Hillary: Hey friends, welcome back to Outrageous Grace, the podcast. I'm Hillary. I'm Mary Claire. We're so happy you joined us for part two. We've been talking about how to replace the lies of the enemy with truths from God. We got a little long winded, so we had to break it up. Yeah.
Mary Claire: Hey friends, welcome back to Outrageous Grace, the podcast. I'm Hillary. I'm Mary Claire. We're so happy you joined us for part two. Yes. We've been talking about how to replace the lives of the enemy with truths from God. We got a little long winded. So we didn't break it up. Yeah, I would like to think it was just a good conversation and we didn't want to rush it. Um, but we started last time by talking about, you said you were going to talk about 10 characteristics of God.
Hillary: It was. We didn't want to rush it. But we started last time by talking about, you said you were going to talk about 10 characteristics. Yes, we got through five of them. Yes. So can you remind everyone what these first five were? Yes, and I want to remind you where I got it from. ⁓ NancyTaylorWrites.com, she had really good scripture-based ways to know when it's our Creator talking to us by knowing how He speaks, how He relates to us.
Mary Claire: Yes. So can you remind everyone what those first five were? Yes. And I want to remind you where I got it from. Yes. NancyTaylorWrites.com. She had really good scripture based ways to know when it's our creator talking to us by knowing how he speaks, how he relates to us. So the first five were authoritative and we looked at Mark The second was scriptural and 2nd Timothy 3.16-17.
Hillary: So the first five were authoritative and we looked at Mark 4, 39. The second was scriptural and 2 Timothy 3, 16 through 17. Holy, James 1, 13. We talked about how he won't tempt us. He'll never speak to us in a way that causes us to go off. Four, he's inspiring. 1 Corinthians 2, 9 through 12. And then the last trait we looked at are...
Mary Claire: Holy James 1 13 we talked about how he won't tip us. He'll never speak to us in a way that causes us to go off. Four, he's inspiring. First Corinthians two nine through 12. And then the last trait we looked at or characteristic is he is calm as he engages us and speaks to us. He's never hurried or rushed as I often.
Hillary: characteristic is he is calm as he engages us and speaks to us. He's never hurried or rushed as I often am. But he's calm. He doesn't push. He doesn't rush. He's calm. We looked at 1 Kings 19, 9 through 13 for that.
Mary Claire: Yes. But he's calm, he doesn't push, he doesn't rush. He's calm. looked at 1 Kings 19, 9-13 for that. Yeah, that was such a great story. Like something I've read before a long time ago. yeah, we talked about that too. Like read the Bible because God will reveal something new to you, you know? And a quick recap of that story. was... was on the run because he had done all these great things. But then he was concerned that Jezebel was going to kill him. So he just went up into the room.
Hillary: about Elijah ⁓ ⁓ Elijah was on the run because he had done all these great things but then he was concerned that Jezebel was going to kill him so he just went off into the wilderness and the Lord sent him some food gave him a snack and a nap told him to rest and then he said come out and meet me and there was ⁓ Russian violent wind and there was an earthquake and then there was fire but God was in none of those things the Lord was in the
Mary Claire: sent him some food, snacked on out, and then he said come out and meet me and there was ⁓ Russian violent winds and there was an earthquake and then there was fire but God was in none of those things. The Lord was in the gentle whisper, he was calm and he brought calm to Elijah.
Hillary: gentle whisper or still small voice. He was calm and he brought calm to Elijah. I just thought of this, but you know, there's the armor of God and what Mike talks to our kids a lot about is being the boots of peace or carrying the boots of peace into a place. And I can't tell you how many times I remember or remind myself that God gives me peace so that I can bring peace into a place or an event or whatever the situation, whatever the case may be.
Mary Claire: Yeah, I just thought of this but you know, there's the armor of God and what Mike talks to our kids a lot about is being the boots of peace or carrying the boots of peace into a place. Yeah, and I can't tell you how many times I remember or remind myself that God gives me peace so that I can bring peace into a place. Yes, or an event or whatever a situation whatever the case may be. So I literally close my eyes and envision that
Hillary: I literally close my eyes and envision that I have shoes of peace on and I can bring that in with me. And that's that calm that God uses as he speaks to us. Wow. And as someone who's been on the receiving end of that record, thank you for that. Thank you for being so intentional. Because if y'all have ever been in a situation like me where you just are on the verge of tears and then someone walks in...
Mary Claire: shoes of peace on and I can bring that in with me. uses as he speaks to us. Wow and as someone who's been on the receiving end of that before thank you for that. Thank you for being so intentional because if y'all have ever been in a situation like me where you just are on the verge of tears and then someone walks in and they just like bring this peace with them it's like the sweetest little gift from God and so yeah man I feel like we could have a whole conversation just about peace.
Hillary: and they just like bring this peace within. It's like the sweetest little gift from God. yes. Yeah. Man, I feel like we could have a whole conversation just about peace. Maybe we will. Yeah, I think that. Let's get right back to it. So number six, a characteristic. Yes, and the reason I wanted to remind us to the reason we're studying these traits of how our creator speaks to us, the methods he uses, the way he speaks is because
Mary Claire: Yeah, I need that But let's get right back to it. So number six a characteristic of God wanted to remind us too, the reason we're studying these traits of how our creator speaks to us, the methods he uses, way he speaks, is because we want to study the real, true sound of our...
Hillary: We want to study the real, true sound of our Savior's voice because we want to be able to identify counterfeit not by studying what Satan will do or how he talks to us, but just by knowing how God talks. And then anything we hear that's out of alignment with authoritative scripture, a holy, inspiring calm, we can file that in the other.
Mary Claire: Savior's voice. Right. Because we want to be able to identify counterfeit not by studying what Satan will do or how he talks to us but just by knowing how God talks and then anything we hear that's out of alignment with authoritative scripture, a holy inspiring calm, we can file that in the other. Right and we are gonna have one more conversation about this topic part three because it is so in-depth and in that one we will talk some... ⁓
Hillary: Number six is self-glorifying and ⁓
Mary Claire: Right, replacing, yes, but I love that, that you said we're not really gonna focus on what he, the enemy, is doing, but recognizing our savior. All right, so you've given us five great things so far, and thank you to Nancy Taylor also, Nancy Taylor Wright. Yeah, so what's number six? Number six is self-glorifying. And when I first heard this, when I was like, mm, but Romans 11, 36 is where we're gonna be.
Hillary: When I first heard this, when I was like, Nancy, but Romans 11, 36 is where we're going to be reading from. Okay. For everything comes from him and exist by his power and is intended for his glory, all glory to him forever. Amen. So this is not telling you that he is going to speak to you about self glorification.
Mary Claire: Okay, for everything comes from and exists by His power ⁓ and is intended for His ⁓ all glory to Him ⁓ ⁓ amen. So this not you that He is going to speak to you ⁓ about self-glorification. He is going speak to you so that He will be glorified. Yeah.
Hillary: He is going to speak to you so that he will be glorified. ⁓ And that's the purpose of our life. So often in my life I've thought, I wish I just knew what he wanted from me. And it's to know him. And that's for every believer. Now out of that, and we've talked about this, there comes an assignment or a call-in, but the purpose is to know him.
Mary Claire: And I think that's the purpose of our life. So often in my life I thought, oh, we should just knew what he wanted from me. And it's to know him. And that's for every believer. Now out of that, and we've talked about this, there comes an assignment or a calling, but the purpose is to know him and then that he be glorified in that relationship. So that I live for him.
Hillary: And then that he be glorified in that relationship. So that I live for him because the closer I get to him the more I look like him. So then he's glorified. So when he speaks to us, it's never going to be to cast doubt on his character or ⁓ anything negative. It's going to bring him glory in the things he says to us.
Mary Claire: the closer I get to him the more I look like him so then he's glorified. So when he speaks to us it's never going to be to cast doubt on his character or anything negative. It's going to bring him glory in the things he says to us. Listeners out for a second. Okay, because some people I think maybe especially women hear about like a self-glorifying and especially, you know, some sort of male ⁓
Hillary: Listeners out for a second, okay, because some people, think maybe especially women, hear about like a self-glorifying and especially, you know, some sort of male. If someone is struggling with this, like, hmm, self-glorifying person, you know, maybe they've had some difficult men in their life who are a narcissist or something like What's the difference between a human... Self-glorifying.
Mary Claire: if someone is struggling with this like, hmm, self-glorifying person and you know, maybe they've had some difficult men in their life who are a narcissist or something like that. What's the difference between a human, a human self-glorifying. Yeah, because in the human context, we don't want, right. But God deserves the glory. Right. Help us distinguish between those.
Hillary: A human self-lifeline. Yeah, because in the human context, we don't That's unhealthy. Right. Yes, absolutely. God deserves the Deserves the glory. Right. Yes. this distinguished between those? There's a passage in Isaiah. So we have to understand, you know, go back to the first John, chapter one. In the beginning was God, he's the Alpha, the Omega. He was here before anything else existed. He and his trying being. So.
Mary Claire: So we have to understand, you know, go back to the first John, chapter one, in the beginning was God, and he's the Alpha, the Omega, he was here before anything else existed. He is trying to be. So all things are created by him for enjoyment, relationship with him. So in Isaiah, it says, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.
Hillary: all things are created by him for enjoyment relationship with him. So in Isaiah it says holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. The three holies is like sets the stage for for perfection. God is perfection. So when we look at him as
Mary Claire: The three holies is like sets the stage for perfection. God is perfection. So when we look at him as perfection, lacking nothing, totally complete, we can see that he deserves glorification by less. So maybe that's the part that I kind of doubted too when I first saw it self-glorifying because it's not self-glorifying as in the human way. It's Christ-glorifying.
Hillary: perfection, lacking nothing, totally complete, we can see that he deserves glorification by us. So maybe that's the part that I kind of doubted too when I first saw that self-glorifying because it's not self-glorifying as in the human way, it's Christ glorifying. I just thought of something too. I think the word that comes to my mind, especially when we have a lot of experience with a human who is self-glorifying, is disappointment because they're not going to...
Mary Claire: I just thought of something too. think the word that comes to my mind, especially when we have a lot of experience with a human who is self-glorifying, is disappointment because they're not going to live up to the expectations that they set for themselves. But with God, He is. And I think about even in Jesus's time, you know, they wanted this warrior on a horse who was coming to defeat the Romans. And so He still got the glory. It wasn't in the way they pictured, but still.
Hillary: live up to the expectations that they set for themselves. But with God, He is. And I think about even in Jesus' time, they wanted this warrior on a horse. He's to be the Romans. so He still got the glory. wasn't in the. picture yeah but still he's not a disappointment because like you said he is perfect perfect and yes it is and also Joshua 21 I think it was 45 not a single one of the good of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled everything he had spoken came true so he's a he's a promise keeper but a truth-teller like he cannot lie so
Mary Claire: He's not a disappointment because like you said he is perfect and so maybe that's the difference. Yeah not a single one of the good of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left untofield yes everything he had spoken came true so he's a he's a promise keeper but a truth teller right like he cannot lie yeah so
Hillary: When I think of it that way, a human is always going to fall short. Jesus is the only, and he's part of the triune God. He's the only perfect person to walk. So when we say self-glorifying, we mean God will speak to us in ways that he is glorified, that Christ is glorified through us.
Mary Claire: When I think of it that way, a human is always going to fall short. Right. Jesus is the only, and he's part of the triune God. He's the only perfect person to walk. So when we say self glorifying, we mean God will speak to us in ways that he is glorified, that Christ is glorified. Yeah. us. Yeah. ⁓ it's so difficult to our human perspective and try to understand godly matters. Yeah. ⁓
Hillary: because it's so difficult to use our human perspective and try to understand godly matters, I go back and I know I said this last time, but I cannot tell you how often I quote this verse to myself, Proverbs 3, 5, trust in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding. I don't understand how...
Mary Claire: Yeah, lean not on your own understanding. Yes, so yeah that all looks from a human perspective. can only understand, or from a Godly perspective, I understand what it looks like from a human. And I know that it's not a good thing in human, but we're all made to worship Him. And honestly, I think we've talked about this.
Hillary: that all looks from a human perspective. can only under, or from a godly perspective, I understand what it looks like from a human and I know that it's not a good thing. inhuman, but we're all made to worship to him. And honestly, I think we've talked about this before, but we're all going to worship something. And if we do not glorify him, then we will glorify something. And a lot of times it becomes us or our children or, know, we've done the idols discussion that will happen. when we, maybe we should change that instead of self-glorifying just to cross glorifying. Yeah. So that helps us get a better understanding of the Christ-like perspective, not our human perspective of glorification. No, you did a great job explaining that. Thank you so much. So self-glorifying, Christ-glorifying. Christ-glorifying. Yeah, we can say that. All right, so yes, Christ-glorifying. Number seven, the seventh of ten is relational. And I think...
Mary Claire: human perspective. Right. No, you did a great job explaining that. Thank you so much. So self glorifying slash Christ glorifying. Yeah. All right. So yes, Christ glorified number seven, the seventh of 10 is relational. I think this is the biggest thing I've learned in the past year about Christ relational desire.
Hillary: This is the biggest thing I've learned in the past year about Christ relational. desire for us. Not that he wants us on some big stage or some big thing that he wants to do for us, but he wants to meet us in the tiny moments, the quiet moments that are hard, the quiet moments where we are diligently seeking something. He wants connection for us and he wants connection between his children. As a mom, I know that you've seen this, like my favorite thing is seeing my kids love on each other or teach like Jace teaching.
Mary Claire: Mm-hmm that not that he wants us on some big stage or some big thing that he wants to do for us But he wants to meet us in the tiny moments Yeah quiet moments that are hard the quiet moments where we are diligently seeking something he wants connection for us and he wants connection between his children mm-hmm as a mom I Know that you've seen this but my favorite thing is seeing my kids love on each other. Yeah, or teach like just teaching
Hillary: fame to perfect his golf swing or working with Liam on the soccer field and the way Myla cares for Edie and Edie is like...
Mary Claire: fame to perfect his golf swing or working with Liam on the soccer field and the way Mila cares for Edie and Edie is like the backbone of all of them. She's gonna be the one that makes sure everybody's got something that they wish they could have. But I think God sees us that way too. Yeah. But the beautiful thing is he made us for his purpose but then when he speaks to us it's gonna be directly and relationally.
Hillary: backbone of all of them. She's going to be the one that makes sure everybody's got something, what she thinks they should have. But I think God sees us that way too. But the beautiful thing is He made us for His purpose, but then when He speaks to us, it's going to be directly and relationally. Revelation, I know when you hear revelation it's like, we're going to Revelation for... Revelation 3 20.
Mary Claire: Revelation I know when you hear revelation revelation 320 is where we're going for this passage. Do you have a date? I do, have this one. It's 320. All right. Here I am. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me.
Hillary: is where we're going for this passage. Do you have it pulled up? Is 320. here I am, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me. The creator of the universe is standing at our proverbial door and knocking. And not only, hey, will you answer, but just to turn in his direction and he'll come in and share an intimate time with us. sitting down having a meal with a friend is an intimate gathering. It's something, you know, there's preferences and there's, but.
Mary Claire: The creator of the universe is standing at our proverbial door and knocking. And not only... turn in his direction and he'll come in and share an intimate time with us. Like sitting down having a meal with a friend is an intimate gathering. Right. It's something that you know there's preferences and there's but he promises that right there in Revelation. I'll I'll come in just
Hillary: He promises that right there in Revelation. I'll come in. Just open the door. Yeah, and I'm glad you pointed out that last part, open the door, because if someone is hearing this thinking like, gosh, I really don't have a relationship with him, I would kind of push back and say, have you opened the door? Open the door.
Mary Claire: Yeah, and I'm glad you pointed out that last part open the door because if someone is hearing this thinking like gosh I really don't have a relationship with him I would kind of push back and say have you open the door because we have a part in this too, you know It doesn't say he busts down the door and I do think he does sometimes you know when he's pursuing people and yeah Right
Hillary: We do. Yes. When you can't. Yeah. He will meet you there and he does chase after us. But there is, and you know what it is, the hardest part is surrender. The opening of the door is just saying, okay God. ⁓
Mary Claire: was that? Surrender. Yeah. The opening of the door is just saying, okay, God. ⁓ my gosh. thinking about earlier. So when you came in my house and I was apologizing for the dirty dishes everywhere and you know the clothes and yeah I'm pretty sure I have some underwear on the couch over there that I was folding so but yeah you wanted to come in anyway and I think about that like maybe we don't open the door because we're thinking about all our dirty laundry and you know
Hillary: the dirty dishes everywhere and you know the clothes and yeah I'm pretty sure I some underwear on the couch over there that I was folding so. I didn't see it. Yeah you wanted to come in anyway and I think. because we're thinking about all our dirty laundry. ⁓ yeah. You know, but you love me and you want to come in. Yeah.
Mary Claire: but you love me and you wanted to come in and I don't know. I don't know. I just thought about that. Yeah. when he speaks to us, it'll be to develop that relationship. It'll be directly personal. Yeah. It'll be regardless of your dirty laundry. Right. It'll be always meaningful. But just know that he is seeking.
Hillary: Yeah, so when he speaks to us, it'll be to develop that relationship. It'll be directly personal. It'll be regardless of your dirty laundry. It'll be ⁓ always meaningful. But just know that he is seeking relationship with you when he speaks to you.
Mary Claire: Yeah, I Don't know why I just feel like I need to stop right now and pray specifically for I don't know if it's you who are listening to this but if you do not believe that that God Could care enough about you to truly want a relationship with you I pray that you will release that right now and that you will open the door because I mean, there's nothing like
Hillary: Specifically for I don't know if it's you who are listening to this but if you do not believe that God can care enough about you to truly want a relationship with you. pray that you will release that right now. That you will open the door. mean there's nothing like the relationship but I can say it you know until I'm in the face but you just have to experience it. Yes.
Mary Claire: the relationship, but I can say it, you know, until I'm blue in the face, but you just have to experience, I guess, to really believe it. So I pray that you believe it. If you're, yeah. All right, so we've got, so we've talked about cross-corporation, relational, and then the eighth.
Hillary: ⁓ Amen. God. Alright, so we've talked about Christ glorifying relational and then the eighth characteristic, the way our Creator speaks to us, is convicting. And this is where I sent my husband a text, a screenshot of something I saw earlier, and actually I took a picture out of a book that I'm reading and he said my toes hurt.
Mary Claire: characteristic way our Creator speaks to us is convicting. And this is where I sent my husband a screenshot of something I saw earlier, read, and actually I took a picture out of a book that I'm reading and he said my toes hurt. Yeah. A lot of times when God speaks to me, my toes do hurt. Yeah, you know what? Let's just skip this one. Let's go back to the relational. That one's great to talk about. I'm just kidding. That's the butterfly. The butterfly's warm and...
Hillary: A lot of times when God speaks to me my toes do hurt. Yeah that one's so feel-good. That's the butterfly. The butterfly is warm and fuzzy. All right we're in Romans 2 verse 4.
Mary Claire: Right. All right, we're in Romans 2 verse 4. Okay. I can read that while you're flipping there. Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Hillary: Okay, perfect, please. Or do you show content for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? See, okay, this goes with the relational though. I mean, it's directly hand in hand because we see conviction as disappointment and that's our human perspective. Proverbs 3.5. We cannot lean on our own understanding because he uses conviction to draw us closer. Kind. Yes, kind and tolerant and patient.
Mary Claire: See, okay, this goes with the relational though. It's directly hand in hand because we see conviction as disappointment. It's our human perspective. Proverbs 3, 5. We cannot lean on our own understanding because he uses conviction to draw us closer. And it's crazy, the verse about conviction has the word kindness in it, God's kindness. tolerance and patience. He is so...
Hillary: He is so, he only wants to bring those things to light so that he can love you, so that you can love him more, so that you can know him more, so that you receive more of his fullness. I mean, that's incredible. We do carry a bit of, well, shame or guilt when we hear conviction, but understand that if you're feeling guilt, that's likely, could be your own perspective.
Mary Claire: He only wants to bring those things to light so that he can love you so that you can love him more so that you can know him more. Right. So that you receive more of his fullness. Right. I mean, that's incredible. We do carry a bit of, well, shame or guilt when we hear conviction. But understand that if you're feeling guilt, that's likely could be your own. perspective, things that you've said about yourself, expectations that you've set for yourself, where you feel you failed, but God won't condemn. guilt can be a form of condemnation, guilt and shame. If we're feeling conviction that propels us to action, well that's drawn us closer to Him. But if we feel condemnation, that pushes us further away. And we mentioned last time, that is a goal of them.
Hillary: things that you've said about yourself, expectations that you've set for yourself, where you feel you failed, but God won't condemn. So guilt can be a form of condemnation, guilt and shame. If we're feeling conviction that propels us to action, well that's drawing us closer to Him. But if we feel condemnation, that pushes us further away and... You know, we mentioned last time that is a goal of the enemy to steal, kill and destroy and separate us from God and what he has for us. So conviction won't separate us from him.
Mary Claire: steal, and destroy and separate us from God and what he has So conviction won't separate us from him. Right. Well, I'm thinking about going back to a parenting metaphor. I get on to my children all the time because I love them and I want them to grow up to be good humans. And I know, of course, you do the same thing. But like when I get on to one of my kids for lying, I'm not sitting here the rest of the day thinking about, I am so disappointed in her for telling a lie. Like, how could she do that? You know, I get on to her and
Hillary: be good humans and I know of course you do the same thing but like when I get on to one of my kids for lying I'm not sitting here the rest of the day thinking about wow I so disappointed in her for telling a lie. How could she do that? You know I get on to her and love and I teach her like hey here's what we do next time but if me who is a human can you know not dwell
Mary Claire: love and I teach her like hey here's what we do next time but if me who is a human can you know not dwell on that all day then certainly God isn't either. No, he's not. He's not holding it over our head either. Yeah. While I expected more of you or anything of that nature. had to find... Okay, so we're done. Christ, we're fine.
Hillary: And his ways are greater. Yeah, absolutely No, he's not he's not holding it over our head either ⁓ while I expected more of you were Anything of that nature I had Okay, so we've done set Christ glorifying relational Convicting
Mary Claire: relational convicting. Okay, so eight, number eight was convicting. The ninth characteristic of the way that our Creator us is that He is wise. ⁓ Isaiah 55, nine. ⁓
Hillary: so eight, ⁓ number eight was convicting the ninth characteristic of the way that Creator talks to us is that He is wise. ⁓ Isaiah 55, nine. ⁓ lot of truth in Isaiah but it can be hard to understand because it is Old Testament and it's a lot of prophecy and it's we can get bogged down in it but let's see what Isaiah 55 non says
Mary Claire: than Isaiah. But it can be hard to understand because it is a testament and it's a lot of prophecy and we can get bogged down in that. But let's see what Isaiah 55-9 says.
Hillary: For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Yeah. Can we just say to wisdom and intelligence are not the same thing? No, no. ⁓ Lisa Harper and I thought this before, but Lisa Harper is one of my favorite people to listen to. And she says at the beginning of her podcast, every time,
Mary Claire: just as the heavens are higher than the earth so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Can we just say to you wisdom and intelligence are not the same thing? No. Lisa Herman.
Hillary: Knowledge about God pales in comparison to relationship with him. So you can know a lot of stuff Exactly Satan believes that there's a God. Yeah, but wisdom Pro we studied Proverbs a Bible study on Proverbs and it was so impactful ⁓ But the root of all wisdom is fear of God
Mary Claire: Yeah, Satan is a lot of stuff about God. Yeah, but wisdom Yeah ⁓ Yeah
Hillary: that all, that holy all we talked about, how big the same God that make the galaxies and the ocean and the mountaintops made us. And sitting in that reverence of the Lord is a ⁓ base for him to develop our wisdom.
Mary Claire: All right, well, let me ask this then. OK, so someone who is maybe praying about a decision, trying to discern, is this the voice of God or is it just my own thought process? In light of God being wise, let's say what they feel like they're being called to do seems unwise from a human perspective.
Hillary: Human perspective, Let's say what they feel like they're being called to do Seems unwise from a human human perspective. Yeah
Mary Claire: How can someone tell if it's truly not a wise decision or it's just not wise by human standards? So I think the most important thing is to stay connected to God and to do that. There's three specific ways. His presence, His word, and His people. So remaining in prayer with God, asking Him directly.
Hillary: So ⁓ I think the most important thing is to stay connected to God and to do that there's three specific ways his presence, his word, and his people. remaining in prayer with God, asking him directly, but then we discussed last time the audible
Mary Claire: But then we discussed last time the audible sound of God. We might not hear yes. Right. I wish we would. I wish we Yeah. But stay in his presence. Don't, if you have a big decision to make, don't forsake your quiet time. Yeah. Stay in that place and ask him. And if you don't get an answer, that's OK. Yeah. The timing is coming. His timing is perfect. So you'll know. But other ways that you can.
Hillary: sound of God, we might not hear, yes, do the thing, I am leading, I wish we would, but stay in his presence. Don't, if you have a big decision to make, don't forsake your quiet time. Stay in that place and ask him and if you don't get an answer, that's okay. The timing is coming, his timing is perfect, so you'll know, but other ways that you can...
Mary Claire: Understand that this is why seek wise counsel. I was Doing a class and we talked about Jethro Jethro was Moses father. Yes, and he said no Moses you're gonna get burnt out You got to get some people together and teach them what you're doing seek wise counsel Yeah, and Jethro was a wise counsel to Moses because he set him up to not Fail at ministry God's people are a source of his
Hillary: understand if this is why seek wise counsel. I was ⁓ doing a class and we talked about Jethro. Jethro was Moses' father-in-law and he said, no, Moses, you're gonna get burned out on this. You got to get some people together and teach them what you're doing. Seek wise counsel basically. And Jethro was a wise counsel to Moses because he set him up to not fail at ministry. God's people are a source of his presence on earth with us. So asking other believers, asking people that you've watched their relationship with God, their walk with Christ, develop and saying, hey, I need prayer, which I do with you often. Please, Mary Claire, pray for me. So seeking God's people and their feedback. And then his word. If the decision doesn't hold up scripturally, like I'm gonna cheat somebody or
Mary Claire: Presence on earth with us right asking other believers asking people that you've watched their relationship with God their walk with Christ Develop and saying hey, I need prayer, which I mean you often please me. Yeah, same ⁓ same Yeah, and then his word if the decision doesn't hold up scripturally, but I'm gonna cheat somebody
Hillary: I'm gonna have to be dishonest to get this. It's enough. But if it's, I'm gonna make less money, but I feel like God, see this is the heaven standard. It's upside down, inside out. It doesn't matter if God has called you to it. That will scripturally hold up that you will make less money, but God's called you to it. That's okay.
Mary Claire: be dishonest to get this. Right. Isn't it? Right. But if it's I'm gonna make less money but I feel like I see this is heaven standard. Mm It's upside down inside out. doesn't matter if God has called you to it. That will scripturally hold up that you will make less money that God's called you to. ⁓ yeah. That's okay. Pretty sure there's nothing in the Bible that says I want you to make more money. No and he told the rich and ruler give up everything. Yeah. Even the potential to earn money.
Hillary: No, and he told the rich young ruler give up everything that even the potential to earn money Yeah, could be seen as something that we have to give up I want to go back to the people for just a second because especially if you're a brand new believer and you are not like super involved in a church and you don't have who you would call
Mary Claire: Yeah. Could be seen as something that we have to give up. Yeah. I want to go back to the people for just a second because especially if you're a brand new believer and you are not like super involved in a church and you don't have who you would call like your core believers, you know, who you trust and you can talk to yet. ⁓
Hillary: believers, you know, who you trust and you can talk to yet. ⁓ I'm so glad that we live in a time when it's not like so taboo to seek mental health. Yes. ⁓ As someone who has had a Christian counselor before and I mean like all those websites you can specify that you want a believer and you know can find their
Mary Claire: I'm so glad that we live in a time when it's not like so taboo to seek mental health, like counseling. ⁓ As someone who has had a Christian counselor before, and I mean like all those websites you can specify that you want a believer and you you can find the right fit. That was so life-giving to me. is very true. I have had that experience too. And I didn't necessarily...
Hillary: but that was so life-giving. That is very true. I have had that experience too and I didn't necessarily. ⁓ seek out Christian counseling. was, but she was a believer. I said I would like someone who is in line with the Christian faith and she was a believer. So, and she was very helpful to call me out on lies that I was believing. ⁓ You know, ⁓ and speaking of which, we listed several books. Jenny Allen has a new one out. The lies that you don't know you believe. Well, that goes right along with this. ⁓
Mary Claire: seek out Christian counseling. But she was a believer. I said I would like someone who was in line with the Christian faith. And she was a believer. And she was very helpful to call me. Yeah. You know, oh, and speaking of which, we listed several books. Jenny Allen has a Moon and Out. Yes. The lies that you don't know you believe. Yes. Well, that goes right along with this. Yeah. And I feel like we're going to talk more about replacing those lies next time. And I'm going to share a skill that I learned in counseling when we talk about that. But I just wanted to point that out. Like if you feel like you don't have your person, I mean, talk to a counselor. Talk to a counselor in an online community.
Hillary: talk more about replacing those lines. Yes we will. Next time and I'm going to share a skill that I learned in counseling when we talk about that. But I just wanted to point that out. Yes. Do feel like you don't have your person? mean talk to a counselor. Talk to a counselor, an online community. Reach out to a church and ask if they have a small group that's open to non-members. Yeah. If you don't, if you're not regularly attending a church. I know that that takes some gumption but
Mary Claire: reach out to a church and ask if they have a small group that's open to non-members. If you don't, if you're not regularly attending a church. I know that that takes some gumption, but it's a good way to get connected and to be around God's people. I also have just like prayed before, like in a season where I felt really lonely and I felt like I didn't have any...
Hillary: It's a good way to get connected and to be around God's people. ⁓
Mary Claire: you know, like mentors or friends who were like really pouring into me spiritually in that specific season. I just prayed that God would provide me with someone and he answered that prayer. It wasn't in my timing, but he answered that prayer. mean, honestly, these conversations are an answer to prayer for me. Yeah, same.
Hillary: I just prayed that God. ⁓ I mean honestly these conversations are an answer to prayer for me. This is something that I've prayed for and having you as a friend and having these these conversations together where other people are giving us feedback outside of our conversations is growing my faith. It's bolstering my walk with Christ. I'm so thankful. Thank you for your wisdom. All right so we've got
Mary Claire: these conversations together where other people are giving us feedback outside of our conversations. It's growing my faith. Me too. It's bolstering my walk with Christ. I'm just, so thankful. Yeah. And thank y'all too. Truly. Alright, so we've got Christ glorifying, relational, he can be convicting, will be, he is always wise in the way he talks to us. And our final...
Hillary: Christ glorifying, relational, he can be convicting, will be. He is always wise in the way he talks to us. And our characteristic of how our creator will talk to us ⁓ discernible. ⁓
Mary Claire: characteristic of how our Creator will talk to us is discernible. Now that is just a big long word. Let's see if we can bear it up. John chapter 10 verse 27.
Hillary: Now that is just a big long word. Let's see if we can figure out what it means. John chapter 10 verse 27.
Mary Claire: Okay, ooh, I love this verse. have it already. My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. Yeah, so the best illustration goes back to being a parent. You know when you're at a playground, chick-fil-a maybe, you're at a playground and you hear mama. Right.
Hillary: Mm-hmm Yes, so the best illustration goes back to being a parent. You know, when you're at a playground, Chick-fil-A maybe, you're at a playground and you hear mama. Well, there's 10 kids in there, but you know when it's talking about you, because you recognize that little voice saying mama. Similarly, when you open the door and you say, all right, it's time to go.
Mary Claire: There's 10 kids in there, but you know when it's talking about you. Because you recognize that little voice. Oh my gosh. Similarly, when you open the door and you say, all right, it's time to go, your kids go, not yet, mom. Because they know your voice. Yes.
Hillary: your kids go, not yet mom, you know, because they know your voice. They knew that that was my, an adult has opened the door and I recognize that voice as belonging to me. Yeah. I don't have many good ideas, I did a children's sermon one time that this is making me think of that, but I had three moms ahead of time. I'm sorry, not even three moms. had one mom and two other women.
Mary Claire: as belonging to me. Yeah, I don't have many good ideas, but I did a children's sermon one time that This is making me think of that. But I had ⁓ three moms ahead of time. I'm sorry, not even three moms. I had one mom and two other women in the congregation. And I had them call out the child's name. And I'll just say Michael. And so ⁓ the kid turned around where he couldn't see. And all three women said, Michael. And I asked him to identify which one was his mom. And of course, he could do it. And then we did it again with three women.
Hillary: and I had them call out the child's name and I'll just say Michael and so ⁓ the kid turned around where he couldn't see and all three women said Michael and I asked him to identify which one was his mom and of course he can do it and then we did it again with three women and they all gave the child a hug and
Mary Claire: all gave the child a hug and ⁓ it was a little girl and it was so sweet she knew her mom's embrace. ⁓ Yes and I back again about we don't always audibly hear the voice of God but
Hillary: was a little girl and it was so sweet. knew her mom's hug. I have chills. That's beautiful. Back again about we don't always audibly hear the voice of.
Mary Claire: I think we recognize him the closer we grow to him and especially that embrace, you know. And so he'll we will recognize his voice because of these. feel like these were all the build up to that last characteristic because he will do all these things, but he wants to not be a secret to us. Yeah, he wants to be so familiar that.
Hillary: him the closer we grow to him and especially that embrace. That embrace, yes that's beautiful and so he'll we will recognize his voice because of these I feel like this these were all the build-up to Ten to that last characteristic because he will do all these things but he wants to not be a secret to us he wants to be so familiar that We know the sound of his voice. Maybe not the audible sound of his voice, but that still small voice that comes across your... Nobody ever told me that it might just be a thought that comes to your mind.
Mary Claire: We know the sound of his voice. Not the audible sound of his voice, that still small voice that comes across your head. Nobody ever told me that it might just be a thought that comes to your mind. And that could be gotten. Speaking to you. Now, if you're like me and your brain runs 90 miles an hour and you have like 2,000 browsers open.
Hillary: And that could be God speaking to you. Now, I have, if you're like me and your brain runs 90 miles an hour and you have like 2000 browsers open and you know, you don't know, okay, is this really me? We have a few ways to look at that. We can judge it, but not every, I tell my kids this all the time. Not everything requires a response. So we can think something. If it's from God, it'll hold up over time. So we don't have to act on it.
Mary Claire: Right ⁓
Hillary: immediately unless we feel strongly that it's God and then we can act immediately but God won't rush us either so we'll just keep saying is this you God is this something and now you know if you're out and about and you feel like God has asked you to give somebody a meal or or a pray for somebody is there anything that can be wrong about that?
Mary Claire: God and then we can act immediately but God won't rush us either yeah so we'll just keep saying is this you God? this something? And now you know if you're out and about I don't think so and I know people say all the time it's right right but even if even if there's someone who looks like they're in need and if you give them some money and if they spend it in a way that you hope that they don't
Hillary: I don't think so either. Don't be taking advantage of. Even if there's someone who looks like they're in need and if you give them some money and if they spend it in a way that you have
Mary Claire: Maybe they remember that kindness, you know? Maybe if your shirt had like a Bible verse or something on it, you know, maybe in two years they'll think about that and go look it up. I mean, I don't know.
Hillary: Maybe they remember that kindness. Maybe your shirt had a Bible verse or something on it. Maybe in two years they'll think about that and go back up. And maybe it's nothing to do with me. Maybe it's a way that God makes them feel in that interaction. And then they remember that. I've only felt this... Or maybe it is to do with you because I'll tell you before, God...
Mary Claire: Yeah, and and then they remember that. Right. I only felt this. Or maybe it is to do with you, because I'll tell you before, God, I felt like God was telling me to reach out to someone and share my faith before. And that person completely shut me down and said, like, how could I go off of your faith when all I see you doing is talking about this person behind their back? And so that.
Hillary: felt like God was telling me to reach out to someone and share my faith before. And that person completely shut me down and said, like, how could I go? see doing is talking about. And so that interaction, I think, was not for them, but it was for me.
Mary Claire: interaction I think was not for them, but it was for me and to humble me, you know? And so I think sometimes...
Hillary: Yeah. just, I mean, he works all things out for the good of those who love him. And so there's things that we can study so that we know him better. But again, just knowing him, listening, sitting and asking him to speak to us ⁓ is a really good place to start.
Mary Claire: Right, right. There's things that we can study so that we know him better. ⁓ again, just knowing him, listening, sitting and asking him to speak to us is a really good place to start. Yeah. I'll tell you I mean I ask God all the time like please help me know if this thought is from you or not and I hope he doesn't get annoyed with me that I asked that like literally all the time, but I think Right. ⁓
Hillary: thought is from and I hope he doesn't get Well, if you think about it like this, like if I call my child, I expect them to come, especially if I'm in the kitchen and I'm hollering names across the house, they know the sound of my voice and I don't want a ma'am from wherever you're at. I want them to come because if I'm calling you, I want you to come. I'm not just gonna call once and quit. So if
Mary Claire: I want them to come because if I'm calling you, I'm not just going to call once and quit. So if Myla comes from her bedroom and says, mama, did you call me? I'm going to say, yep. no, not this time. Think about Samuel. I was literally just saying about that, Samuel. So if you don't know, Samuel.
Hillary: If Myla comes from her bedroom and says, mama, did you call me? I'm gonna say, yep. Or no, not this time. Think about Samuel. I was really into Samuel. Yes, so if you don't know, Samuel was a long awaited child of Anna. Hannah. Hannah. Hannah. Okay, yes. I just got all confused. Who's an Anna? I don't know where she is.
Mary Claire: Hannah yeah Hannah with an H there is an Anna I don't know where she is yes yes yes okay
Hillary: She was after Jesus. Yes. She was working in there. ⁓ So Hannah had Samuel. She begged for a child. ⁓ So that's a whole story. I'd love to share more with you, but it's irrelevant to the story right now. So Samuel goes, she dedicates Samuel. She has Samuel and she dedicates him back to the temple. He's serving Eli. ⁓
Mary Claire: but it's irrelevant to the story right now. So Samuel goes, she dedicates Samuel, she has Samuel, and she dedicates him back to the temple. He's serving. With Eli, yeah. Eli is a pretty good dude, but his kids aren't, and he doesn't discipline them. Right. So God speaks to Samuel one night, and he calls his name, Samuel. And then Samuel gets up and goes to Eli, and says, did you call me? And Eli's like, nope, go back to sleep.
Hillary: Eli is a pretty good dude, but his kids aren't and he doesn't discipline them. So God speaks to Samuel one night and he calls his name, Samuel. And then Samuel gets up and goes to Eli and says, did you call me? And Eli's like, nope, go back to sleep. So Samuel goes and gets back in bed. It happened again. He hears his name, Samuel. He gets up and goes to Eli and he was like, yes sir, I'm here, what you need? And Eli was like,
Mary Claire: So Samuel goes and gets back in bed. It happened again. He hears his name, Samuel. He gets up and goes to Eli and he's like, yes sir, I need what you need. Like what gives? Yeah. So something else is happening here. He says, okay, next time you hear it, just say, Here I am Lord. Yeah. Oh, I love it. for your servant is listening. Yeah. And so we went back, heard the audible voice of God for the third time calling his name and said that and then God had a message for him. So God's not.
Hillary: So something else is happening here. He says, okay, next time you hear it, just say, yeah, speak for your servant is listening. And so we went back, heard the audible verse voice of God for the third time, calling his name and said that. And then God had a message for him. So God's not going to let us miss him, but he's also not going to quit just because we got it wrong. Yeah.
Mary Claire: Yeah, you know, he's gonna keep and if we say was that you or was that if you know, was that was that you and it wasn't Yeah, and I just thought about this too. Like I need to trust that God is bigger than me misunderstanding
Hillary: you know, he's going to keep and if we say, that you or was that if you know, was that was that you and it wasn't. Yeah. You know, I just thought about this too. Like I need to trust that God is bigger than me. Misunderstanding. Oh my goodness. The most comforting thing I've read was a meme and it said maybe not the most, but it said when God called you, he factored in your stupidity.
Mary Claire: No, that's amazing
Hillary: I mean maybe that's great but he knows the inner workings of my being because he made me. He factored all that in. Well that's just looking at things that the human perspective like because we
Mary Claire: Right. Because he made me. He factored all that in. I know. And I think sometimes like, oh my gosh, if I'm misunderstanding this from God, like this big thing might not happen or whatever. And it's just silly to be out like really. Well, let's keep looking at things that the human per se. Yeah. Like because we need to divert, not divert, and I was going say manipulate, but not really, but like be in the know.
Hillary: need to divert, not divert, and I was going to say manipulate, but not really, but like be in the know about situations and how to progress to the next thing and God's kingdom just doesn't work that way. Yeah. He doesn't fit it inside of our little boxes. Thank the Lord. Yeah, right. I'm grateful. Absolutely. So today we've talked about how we can replace lies of the enemy with truths from God, but first we had to be able to study
Mary Claire: situations and progress to the next thing. Kingdom just doesn't work that way. He doesn't fit it inside of our little box of thank the Lord. I'm grateful. Absolutely. So today we've talked about how we can replace the of the enemy with truths from God, but first we had to be able to study the nature of God and how our Savior and Creator speaks to us. So we've talked about the characteristics of God. ⁓
Hillary: nature of God and how our Savior and Creator speaks to us. So we've talked about the characteristics of God ⁓ and how He'll speak to us. He'll be authoritative, scriptural, He'll be holy, inspiring, calm, Christ-glorifying, relational, convicting, wise, and also discernible. ⁓
Mary Claire: and how he'll speak to us. He'll be authoritative, scriptural, holy, inspiring, calm, Christ-glorifying, relational, convicting, wise, and also discernible. Yeah, so our prayer for you is that if you are having trouble discerning, is this the voice of God? What are you asking me to do? Or is this a lie of the enemy? Or is this just my own anxious thought?
Hillary: me to do or is this a lie of the enemy or is this just my own anxious thought? Think about these characteristics and then view that thought through those lens. And then in part three, we're going to talk about how we actually can replace a Yes. But in the meantime, after you listen to this and you think, ⁓ I still just don't know. There's comfort. Matthew 7, 7 through 8 says this, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be
Mary Claire: think about these characteristics and then view that thought through those lens. And then in part three, we're going to talk about how we actually can replace a lie. in the meantime, after you listen to this and you think, ⁓ I still just don't know. Yeah. There's comfort Matthew seven seven through eight says this, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find keep on knocking and the door will
Hillary: See in this one, he's saying that he's knocking at the door, will we open the door? And he's saying, we can knock because we're seeking him. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. He doesn't want to be a secret, far away. ⁓
Mary Claire: to you. Yeah. This one, he said that he's knocking at the door. we open the door? Mm And he's saying we can knock because we're seeking him. For everyone who asks, receives everyone who seeks, finds and to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Yeah. He doesn't want to be a secret far away.
Hillary: He wants to be with you and he wants to answer your questions and so know that truth is available to you, that he wants to pour it out on you with his love and his goodness and his mercy. And so don't keep asking. Don't keep trying. Don't quit. Don't quit asking and don't quit trying to.
Mary Claire: He wants to be with you and he wants to answer your questions and so know that truth is available to you. That he wants to pour it out on you with his love and his goodness and his mercy. And so don't keep asking. Don't keep trying. Don't quit asking. And don't quit trying to discern what he's saying to you and if it is his voice.
Hillary: discern what he's saying to you and if it is his voice. Just keep asking him, just keep talking to him, keep the lines of communication open.
Mary Claire: and just keep talking to them, keep the lines of communication open. Yeah. All right. Well, thank you. ⁓ Should we close with a prayer? Yes, let's do. So I have a very simple prayer. And if you want to add some more to that, can. But friends, this is my prayer. ⁓ God, help us to not give up. And thank you for not giving up on us.
Hillary: Thank you. Yes, let's do so. ⁓ Friends, this is my prayer. God, help us to not give up and thank you for not giving up on us. Amen. Amen. OK. I love it. That's it. All right. Join us next time.
Mary Claire: Amen. Okay. All right. We'll see you next time.
Mary Claire: Hey friends, welcome back to Outrageous Grace, the podcast. I'm Hillary. I'm Mary Claire. We're so happy you joined us for part two. Yes. We've been talking about how to replace the lives of the enemy with truths from God. We got a little long winded. So we didn't break it up. Yeah, I would like to think it was just a good conversation and we didn't want to rush it. Um, but we started last time by talking about, you said you were going to talk about 10 characteristics of God.
Hillary: It was. We didn't want to rush it. But we started last time by talking about, you said you were going to talk about 10 characteristics. Yes, we got through five of them. Yes. So can you remind everyone what these first five were? Yes, and I want to remind you where I got it from. ⁓ NancyTaylorWrites.com, she had really good scripture-based ways to know when it's our Creator talking to us by knowing how He speaks, how He relates to us.
Mary Claire: Yes. So can you remind everyone what those first five were? Yes. And I want to remind you where I got it from. Yes. NancyTaylorWrites.com. She had really good scripture based ways to know when it's our creator talking to us by knowing how he speaks, how he relates to us. So the first five were authoritative and we looked at Mark The second was scriptural and 2nd Timothy 3.16-17.
Hillary: So the first five were authoritative and we looked at Mark 4, 39. The second was scriptural and 2 Timothy 3, 16 through 17. Holy, James 1, 13. We talked about how he won't tempt us. He'll never speak to us in a way that causes us to go off. Four, he's inspiring. 1 Corinthians 2, 9 through 12. And then the last trait we looked at are...
Mary Claire: Holy James 1 13 we talked about how he won't tip us. He'll never speak to us in a way that causes us to go off. Four, he's inspiring. First Corinthians two nine through 12. And then the last trait we looked at or characteristic is he is calm as he engages us and speaks to us. He's never hurried or rushed as I often.
Hillary: characteristic is he is calm as he engages us and speaks to us. He's never hurried or rushed as I often am. But he's calm. He doesn't push. He doesn't rush. He's calm. We looked at 1 Kings 19, 9 through 13 for that.
Mary Claire: Yes. But he's calm, he doesn't push, he doesn't rush. He's calm. looked at 1 Kings 19, 9-13 for that. Yeah, that was such a great story. Like something I've read before a long time ago. yeah, we talked about that too. Like read the Bible because God will reveal something new to you, you know? And a quick recap of that story. was... was on the run because he had done all these great things. But then he was concerned that Jezebel was going to kill him. So he just went up into the room.
Hillary: about Elijah ⁓ ⁓ Elijah was on the run because he had done all these great things but then he was concerned that Jezebel was going to kill him so he just went off into the wilderness and the Lord sent him some food gave him a snack and a nap told him to rest and then he said come out and meet me and there was ⁓ Russian violent wind and there was an earthquake and then there was fire but God was in none of those things the Lord was in the
Mary Claire: sent him some food, snacked on out, and then he said come out and meet me and there was ⁓ Russian violent winds and there was an earthquake and then there was fire but God was in none of those things. The Lord was in the gentle whisper, he was calm and he brought calm to Elijah.
Hillary: gentle whisper or still small voice. He was calm and he brought calm to Elijah. I just thought of this, but you know, there's the armor of God and what Mike talks to our kids a lot about is being the boots of peace or carrying the boots of peace into a place. And I can't tell you how many times I remember or remind myself that God gives me peace so that I can bring peace into a place or an event or whatever the situation, whatever the case may be.
Mary Claire: Yeah, I just thought of this but you know, there's the armor of God and what Mike talks to our kids a lot about is being the boots of peace or carrying the boots of peace into a place. Yeah, and I can't tell you how many times I remember or remind myself that God gives me peace so that I can bring peace into a place. Yes, or an event or whatever a situation whatever the case may be. So I literally close my eyes and envision that
Hillary: I literally close my eyes and envision that I have shoes of peace on and I can bring that in with me. And that's that calm that God uses as he speaks to us. Wow. And as someone who's been on the receiving end of that record, thank you for that. Thank you for being so intentional. Because if y'all have ever been in a situation like me where you just are on the verge of tears and then someone walks in...
Mary Claire: shoes of peace on and I can bring that in with me. uses as he speaks to us. Wow and as someone who's been on the receiving end of that before thank you for that. Thank you for being so intentional because if y'all have ever been in a situation like me where you just are on the verge of tears and then someone walks in and they just like bring this peace with them it's like the sweetest little gift from God and so yeah man I feel like we could have a whole conversation just about peace.
Hillary: and they just like bring this peace within. It's like the sweetest little gift from God. yes. Yeah. Man, I feel like we could have a whole conversation just about peace. Maybe we will. Yeah, I think that. Let's get right back to it. So number six, a characteristic. Yes, and the reason I wanted to remind us to the reason we're studying these traits of how our creator speaks to us, the methods he uses, the way he speaks is because
Mary Claire: Yeah, I need that But let's get right back to it. So number six a characteristic of God wanted to remind us too, the reason we're studying these traits of how our creator speaks to us, the methods he uses, way he speaks, is because we want to study the real, true sound of our...
Hillary: We want to study the real, true sound of our Savior's voice because we want to be able to identify counterfeit not by studying what Satan will do or how he talks to us, but just by knowing how God talks. And then anything we hear that's out of alignment with authoritative scripture, a holy, inspiring calm, we can file that in the other.
Mary Claire: Savior's voice. Right. Because we want to be able to identify counterfeit not by studying what Satan will do or how he talks to us but just by knowing how God talks and then anything we hear that's out of alignment with authoritative scripture, a holy inspiring calm, we can file that in the other. Right and we are gonna have one more conversation about this topic part three because it is so in-depth and in that one we will talk some... ⁓
Hillary: Number six is self-glorifying and ⁓
Mary Claire: Right, replacing, yes, but I love that, that you said we're not really gonna focus on what he, the enemy, is doing, but recognizing our savior. All right, so you've given us five great things so far, and thank you to Nancy Taylor also, Nancy Taylor Wright. Yeah, so what's number six? Number six is self-glorifying. And when I first heard this, when I was like, mm, but Romans 11, 36 is where we're gonna be.
Hillary: When I first heard this, when I was like, Nancy, but Romans 11, 36 is where we're going to be reading from. Okay. For everything comes from him and exist by his power and is intended for his glory, all glory to him forever. Amen. So this is not telling you that he is going to speak to you about self glorification.
Mary Claire: Okay, for everything comes from and exists by His power ⁓ and is intended for His ⁓ all glory to Him ⁓ ⁓ amen. So this not you that He is going to speak to you ⁓ about self-glorification. He is going speak to you so that He will be glorified. Yeah.
Hillary: He is going to speak to you so that he will be glorified. ⁓ And that's the purpose of our life. So often in my life I've thought, I wish I just knew what he wanted from me. And it's to know him. And that's for every believer. Now out of that, and we've talked about this, there comes an assignment or a call-in, but the purpose is to know him.
Mary Claire: And I think that's the purpose of our life. So often in my life I thought, oh, we should just knew what he wanted from me. And it's to know him. And that's for every believer. Now out of that, and we've talked about this, there comes an assignment or a calling, but the purpose is to know him and then that he be glorified in that relationship. So that I live for him.
Hillary: And then that he be glorified in that relationship. So that I live for him because the closer I get to him the more I look like him. So then he's glorified. So when he speaks to us, it's never going to be to cast doubt on his character or ⁓ anything negative. It's going to bring him glory in the things he says to us.
Mary Claire: the closer I get to him the more I look like him so then he's glorified. So when he speaks to us it's never going to be to cast doubt on his character or anything negative. It's going to bring him glory in the things he says to us. Listeners out for a second. Okay, because some people I think maybe especially women hear about like a self-glorifying and especially, you know, some sort of male ⁓
Hillary: Listeners out for a second, okay, because some people, think maybe especially women, hear about like a self-glorifying and especially, you know, some sort of male. If someone is struggling with this, like, hmm, self-glorifying person, you know, maybe they've had some difficult men in their life who are a narcissist or something like What's the difference between a human... Self-glorifying.
Mary Claire: if someone is struggling with this like, hmm, self-glorifying person and you know, maybe they've had some difficult men in their life who are a narcissist or something like that. What's the difference between a human, a human self-glorifying. Yeah, because in the human context, we don't want, right. But God deserves the glory. Right. Help us distinguish between those.
Hillary: A human self-lifeline. Yeah, because in the human context, we don't That's unhealthy. Right. Yes, absolutely. God deserves the Deserves the glory. Right. Yes. this distinguished between those? There's a passage in Isaiah. So we have to understand, you know, go back to the first John, chapter one. In the beginning was God, he's the Alpha, the Omega. He was here before anything else existed. He and his trying being. So.
Mary Claire: So we have to understand, you know, go back to the first John, chapter one, in the beginning was God, and he's the Alpha, the Omega, he was here before anything else existed. He is trying to be. So all things are created by him for enjoyment, relationship with him. So in Isaiah, it says, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.
Hillary: all things are created by him for enjoyment relationship with him. So in Isaiah it says holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. The three holies is like sets the stage for for perfection. God is perfection. So when we look at him as
Mary Claire: The three holies is like sets the stage for perfection. God is perfection. So when we look at him as perfection, lacking nothing, totally complete, we can see that he deserves glorification by less. So maybe that's the part that I kind of doubted too when I first saw it self-glorifying because it's not self-glorifying as in the human way. It's Christ-glorifying.
Hillary: perfection, lacking nothing, totally complete, we can see that he deserves glorification by us. So maybe that's the part that I kind of doubted too when I first saw that self-glorifying because it's not self-glorifying as in the human way, it's Christ glorifying. I just thought of something too. I think the word that comes to my mind, especially when we have a lot of experience with a human who is self-glorifying, is disappointment because they're not going to...
Mary Claire: I just thought of something too. think the word that comes to my mind, especially when we have a lot of experience with a human who is self-glorifying, is disappointment because they're not going to live up to the expectations that they set for themselves. But with God, He is. And I think about even in Jesus's time, you know, they wanted this warrior on a horse who was coming to defeat the Romans. And so He still got the glory. It wasn't in the way they pictured, but still.
Hillary: live up to the expectations that they set for themselves. But with God, He is. And I think about even in Jesus' time, they wanted this warrior on a horse. He's to be the Romans. so He still got the glory. wasn't in the. picture yeah but still he's not a disappointment because like you said he is perfect perfect and yes it is and also Joshua 21 I think it was 45 not a single one of the good of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled everything he had spoken came true so he's a he's a promise keeper but a truth-teller like he cannot lie so
Mary Claire: He's not a disappointment because like you said he is perfect and so maybe that's the difference. Yeah not a single one of the good of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left untofield yes everything he had spoken came true so he's a he's a promise keeper but a truth teller right like he cannot lie yeah so
Hillary: When I think of it that way, a human is always going to fall short. Jesus is the only, and he's part of the triune God. He's the only perfect person to walk. So when we say self-glorifying, we mean God will speak to us in ways that he is glorified, that Christ is glorified through us.
Mary Claire: When I think of it that way, a human is always going to fall short. Right. Jesus is the only, and he's part of the triune God. He's the only perfect person to walk. So when we say self glorifying, we mean God will speak to us in ways that he is glorified, that Christ is glorified. Yeah. us. Yeah. ⁓ it's so difficult to our human perspective and try to understand godly matters. Yeah. ⁓
Hillary: because it's so difficult to use our human perspective and try to understand godly matters, I go back and I know I said this last time, but I cannot tell you how often I quote this verse to myself, Proverbs 3, 5, trust in the Lord, lean not on your own understanding. I don't understand how...
Mary Claire: Yeah, lean not on your own understanding. Yes, so yeah that all looks from a human perspective. can only understand, or from a Godly perspective, I understand what it looks like from a human. And I know that it's not a good thing in human, but we're all made to worship Him. And honestly, I think we've talked about this.
Hillary: that all looks from a human perspective. can only under, or from a godly perspective, I understand what it looks like from a human and I know that it's not a good thing. inhuman, but we're all made to worship to him. And honestly, I think we've talked about this before, but we're all going to worship something. And if we do not glorify him, then we will glorify something. And a lot of times it becomes us or our children or, know, we've done the idols discussion that will happen. when we, maybe we should change that instead of self-glorifying just to cross glorifying. Yeah. So that helps us get a better understanding of the Christ-like perspective, not our human perspective of glorification. No, you did a great job explaining that. Thank you so much. So self-glorifying, Christ-glorifying. Christ-glorifying. Yeah, we can say that. All right, so yes, Christ-glorifying. Number seven, the seventh of ten is relational. And I think...
Mary Claire: human perspective. Right. No, you did a great job explaining that. Thank you so much. So self glorifying slash Christ glorifying. Yeah. All right. So yes, Christ glorified number seven, the seventh of 10 is relational. I think this is the biggest thing I've learned in the past year about Christ relational desire.
Hillary: This is the biggest thing I've learned in the past year about Christ relational. desire for us. Not that he wants us on some big stage or some big thing that he wants to do for us, but he wants to meet us in the tiny moments, the quiet moments that are hard, the quiet moments where we are diligently seeking something. He wants connection for us and he wants connection between his children. As a mom, I know that you've seen this, like my favorite thing is seeing my kids love on each other or teach like Jace teaching.
Mary Claire: Mm-hmm that not that he wants us on some big stage or some big thing that he wants to do for us But he wants to meet us in the tiny moments Yeah quiet moments that are hard the quiet moments where we are diligently seeking something he wants connection for us and he wants connection between his children mm-hmm as a mom I Know that you've seen this but my favorite thing is seeing my kids love on each other. Yeah, or teach like just teaching
Hillary: fame to perfect his golf swing or working with Liam on the soccer field and the way Myla cares for Edie and Edie is like...
Mary Claire: fame to perfect his golf swing or working with Liam on the soccer field and the way Mila cares for Edie and Edie is like the backbone of all of them. She's gonna be the one that makes sure everybody's got something that they wish they could have. But I think God sees us that way too. Yeah. But the beautiful thing is he made us for his purpose but then when he speaks to us it's gonna be directly and relationally.
Hillary: backbone of all of them. She's going to be the one that makes sure everybody's got something, what she thinks they should have. But I think God sees us that way too. But the beautiful thing is He made us for His purpose, but then when He speaks to us, it's going to be directly and relationally. Revelation, I know when you hear revelation it's like, we're going to Revelation for... Revelation 3 20.
Mary Claire: Revelation I know when you hear revelation revelation 320 is where we're going for this passage. Do you have a date? I do, have this one. It's 320. All right. Here I am. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me.
Hillary: is where we're going for this passage. Do you have it pulled up? Is 320. here I am, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person and they with me. The creator of the universe is standing at our proverbial door and knocking. And not only, hey, will you answer, but just to turn in his direction and he'll come in and share an intimate time with us. sitting down having a meal with a friend is an intimate gathering. It's something, you know, there's preferences and there's, but.
Mary Claire: The creator of the universe is standing at our proverbial door and knocking. And not only... turn in his direction and he'll come in and share an intimate time with us. Like sitting down having a meal with a friend is an intimate gathering. Right. It's something that you know there's preferences and there's but he promises that right there in Revelation. I'll I'll come in just
Hillary: He promises that right there in Revelation. I'll come in. Just open the door. Yeah, and I'm glad you pointed out that last part, open the door, because if someone is hearing this thinking like, gosh, I really don't have a relationship with him, I would kind of push back and say, have you opened the door? Open the door.
Mary Claire: Yeah, and I'm glad you pointed out that last part open the door because if someone is hearing this thinking like gosh I really don't have a relationship with him I would kind of push back and say have you open the door because we have a part in this too, you know It doesn't say he busts down the door and I do think he does sometimes you know when he's pursuing people and yeah Right
Hillary: We do. Yes. When you can't. Yeah. He will meet you there and he does chase after us. But there is, and you know what it is, the hardest part is surrender. The opening of the door is just saying, okay God. ⁓
Mary Claire: was that? Surrender. Yeah. The opening of the door is just saying, okay, God. ⁓ my gosh. thinking about earlier. So when you came in my house and I was apologizing for the dirty dishes everywhere and you know the clothes and yeah I'm pretty sure I have some underwear on the couch over there that I was folding so but yeah you wanted to come in anyway and I think about that like maybe we don't open the door because we're thinking about all our dirty laundry and you know
Hillary: the dirty dishes everywhere and you know the clothes and yeah I'm pretty sure I some underwear on the couch over there that I was folding so. I didn't see it. Yeah you wanted to come in anyway and I think. because we're thinking about all our dirty laundry. ⁓ yeah. You know, but you love me and you want to come in. Yeah.
Mary Claire: but you love me and you wanted to come in and I don't know. I don't know. I just thought about that. Yeah. when he speaks to us, it'll be to develop that relationship. It'll be directly personal. Yeah. It'll be regardless of your dirty laundry. Right. It'll be always meaningful. But just know that he is seeking.
Hillary: Yeah, so when he speaks to us, it'll be to develop that relationship. It'll be directly personal. It'll be regardless of your dirty laundry. It'll be ⁓ always meaningful. But just know that he is seeking relationship with you when he speaks to you.
Mary Claire: Yeah, I Don't know why I just feel like I need to stop right now and pray specifically for I don't know if it's you who are listening to this but if you do not believe that that God Could care enough about you to truly want a relationship with you I pray that you will release that right now and that you will open the door because I mean, there's nothing like
Hillary: Specifically for I don't know if it's you who are listening to this but if you do not believe that God can care enough about you to truly want a relationship with you. pray that you will release that right now. That you will open the door. mean there's nothing like the relationship but I can say it you know until I'm in the face but you just have to experience it. Yes.
Mary Claire: the relationship, but I can say it, you know, until I'm blue in the face, but you just have to experience, I guess, to really believe it. So I pray that you believe it. If you're, yeah. All right, so we've got, so we've talked about cross-corporation, relational, and then the eighth.
Hillary: ⁓ Amen. God. Alright, so we've talked about Christ glorifying relational and then the eighth characteristic, the way our Creator speaks to us, is convicting. And this is where I sent my husband a text, a screenshot of something I saw earlier, and actually I took a picture out of a book that I'm reading and he said my toes hurt.
Mary Claire: characteristic way our Creator speaks to us is convicting. And this is where I sent my husband a screenshot of something I saw earlier, read, and actually I took a picture out of a book that I'm reading and he said my toes hurt. Yeah. A lot of times when God speaks to me, my toes do hurt. Yeah, you know what? Let's just skip this one. Let's go back to the relational. That one's great to talk about. I'm just kidding. That's the butterfly. The butterfly's warm and...
Hillary: A lot of times when God speaks to me my toes do hurt. Yeah that one's so feel-good. That's the butterfly. The butterfly is warm and fuzzy. All right we're in Romans 2 verse 4.
Mary Claire: Right. All right, we're in Romans 2 verse 4. Okay. I can read that while you're flipping there. Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Hillary: Okay, perfect, please. Or do you show content for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? See, okay, this goes with the relational though. I mean, it's directly hand in hand because we see conviction as disappointment and that's our human perspective. Proverbs 3.5. We cannot lean on our own understanding because he uses conviction to draw us closer. Kind. Yes, kind and tolerant and patient.
Mary Claire: See, okay, this goes with the relational though. It's directly hand in hand because we see conviction as disappointment. It's our human perspective. Proverbs 3, 5. We cannot lean on our own understanding because he uses conviction to draw us closer. And it's crazy, the verse about conviction has the word kindness in it, God's kindness. tolerance and patience. He is so...
Hillary: He is so, he only wants to bring those things to light so that he can love you, so that you can love him more, so that you can know him more, so that you receive more of his fullness. I mean, that's incredible. We do carry a bit of, well, shame or guilt when we hear conviction, but understand that if you're feeling guilt, that's likely, could be your own perspective.
Mary Claire: He only wants to bring those things to light so that he can love you so that you can love him more so that you can know him more. Right. So that you receive more of his fullness. Right. I mean, that's incredible. We do carry a bit of, well, shame or guilt when we hear conviction. But understand that if you're feeling guilt, that's likely could be your own. perspective, things that you've said about yourself, expectations that you've set for yourself, where you feel you failed, but God won't condemn. guilt can be a form of condemnation, guilt and shame. If we're feeling conviction that propels us to action, well that's drawn us closer to Him. But if we feel condemnation, that pushes us further away. And we mentioned last time, that is a goal of them.
Hillary: things that you've said about yourself, expectations that you've set for yourself, where you feel you failed, but God won't condemn. So guilt can be a form of condemnation, guilt and shame. If we're feeling conviction that propels us to action, well that's drawing us closer to Him. But if we feel condemnation, that pushes us further away and... You know, we mentioned last time that is a goal of the enemy to steal, kill and destroy and separate us from God and what he has for us. So conviction won't separate us from him.
Mary Claire: steal, and destroy and separate us from God and what he has So conviction won't separate us from him. Right. Well, I'm thinking about going back to a parenting metaphor. I get on to my children all the time because I love them and I want them to grow up to be good humans. And I know, of course, you do the same thing. But like when I get on to one of my kids for lying, I'm not sitting here the rest of the day thinking about, I am so disappointed in her for telling a lie. Like, how could she do that? You know, I get on to her and
Hillary: be good humans and I know of course you do the same thing but like when I get on to one of my kids for lying I'm not sitting here the rest of the day thinking about wow I so disappointed in her for telling a lie. How could she do that? You know I get on to her and love and I teach her like hey here's what we do next time but if me who is a human can you know not dwell
Mary Claire: love and I teach her like hey here's what we do next time but if me who is a human can you know not dwell on that all day then certainly God isn't either. No, he's not. He's not holding it over our head either. Yeah. While I expected more of you or anything of that nature. had to find... Okay, so we're done. Christ, we're fine.
Hillary: And his ways are greater. Yeah, absolutely No, he's not he's not holding it over our head either ⁓ while I expected more of you were Anything of that nature I had Okay, so we've done set Christ glorifying relational Convicting
Mary Claire: relational convicting. Okay, so eight, number eight was convicting. The ninth characteristic of the way that our Creator us is that He is wise. ⁓ Isaiah 55, nine. ⁓
Hillary: so eight, ⁓ number eight was convicting the ninth characteristic of the way that Creator talks to us is that He is wise. ⁓ Isaiah 55, nine. ⁓ lot of truth in Isaiah but it can be hard to understand because it is Old Testament and it's a lot of prophecy and it's we can get bogged down in it but let's see what Isaiah 55 non says
Mary Claire: than Isaiah. But it can be hard to understand because it is a testament and it's a lot of prophecy and we can get bogged down in that. But let's see what Isaiah 55-9 says.
Hillary: For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Yeah. Can we just say to wisdom and intelligence are not the same thing? No, no. ⁓ Lisa Harper and I thought this before, but Lisa Harper is one of my favorite people to listen to. And she says at the beginning of her podcast, every time,
Mary Claire: just as the heavens are higher than the earth so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Can we just say to you wisdom and intelligence are not the same thing? No. Lisa Herman.
Hillary: Knowledge about God pales in comparison to relationship with him. So you can know a lot of stuff Exactly Satan believes that there's a God. Yeah, but wisdom Pro we studied Proverbs a Bible study on Proverbs and it was so impactful ⁓ But the root of all wisdom is fear of God
Mary Claire: Yeah, Satan is a lot of stuff about God. Yeah, but wisdom Yeah ⁓ Yeah
Hillary: that all, that holy all we talked about, how big the same God that make the galaxies and the ocean and the mountaintops made us. And sitting in that reverence of the Lord is a ⁓ base for him to develop our wisdom.
Mary Claire: All right, well, let me ask this then. OK, so someone who is maybe praying about a decision, trying to discern, is this the voice of God or is it just my own thought process? In light of God being wise, let's say what they feel like they're being called to do seems unwise from a human perspective.
Hillary: Human perspective, Let's say what they feel like they're being called to do Seems unwise from a human human perspective. Yeah
Mary Claire: How can someone tell if it's truly not a wise decision or it's just not wise by human standards? So I think the most important thing is to stay connected to God and to do that. There's three specific ways. His presence, His word, and His people. So remaining in prayer with God, asking Him directly.
Hillary: So ⁓ I think the most important thing is to stay connected to God and to do that there's three specific ways his presence, his word, and his people. remaining in prayer with God, asking him directly, but then we discussed last time the audible
Mary Claire: But then we discussed last time the audible sound of God. We might not hear yes. Right. I wish we would. I wish we Yeah. But stay in his presence. Don't, if you have a big decision to make, don't forsake your quiet time. Yeah. Stay in that place and ask him. And if you don't get an answer, that's OK. Yeah. The timing is coming. His timing is perfect. So you'll know. But other ways that you can.
Hillary: sound of God, we might not hear, yes, do the thing, I am leading, I wish we would, but stay in his presence. Don't, if you have a big decision to make, don't forsake your quiet time. Stay in that place and ask him and if you don't get an answer, that's okay. The timing is coming, his timing is perfect, so you'll know, but other ways that you can...
Mary Claire: Understand that this is why seek wise counsel. I was Doing a class and we talked about Jethro Jethro was Moses father. Yes, and he said no Moses you're gonna get burnt out You got to get some people together and teach them what you're doing seek wise counsel Yeah, and Jethro was a wise counsel to Moses because he set him up to not Fail at ministry God's people are a source of his
Hillary: understand if this is why seek wise counsel. I was ⁓ doing a class and we talked about Jethro. Jethro was Moses' father-in-law and he said, no, Moses, you're gonna get burned out on this. You got to get some people together and teach them what you're doing. Seek wise counsel basically. And Jethro was a wise counsel to Moses because he set him up to not fail at ministry. God's people are a source of his presence on earth with us. So asking other believers, asking people that you've watched their relationship with God, their walk with Christ, develop and saying, hey, I need prayer, which I do with you often. Please, Mary Claire, pray for me. So seeking God's people and their feedback. And then his word. If the decision doesn't hold up scripturally, like I'm gonna cheat somebody or
Mary Claire: Presence on earth with us right asking other believers asking people that you've watched their relationship with God their walk with Christ Develop and saying hey, I need prayer, which I mean you often please me. Yeah, same ⁓ same Yeah, and then his word if the decision doesn't hold up scripturally, but I'm gonna cheat somebody
Hillary: I'm gonna have to be dishonest to get this. It's enough. But if it's, I'm gonna make less money, but I feel like God, see this is the heaven standard. It's upside down, inside out. It doesn't matter if God has called you to it. That will scripturally hold up that you will make less money, but God's called you to it. That's okay.
Mary Claire: be dishonest to get this. Right. Isn't it? Right. But if it's I'm gonna make less money but I feel like I see this is heaven standard. Mm It's upside down inside out. doesn't matter if God has called you to it. That will scripturally hold up that you will make less money that God's called you to. ⁓ yeah. That's okay. Pretty sure there's nothing in the Bible that says I want you to make more money. No and he told the rich and ruler give up everything. Yeah. Even the potential to earn money.
Hillary: No, and he told the rich young ruler give up everything that even the potential to earn money Yeah, could be seen as something that we have to give up I want to go back to the people for just a second because especially if you're a brand new believer and you are not like super involved in a church and you don't have who you would call
Mary Claire: Yeah. Could be seen as something that we have to give up. Yeah. I want to go back to the people for just a second because especially if you're a brand new believer and you are not like super involved in a church and you don't have who you would call like your core believers, you know, who you trust and you can talk to yet. ⁓
Hillary: believers, you know, who you trust and you can talk to yet. ⁓ I'm so glad that we live in a time when it's not like so taboo to seek mental health. Yes. ⁓ As someone who has had a Christian counselor before and I mean like all those websites you can specify that you want a believer and you know can find their
Mary Claire: I'm so glad that we live in a time when it's not like so taboo to seek mental health, like counseling. ⁓ As someone who has had a Christian counselor before, and I mean like all those websites you can specify that you want a believer and you you can find the right fit. That was so life-giving to me. is very true. I have had that experience too. And I didn't necessarily...
Hillary: but that was so life-giving. That is very true. I have had that experience too and I didn't necessarily. ⁓ seek out Christian counseling. was, but she was a believer. I said I would like someone who is in line with the Christian faith and she was a believer. So, and she was very helpful to call me out on lies that I was believing. ⁓ You know, ⁓ and speaking of which, we listed several books. Jenny Allen has a new one out. The lies that you don't know you believe. Well, that goes right along with this. ⁓
Mary Claire: seek out Christian counseling. But she was a believer. I said I would like someone who was in line with the Christian faith. And she was a believer. And she was very helpful to call me. Yeah. You know, oh, and speaking of which, we listed several books. Jenny Allen has a Moon and Out. Yes. The lies that you don't know you believe. Yes. Well, that goes right along with this. Yeah. And I feel like we're going to talk more about replacing those lies next time. And I'm going to share a skill that I learned in counseling when we talk about that. But I just wanted to point that out. Like if you feel like you don't have your person, I mean, talk to a counselor. Talk to a counselor in an online community.
Hillary: talk more about replacing those lines. Yes we will. Next time and I'm going to share a skill that I learned in counseling when we talk about that. But I just wanted to point that out. Yes. Do feel like you don't have your person? mean talk to a counselor. Talk to a counselor, an online community. Reach out to a church and ask if they have a small group that's open to non-members. Yeah. If you don't, if you're not regularly attending a church. I know that that takes some gumption but
Mary Claire: reach out to a church and ask if they have a small group that's open to non-members. If you don't, if you're not regularly attending a church. I know that that takes some gumption, but it's a good way to get connected and to be around God's people. I also have just like prayed before, like in a season where I felt really lonely and I felt like I didn't have any...
Hillary: It's a good way to get connected and to be around God's people. ⁓
Mary Claire: you know, like mentors or friends who were like really pouring into me spiritually in that specific season. I just prayed that God would provide me with someone and he answered that prayer. It wasn't in my timing, but he answered that prayer. mean, honestly, these conversations are an answer to prayer for me. Yeah, same.
Hillary: I just prayed that God. ⁓ I mean honestly these conversations are an answer to prayer for me. This is something that I've prayed for and having you as a friend and having these these conversations together where other people are giving us feedback outside of our conversations is growing my faith. It's bolstering my walk with Christ. I'm so thankful. Thank you for your wisdom. All right so we've got
Mary Claire: these conversations together where other people are giving us feedback outside of our conversations. It's growing my faith. Me too. It's bolstering my walk with Christ. I'm just, so thankful. Yeah. And thank y'all too. Truly. Alright, so we've got Christ glorifying, relational, he can be convicting, will be, he is always wise in the way he talks to us. And our final...
Hillary: Christ glorifying, relational, he can be convicting, will be. He is always wise in the way he talks to us. And our characteristic of how our creator will talk to us ⁓ discernible. ⁓
Mary Claire: characteristic of how our Creator will talk to us is discernible. Now that is just a big long word. Let's see if we can bear it up. John chapter 10 verse 27.
Hillary: Now that is just a big long word. Let's see if we can figure out what it means. John chapter 10 verse 27.
Mary Claire: Okay, ooh, I love this verse. have it already. My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. Yeah, so the best illustration goes back to being a parent. You know when you're at a playground, chick-fil-a maybe, you're at a playground and you hear mama. Right.
Hillary: Mm-hmm Yes, so the best illustration goes back to being a parent. You know, when you're at a playground, Chick-fil-A maybe, you're at a playground and you hear mama. Well, there's 10 kids in there, but you know when it's talking about you, because you recognize that little voice saying mama. Similarly, when you open the door and you say, all right, it's time to go.
Mary Claire: There's 10 kids in there, but you know when it's talking about you. Because you recognize that little voice. Oh my gosh. Similarly, when you open the door and you say, all right, it's time to go, your kids go, not yet, mom. Because they know your voice. Yes.
Hillary: your kids go, not yet mom, you know, because they know your voice. They knew that that was my, an adult has opened the door and I recognize that voice as belonging to me. Yeah. I don't have many good ideas, I did a children's sermon one time that this is making me think of that, but I had three moms ahead of time. I'm sorry, not even three moms. had one mom and two other women.
Mary Claire: as belonging to me. Yeah, I don't have many good ideas, but I did a children's sermon one time that This is making me think of that. But I had ⁓ three moms ahead of time. I'm sorry, not even three moms. I had one mom and two other women in the congregation. And I had them call out the child's name. And I'll just say Michael. And so ⁓ the kid turned around where he couldn't see. And all three women said, Michael. And I asked him to identify which one was his mom. And of course, he could do it. And then we did it again with three women.
Hillary: and I had them call out the child's name and I'll just say Michael and so ⁓ the kid turned around where he couldn't see and all three women said Michael and I asked him to identify which one was his mom and of course he can do it and then we did it again with three women and they all gave the child a hug and
Mary Claire: all gave the child a hug and ⁓ it was a little girl and it was so sweet she knew her mom's embrace. ⁓ Yes and I back again about we don't always audibly hear the voice of God but
Hillary: was a little girl and it was so sweet. knew her mom's hug. I have chills. That's beautiful. Back again about we don't always audibly hear the voice of.
Mary Claire: I think we recognize him the closer we grow to him and especially that embrace, you know. And so he'll we will recognize his voice because of these. feel like these were all the build up to that last characteristic because he will do all these things, but he wants to not be a secret to us. Yeah, he wants to be so familiar that.
Hillary: him the closer we grow to him and especially that embrace. That embrace, yes that's beautiful and so he'll we will recognize his voice because of these I feel like this these were all the build-up to Ten to that last characteristic because he will do all these things but he wants to not be a secret to us he wants to be so familiar that We know the sound of his voice. Maybe not the audible sound of his voice, but that still small voice that comes across your... Nobody ever told me that it might just be a thought that comes to your mind.
Mary Claire: We know the sound of his voice. Not the audible sound of his voice, that still small voice that comes across your head. Nobody ever told me that it might just be a thought that comes to your mind. And that could be gotten. Speaking to you. Now, if you're like me and your brain runs 90 miles an hour and you have like 2,000 browsers open.
Hillary: And that could be God speaking to you. Now, I have, if you're like me and your brain runs 90 miles an hour and you have like 2000 browsers open and you know, you don't know, okay, is this really me? We have a few ways to look at that. We can judge it, but not every, I tell my kids this all the time. Not everything requires a response. So we can think something. If it's from God, it'll hold up over time. So we don't have to act on it.
Mary Claire: Right ⁓
Hillary: immediately unless we feel strongly that it's God and then we can act immediately but God won't rush us either so we'll just keep saying is this you God is this something and now you know if you're out and about and you feel like God has asked you to give somebody a meal or or a pray for somebody is there anything that can be wrong about that?
Mary Claire: God and then we can act immediately but God won't rush us either yeah so we'll just keep saying is this you God? this something? And now you know if you're out and about I don't think so and I know people say all the time it's right right but even if even if there's someone who looks like they're in need and if you give them some money and if they spend it in a way that you hope that they don't
Hillary: I don't think so either. Don't be taking advantage of. Even if there's someone who looks like they're in need and if you give them some money and if they spend it in a way that you have
Mary Claire: Maybe they remember that kindness, you know? Maybe if your shirt had like a Bible verse or something on it, you know, maybe in two years they'll think about that and go look it up. I mean, I don't know.
Hillary: Maybe they remember that kindness. Maybe your shirt had a Bible verse or something on it. Maybe in two years they'll think about that and go back up. And maybe it's nothing to do with me. Maybe it's a way that God makes them feel in that interaction. And then they remember that. I've only felt this... Or maybe it is to do with you because I'll tell you before, God...
Mary Claire: Yeah, and and then they remember that. Right. I only felt this. Or maybe it is to do with you, because I'll tell you before, God, I felt like God was telling me to reach out to someone and share my faith before. And that person completely shut me down and said, like, how could I go off of your faith when all I see you doing is talking about this person behind their back? And so that.
Hillary: felt like God was telling me to reach out to someone and share my faith before. And that person completely shut me down and said, like, how could I go? see doing is talking about. And so that interaction, I think, was not for them, but it was for me.
Mary Claire: interaction I think was not for them, but it was for me and to humble me, you know? And so I think sometimes...
Hillary: Yeah. just, I mean, he works all things out for the good of those who love him. And so there's things that we can study so that we know him better. But again, just knowing him, listening, sitting and asking him to speak to us ⁓ is a really good place to start.
Mary Claire: Right, right. There's things that we can study so that we know him better. ⁓ again, just knowing him, listening, sitting and asking him to speak to us is a really good place to start. Yeah. I'll tell you I mean I ask God all the time like please help me know if this thought is from you or not and I hope he doesn't get annoyed with me that I asked that like literally all the time, but I think Right. ⁓
Hillary: thought is from and I hope he doesn't get Well, if you think about it like this, like if I call my child, I expect them to come, especially if I'm in the kitchen and I'm hollering names across the house, they know the sound of my voice and I don't want a ma'am from wherever you're at. I want them to come because if I'm calling you, I want you to come. I'm not just gonna call once and quit. So if
Mary Claire: I want them to come because if I'm calling you, I'm not just going to call once and quit. So if Myla comes from her bedroom and says, mama, did you call me? I'm going to say, yep. no, not this time. Think about Samuel. I was literally just saying about that, Samuel. So if you don't know, Samuel.
Hillary: If Myla comes from her bedroom and says, mama, did you call me? I'm gonna say, yep. Or no, not this time. Think about Samuel. I was really into Samuel. Yes, so if you don't know, Samuel was a long awaited child of Anna. Hannah. Hannah. Hannah. Okay, yes. I just got all confused. Who's an Anna? I don't know where she is.
Mary Claire: Hannah yeah Hannah with an H there is an Anna I don't know where she is yes yes yes okay
Hillary: She was after Jesus. Yes. She was working in there. ⁓ So Hannah had Samuel. She begged for a child. ⁓ So that's a whole story. I'd love to share more with you, but it's irrelevant to the story right now. So Samuel goes, she dedicates Samuel. She has Samuel and she dedicates him back to the temple. He's serving Eli. ⁓
Mary Claire: but it's irrelevant to the story right now. So Samuel goes, she dedicates Samuel, she has Samuel, and she dedicates him back to the temple. He's serving. With Eli, yeah. Eli is a pretty good dude, but his kids aren't, and he doesn't discipline them. Right. So God speaks to Samuel one night, and he calls his name, Samuel. And then Samuel gets up and goes to Eli, and says, did you call me? And Eli's like, nope, go back to sleep.
Hillary: Eli is a pretty good dude, but his kids aren't and he doesn't discipline them. So God speaks to Samuel one night and he calls his name, Samuel. And then Samuel gets up and goes to Eli and says, did you call me? And Eli's like, nope, go back to sleep. So Samuel goes and gets back in bed. It happened again. He hears his name, Samuel. He gets up and goes to Eli and he was like, yes sir, I'm here, what you need? And Eli was like,
Mary Claire: So Samuel goes and gets back in bed. It happened again. He hears his name, Samuel. He gets up and goes to Eli and he's like, yes sir, I need what you need. Like what gives? Yeah. So something else is happening here. He says, okay, next time you hear it, just say, Here I am Lord. Yeah. Oh, I love it. for your servant is listening. Yeah. And so we went back, heard the audible voice of God for the third time calling his name and said that and then God had a message for him. So God's not.
Hillary: So something else is happening here. He says, okay, next time you hear it, just say, yeah, speak for your servant is listening. And so we went back, heard the audible verse voice of God for the third time, calling his name and said that. And then God had a message for him. So God's not going to let us miss him, but he's also not going to quit just because we got it wrong. Yeah.
Mary Claire: Yeah, you know, he's gonna keep and if we say was that you or was that if you know, was that was that you and it wasn't Yeah, and I just thought about this too. Like I need to trust that God is bigger than me misunderstanding
Hillary: you know, he's going to keep and if we say, that you or was that if you know, was that was that you and it wasn't. Yeah. You know, I just thought about this too. Like I need to trust that God is bigger than me. Misunderstanding. Oh my goodness. The most comforting thing I've read was a meme and it said maybe not the most, but it said when God called you, he factored in your stupidity.
Mary Claire: No, that's amazing
Hillary: I mean maybe that's great but he knows the inner workings of my being because he made me. He factored all that in. Well that's just looking at things that the human perspective like because we
Mary Claire: Right. Because he made me. He factored all that in. I know. And I think sometimes like, oh my gosh, if I'm misunderstanding this from God, like this big thing might not happen or whatever. And it's just silly to be out like really. Well, let's keep looking at things that the human per se. Yeah. Like because we need to divert, not divert, and I was going say manipulate, but not really, but like be in the know.
Hillary: need to divert, not divert, and I was going to say manipulate, but not really, but like be in the know about situations and how to progress to the next thing and God's kingdom just doesn't work that way. Yeah. He doesn't fit it inside of our little boxes. Thank the Lord. Yeah, right. I'm grateful. Absolutely. So today we've talked about how we can replace lies of the enemy with truths from God, but first we had to be able to study
Mary Claire: situations and progress to the next thing. Kingdom just doesn't work that way. He doesn't fit it inside of our little box of thank the Lord. I'm grateful. Absolutely. So today we've talked about how we can replace the of the enemy with truths from God, but first we had to be able to study the nature of God and how our Savior and Creator speaks to us. So we've talked about the characteristics of God. ⁓
Hillary: nature of God and how our Savior and Creator speaks to us. So we've talked about the characteristics of God ⁓ and how He'll speak to us. He'll be authoritative, scriptural, He'll be holy, inspiring, calm, Christ-glorifying, relational, convicting, wise, and also discernible. ⁓
Mary Claire: and how he'll speak to us. He'll be authoritative, scriptural, holy, inspiring, calm, Christ-glorifying, relational, convicting, wise, and also discernible. Yeah, so our prayer for you is that if you are having trouble discerning, is this the voice of God? What are you asking me to do? Or is this a lie of the enemy? Or is this just my own anxious thought?
Hillary: me to do or is this a lie of the enemy or is this just my own anxious thought? Think about these characteristics and then view that thought through those lens. And then in part three, we're going to talk about how we actually can replace a Yes. But in the meantime, after you listen to this and you think, ⁓ I still just don't know. There's comfort. Matthew 7, 7 through 8 says this, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be
Mary Claire: think about these characteristics and then view that thought through those lens. And then in part three, we're going to talk about how we actually can replace a lie. in the meantime, after you listen to this and you think, ⁓ I still just don't know. Yeah. There's comfort Matthew seven seven through eight says this, keep on asking and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking and you will find keep on knocking and the door will
Hillary: See in this one, he's saying that he's knocking at the door, will we open the door? And he's saying, we can knock because we're seeking him. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. He doesn't want to be a secret, far away. ⁓
Mary Claire: to you. Yeah. This one, he said that he's knocking at the door. we open the door? Mm And he's saying we can knock because we're seeking him. For everyone who asks, receives everyone who seeks, finds and to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Yeah. He doesn't want to be a secret far away.
Hillary: He wants to be with you and he wants to answer your questions and so know that truth is available to you, that he wants to pour it out on you with his love and his goodness and his mercy. And so don't keep asking. Don't keep trying. Don't quit. Don't quit asking and don't quit trying to.
Mary Claire: He wants to be with you and he wants to answer your questions and so know that truth is available to you. That he wants to pour it out on you with his love and his goodness and his mercy. And so don't keep asking. Don't keep trying. Don't quit asking. And don't quit trying to discern what he's saying to you and if it is his voice.
Hillary: discern what he's saying to you and if it is his voice. Just keep asking him, just keep talking to him, keep the lines of communication open.
Mary Claire: and just keep talking to them, keep the lines of communication open. Yeah. All right. Well, thank you. ⁓ Should we close with a prayer? Yes, let's do. So I have a very simple prayer. And if you want to add some more to that, can. But friends, this is my prayer. ⁓ God, help us to not give up. And thank you for not giving up on us.
Hillary: Thank you. Yes, let's do so. ⁓ Friends, this is my prayer. God, help us to not give up and thank you for not giving up on us. Amen. Amen. OK. I love it. That's it. All right. Join us next time.
Mary Claire: Amen. Okay. All right. We'll see you next time.
