There’s More
“ 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” —James 4:8
“ 1 As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. 2 I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?” —Psalm 42:1-2
“ 4 The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.” —Psalm 27:4
“ 9 Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” —1 Samuel 3:9
How does God speak?
Any way he wants to.
“ ‘ 36 O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.’ 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, ‘The Lord—He is God! The Lord—He is God!’” —1 Kings 18:36-39
“ 9 And the word of the Lord came to him…” —1 Kings 19:9
“ 11 The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake, came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” —1 Kings 19:11-13
“ 1 In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” —Hebrews 1:1-3
How do we recognize God’s voice?
Through experience as we hunger for more of Him.
(a.) We recognize the quality and authority of God’s voice
“ 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” —Matthew 7:28-29
(b.) We recognize the spirit or tone of God’s voice
“ 13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate…” —Psalm 103:13
“ 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.” —James 3:17
(c.) We recognize the consistency of God’s voice
“ 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16-17
“ 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” —Hebrews 4:16
How do we create space so God can speak?
(1.) Meditate on God’s Word and listen intently
“ 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:8-9
(2.) Pray specifically, expectantly, and hungry to hear god’s voice
…..(a.) What is the next step in my character?
…..(b.) What is the next step in my relationship with God?
…..(c.) What is the next step in my marriage?
…..(d.) What is the next step with my kids?
…..(e.) What is the next step in my ministry?
…..(f.) Is there anything I need to confess and make right?
(3.) As you pray, be still and listen for God’s voice
“ 9 Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” —1 Samuel 3:9