promises. They encourage us to stay connected to Him and to be attentive to His voice. [43:44]
4. Obedience to God's Voice: Hearing God's voice requires a heart condition that is open to His guidance and correction. The examples of Moses and Joshua show that obedience to God's voice leads to the fulfillment of His promises. This obedience is not just about following rules but about maintaining a heart condition that is open to God's guidance and correction. [57:30]
5. The Role of Creation in God's Plan: God's use of creation, from animals to plants, demonstrates His provision, protection, and sometimes, His judgment. This understanding helps us see the divine orchestration in our lives and the world around us, reminding us that we are part of a larger, divine plan. [45:16]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:56] - Opening Prayer
[37:54] - Introduction to the Voice of the Lord
[38:43] - God's Use of Honeybees
[39:22] - The Significance of Small Creatures
[39:56] - Searching for Hornets in the Bible
[41:52] - God's Message Through Creation
[42:35] - Dream About Watermelons
[45:16] - God's Protection and Provision
[46:59] - Heavenly Creations and Angels
[48:28] - The Eternal Word of the Lord
[49:28] - The Personal Impact of God's Voice
[51:07] - Jesus' Teachings on Belief and Obedience
[55:05] - The Importance of Hearing God's Voice
[57:30] - Moses' Instructions to Israel
[59:09] - Obeying the Angel's Voice
[01:00:52] - God's Promise of Protection
[01:03:10] - The Role of Hornets
[01:06:03] - The Spiritual Realm and Our Mission
[01:09:40] - Life After Salvation
[01:11:14] - The Next Generation's Inheritance
[01:13:18] - Personal Testimony and Expectations
[01:15:22] - The Importance of God's Voice
[01:17:29] - Moses' Encouragement to Israel
[01:19:09] - God's Promise to Joshua
[01:20:15] - Joshua's Leadership
[01:22:21] - Reflections on America as a Christian Nation
[01:26:52] - The Kingdom of God and Violence
[01:29:12] - The Commission of Jesus
[01:31:23] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 23:20-23 (NKJV)
> "Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. For My Angel will go before you and bring you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off."
2. Psalm 95:7-8 (NKJV)
> "For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: 'Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness.'"
3. Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)
> "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever."
### Observation Questions
1. What are some ways God communicates with us through His creation, as mentioned in the sermon? ([39:22])
2. How does the sermon distinguish between the "word of the Lord" and the "voice of the Lord"? ([49:28])
3. What role did dreams and personal experiences play in the sermon as avenues for God's communication? ([42:35])
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of obedience in hearing God's voice? ([57:30])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding the difference between the "word of the Lord" and the "voice of the Lord" deepen one's relationship with God? ([49:28])
2. In what ways can personal experiences and dreams serve as reminders of God's ongoing work in our lives? ([42:35])
3. How does the example of Moses and Joshua illustrate the importance of obedience to God's voice? ([57:30])
4. What does the use of creation, such as animals and plants, reveal about God's provision and protection? ([45:16])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you through His creation. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([39:22])
2. How can you cultivate a heart that is open to hearing and obeying the voice of the Lord in your daily life? ([49:28])
3. Have you ever had a dream or personal experience that you felt was a message from God? How did it impact your faith and actions? ([42:35])
4. What steps can you take to be more attentive to the seemingly insignificant details in your life that may carry God's voice? ([39:22])
5. How can you ensure that your obedience to God's voice is not just about following rules but maintaining a heart condition that is open to His guidance and correction? ([57:30])
6. In what ways can you recognize and respond to God's provision and protection in your life through His creation? ([45:16])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group to be more attentive to the ways God communicates with them, whether through scripture, creation, or personal experiences? ([49:28])
Devotional
Day 1: God Speaks Through His Creation
God uses even the smallest creatures to communicate profound messages. Whether it's honeybees or hornets, each has a divine purpose that can guide and protect us. This teaches us to be attentive to the seemingly insignificant details in our lives, as they may carry God's voice. For instance, while honeybees are often seen as beneficial, hornets, which are generally feared, were used by God to bless and protect His people. This understanding helps us see the divine orchestration in our lives and the world around us, reminding us that we are part of a larger, divine plan. [39:56]
Job 12:7-10 (ESV): "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind."
Reflection: Think of a recent encounter with nature, whether it was a small insect or a larger animal. How might God have been using that moment to communicate something to you? What message could He be sending through His creation?
Day 2: Distinguishing the Word and Voice of the Lord
The word of the Lord, as found in scripture, is eternal and unchanging, providing a foundation for our faith. However, the voice of the Lord is a more personal, immediate communication that requires our obedience and submission. This distinction is crucial for a deeper relationship with God. Hearing His voice leads to a more intimate and obedient walk with Him. Understanding this difference helps us to not only read the Bible but also to listen for God's personal guidance in our daily lives. [49:28]
1 Kings 19:11-12 (ESV): "And he said, 'Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.' And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God was speaking to you personally. How did you distinguish His voice from other thoughts or influences? What steps can you take to be more attentive to His voice in your daily life?
Day 3: Personal Experiences and Dreams
God often speaks to us through personal experiences and dreams. These moments serve as reminders of His ongoing work in our lives and His promises. They encourage us to stay connected to Him and to be attentive to His voice. For example, a dream about watermelons might seem trivial, but it can carry a significant message from God about His provision and promises. These personal experiences are unique to each individual and can be powerful tools for spiritual growth and encouragement. [43:44]
Joel 2:28 (ESV): "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions."
Reflection: Recall a dream or personal experience that felt significant to you. How might God have been using that moment to communicate with you? What message or promise do you think He was conveying?
Day 4: Obedience to God's Voice
Hearing God's voice requires a heart condition that is open to His guidance and correction. The examples of Moses and Joshua show that obedience to God's voice leads to the fulfillment of His promises. This obedience is not just about following rules but about maintaining a heart condition that is open to God's guidance and correction. Obedience to God's voice is a demonstration of our trust and faith in Him, and it often leads to blessings and the fulfillment of His promises in our lives. [57:30]
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 (ESV): "And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God."
Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to obedience. What steps can you take today to respond to His voice with a willing and open heart?
Day 5: The Role of Creation in God's Plan
God's use of creation, from animals to plants, demonstrates His provision, protection, and sometimes, His judgment. This understanding helps us see the divine orchestration in our lives and the world around us, reminding us that we are part of a larger, divine plan. From the ravens that fed Elijah to the plagues in Egypt, God's use of creation shows His sovereignty and care for His people. Recognizing this can deepen our trust in God's plan and His ability to use all things for His purposes. [45:16]
Psalm 104:24-25 (ESV): "O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Here is the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great."
Reflection: Consider how you see God's hand in the natural world around you. How does recognizing His use of creation in His plan affect your trust in His provision and protection? What can you do to become more aware of His presence in your daily life through nature?
Quotes
1. "You know, when God ministers to your soul, like, you know, God ministers in different ways. You know, sometimes, you know, He ministers through songs. You know, sometimes He ministers through His word. But sometimes He just gives some random thoughts. You know, this experience was kind of that. And I was, you know, stepping into, you know, some of the creatures that God has created. Like, you know, millions of, things that the Lord has created in this earth." [37:54] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God has given, you know, importance to even the smallest creatures. You know, God has spoken through ant as an example, you know, when, how do we, you know, look at our life in terms of planning and doing stuff, you know, things like that. A lot of other things, like, you know, worms and numerous things that the Lord has spoken, like, just... just tiny creatures. And through those tiny creatures, he brings a message." [39:22] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God uses his creation to talk to us that he protects us in context you will see you know God's intention is to protect us and for that you know he would use his creation to protect us. God uses his creations to demonstrate to us that he provides us you know when you look at the life of Elijah when he was at the brook you know he brought in a raven to feed him so God provides through his creations." [45:16] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So the people of God constantly hear about the word of the Lord, but they are against the voice of the Lord. That is the context here. You know, as Christians, sometimes we get ourselves familiar with the word of the Lord, but we can be rebellion towards the voice of the Lord." [49:28] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Because what happens when you hear the voice of the Lord, you're not just believing in God, but your hearts would turn towards obedience. You're obeying him, submitting yourself to him. I'll read this passage that Jesus quoted the book of John. In John chapter five, verse 41 onwards. I'll read this for you. John chapter five, verse 41. I do not receive honor from man, but I know you that you do not have the love of God in you." [50:17] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Repentance doesn't mean that we are always wrong. Repentance doesn't say that we are evil. But when God speaks to us about repentance, you know, we need to acknowledge and understand that he sees our heart condition. And it could be simple things about forgiving the people in our life that may have wronged us. You know, we can have hundreds of justifications. But it doesn't matter to God." [53:34] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The word of the Lord, which is basically the message or the written words that is in the Bible. It gives us information. It gives us a connection with God. But then the voice of the Lord keeps the connection with God. If you learn to hear the voice of the Lord constantly, it helps you to keep your connection with God. It is always about listening to Him more than what we would like Him to listen." [55:53] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When you want to hear the voice of the Lord, you are in a place where you want to listen to what God wants to speak to you personally. About your life. About your future. About your family. About where He is planning to take you. Because it gives a personal experience with God. It brings the testimony that a man's life is touched by a living God. It helps us to walk in His ways. It helps us to walk according to His plan." [55:53] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When God calls us into life from darkness, God has a very specific mission upon our life. It is nothing but helping those who are going through difficult times. It is all about help us getting the message through us about the gospel of Jesus Christ himself. That is why whether it is Paul or Peter they are able to say that the life that we live here is a shadow." [01:05:00] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "It is the only and only message from the Almighty God that he has called us to be his chosen people and has a very specific mission to bring back what was lost at the Garden of Eden. It is an eternal plan of God that orchestrates as a shadow on this earth." [01:07:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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