How can I replace the Enemy's lies? Part 1

Mary Claire: All right, so we've just been looking at our time and realized that we're already like at a full episode length, just talking about these first five of the 10. And we don't want to be hypocrites. We're talking about we don't want to hurry things, right? And I think this is worth a full conversation ⁓ and maybe another conversation. So I think maybe we'll talk about the next five things in a separate episode. And then let me just sum these up. Yeah, please. So our question. All right, welcome back to Outrageous Grace, the podcast. This is episode three. ⁓ We're in a different recording location this time. We've been at Hillary's house, but I just want to set the stage for our listeners ⁓ just to show you what kind of real life situation we're dealing with. Hillary is rolling the dice by being here at my house today at my kitchen table. She is sitting beside a half-eaten piece of sausage from my four-year-old.
Hillary: Alright, so we've just been looking at our time and realized that we're already like at a full episode length just talking about these first five of the ten and we don't want to be hypocrites. We're talking about we don't want to hurry things. Yep, that's right. We don't want to hurry up. I think this is worth a full conversation. Outrageous grace the podcast. This is episode 3 We're in different recording location We've been at Hillary's house, but I just want to set the stage for our listeners Just to show you what kind of real-life situation we're dealing with Hillary is rolling the dice by being here She is sitting beside a half-eaten piece of sausage from my for you and maybe another conversation. think maybe we'll talk about the next five things in a separate episode. let me just sum these up. So ⁓ our question was, how can I replace lies of the enemy with truths from God? So first we have to recognize. So we're going to study the original, the real true God so that we can recognize counterfeit. So.
Mary Claire: Did you eat already? Because I mean I have some half-eaten muffins too. You're good? Yeah, one of those said children is in the back bedroom right now with my husband. They both have had strep stuff, stomach stuff. I don't know if we just have like strep with stomach stuff or strep and the stomach bug at the same time. I don't know but my, I keep thinking of that song. ⁓
Hillary: Did you eat already? Because I mean, I have some happy muffins. Oh, I'm good. I think I'm good.
Mary Claire: So first we have to recognize. So we're gonna study the original, the real, true God so that we can recognize Count Murphy. So in knowing God's voice, we can know that he is authoritative. Mark 4.39 is what we looked at. He is scriptural. Second Timothy 3.16 through 17. He is holy. James 1.13. He's inspiring.
Hillary: In knowing God's voice, we can know that He is authoritative. Mark 4, 39 is what we looked at. He is scriptural. 2 Timothy 3, 16-17. He is holy. James 1, 13. He's inspiring. 1 Corinthians 2, 9-12. And He is calm. 1 Kings 19, 9-13. So join us next time. Our next episode will go over the next five. ⁓ goodness
Mary Claire: First Corinthians 2, 9 through 12, and his calm. First Kings 19, 9 through 13. So join us next time. Our next episode will go over the next five. All right. Looking forward to it. Awesome. Thank you. I'm still standing, because I'm the only one and we'll see how long that lasts. But Hillary prayed over me. I feel a lot better. I do want to point out one thing though. You see that McDonald's boo bucket over there? Yeah, I have those all over the house. I don't have many mom hacks, the one thing I do have, okay, is in October when you get the Happy Meals from McDonald's, ⁓ save those buckets and you take off the handle and store them somewhere. ⁓
Hillary: I do. ⁓ Awesome. Thank you.
Mary Claire: and then those are repurposed as your barf buckets throughout the year. Yes, yes. Because then you can just, you know, throw them out when you're done and reduce reuse recycle. Am I right? My kids get those happy meals in October and I'm like, all right, a little red bucket. You're going to be catching vomit in May. And it has been. here we are.
Hillary: Barf buckets, okay, very different purposes, but I like it Here we are. Yes, we got a lot of teachers we're very thankful for including you.
Mary Claire: Happy ⁓ appreciation week nurse appreciation ⁓ Yes, ⁓ well, thank you ⁓ maternal mental health month. ⁓ my goodness that goes ⁓ lot with what we're talking about today ⁓ ⁓ don't you start by telling us the question that our friend hope gave us? ⁓
Hillary: So why don't you start by telling us the question that our friend Hope gave us. Okay, I'm not going to say it exactly like you did. I have it written down. So my friend Hope, our friend Hope, I was talking to her one day and she said, here's what I think you should cover. And she said, how can I replace lies of the enemy with truths from God? And I was like, oh, that'll do. This is so important for maternal mental health, for every...
Mary Claire: And she said here's what I think you should cover. And she said how can I replace lies of the enemy with truths from God? ⁓ This is so important for maternal mental health. Yeah every every Christian ⁓
Hillary: Christian to understand that there is a very real enemy. ⁓ We're doing at palm level, John 10 10 has been our verse of 20 26. And so we recite it ⁓ together and it's the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. But I have come not not Hillary, God has come to give life and life abundant. So we have to realize that there is a very real enemy who is out to
Mary Claire: 10 10 has been our verse of 20 26. And so we recite it ⁓ together and it's the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. Yes. I have come not not really God has come to give life and life abundant. So we have to realize that there is a very real enemy who is out to
Hillary: separate us from God. That I mean hurt us yes, steal from us yes, but really is to separate us from God.
Mary Claire: Separate us from God that I mean hurt us. Yes steal from us. Yes, but really it's to separate us from God
Hillary: wasn't planning on saying this, but I listened to a preacher out of Orlando, some Rich Wilkerson, I think is his name. And he said, asked chat GPT, what would Satan do if he was trying to hurt me? And Jace listened to it with me. Jace is my just turned 16 year old. Shout out to my boo. I can't believe I was 16 year old. But ⁓ he said, he read it directly and it was so,
Mary Claire: wasn't planning on saying this, but ⁓ I to a preacher of Orlando, some, Rich Wilkerson, I think is name, ⁓ and he said he asked chat GPT, ⁓ what would ⁓ Satan do if was trying to hurt ⁓ me? and Jace listened to it with me. Jace is my, just turned 16 year old. Shout out to my baby. was 16 year old. But he said, he read it directly and it was so...
Hillary: eye-opening because it wasn't the evil things that we think. Like I would hurt them. I would hurt their family. It was like I'll distract them. I'll put a phone in their hand that answers all their questions. I'll keep them away from God's Word with busyness. I mean I just have chills talking about it because it was so profound that it's not always the blatantly obvious evil.
Mary Claire: it wasn't the evil things that we think. Like I would hurt them, would hurt their family. It was like I'll distract them. I'll put a phone in their hand that answers all their questions. I'll keep them away from God's Word with busyness. I mean I just have chills talking about it because it was so profound that it's not always the blatantly obvious evil. Right. It's the day to day. I mean, you we can get lost in the distractions and not be hearing from God. So I think it's important to start our conversation there that we do have an enemy. Yeah. That he is out there to still kill and destroy. And also, it just so happens, you know, the way God, only God can do things. I was reading in 2 Chronicles this morning in verse, chapter 28, and this idea of replacing lives of the enemy.
Hillary: It's the day to day. I mean, you know, we can get lost in the distractions and not be hearing from God. So I think it's important to start our conversation there that we do have an enemy, that he is out there to still kill and destroy. And also it just so happens, you know, the way God, only God can do things. I was reading in 2 Chronicles this morning in verse, chapter 28 and This idea of replacing lies of the enemy with truths from God is very biblical. King Hezekiah was one of the better kings. ⁓ And he wants to restore the temple. And so in chapter 28, second Chronicles chapter 28
Mary Claire: with truths from God is very biblical. King Hezekiah was one of the better kings. ⁓ And he wants to restore the temple. And so in chapter 28, the second chronicles, chapter
Hillary: actually chapter 29, verse five. ⁓
Mary Claire: second 29 5
Hillary: He said to them, so he calls them all together, he said, I want to reopen the temple, he said, he said to them, listen to me, purify yourselves and purify the temple of the Lord, the God of your ancestors. And this is the part that really stood out, remove all the defiled things from the sanctuary. Once we realize something is evil, we have to get rid of it. And he's doing that as he restores the temple, but we have to realize, okay, this is the enemy talking.
Mary Claire: He said to them, so he calls them all together and said, I want to reopen the temple. He said, he said to them, listen to me, purify yourselves and purify the temple of the Lord, the God of your ancestors. And this is the part that really stood out, remove all the defiled things from the sanctuary. Once we realize something is evil, we have to get rid of it. And he's doing that as he restores the temple, but we have to realize, okay, this is the enemy talking. I have no place in this temple for that.
Hillary: I have no place in this temple for that. Rebuke it, cast it out, whatever you need to do. We have to purify that from our thoughts, from the way we process information, the way we go day to day. So this concept is very biblical. And I just want us to know if you've had this question, if you haven't, it's very popular. mean, books have been written about this, many. ⁓
Mary Claire: Yeah. Review, get casted out, whatever you need to do. We have to purify that from our thoughts, from our... ⁓ information the way we go day to day. Yeah. So this this concept is very biblical and I just want us to know if you've had this question if you haven't it's very popular. mean books have been written about this many. The first I ever heard on it replacing your thoughts with truth was from Joyce Meier and she has a book called Battle Full of the Mind.
Hillary: ever heard on it replacing your thoughts with truth was from Joyce Meyer and she has a book called Battlefield of the Mind. She had like nine principles that you needed to think of. I wrote those things down I thought I have never heard anything so groundbreakingly true. ⁓ So Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. I just finished a study with a group of women on Max Licato's book, Tame Your Thoughts. And then
Mary Claire: she had like nine principles that you needed to think of. I wrote those things down, I thought I had never heard anything so ground-breakingly true. So, Battles of the Mind by Joyce Meyer. I just finished a study with a group of women on Max Licato's book, Ten Your Thoughts. ⁓ And then, Jenny Allen has one that
Hillary: Jenny Allen has one that I have, but I have not read. You've read it. Get out of your head. Get out of your head. It's great. And then she has kind of a follow up one to that too called Entangle Your Emotions. Oh yes. Yeah, both of those are really, really good. Okay. So there's, and there's more than that, I'm sure. Oh yeah. You know, so this is a question that is asked abundantly. I mean, and it needs to be addressed.
Mary Claire: I've read that one. Yeah, get out of your head. It's great. And then she has kind of a follow up one to that too called untangle your emotions. Yeah, both of those are really, really good. Okay. So there's, and there's more than that, I'm sure. Oh yeah. You know, so this is a question that is asked abundantly. I mean, in, and it needs to be addressed.
Hillary: to help our walk with God, to help us understand what he's called us to and what he has not called us to. And I think it's important to note too, I love that you brought up that illustration from the Orlando pastor because even though it is like chat GPT, I think that's a very valid answer because I think it is a lot harder to discern him than we think. I'll tell you, I I talked about.
Mary Claire: understand what he's called us to and what he has not. Right. And I think it's important to note too, I love that you brought up that illustration from the Orlando pastor, because even though it is like chat GPT, and I think that's a very valid answer, because I think it is a lot harder to discern him than we think. I'll tell you, I mean, I talked about like the sickness that's been in my house, and it is
Hillary: sickness that's been in my house and it has been a battle for two weeks and I'm exhausted. And every morning I set my alarm for this certain time to get up and have like my quiet time with God but for the past two weeks when that alarm goes off I've hit snooze almost every day and there's been this struggle in my mind I'm like okay God loves me and he cares about me
Mary Claire: been a battle for two weeks and I'm exhausted. And every morning I set my alarm for this certain time to get up and have like my quiet time with God. But for the past two weeks, when that alarm goes off, I've hit snooze almost every day. And there's been this struggle in my mind. I'm like, okay, God loves me and he cares about me. He wants me to rest. And then I'm like, no, I need to get in his word and he'll get
Hillary: he wants me to rest and then I'm like no I need to get in his word and he'll give me the rest that I need and I really don't know which one is the answer because I'm like
Mary Claire: me the rest that I need and I really don't know which one is the answer because I'm like God I am so tired but also I need to get in your word because I mean it's just like a friend. Well, and I think it's important with that specifically to remember that this is temporary. Yeah. You know, the sickness is going to go away. God isn't, you know, like punitive where, you didn't spend time with me, so now you're going to be tired.
Hillary: Well, and I think it's important with that ⁓ specifically to remember that this is temporary. You know, the sickness is going to go away. So God isn't, you know, like punitive where, you didn't spend time with me, so now you're going to be tired. Because He sees you and He loves you and He's like, hey, babe, you need a little bit more sleep. That's okay. I feel like that's how He would talk to you. It's all right. I love you. Yeah, I'm here.
Mary Claire: Because he sees you and he loves you and he's like, hey babe, you need little bit more sleep. That's okay. Yeah, I feel like that's how he would talk to you. Yeah, yeah, I'm here. I'll be here and and just laying in the bed and talking to him It doesn't have to look the same every day, especially when we're going through those Really tough seasons. Yeah
Hillary: I'll be here and just laying in the bed and talking to him. It doesn't have to look the same every day, especially when we're going through those really tough seasons where we are tired and he does want our body. He wants your body to stay healthy. So maybe a little extra rest is what you need. I know. And then just, I'm feeling guilty, you know, though. And my mom always says motherhood is one giant guilt trip. That sounds right. I've felt guilty since about 2021.
Mary Claire: he wants your body to stay healthy. maybe a little extra rest is what you need. I know. And then just, I'm feeling guilty, you know, though. And my mom always says motherhood is one giant guilt trip. And I'm like, oh, that sounds right. I've felt guilty since about 2021. like, and then she also tells me, I don't remember who says this, but she always quotes someone who says,
Hillary: Yeah. And then she also tells me, don't remember who says this, but she always quotes someone who says, ⁓ guilt is not from God. Right. And we're going to get to that because what we first have to determine is, is this a thought from God that he wants me to spend time with him? Or is this a lie from the enemy to guilt me into something? ⁓
Mary Claire: Guilt is not from a God conviction is from a God. We're gonna get to that. Yeah, because what we first have to determine is Is this a thought from God? Or is this a lot from the enemy to guilt me into something right ⁓ so brother Jay Roberson Church he gave me a really good analogy recently and I have to share with you please because I was talking to him about ⁓
Hillary: So Brother J. Roberson, Osila Methodist Church, he ⁓ gave me a really good analogy recently and I have to share it with you. Because I was talking to him about ⁓ different religions. Our kids learn about world religions now. And that has had me and my kids having some interesting conversations. So I said to Brother J, maybe with the youth we should discuss the other religions so that they have a framework for why we believe the Bible, why Christianity is the way to go.
Mary Claire: kids learn about world religions now. And that has had me and my kids having some interesting conversations. So I said to Brother Jay, maybe with the youth we should discuss the other religions so that they have a framework for why we believe the Bible, why Christianity is the way to go. And Brother Jay said, all right, let's talk about this. And then he told me this story, and it made sense before he even finished the story. And I think we can apply it here.
Hillary: Brother J said, all right, let's talk about this. And then he told me this story and it made sense before he even finished the story. ⁓ And I think we can apply it here because we have to know what God says about us. We have to know what God's voice sounds like. So the primary purpose of the Secret Service is to maintain the integrity of the currency. That's why it was originally established. I thought it was just to keep the president from getting shot. Right. Same.
Mary Claire: We have to know what God says about us. We have to know what God's voice sounds like. the primary purpose of the Secret Service is to maintain the integrity of the currency. That's why it was originally established. I thought it was just to keep the President from getting shot. Right. Same. I really thought that, but... And you've verified this information. I looked it up. Brother J. I did look it up just to make sure. Yes, the Secret Service part of...
Hillary: I really thought that but I did I I looked it up sorry brother J if you're listening I did I did look it up just to make sure yes the Secret Service part of it is to maintain the integrity of the currency so he said the way they do that is ⁓ intense training on what real currency looks like
Mary Claire: is to maintain the integrity of the currency. So he said the way they do that is ⁓ intense training on what real currency looks like. They have microscopic details, I'm sure. So finite details that they study for weeks upon weeks. They don't ever look at a camera fit until they already know what
Hillary: what are the dollar, they have microscopic details, I'm sure, so finite details that they study for weeks upon weeks. They don't ever look at a counterfeit until they already know what an original looks like. So they study the real thing and then as a byproduct they know how to identify counterfeit.
Mary Claire: looks like. Yeah, wow. So they study the real thing and then as a byproduct they know how to identify, counterfeit. Yeah. And so today I was gonna talk to you about, ⁓ this is God's sounds like and this is what the lie of the enemy might sound like or the voice of Satan might sound like. But I thought if we just focus on knowing
Hillary: And so today I was going to talk to us about, this is what God's sounds like and this is what the lie of the enemy might sound like or the voice of Satan might sound like. But I thought if we just focus on knowing God and His character and His voice and how He speaks to us, then when we hear something that is not that, we'll know. Because if we study God, the real true thing, anything else,
Mary Claire: and his character and his voice and how he speaks to us, then when we hear something that is not that, we'll know. Because if we study God, the real true thing, anything else...
Hillary: will be counterfeit. It won't line up with how he sees us and thinks about us and talks to us. ⁓
Mary Claire: will be counterfeit. Right. Won't line up with how he sees us and thinks about us and talks to us. that amazing. It's making me think of that verse, my sheep know my voice, and I know you're going to talk about that. Yes, that's one of the, so to do I had my own list and then I thought, this isn't comprehensive So I found this lady, Nancy Taylor. She has a website called ⁓ Nancy Taylor is
Hillary: Yes, that's one of the...so to do this I had my own list and then I thought isn't comprehensive enough. So found this lady Nancy Taylor. She has a website called ⁓ Nancy is T-A-Y-L-O-R-Rights.com. If you want to go check her out she has some good content and she's a mom five kids. ⁓ So and she's little bit further along. She's got a couple married or something. So I was like, look at there. ⁓
Mary Claire: Yeah ⁓
Hillary: ⁓ So she gave this comprehensive list, I feel like, about how God speaks, the character of God's conversation with us. And there's ten of them. Alright? Alright, first, he is authoritative. Mark chapter 4.
Mary Claire: speaks the character of God's conversation with us. Alright. There's ten of Alright. Well let's get into it. Alright first, he is authoritative.
Hillary: First 39. This has come up so...
Mary Claire: very numb. This has come up so.
Hillary: I wrote it down wrong. Jeez. ⁓ I'm in Matthew. Just kidding. ⁓ Mark chapter four. There's been some sickness at my house too. Luckily my kids are a little bit older and Mark four verse 39 says this. want to read it? Okay, Mark 439. He went in and this is Jesus.
Mary Claire: Okay mark 439 he went in and is this Jesus I'm without context. Okay. ⁓
Hillary: ⁓ yes, the disciples are on the, in a boat, on the lake, and they wanted to go across to the other side, and a fierce storm kicked up. And so he's asleep in the boat. And they're like, hey, man, Jesus, we're dying here. This storm is about to take us out. And then Jesus responds in verse 39.
Mary Claire: Okay, he got up rebuked the wind and said to the waves quiet be still then the wind died down and it was completely calm Yeah, when he speaks things happen, yeah, sometimes we see you know hear something and we're like could it This or that I mean, you know, but God's voice is authoritative if he speaks it happens which goes along
Hillary: So his voice is authoritative. When he speaks, things happen. Sometimes we see, you know, hear something and we're like, could it be this or that? I mean, you know, but God's voice is authoritative. If he speaks, it happens, which goes along ⁓ with
Mary Claire: with.
Hillary: something that I wanted to share with us in Joshua 2145.
Mary Claire: something that I'm going to share with us in Joshua 2145. under one of this in the Bible because I want to remind myself again and again not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled.
Hillary: I underlined this in my Bible because I want to remind myself again and again, not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled. Everything he had spoken came true. He's a promise keeper.
Mary Claire: Everything he had spoken came true. ⁓ my gosh. He's a promise keeper. Yes, and I love that it talks about the story of Joshua. In my youth Sunday school class, we're just going through the Bible and we've been in the Old Testament and we talk about how God does keep all his promises, but it doesn't always look exactly how we thought. Just like we said last time, that Moses never actually got to step foot in the promised land. That's right. So it's authoritative and it's true.
Hillary: keep Yeah. That's right. That's right. So it's authoritative and it's true the way God speaks to us. Second, it's scriptural. Second Timothy chapter 3 verses 16 and 17.
Mary Claire: Yes. Second, it's scriptural. Second Timothy chapter three verses 16 and 17. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
Hillary: All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. Oh, I included that. That last part was 17. it's his word, what he speaks to us will always align with scripture because that's how he teaches us. That's how he grows us.
Mary Claire: It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. Oh, I included that. That last part was 17. it's his word, what he speaks to us will always align with scripture. Because that's how he teaches us. That's how he grows us. So he'll never tell us something.
Hillary: So he'll never tell us something that's not in line with scripture. So that's one way to detect a lie, to know that God will all... If you can't find it in scripture, then it's not truth. It's not from God. ⁓
Mary Claire: That's not in line with scripture, right? So that's one way to detect a lie to know that God will all if you can't find it in in scripture, then it's It's not true. It's not from God Yeah, and don't you think it's fair to say I mean in the time that we're in I mean we're so lucky to have like Google and AI at our fingertips and I don't want to get into a whole thing I know some people are like anti AI but I mean if you're using it for good and like looking up what does scripture say about this I mean don't you think that's a fair tool to use if you have a question
Hillary: AI at our fingertips and I don't want to get into a whole thing. Some people are like anti-AI, but I mean if you're using it for good and like looking up what does scripture say about this? Don't you think that's a fair tool to use if you have a question? I do. I think it's a good place to start and then we can pull that up and see it in his word and ask him for ourselves. Right. That's the thing. God wants to reveal
Mary Claire: see it in his word, and ask him for ourselves. That's the thing, God wants to reveal, know me reading Second Chronicles this morning before we have this conversation.
Hillary: You know, me reading Second Chronicles this morning before we had this conversation, he pointed that verse out to me that this is biblical, that this is scriptural, that this is what he wants for us, for us to remove evil things, things that hurt us, and replace it with more of him. I think you brought up a good point too, like if we are, you know, Googling what does the Bible say about blah, blah, actually pull...
Mary Claire: He pointed that verse out to me. Yeah. This is biblical. This is scriptural. This is what he wants for us to remove evil things, things that hurt us. Yeah. think you brought up a good point to like if we are, you know, Googling what does the Bible say about blah, blah, actually pull it up to follow through because like just a minute ago when you had me read that verse, I wanted some context and we need the context to and brother Jay told me a story about this
Hillary: pull it up. And brother J told me a story about the Secret Service that I loved. I could have just believed it at face value, but I wanted to know for myself that firsthand knowledge. So it's the same with Google. Google might tell me this versus or this is true, but I want to see it for myself.
Mary Claire: Secret Service that I love. I could have just believed it at face value, but I wanted to know for myself. Right. knowledge. So it's the same with Google. Google might tell me this versus or this is true, but I want to see it for myself. Yeah. And I don't want to get too off track either, but our pastor ⁓ at Central has been encouraging us to reread it. Like read the same thing two or three times. And it's a living thing.
Hillary: Well and it's a living thing this this word of God. Something new yes absolutely yes asking him to guide you if we come in with preconceived notions it's hard to get past that but just
Mary Claire: this word of God. Yeah, because I mean as many times as I've read that story about the storm, like God will reveal something new when you read it again with an open heart I would say. Yeah, asking Him to guide you. If we come in with preconceived notions it's hard to get past that. I don't know if I've said this before but...
Hillary: I know if I've said this before, but before I read, I did the Bible recap for a while. And so I've taken part of that prayer that she starts and I apply it to me.
Mary Claire: And so I've taken part of that prayer that she starts and I apply it to me. ⁓
Hillary: in anything that I'm reading in scripture. I say God send your spirit to guide me through this reading of your scripture. I pray that you'll correct any lies I've believed or anything I've misunderstood. I pray that you'll reveal something new to me about your character and how I can better love and serve you and your people. And then I pray the thing that I know I've said, change in me what you must with this passage so that you can do with me what you will.
Mary Claire: Yeah to me about your character and how I can better love and serve you and your people. And then I pray the thing that I know I said, change to me what you must with this passage so that you can do with me what you will. So just open in our hearts and minds and asking God to help guide our thoughts as we read.
Hillary: So just opening our hearts and minds and asking God to help guide our thoughts as we read his word, it changes the way you see the scripture. Now I'm not telling you that every day I have a major revelation and it's awe-inspiring. That's not true. But that's not because of him. That's because of me. know, whatever I bring into that time. But I say the prayer and then I have to be consistent and I have to, you know, keep showing up.
Mary Claire: his word. Yeah. It changes the way you see the scripture. Now I'm not telling you that every day I have a major revelation and it's sure. Yeah. Inspiring. That's not true. But that's not because of him. That's because of me. You know, whatever I bring into that time. I say the prayer and then I have to be consistent and I have to keep showing up. Yeah. All right. So we've done authoritative scriptural. third way we know.
Hillary: Alright, so we've done authoritative, scriptural, the third way we know it's God's voice is if it's holy. James 1, 13.
Mary Claire: God's voice as if it's holy. James 1. I love James.
Hillary: James chapter 1. I say I love James it hurts my feelings a Preach.
Mary Claire: I say I love James, it hurts my feelings a lot. I need my Bible with the tabs. It's taking me forever to get there. Go ahead and read it. I'm listening. Yeah. And remember when you were being tempted, do not say God is tempting me. God is never tempted to do wrong and he never tempts anyone else. Yes. So Mike had this really good illustration of holy. Holy we think of something high.
Hillary: I need my Bible with the tab. ⁓ yeah, that's what I have. It's taking me forever to get there. ⁓ you me to go ahead and it? Okay, and remember when you are being tempted, do not say, God is tempting me. God is never tempted to do wrong and he never tempts anyone else. So, Mike gave this really good illustration of holy. Holy, we think of something high and righteous and unattainable, you know, when you hear that word holy. But holy means set apart, different, consecrated for God's purpose. So that's what this passage is telling me. God will speak holy things to me and he won't tempt me. He won't say, well, what if? I mean, he is not tempted.
Mary Claire: Righteous and unattainable, know when you hear that word holy. Yeah, but holy means set apart Consecrated for God's purpose. So that's what this passage is telling me God will speak holy things to me and he won't tempt me. He won't yeah. Well, what if right? mean he is not tempted He's his power lives within me
Hillary: his power lives within me, he doesn't want to send me down a what-if trail. So what he speaks to me will always be holy. right, I'm moving on to number four. His words to us are inspiring. First Corinthians.
Mary Claire: want to send me down a what if trail. Right. So what he speaks to me will always be holy. Right. He allows testing. He does not tempt. That's just from the enemy. Right? Yeah. Okay. Alright. I'm moving on to number four. His words to us are inspiring. First Corinthians.
Hillary: Chapter 2.
Mary Claire: Chapter Two.
Hillary: versus nine through 12.
Mary Claire: verses nine through 12. First Corinthians chapter two, verses nine through 12.
Hillary: 1 Corinthians chapter 2 verses 9 through 12. ⁓
Mary Claire: Do you want me to read this one? I got here in time. I'm so proud. However, as it is written, what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard and what no human mind has conceived, the things God has prepared for those who love him. These are the things God has revealed to us by his spirit. The spirit searches all things, even in the deep, I'm sorry, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them. In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God.
Hillary: As it is written, what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived, the things God has prepared for those who love Him. These are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even in the deep, I'm sorry, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God so that we may understand what God has freely given us. All right, Hillary, I just want to point out to you, sometimes we read scripture and it goes completely over our heads and that does not mean that the Bible is not for
Mary Claire: accept the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us." All right, Hillary, I just want to point out to you, sometimes we read scripture and it goes completely over our heads and that does not mean that the Bible is not for you, okay? Read it as many times as you need. Ask for help. So I'm going to ask you for help for someone who's just hearing that, like, can you kind of summarize what does that say?
Hillary: no. ⁓ Yes, okay so remember this is saying that God will speak to us and he will be inspiring. So my, have, is yours ESV, your translation? NIV and I have NLT. I think the reason she used this passage is because it says
Mary Claire: Okay, so remember this is saying that God will speak to us and he will be inspiring so mine I have This is an IV in IV and I have an LT I think the reason she used this passage is because it says This makes me, this gets me fired up. The same spirit that lives within you, the same spirit that Rose Jeeze from the, it's me talking, because I get fit to have an excited about it. The same spirit that Rose Jeeze from the dead lives in you.
Hillary: This like gets me fired up. The same spirit that lives within you, the same spirit that rose Jesus from the, it's me tapping, because I get foot tapping excited about this. The same spirit that rose Jesus from the dead lives in you. And what it's saying is as we read his scripture, as we read his word, as he speaks to us, he opens our eyes so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. He opens our eyes, he opens our ears, he opens our hearts to receive these wonderful things. That is inspiring that the God who made
Mary Claire: And what it's saying is as we read his scripture, as we read his word, as he speaks to us, he opens our eyes so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. He opens our eyes, he opens our hearts so we're seeing these wonderful things. That is inspiring that the God who made all this, this creation, the mountains and the depths of this oceans and the galaxy, said I need a miracle.
Hillary: all this, this creation, the mountains and the depths of this oceans and the galaxies said I need a Mary Claire. I need you. Gosh, that just that's inspiring. I want to live for him because he does all this for he did all that but he he does this for me.
Mary Claire: ⁓ That's Yeah He does all this for, he did all that, but he does this for me. ⁓ He knows our deepest thoughts, he knows our deepest desires. ⁓
Hillary: ⁓ He knows our deepest thoughts. He knows our deepest desires. ⁓ but he gives us his spirit. makes his home with us and encourages us, pushes us on. That's what that says to me. We cannot imagine his infinite goodness, greatness. But I guess the word that comes to mind is awe. When you just sit in awe.
Mary Claire: But he gives us his spirit. He makes his own with us. Yeah. And encourages us. Right. Pushes us on. That's what that says to me. We cannot imagine his infinite goodness. Yeah. But I guess the word that comes from him is awe. Yeah. When you just sit in awe.
Hillary: We call things awesome all the time. ⁓ that's awesome. know, but God is truly awe inspiring to think about all that he's made, all that he's done. And yet he speaks a word to us. When we have thoughts or... ⁓
Mary Claire: call things awesome all the time. ⁓ that's awesome. But God is truly awe inspiring. To think about all that he's made, all that he's done. And yet he speaks a word to us. When we have thoughts or... ⁓
Hillary: things that we hear or think, we can know if it's deflating or inspiring. God won't deflate us. When you talked about goodness and inspiration, so we're sitting here in my backyard and I joked around that it's like the Discovery Channel before we started recording. Like there's literally two squirrels on this tree right now. see geese all the time. It's beautiful.
Mary Claire: things that we hear or think, we can know if it's deflating or inspiring. God won't deflate us. When you talked about his goodness and inspiration. So we're sitting here in my backyard and I joked around that it's like the Discovery Channel before we started recording. Like there's literally two squirrels on this tree right now. We see geese all the time and occasional snake, things like that. It is beautiful. But you told me this story beforehand because, you know, someone who's in my shoes and, know, they're mostly like a stay at home mom. And they kind of think like,
Hillary: beautiful but you told me this story beforehand because you know someone who's in my shoes and you know they're mostly like a stay at home mom and they kind of think like gosh I don't know about inspiring like
Mary Claire: Gosh, I don't know about inspiring. Like my life is so mundane. Do you mind quickly sharing that story you told me about when you were in Florida in your backyard? We had a view a lot like this. It big glass sliding doors. ⁓
Hillary: is so mundane. Do you mind sharing that story you told me about when you were in Florida? Yeah, we had a view a lot like this. It was big glass sliding doors and I didn't have panels on them or anything so I was just looking out at the pond and I loved it. It was my favorite place to sit. Well, one particular day I was feeling pretty stuck in the mundane. had a kid.
Mary Claire: or anything so it's just... Well, one particular day I was feeling pretty stuck in the mundane. had a big day planned for, I'm an occupational therapist, and so I was going into schools and I had a lot to do and I just woke up to a sick kid with a fever. Couldn't send them, my husband had already left for the day, so there wasn't any like, hey, come back home. I've got things to do. So I called the schools and told them I couldn't come in and I was just feeling like, ugh.
Hillary: I had a big day planned for, I'm an occupational therapist and so I was going into schools and I had a lot to do ⁓ and I just woke up to a sick kid with a fever, couldn't send them, my husband had already left for the day so there wasn't any like, hey come back home, I've got things to do. So I called the schools and told them I couldn't come in and I was just feeling like, ugh, I'm just at the wheel of the children, what they need I have to provide. ⁓
Mary Claire: I'm just at the wheel of the children. What they need I have to provide. And I'm just here. I'm invisible. I'm just sitting on my couch. So I sat down on the couch. I'm sure they were watching cartoons.
Hillary: and I'm just here and I don't even know, I'm invisible. I'm just sitting on my couch. So I sat down on the couch, I'm sure they were watching cartoons and I was cuddling, which looking back, I don't get that anymore, nearly as much. I know. ⁓ But I was just feeling sorry for myself, I guess. And I looked out over the lake, over the little ponds in our backyard and two eagles soared over and I...
Mary Claire: I can't think about that. And I looked out over the lake, over the little ponds in our backyard, and two eagles soared over. I just immediately, the Isaiah passage, where they will soar on wings like eagles. I'm like, I just have chills thinking about it because I God sees me. I just had this thought that I'm invisible.
Hillary: just immediately, the Isaiah passage where they will soar on wings like eagles and I'm like, I just have chills thinking about it because I thought, sees me. I just had this thought that I'm invisible, that I'm just stuck doing these mundane things and taking the day off, my plans don't matter. Well, in actuality, my plans don't matter because God sees me and He's using me for His plans and His ways are far better. I mean, He...
Mary Claire: I'm just stuck doing these mundane things and taking the day off my plans don't matter well In actuality my plans don't matter He's using me for his plans and his ways are far better I mean he I never saw eagles again there. Was that one day? Yeah, and they're pretty territorial like they stay within a certain and they make for life so it was two eagles ⁓ that soared over my pond
Hillary: I never saw eagles again there. It was that one day. And they're pretty territorial. They stay within a certain, and they make for life. So was two eagles that soared over my pond. And I thought, God sent them to show me that He hears me, He sees me, and He will be glorified in my life. So these mundane things matter.
Mary Claire: to show me that He hears me, He sees me, and He will be glorified in my life. So these mundane things matter. Yes, and that just made me think about, you talked about Him being inspiring, that He met you in that mundane moment with that little bit of inspiration, you know? That's true. And you talked about His goodness to, ⁓
Hillary: inspiring yes in that mundane moment with That's true. ⁓ He really does. I know. Well, and it's easy to think that he's some big guy in the sky and he doesn't see the details of our life, but that's just what he wants us to know. And that's just why he speaks to us. ⁓ Because he wants us to know that he's authoritative, scriptural, holy, inspiring.
Mary Claire: Man, he just cares a lot about us. He really does. I will never get over it. Well, and it's easy to think that he's somebody to go in the sky and he doesn't see the details of our life, but that's just what he wants us to know. Yeah. And that's just why he speaks to us. Because he wants us to know that he's authoritative, scriptural, holy, inspiring. to us, for us, for our purpose of knowing Him better. The fact that He wants that just... I know. And if I'm being completely honest, I think I have trouble believing that sometimes. And so I think it's okay if you have to start your day saying like, God, help me believe your promises. Well, heal my unbelief. Yes, help my unbelief.
Hillary: to us for us for our purpose of knowing him better yeah the fact that he wants that just it's incredible i know and i if i'm being completely honest i think i have trouble believing that sometimes and so i think it's okay if you have to start your day saying like god help me Well, heal my unbelief. God, I believe. Heal my unbelief. Because we can believe in something and still have doubts. And if we bring our doubts to Him, that was the most liberating thing I can say. God, don't know. You know, I don't know. Help me.
Mary Claire: Yep. Because we can believe in something and still have doubts. ⁓ yeah. And if we bring our doubts to him, that was the most liberating thing I can say. God, I don't know. Mm-hmm. You know?
Hillary: Help me to rest in you. And we're going to talk about this later, but Proverbs 35, trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. mean, I have to keep going back to that. It applies in all situations. I just have to trust the Lord, lean not on my own understanding. My thoughts are so...
Mary Claire: to rest in you and we're going talk about this later but Proverbs 35, trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. Yes. I mean I have to keep going back to that it applies in all situations. ⁓
Hillary: honey compared to his great vast knowledge. So what I know about the world is really about me. ⁓
Mary Claire: compared to his great vast knowledge. Yeah. Yeah, and it's weird. You would think it would be like this. I'm not going to try to use a math term about a bar graph, ⁓ you would think it would think correlating. Yes, you would think it would be this correlation of the more you know God, like the more confident you are in your thoughts. But I feel like and maybe this is just me, but the more I get to know God, I feel like the less I know. Like I look back at 10 years ago and, know, I thought
Hillary: think it would be this correlation of the more and maybe this is just me, but the more I get to know God. ⁓ yes.
Mary Claire: I knew all this stuff and ⁓ my gosh, I did not. But I would say along with that, like a qualifier is the more you learn to trust him. Yeah. The more you know him.
Hillary: But I would say along with that, like a qualifier, is the more you learn to trust him. The more you know him, the more you... No, you don't know, but the more you grow in trust.
Mary Claire: Right. No, you don't know, but the girls trust. And the less I, I don't want to say the less I trust myself. mean, you know, there's such a thing as holy confidence, but it's like the more I recognize him and I do not have it all figured out. Oh my goodness. All right. So we've got authoritative, scriptural, holy, inspiring. Number five is calm.
Hillary: It's like the more I recognize that I don't have it all figured out. All right, so we've got authoritative, scriptural, holy, inspiring. Number five is calm. See, I had a blog post for a while Mike and I were working on right before COVID shutdown. And then everybody was talking. So I just stepped away and got more into the word. And that really grew our family and our wall with Christ. It was called carried in chaos. I remember that. You do? I do. When Mike and I were working together in school, would share. It was so good. Yeah. So the chaos of this earth is not how God operates. First Kings 19. All right, we're going to Old Testament, y'all. I like bouncing around.
Mary Claire: I remember that. I do. When Mike and I were working together at the high school, he would share. It was so good. Bible no, we're talking about Elijah. I'm gonna set the scene ⁓ Elijah was a prophet of the Lord. He was greatly used for Lord right before 19 Elijah praise for rain and it rains. ⁓ yeah ⁓
Hillary: okay, we're talking about Elijah I'm gonna set the scene Elijah was a prophet of the Lord. He was greatly used for Lord right before 19 Elijah praise for rain and it rains So he's like a mighty Powerhouse for the Lord, but then he's pretty sure Jezebel is gonna kill him. So he runs
Mary Claire: powerhouse for the Lord, but then he's pretty sure Jezebel is going to kill him. So he runs. And finally, the Lord said, ⁓
Hillary: And finally, the Lord said, ⁓ He found a little cave to hide in and God sent food and take a nap. How many times do we need to just eat something? A snack and a nap will go a long way. So right after this, he ate. The angel of Lord came again, touched him and said, get up and eat some more. So there he came to a cave where he spent the night. Okay, so then that's verse nine. But the Lord said to him,
Mary Claire: Yes! snack and a nap. ⁓ So then that's verse nine. But the Lord said to him, what are you doing here, Elijah? Yeah, I mean, Elijah replied, I have personally served the Lord God Almighty, but the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left and now they are trying to kill me too. And he is just struggling. Go out and stand before me on the mountain, the Lord told
Hillary: What are you doing here, Elijah? Yeah, I mean, yes. Elijah replied, I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty, but the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left. And now they're trying to kill me too. I mean, he is just struggling. Go out and stand before me on the mountain. The Lord told him, and this is where it gets serious. This is how we're going to see the calm.
Mary Claire: And this is where it gets serious. This is how we're going to see the calm. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by him and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, was a fire, ⁓ the Lord was not in the fire.
Hillary: And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by him and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was a sound of a gentle whisper.
Mary Claire: And after the fire, there was a sound of a gentle whisper. ⁓ When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. That gentle whisper was where the Lord was. That's amazing. Some versions say still small voice. yeah. gentle whisper, still small voice. But.
Hillary: When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. That gentle whisper was where the Lord was. Some versions say still small voice. Gentle whisper, still small voice. But these mighty acts, we know that God's authoritative. He speaks and things listen. So it could have been the wind. It could have been the earthquake. It could have been the fire. Moses...
Mary Claire: these mighty acts. know that God's authoritative. He speaks and things listen. So it could have been the wind. It could have been the earthquake. It could have been the fire. Moses encountered God with a burning bush. But in this instance, we see that God used that steel swan voice. He knew what Elijah needed. He was calm.
Hillary: Encountered God with a burning bush, but in this instance we say that God Used that still small voice. He knew what Elijah needed He was calm in the way that he spoke to him see chaos is often chaotic right like just hurried and busied and ⁓ Frantic is the word that comes to mind
Mary Claire: in the way that he spoke to him. See, chaos is often chaotic, right? Yeah. hurried and busy and... ⁓ Frantic is the word that comes to mind Yeah, but God doesn't speak to us in that way. I mean how many times have I thought you gotta go? Hurry hurry go do this do this do this do this?
Hillary: God doesn't speak to us in that way. I mean, how many times have I thought, you've to go, go, hurry, hurry, go, do this, do this, do this, do that. God's not asking me to do that. He's not talking to me that way. That's either myself or the counterfeit. Yeah. I'm trying to think, is there any story of Jesus's time on earth?
Mary Claire: Yeah. He's not talking to me that way. That's either myself. Yeah, I'm trying to think. Is there any story of Jesus's time on earth, like when he was in a hurry?
Hillary: I think we see the opposite, where he takes an extra day before he goes and raises Lazarus, where he stops along the way and wants to know who touched the hem of his garment, and it was the woman with the issue of bleeding. I mean, he was interruptible. He had a destination in mind, but it was what was along the journey that he was most concerned with, because he's relational, and we're gonna get to that too.
Mary Claire: think we see the opposite, where he takes an extra day before he goes and raises his lives or S, where he stops along the way and wants to know who touched the hem of his garment. It was the woman with the issue of bleeding. I mean, he was interruptible. He had a destination in mind, but it was what was along the journey. that he was most concerned with because he's relational. we're going get to that too. Yeah. I remember Mr. Pat and Miss Joyce Ashley said something like that in Sunday school. And I don't know the exact quote, but it's something like, and love don't exist in the same space or hurry. Well, and I'm talking on that one, Michael, for a little bit. I'm still, I'm a work in progress on that, let me tell you. And I've grown so much and-
Hillary: something like that in Sunday school and I don't know the exact quote but it's something like hurry and love don't exist in the same space. Well and I wish I had known that when my kids were little because I'm well and I've grown so much and with five kids that was a lot of time to cover but I remember when Jason Milo were little I'm like hurry we got to go come on let's do it I'll just do it for you because we got to go.
Mary Claire: ⁓ Yeah. ⁓ Right.
Hillary: And honestly, this is one of those things in parenting where I wish, I know God can redeem and fix, but I see in them that hurry. It's gotta be done this way. It's gotta... you know, we gotta do this quick, come on, what are you waiting on? You know, I see that in them and I see them talking to themselves that way. Why am I not here yet? Why am not where I should be? I've gotta hurry, I'm missing out on something. And I sowed those seeds. I know that God is good and he's faithful and he's also done a lot of beautiful things.
Mary Claire: You know, I see that in them and I see them talking to themselves that way. Why am I not here yet? Why am not where I should be? I've got to hurry. I'm missing out on something. And I sowed those seeds. I know that God is good and he's faithful and he's also done a lot of beautiful
Hillary: and he'll keep doing those beautiful things. But that's one area where I wish that I had slowed down more. Huh, that is speaking to me right now. And it's making me sad to see you getting emotional because you, like you said, there are so many good seeds too. Like I said before.
Mary Claire: He'll keep doing those beautiful things, but that's one area where I wish that I had slowed down more. Huh, that is speaking to me right now. And it's making me sad to see you getting emotional because you, like you said, there are so many good seeds too. And like I said before, motherhood is one giant guilt trip. So here you go, even sweet Hillary.
Hillary: Motherhood is one giant guilt trip. So here you go, even sweet Hillary is, you know, feeling the Yeah, yeah. ⁓ well, my husband says that, that I experience mom guilt. Like he can't even wrap his head around what I'm.
Mary Claire: is you know feeling the mom guilt sometimes. have no clue. Yeah.
Hillary: I'm feeling but that has been something, no, that has been something that he has been able to speak truth into me like God's not talking to you like that. I'm not talking to you like that. You are a wonderful mom. You have done great things for us. We wouldn't still be staying and you know and if you need that reminder today, if you're listening and you're a mama, you're doing a good job. The fact that you're seeking Jesus and you're listening to a
Mary Claire: If you need that reminder today, if you're listening and you're a mama, you're doing a good job. The fact that you're seeking Jesus and you're listening to a podcast to tell you how to request the love of the evening, you're a good mama. Those kids are where they are because you've poured into them and you have loved them with all the love in your heart that God has given you and you're exactly the mama that they
Hillary: podcast to tell you how to replace the lives of the enemy, you're a good mama. Those kids are where they are because you've poured into them and you have loved them with all the love in your heart that God has given you and and you're exactly the mama that they need. Yes. Alright so now I want you, when you go back and listen to this, I want you to remember that you're saying that to yourself too. That's right. I thought about this too when you were talking about hurry so like when we're trying to discern God's voice.
Mary Claire: Yes. All right. So now I want you when you go back and listen to this, I want you to remember that you're saying that to yourself too. Okay. I thought about this too, when you were talking about hurry. So like when we're trying to discern God's voice, I would imagine too that there's someone who's listening to this, who's like on the cusp of a big decision that they're praying about. And I look back at my life and I think about so many decisions that I prayed about that I felt like I had to do something right away. And so do you think it's fair?
Hillary: imagine too that there's someone who's listening to this who's like on the cusp of a big decision that they're praying. Move on it, move on it, yes.
Mary Claire: to say that if God is a God of calm that he's not saying we need to do something right away. He's not ever going to say hurry. And even in things that I thought he was calling me to and it's confusing because Mike just sent me a passage yesterday and ⁓ it was when the fishermen were called by Jesus and they're there mending their nets and he says hey come follow me and I'll make a fisherman million or whatever that passage is.
Hillary: that he's not saying we need to do something. He's not ever going to say hurry. And even in things that I thought he was calling me to. And it's confusing because Mike just sent me a passage yesterday and ⁓ it was when the fishermen were called by Jesus and they're there mending their nets and he says, hey, come follow me and I'll make you fish around me and whatever that passage is. And it says immediately. Yeah.
Mary Claire: And it says immediately. Yeah. But they hurt him first. Clearly. Right. Now we have a difference. He's not walking up to this pile of people and saying, hey, come here, Claire. Yeah. Come.
Hillary: But they heard him first, clearly. Now we have a difference. He's not walking up to this pond right here and saying, Hey, Mary Claire, come, come follow me. But we have the opportunity to sit and listen to him and he will, it might not be an audible voice, but when he speaks to you, you will know it was calm and then act on it. If you are 100 % certain, but if not,
Mary Claire: Sit and listen to him and he will it might not be an audible voice, but when he speaks to you, you will know Right and then act on it if you are 100 % certain, but if not He's patient. He's not gonna rush you right? Mm-hmm ⁓
Hillary: He's patient. He's not going to rush you. You know, can, the world will rush you. ⁓ And that's not even necessarily the enemy. It's just the way that our world works. You know, it's fast paced. Decisions have to be made. ⁓ But God will intervene and open and close doors to help us step into what He wants for us. And it'll be calm.
Mary Claire: You know, it's fast-paced. Decisions have to be made. But God will intervene and open and close doors. Yeah. To help us step into what He wants for us. And it'll be calm. Mm-hmm. Yeah. So I think there's no harm in saying, you know, if you're on the cusp of that big decision, I need to pray about this a little longer. Another day, another week, whatever it may be. And ask other people to pray with you. Yeah. Because you might...
Hillary: So I think there's no harm in saying, you know, if you're on the cus- Yes. That's right and ask other people to pray with you. Yeah. Because you might get an answer through one of God's. instruments, know, one of his people. I know already we're going to have to break this episode, this discussion into multiple parts, because it's going be too long for one part. So don't want to get us too off track, but can we talk about the audible voice of God for a moment? Yeah. So I think some people like myself might struggle sometimes, and I read recently that they're in the Bible.
Mary Claire: instruments. You know, one of his people. I know already we're gonna have to break this episode, this discussion into multiple parts probably because it's gonna be too long for one part. So I don't want to get us too off track but can we talk about the audible voice of God for a moment? So I some people like myself might struggle sometimes. And I read recently that they're in the Bible. I don't remember where it was, but it talked about and God was silent for many years.
Hillary: but it talked about and God was silent for many years. And so I think maybe some people who have doubts about hearing him think it's because I've never actually like audibly heard him and I'm one of those people. And then I know some people who say, I've heard God's audible voice twice or some people hear it all the time.
Mary Claire: And so I think maybe some people who have doubts about hearing him think it's because I've never actually like audibly heard him and I'm one of those people and then I know some people who say well I've heard God's audible voice twice or some people hear it all the time. Can I ask you is that too personal a question? I have never heard that. You've never heard it? Okay. No the first time that I knew that it was God speaking to me I was getting up on my
Hillary: Can I ask you, is that too No, I have never heard the audible voice of God. No, the first time that I knew that it was God speaking to me, I was getting a bone marrow biopsy in Jacksonville. I was diagnosed with leukemia, but I was laying there and we knew something was going on and I had to get a bone marrow biopsy. Well, it's a sterile environment. It's a painful procedure and I didn't even like...
Mary Claire: Well, I was diagnosed with leukemia. But I was laying there. We knew something was going on. I had to get a home nerve opsy. Well, it's a sterile environment. It's a painful procedure. And I didn't even know needles were doing. I didn't go to the doctor very often. Anyway, I'm laying on the table. I was face down. Nobody could be in the room with me because it was a sterile environment. I'm prepped and just waiting on the doctor. And I feel the most vulnerable and terrified that I had.
Hillary: Needles like don't I didn't go to the doctor very often it anyway. I'm laying on the table I was face down Nobody could be in the room with me because it was a sterile environment I'm prepped and just waiting on the doctor and I feel the most vulnerable and Terrified that I had in my entire life the emotional weight of what if some what you know, what if I die but also like I'm alone. I don't know and I just
Mary Claire: Yeah. The emotional weight of what is, you know, what had happened. Right.
Hillary: prayed, God, I need you, please. And I felt him wrap his arms around me. And just, it wasn't a voice, but I just knew that he was there. And it's like he answered my prayer with his presence, not words. So that was that was, and I did hear, ⁓ not audibly.
Mary Claire: I God, I need you, please. And I felt him wrap his arms around me. It wasn't a voice, but I just knew that he was there. And it's like he answered my prayer with his presence, not words. And I did hear...
Hillary: with that same situation. I had been praying and like, God, I love my husband and my kids and what are they gonna do without me? I have a five month old and I heard not audibly again, but in that still small whisper ⁓ of thought, really, even if, even if the worst thing happens, I love them and I've got them taken care of. Will you trust me?
Mary Claire: with that same situation, I had been praying. Yeah Yeah.
Hillary: And he didn't say it out loud. It wasn't like, I've always wanted to hear the big booming voice of God. And I haven't, but I think I have to get, if I heard the big booming voice, I would have a tendency to not ever be quiet, to sit and listen in stillness because I would expect that. You know, I've often told people, I want a billboard.
Mary Claire: If I heard the big boom in voice, would have a tendency to not ever be quiet. To sit and listen and stillness. Because I would expect that. I often tell people, I'm on a billboard. If God could just say, Hillary, pay attention. I have something for you. ⁓ But those big things aren't the way he wants to relate to us because like you've already said, he is so relational.
Hillary: If God could just say, Hillary, pay attention. I have something for you. ⁓ But those big things aren't the way he wants to relate to us because like you've already said, he is so relational.
Mary Claire: And I've felt his embrace before too. ⁓ For me it was like a handhold. I was just praying. I don't even remember what it was, but I was sobbing. I was really upset about something and I was like, God, I need you right now. And with my hands held out, I felt like he held my hand. And so...
Hillary: Have you? ⁓
Mary Claire: Yeah, but for someone who's listening to this though, if you have never heard his audible voice, that doesn't mean there's something wrong with you. Okay. If you've never felt his physical embrace, you know, he speaks to us in different ways, just like you said. And if you did hear the audible voice, it would change things. not, right. Yeah.
Hillary: Not disqualified, Different ways. Yeah, because we're all so different but he knows our hearts and he knows what we need to best encounter him. Not the flashy thing. He's not a salesman.
Mary Claire: The flashy thing, he's not a salesman. Not the thing that's like, ⁓ this is so amazing, I can't not believe, or I can't not hear. He wants it to be in that quiet, tiny moment. You know, if he had presented himself to Elijah in the fire, or in there.
Hillary: not the thing that's like, ⁓ this is so amazing, I can't not believe or I can't not hear. He wants it to be in that quiet, tiny moment. You know, if he had presented himself to Elijah in the fire or in the earthquake or in the wind, obviously we would believe it because he's so authoritative and powerful. But he chose to reveal himself in that gentle whisper.
Mary Claire: Sorry. We would believe it because he's so authoritative. Yeah. Powerful. But he chose to reveal himself in that gentle whisper. Yeah. So that we know that it's So that we have to, we have to listen and sit.
Hillary: so that we know that it's him. So that we have to listen and sit. to hear it.
Mary Claire: Yeah, I love it.