May 16 2024 37 mins
Welcome back to the Cross Points Church podcast! We are your hosts, David and Orah, and we are thrilled to be with you again after a four-year hiatus. It’s hard to believe it’s been so long, but life has a way of keeping us busy. From babies to pandemics, we’ve faced it all, and now we’re excited to reconnect with our amazing community. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are tuning in for the first time, we’re glad you’re here. Let’s dive in and catch up on all that’s happened and explore some thought-provoking topics together. Episode Notes: Scriptures Referenced in the Episode: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 - The story of young Samuel hearing God’s voice for the first time. “In those days, messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon.” (1 Samuel 3:1) John 10:27 - Jesus talking about His sheep hearing His voice. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) Elijah's Story - Hearing God's voice in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13). “After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” (1 Kings 19:12) Moses and the Burning Bush - God speaking to Moses through the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-6). “There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.” (Exodus 3:2) Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trusting in the Lord for guidance. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) Philippians 4:6-7 - Finding peace through prayer and petition. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) Finding Quiet Time: Make a conscious effort to eliminate distractions and find a quiet space to listen for God’s voice. Start with short periods of silence and gradually increase the duration. Try practicing seven minutes of silence each day for a week to center yourself and listen for God’s guidance. Reading Scripture: Engage with the Bible regularly to understand God's character and voice. Use both theological study and personal reading to deepen your relationship with God. Allow scripture to challenge and encourage you, and personalize the messages you read. Tips for Engaging with Scripture: Regular Reading: Make it a habit to read the Bible daily, whether through a reading plan, devotional, or study guide. Reflect and Journal: Write down your thoughts and reflections on the scriptures you read to internalize the messages. Pray for Understanding: Ask God to open your heart and mind to His word, seeking deeper insight and application in your life. Discuss with Others: Share what you’ve read and learned with friends, family, or a study group for broader perspectives and encouragement. Connect with Us: Follow Orah on Instagram: @myweekisbookedblog Email us: [email protected] Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!