How Can I Hear From God? | Andy Wood

It's so good to be together, church It's so good to be together, church family. This is a great weekend. We're family. This is a great weekend. We're family. This is a great weekend. We're starting a brand new message series starting a brand new message series starting a brand new message series called Hey God. And we're also called Hey God. And we're also called Hey God. And we're also celebrating some of the amazing things celebrating some of the amazing things celebrating some of the amazing things that God is doing in and through our that God is doing in and through our that God is doing in and through our church. And I would like for you to know church. And I would like for you to know church. And I would like for you to know on Sunday, October 26, we'll be on Sunday, October 26, we'll be on Sunday, October 26, we'll be launching a brand new campus in Devow, launching a brand new campus in Devow, launching a brand new campus in Devow, Philippines. And this campus, this Philippines. And this campus, this Philippines. And this campus, this campus has been already meeting in a campus has been already meeting in a campus has been already meeting in a launch team. They've been praying and launch team. They've been praying and launch team. They've been praying and preparing. They've actually been sent preparing. They've actually been sent preparing. They've actually been sent out from the Santa Rosa campus just out from the Santa Rosa campus just out from the Santa Rosa campus just outside of Manila. Uh there are about outside of Manila. Uh there are about outside of Manila. Uh there are about 200 people already serving. Uh our 200 people already serving. Uh our 200 people already serving. Uh our leader Joran and his wife Nicole, our leader Joran and his wife Nicole, our leader Joran and his wife Nicole, our campus pastors are doing a great job. campus pastors are doing a great job. campus pastors are doing a great job. You can see some pictures there. I want You can see some pictures there. I want You can see some pictures there. I want to encourage you to be praying for them to encourage you to be praying for them to encourage you to be praying for them in their launch. And then I want to lock in their launch. And then I want to lock in their launch. And then I want to lock eyes if you are today at our brand new eyes if you are today at our brand new eyes if you are today at our brand new DevOp campus. We want you to know how DevOp campus. We want you to know how DevOp campus. We want you to know how much we love you from your bigger much we love you from your bigger much we love you from your bigger Saddleback family. Welcome to the Saddleback family. Welcome to the Saddleback family. Welcome to the family. We're praying that God uses you. family. We're praying that God uses you. family. We're praying that God uses you. who were so excited about what's going who were so excited about what's going who were so excited about what's going to happen today.

to happen today. to happen today. Now, as we start this brand new series, Now, as we start this brand new series, Now, as we start this brand new series, we we collected thousands of questions we we collected thousands of questions we we collected thousands of questions and we said, "Hey, if we could ask God and we said, "Hey, if we could ask God and we said, "Hey, if we could ask God one question, if you could ask God one one question, if you could ask God one one question, if you could ask God one question, what would that question be?" question, what would that question be?" question, what would that question be?" And so, we took all those questions and And so, we took all those questions and And so, we took all those questions and kind of put it together. And I found it kind of put it together. And I found it kind of put it together. And I found it fascinating to see the questions that fascinating to see the questions that fascinating to see the questions that showed up at the top of the list. So, showed up at the top of the list. So, showed up at the top of the list. So, we've done this, I've done this before. we've done this, I've done this before. we've done this, I've done this before. This time was a little different because This time was a little different because This time was a little different because the number one question burning in the number one question burning in the number one question burning in people's hearts is how do I hear from people's hearts is how do I hear from people's hearts is how do I hear from God? How do I know the voice of God God? How do I know the voice of God God? How do I know the voice of God above every other voice? And what that above every other voice? And what that above every other voice? And what that it shows me is both from our church and it shows me is both from our church and it shows me is both from our church and the world at large. There is a hunger to the world at large. There is a hunger to the world at large. There is a hunger to know the heart of God right now. There know the heart of God right now. There know the heart of God right now. There is a desire to know who God is and what is a desire to know who God is and what is a desire to know who God is and what God is like. And this question of what God is like. And this question of what God is like. And this question of what does God's voice sound like? And how do does God's voice sound like? And how do does God's voice sound like? And how do I hear from him is one of the most I hear from him is one of the most I hear from him is one of the most important questions that we could ever important questions that we could ever important questions that we could ever ask. And what I love about God's voice ask. And what I love about God's voice ask. And what I love about God's voice and God speaking is that God speaks to and God speaking is that God speaks to and God speaking is that God speaks to everyone who's willing to listen. God everyone who's willing to listen. God everyone who's willing to listen. God wants to speak into your heart today.

wants to speak into your heart today. wants to speak into your heart today. Whether this is your first time in Whether this is your first time in Whether this is your first time in church or you've been coming for a very church or you've been coming for a very church or you've been coming for a very long time, today can be a day that you long time, today can be a day that you long time, today can be a day that you encounter the living God and you begin encounter the living God and you begin encounter the living God and you begin to cultivate this skill and the ability to cultivate this skill and the ability to cultivate this skill and the ability to hear the voice of God in your life. to hear the voice of God in your life. to hear the voice of God in your life. So that's the question we're going to So that's the question we're going to So that's the question we're going to talk about today. And I want to invite talk about today. And I want to invite talk about today. And I want to invite you, if you have your notes, there's a you, if you have your notes, there's a you, if you have your notes, there's a physical copy around you somewhere. physical copy around you somewhere. physical copy around you somewhere. They're also on your app. You can go They're also on your app. You can go They're also on your app. You can go ahead and pull your notes out. We're ahead and pull your notes out. We're ahead and pull your notes out. We're going to read through 1st Samuel chapter going to read through 1st Samuel chapter going to read through 1st Samuel chapter 3. And I love this story. This is a 3. And I love this story. This is a 3. And I love this story. This is a story of young Samuel. He shows up in story of young Samuel. He shows up in story of young Samuel. He shows up in this chapter serving Eli the priest. And this chapter serving Eli the priest. And this chapter serving Eli the priest. And we're going to learn from this passage we're going to learn from this passage we're going to learn from this passage how God speaks into the heart of a young how God speaks into the heart of a young how God speaks into the heart of a young man and how God wants to speak to us. man and how God wants to speak to us. man and how God wants to speak to us. 1st Samuel chapter 3 beginning in verse 1st Samuel chapter 3 beginning in verse 1st Samuel chapter 3 beginning in verse one, the scripture says, "The boy Samuel one, the scripture says, "The boy Samuel one, the scripture says, "The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli." ministered before the Lord under Eli." ministered before the Lord under Eli." Eli in those days uh e under Eli. In Eli in those days uh e under Eli. In Eli in those days uh e under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare those days the word of the Lord was rare those days the word of the Lord was rare and there were not many visions. So this and there were not many visions. So this and there were not many visions. So this is a season coming out of the book of is a season coming out of the book of is a season coming out of the book of Judges. In the book of Judges, the Judges. In the book of Judges, the Judges. In the book of Judges, the people of God had been disobedient. They people of God had been disobedient. They people of God had been disobedient. They had rebelled against him. They went had rebelled against him. They went had rebelled against him. They went through this cycle of rebellion and through this cycle of rebellion and through this cycle of rebellion and repentance, rebellion, and repentance.

repentance, rebellion, and repentance. repentance, rebellion, and repentance. And they were so disobedient before God And they were so disobedient before God And they were so disobedient before God that it says in this passage that the that it says in this passage that the that it says in this passage that the word of the Lord, the voice of God, word of the Lord, the voice of God, word of the Lord, the voice of God, wasn't heard very much. The visions that wasn't heard very much. The visions that wasn't heard very much. The visions that God would give to the people were not God would give to the people were not God would give to the people were not being experienced because of their being experienced because of their being experienced because of their disobedience to God. Well, at the disobedience to God. Well, at the disobedience to God. Well, at the beginning of the book of Samuel, there's beginning of the book of Samuel, there's beginning of the book of Samuel, there's a woman by the name of Hannah. And a woman by the name of Hannah. And a woman by the name of Hannah. And Hannah comes before the Lord, and she is Hannah comes before the Lord, and she is Hannah comes before the Lord, and she is crying out for a child. She had been crying out for a child. She had been crying out for a child. She had been barren. And as she's crying out for a barren. And as she's crying out for a barren. And as she's crying out for a child, she says, "Lord, if you give me a child, she says, "Lord, if you give me a child, she says, "Lord, if you give me a child, I will dedicate him to you. In child, I will dedicate him to you. In child, I will dedicate him to you. In his whole life, he will serve you." And his whole life, he will serve you." And his whole life, he will serve you." And so, the Lord answers that prayer and so, the Lord answers that prayer and so, the Lord answers that prayer and gives her Samuel. Now, Samuel is his gives her Samuel. Now, Samuel is his gives her Samuel. Now, Samuel is his name literally means one who's heard name literally means one who's heard name literally means one who's heard from God or one that God hears. So from God or one that God hears. So from God or one that God hears. So Samuel is now serving as a young boy Samuel is now serving as a young boy Samuel is now serving as a young boy under Eli at the temple. And visions under Eli at the temple. And visions under Eli at the temple. And visions from God at this point are rare. As the from God at this point are rare. As the from God at this point are rare. As the story continues, it says, "One night story continues, it says, "One night story continues, it says, "One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down that he could barely see, was lying down that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place, and the lamp of God in his usual place, and the lamp of God in his usual place, and the lamp of God had not yet gone out. And Samuel was had not yet gone out. And Samuel was had not yet gone out. And Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord lying down in the house of the Lord lying down in the house of the Lord where the ark of God was." So imagine where the ark of God was." So imagine where the ark of God was." So imagine for just a moment, those of you who are for just a moment, those of you who are for just a moment, those of you who are parents, you know the drill that you go parents, you know the drill that you go parents, you know the drill that you go through with your kids to get them to through with your kids to get them to through with your kids to get them to sleep at night, right? You brush the sleep at night, right? You brush the sleep at night, right? You brush the teeth, you read the book, you kind of go teeth, you read the book, you kind of go teeth, you read the book, you kind of go through the routine, pray, then they get through the routine, pray, then they get through the routine, pray, then they get back up and they want to snack, and then back up and they want to snack, and then back up and they want to snack, and then you brush the teeth again, and it just you brush the teeth again, and it just you brush the teeth again, and it just goes on and on and on. There's a cycle.

goes on and on and on. There's a cycle. goes on and on and on. There's a cycle. We're we're kind of out of that season We're we're kind of out of that season We're we're kind of out of that season as parents, but but you know that season as parents, but but you know that season as parents, but but you know that season if you have young kids. So Eli is if you have young kids. So Eli is if you have young kids. So Eli is raising a kid that is not his kid. So raising a kid that is not his kid. So raising a kid that is not his kid. So just imagine for just a moment, Eli's just imagine for just a moment, Eli's just imagine for just a moment, Eli's got Samuel. He's already gone through got Samuel. He's already gone through got Samuel. He's already gone through the nightly routine. Samuel's down in the nightly routine. Samuel's down in the nightly routine. Samuel's down in his bed and he's going to hear a voice his bed and he's going to hear a voice his bed and he's going to hear a voice and respond to that voice. And I want and respond to that voice. And I want and respond to that voice. And I want you to hear what happens when he does. you to hear what happens when he does. you to hear what happens when he does. It says, 'The Lord called Samuel. And It says, 'The Lord called Samuel. And It says, 'The Lord called Samuel. And Samuel answered, "Here I am." And he ran Samuel answered, "Here I am." And he ran Samuel answered, "Here I am." And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am. You called to Eli and said, "Here I am. You called to Eli and said, "Here I am. You called me." But Eli said, "I did not. I didn't me." But Eli said, "I did not. I didn't me." But Eli said, "I did not. I didn't call you. Actually, go back and lay call you. Actually, go back and lay call you. Actually, go back and lay down." So he went back and lay down. So down." So he went back and lay down. So down." So he went back and lay down. So he's kind of like, "What? Why are you he's kind of like, "What? Why are you he's kind of like, "What? Why are you messing with my sleep, kid? go back and messing with my sleep, kid? go back and messing with my sleep, kid? go back and lay down. And so Eli goes and lays or lay down. And so Eli goes and lays or lay down. And so Eli goes and lays or Samuel goes and lays back down. Now Samuel goes and lays back down. Now Samuel goes and lays back down. Now notice in this passage two things about notice in this passage two things about notice in this passage two things about Samuel. First of all, it says that he Samuel. First of all, it says that he Samuel. First of all, it says that he ran to Eli. So this this might be a ran to Eli. So this this might be a ran to Eli. So this this might be a character trait of a small kid, but I character trait of a small kid, but I character trait of a small kid, but I believe it's also a character trait of believe it's also a character trait of believe it's also a character trait of Samuel that Samuel is responsive to the Samuel that Samuel is responsive to the Samuel that Samuel is responsive to the voice. So he thinks the voice is coming voice. So he thinks the voice is coming voice. So he thinks the voice is coming from Eli. So he runs to Eli. Eli says, from Eli. So he runs to Eli. Eli says, from Eli. So he runs to Eli. Eli says, "Nope, it's not my voice. Go lay back "Nope, it's not my voice. Go lay back "Nope, it's not my voice. Go lay back down." So second time it says again the down." So second time it says again the down." So second time it says again the Lord called Samuel and Samuel got up and Lord called Samuel and Samuel got up and Lord called Samuel and Samuel got up and he went to Eli and he said here I am you he went to Eli and he said here I am you he went to Eli and he said here I am you called me. My son Eli said I did not called me. My son Eli said I did not called me. My son Eli said I did not call you. Go back and lay down. Go back call you. Go back and lay down. Go back call you. Go back and lay down. Go back to sleep. I'm trying to fall asleep to sleep. I'm trying to fall asleep to sleep. I'm trying to fall asleep myself here. Now Samuel at this point he myself here. Now Samuel at this point he myself here. Now Samuel at this point he did not know it was the voice of the

did not know it was the voice of the did not know it was the voice of the Lord. Notice that Samuel did not yet Lord. Notice that Samuel did not yet Lord. Notice that Samuel did not yet know the Lord for the word of the Lord know the Lord for the word of the Lord know the Lord for the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. So, he had not yet been revealed to him. So, he had not yet been revealed to him. So, he hears a voice, but he doesn't know where hears a voice, but he doesn't know where hears a voice, but he doesn't know where that voice is coming from. And this that voice is coming from. And this that voice is coming from. And this passage, what I love about how God passage, what I love about how God passage, what I love about how God describes through his word, the way that describes through his word, the way that describes through his word, the way that we hear from him is that hearing from we hear from him is that hearing from we hear from him is that hearing from God, it comes out of a heart condition, God, it comes out of a heart condition, God, it comes out of a heart condition, but it's also a skill that's developed. but it's also a skill that's developed. but it's also a skill that's developed. So, over the course of Samuel's life, So, over the course of Samuel's life, So, over the course of Samuel's life, he's actually going to become one who's he's actually going to become one who's he's actually going to become one who's known as a man that listens to God, that known as a man that listens to God, that known as a man that listens to God, that gets visions and dreams from God. He's gets visions and dreams from God. He's gets visions and dreams from God. He's the one that's going to get the vision the one that's going to get the vision the one that's going to get the vision for King David to be the king of the for King David to be the king of the for King David to be the king of the nation of Israel. So this man learns to nation of Israel. So this man learns to nation of Israel. So this man learns to hear from God, but at first he doesn't hear from God, but at first he doesn't hear from God, but at first he doesn't know the voice. So he comes to Eli. know the voice. So he comes to Eli. know the voice. So he comes to Eli. Second time, Eli says, "Go lay back Second time, Eli says, "Go lay back Second time, Eli says, "Go lay back down." And then finally, a third time down." And then finally, a third time down." And then finally, a third time the Lord called Samuel. And so Samuel the Lord called Samuel. And so Samuel the Lord called Samuel. And so Samuel got up and he went to Eli and said, got up and he went to Eli and said, got up and he went to Eli and said, "Here I am. You called me." And then Eli "Here I am. You called me." And then Eli "Here I am. You called me." And then Eli realized this time he started to put the realized this time he started to put the realized this time he started to put the connect the dots and put it all connect the dots and put it all connect the dots and put it all together. like this is not just a voice together. like this is not just a voice together. like this is not just a voice he's hearing. Actually, the Lord is he's hearing. Actually, the Lord is he's hearing. Actually, the Lord is calling young Samuel. So, it says, "Eli calling young Samuel. So, it says, "Eli calling young Samuel. So, it says, "Eli realized the Lord was calling the boy realized the Lord was calling the boy realized the Lord was calling the boy and so Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie and so Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie and so Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down. And if he calls you, say speak down. And if he calls you, say speak down. And if he calls you, say speak Lord, for your servant is listening."

Lord, for your servant is listening." Lord, for your servant is listening." Can we say that together? Speak Lord, Can we say that together? Speak Lord, Can we say that together? Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. So Samuel for your servant is listening. So Samuel for your servant is listening. So Samuel then went and laid down in his place. then went and laid down in his place. then went and laid down in his place. That line is very important because what That line is very important because what That line is very important because what Eli is doing is he's instructing Samuel Eli is doing is he's instructing Samuel Eli is doing is he's instructing Samuel to hear from God by responding. Speak to hear from God by responding. Speak to hear from God by responding. Speak Lord, your servant is listening. It's a Lord, your servant is listening. It's a Lord, your servant is listening. It's a great prayer. So it happens then that great prayer. So it happens then that great prayer. So it happens then that the Lord came and he stood there calling the Lord came and he stood there calling the Lord came and he stood there calling as at other times. Samuel, Samuel. And as at other times. Samuel, Samuel. And as at other times. Samuel, Samuel. And then Samuel said, speak for your servant then Samuel said, speak for your servant then Samuel said, speak for your servant is listening. And then the Lord spoke to is listening. And then the Lord spoke to is listening. And then the Lord spoke to Samuel and said, "See, I'm about to do Samuel and said, "See, I'm about to do Samuel and said, "See, I'm about to do something in Israel that will make the something in Israel that will make the something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears it tingle." ears of everyone who hears it tingle." ears of everyone who hears it tingle." So God is saying, "I'm about to do So God is saying, "I'm about to do So God is saying, "I'm about to do something in the land." So he's going to something in the land." So he's going to something in the land." So he's going to give a a word to this young child about give a a word to this young child about give a a word to this young child about what he's going to do in the nation of what he's going to do in the nation of what he's going to do in the nation of Israel. So notice how God goes past the Israel. So notice how God goes past the Israel. So notice how God goes past the religious institution. He goes past Eli. religious institution. He goes past Eli. religious institution. He goes past Eli. He goes past the old generation of He goes past the old generation of He goes past the old generation of maturity. this old man who's weak in the maturity. this old man who's weak in the maturity. this old man who's weak in the eyes to this little boy and gives him a eyes to this little boy and gives him a eyes to this little boy and gives him a vision. Now, this is important. When you vision. Now, this is important. When you vision. Now, this is important. When you read the Bible, God is not playing read the Bible, God is not playing read the Bible, God is not playing favorites based upon generation. God's favorites based upon generation. God's favorites based upon generation. God's not looking and saying, "Well, I speak not looking and saying, "Well, I speak not looking and saying, "Well, I speak to only kids or I speak to only old to only kids or I speak to only old to only kids or I speak to only old people." He speaks to every generation.

people." He speaks to every generation. people." He speaks to every generation. God is not playing favorites saying, "I God is not playing favorites saying, "I God is not playing favorites saying, "I speak to this ethnicity and not this speak to this ethnicity and not this speak to this ethnicity and not this one." God is not saying, "I speak to one." God is not saying, "I speak to one." God is not saying, "I speak to men, only men, or I speak to women, only men, only men, or I speak to women, only men, only men, or I speak to women, only women." God speaks to everyone who will women." God speaks to everyone who will women." God speaks to everyone who will listen. This is good news. And today he listen. This is good news. And today he listen. This is good news. And today he wants you to hear from this passage that wants you to hear from this passage that wants you to hear from this passage that there's something he can do in each of there's something he can do in each of there's something he can do in each of our hearts where the voice of God our hearts where the voice of God our hearts where the voice of God becomes a reality to our lives. But it becomes a reality to our lives. But it becomes a reality to our lives. But it leads us to a question that we all have leads us to a question that we all have leads us to a question that we all have to wrestle through. Here's the question. to wrestle through. Here's the question. to wrestle through. Here's the question. Is this something that happened or is Is this something that happened or is Is this something that happened or is this something that happens? So when you this something that happens? So when you this something that happens? So when you read a passage like this, you either in read a passage like this, you either in read a passage like this, you either in your mind go to a place and you're like, your mind go to a place and you're like, your mind go to a place and you're like, "Oh, that's the Bible. That's what God "Oh, that's the Bible. That's what God "Oh, that's the Bible. That's what God did in Bible times." but he doesn't do did in Bible times." but he doesn't do did in Bible times." but he doesn't do it today. And if that's your mindset, it today. And if that's your mindset, it today. And if that's your mindset, you're going to you're going to approach you're going to you're going to approach you're going to you're going to approach the voice of the Lord very differently the voice of the Lord very differently the voice of the Lord very differently than if you believe this to be true. God than if you believe this to be true. God than if you believe this to be true. God has spoken and God is speaking. I want has spoken and God is speaking. I want has spoken and God is speaking. I want to encourage you to write that down. God to encourage you to write that down. God to encourage you to write that down. God has spoken and God is speaking. He is a has spoken and God is speaking. He is a has spoken and God is speaking. He is a God who speaks. And one of the God who speaks. And one of the God who speaks. And one of the distinguishing factors from our God to distinguishing factors from our God to distinguishing factors from our God to every other God is that he is a God who every other God is that he is a God who every other God is that he is a God who is able to deliver his word to the is able to deliver his word to the is able to deliver his word to the hearts of human beings. And so the hearts of human beings. And so the hearts of human beings. And so the invitation to you today is to hear the invitation to you today is to hear the invitation to you today is to hear the voice of God spoken into your life voice of God spoken into your life voice of God spoken into your life whether this is your first time in whether this is your first time in whether this is your first time in church or you've been here for decades.

church or you've been here for decades. church or you've been here for decades. So the question then becomes how how do So the question then becomes how how do So the question then becomes how how do I cultivate that skill over the course I cultivate that skill over the course I cultivate that skill over the course of my life? This passage I believe gives of my life? This passage I believe gives of my life? This passage I believe gives us some very very practical ways to us some very very practical ways to us some very very practical ways to respond. And the first one is to grow in respond. And the first one is to grow in respond. And the first one is to grow in your familiarity with God's voice to your familiarity with God's voice to your familiarity with God's voice to grow in your understanding of what the grow in your understanding of what the grow in your understanding of what the voice of the Lord actually sounds like. voice of the Lord actually sounds like. voice of the Lord actually sounds like. So there are people in your life that So there are people in your life that So there are people in your life that the moment they call you, you may not the moment they call you, you may not the moment they call you, you may not see on the caller ID whose phone number see on the caller ID whose phone number see on the caller ID whose phone number it is, but as soon as you pick it up, it is, but as soon as you pick it up, it is, but as soon as you pick it up, you hear the voice and you know that you hear the voice and you know that you hear the voice and you know that voice. I could hear my dad's voice and voice. I could hear my dad's voice and voice. I could hear my dad's voice and in a second I would know it's my dad. in a second I would know it's my dad. in a second I would know it's my dad. You many of you like with your spouse or You many of you like with your spouse or You many of you like with your spouse or your kids or good friends, you know the your kids or good friends, you know the your kids or good friends, you know the voice. Now I want to play a little game voice. Now I want to play a little game voice. Now I want to play a little game here to see if you actually know the here to see if you actually know the here to see if you actually know the voice. Okay, so this is a little game voice. Okay, so this is a little game voice. Okay, so this is a little game that often times people play. There's that often times people play. There's that often times people play. There's like a YouTube some YouTube clips of it, like a YouTube some YouTube clips of it, like a YouTube some YouTube clips of it, but we have our own saddleback version but we have our own saddleback version but we have our own saddleback version of Name That Voice. Are you guys awake? of Name That Voice. Are you guys awake? of Name That Voice. Are you guys awake? Ready to play all of our campuses? You Ready to play all of our campuses? You Ready to play all of our campuses? You guys ready? Here we go. Okay, let's do guys ready? Here we go. Okay, let's do guys ready? Here we go. Okay, let's do the first one.

>> To be honest with you, I always say to >> To be honest with you, I always say to people, I would never switch my life people, I would never switch my life people, I would never switch my life with anyone's life, no matter who it is. with anyone's life, no matter who it is. with anyone's life, no matter who it is. >> All right. All right. Who is it? Let's >> All right. All right. Who is it? Let's >> All right. All right. Who is it? Let's see. see. see. >> To be honest with you, I always say to >> To be honest with you, I always say to >> To be honest with you, I always say to people, I would never switch my life people, I would never switch my life people, I would never switch my life with anyone's life, no matter who it is. with anyone's life, no matter who it is. with anyone's life, no matter who it is. That was not Sylvester Stallone, in case That was not Sylvester Stallone, in case That was not Sylvester Stallone, in case you're wondering. That was Arnold you're wondering. That was Arnold you're wondering. That was Arnold Schwarzenegger. Okay, number two. Let's Schwarzenegger. Okay, number two. Let's Schwarzenegger. Okay, number two. Let's see if we got this one. He heard God. God spoke to him and that He heard God. God spoke to him and that gave him the strength to endure extreme gave him the strength to endure extreme gave him the strength to endure extreme physical and mental anguish. physical and mental anguish. physical and mental anguish. >> All right. Whose voice is it? >> All right. Whose voice is it? >> All right. Whose voice is it? Somebody said God. No, that's not God's Somebody said God. No, that's not God's Somebody said God. No, that's not God's voice. voice. voice. >> God. God spoke to him and that gave him >> God. God spoke to him and that gave him >> God. God spoke to him and that gave him the strength to endure extreme physical the strength to endure extreme physical the strength to endure extreme physical and mental anguish. and mental anguish. and mental anguish. >> Morgan Freeman, you guys got that one. >> Morgan Freeman, you guys got that one. >> Morgan Freeman, you guys got that one. All right, one more. You guys ready for All right, one more. You guys ready for All right, one more. You guys ready for one more? This is the last one. Okay, one more? This is the last one. Okay, one more? This is the last one. Okay, here we go.

Have I told you lately that I love you? Have I told you lately that I love you? >> Whose voice is that? Let's see. >> Whose voice is that? Let's see. >> Whose voice is that? Let's see. >> Have I told you lately that I love you? >> Have I told you lately that I love you? >> Have I told you lately that I love you? I love you more. I love you more. I love you more. >> All right, you guys got it. Pastor Rick >> All right, you guys got it. Pastor Rick >> All right, you guys got it. Pastor Rick Warren. Warren. Warren. Now, when you when you're familiar with Now, when you when you're familiar with Now, when you when you're familiar with the voice, you immediately know whose the voice, you immediately know whose the voice, you immediately know whose voice it is. So, how do you get to a voice it is. So, how do you get to a voice it is. So, how do you get to a place in your journey spiritually where place in your journey spiritually where place in your journey spiritually where you immediately can distinguish God's you immediately can distinguish God's you immediately can distinguish God's voice from Morgan Freeman's voice? And voice from Morgan Freeman's voice? And voice from Morgan Freeman's voice? And the way is to start reading the Bible. the way is to start reading the Bible. the way is to start reading the Bible. So, if you want to hear from God, read So, if you want to hear from God, read So, if you want to hear from God, read the Bible. Now, this sounds overly the Bible. Now, this sounds overly the Bible. Now, this sounds overly simplistic, but if we want to know and simplistic, but if we want to know and simplistic, but if we want to know and hear the voice of God, if you want to hear the voice of God, if you want to hear the voice of God, if you want to hear from God, all you have to do is to hear from God, all you have to do is to hear from God, all you have to do is to start reading the Bible. And then the start reading the Bible. And then the start reading the Bible. And then the question becomes, if you want to hear question becomes, if you want to hear question becomes, if you want to hear from God out loud or audibly, how do you from God out loud or audibly, how do you from God out loud or audibly, how do you hear from God audibly? You read the hear from God audibly? You read the hear from God audibly? You read the Bible out loud. That's very simple that Bible out loud. That's very simple that Bible out loud. That's very simple that when you read the Bible, you're you're when you read the Bible, you're you're when you read the Bible, you're you're reading the words of God and you're reading the words of God and you're reading the words of God and you're understanding the character and the understanding the character and the understanding the character and the nature of God. So the more you hear the nature of God. So the more you hear the nature of God. So the more you hear the voice of God through his word, the more voice of God through his word, the more voice of God through his word, the more familiar we become with who he is and familiar we become with who he is and familiar we become with who he is and what he's like and what he cares about.

what he's like and what he cares about. what he's like and what he cares about. And I love this ver this quote, not this And I love this ver this quote, not this And I love this ver this quote, not this verse, this quote, excuse me, from verse, this quote, excuse me, from verse, this quote, excuse me, from Dallas Willard. And he says this, if we Dallas Willard. And he says this, if we Dallas Willard. And he says this, if we are to hear God's voice ourselves and on are to hear God's voice ourselves and on are to hear God's voice ourselves and on an individual basis, we must above all an individual basis, we must above all an individual basis, we must above all else observe how his word came to the else observe how his word came to the else observe how his word came to the people described in the scriptures. So people described in the scriptures. So people described in the scriptures. So how did God speak to people in the how did God speak to people in the how did God speak to people in the Bible? And there are many examples from Bible? And there are many examples from Bible? And there are many examples from Genesis to Revelation. Now when you look Genesis to Revelation. Now when you look Genesis to Revelation. Now when you look at the life of Jesus, one of the things at the life of Jesus, one of the things at the life of Jesus, one of the things you'll see is the letters of Jesus or you'll see is the letters of Jesus or you'll see is the letters of Jesus or the words of Jesus being in read in many the words of Jesus being in read in many the words of Jesus being in read in many versions of the Bible that you can know versions of the Bible that you can know versions of the Bible that you can know these are the words of Jesus. And his these are the words of Jesus. And his these are the words of Jesus. And his word literally is the word of God being word literally is the word of God being word literally is the word of God being spoken as it comes out of his mouth. And spoken as it comes out of his mouth. And spoken as it comes out of his mouth. And every time he speaks, he's revealing the every time he speaks, he's revealing the every time he speaks, he's revealing the character of God. He's revealing what character of God. He's revealing what character of God. He's revealing what God cares about deep within his heart. God cares about deep within his heart. God cares about deep within his heart. So we read it and we become more and So we read it and we become more and So we read it and we become more and more familiar with who God is and what more familiar with who God is and what more familiar with who God is and what God is like. Now in Hebrews 4:12, it God is like. Now in Hebrews 4:12, it God is like. Now in Hebrews 4:12, it says this, "The word of God is alive and says this, "The word of God is alive and says this, "The word of God is alive and active. It's sharper than any active. It's sharper than any active. It's sharper than any double-edged sword and it penetrates to double-edged sword and it penetrates to double-edged sword and it penetrates to divide soul and spirit. It join the divide soul and spirit. It join the divide soul and spirit. It join the joints and the marrow. It judges the joints and the marrow. It judges the joints and the marrow. It judges the thoughts and the attitudes of the thoughts and the attitudes of the thoughts and the attitudes of the heart." So what this book does is when heart." So what this book does is when heart." So what this book does is when we read the Bible and open it up, it we read the Bible and open it up, it we read the Bible and open it up, it shows us what's on the inside. Shows us shows us what's on the inside. Shows us shows us what's on the inside. Shows us our thoughts, our attitudes as it's our thoughts, our attitudes as it's our thoughts, our attitudes as it's revealing the heart of God. The word revealing the heart of God. The word revealing the heart of God. The word here says it's living and active. So here says it's living and active. So here says it's living and active. So that means that when you open this book,

that means that when you open this book, that means that when you open this book, the author of this book speaks through the author of this book speaks through the author of this book speaks through the book while you read it. This is the the book while you read it. This is the the book while you read it. This is the only book that you can have the only book that you can have the only book that you can have the guarantee that the author will will guarantee that the author will will guarantee that the author will will literally reveal to you what he intended literally reveal to you what he intended literally reveal to you what he intended as you read the book. So the as you read the book. So the as you read the book. So the encouragement is to get into the Bible encouragement is to get into the Bible encouragement is to get into the Bible and understand it and ask God to say, and understand it and ask God to say, and understand it and ask God to say, "God, what is it you want to communicate "God, what is it you want to communicate "God, what is it you want to communicate to me through this book?" So here's a to me through this book?" So here's a to me through this book?" So here's a very simple question and you can write very simple question and you can write very simple question and you can write this down. What's the most important this down. What's the most important this down. What's the most important thing you want to say to me today from thing you want to say to me today from thing you want to say to me today from your word? So when I read the Bible, I your word? So when I read the Bible, I your word? So when I read the Bible, I love to ask that question, God, as I'm love to ask that question, God, as I'm love to ask that question, God, as I'm reading, what's the thing that you reading, what's the thing that you reading, what's the thing that you really want to speak into my heart? And really want to speak into my heart? And really want to speak into my heart? And as we do this, I love to distinguish how as we do this, I love to distinguish how as we do this, I love to distinguish how the New Testament separates two words the New Testament separates two words the New Testament separates two words for the Bible. One, the word of God is for the Bible. One, the word of God is for the Bible. One, the word of God is described as the logos of God. So that's described as the logos of God. So that's described as the logos of God. So that's the eternal word of God. In fact, Jesus the eternal word of God. In fact, Jesus the eternal word of God. In fact, Jesus is described as the logos of God. It is described as the logos of God. It is described as the logos of God. It says, "In the beginning was the word, says, "In the beginning was the word, says, "In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word and the word was with God, and the word and the word was with God, and the word was God." in John chapter 1 speaking of was God." in John chapter 1 speaking of was God." in John chapter 1 speaking of Jesus being the very word of God as he Jesus being the very word of God as he Jesus being the very word of God as he came forth. So the eternal word of God came forth. So the eternal word of God came forth. So the eternal word of God that is in the book that is God's word that is in the book that is God's word that is in the book that is God's word that he's given to us is also in that he's given to us is also in that he's given to us is also in conjunction with the word rama spelled conjunction with the word rama spelled conjunction with the word rama spelled reh reh reh ma the rama word of God and that's more ma the rama word of God and that's more ma the rama word of God and that's more of a personal word from God. Now it of a personal word from God. Now it of a personal word from God. Now it doesn't mean that the personal word of doesn't mean that the personal word of doesn't mean that the personal word of God can't be eternal and the eternal God can't be eternal and the eternal God can't be eternal and the eternal word of God can't be personal. It's word of God can't be personal. It's word of God can't be personal. It's almost like a vin diagram that overlaps, almost like a vin diagram that overlaps, almost like a vin diagram that overlaps, but there's a difference. So there would but there's a difference. So there would but there's a difference. So there would be moments where Jesus would speak to a be moments where Jesus would speak to a be moments where Jesus would speak to a person and he would say to like the rich

person and he would say to like the rich person and he would say to like the rich rich young ruler. He would say, "Hey, if rich young ruler. He would say, "Hey, if rich young ruler. He would say, "Hey, if you if you want to follow me, go sell you if you want to follow me, go sell you if you want to follow me, go sell everything that you have and then come everything that you have and then come everything that you have and then come back and follow me." So that was a rama back and follow me." So that was a rama back and follow me." So that was a rama word. Jesus didn't say, "Every person word. Jesus didn't say, "Every person word. Jesus didn't say, "Every person who wants to follow me, go sell who wants to follow me, go sell who wants to follow me, go sell everything and come." He said it to that everything and come." He said it to that everything and come." He said it to that young man. But that word of God, it's young man. But that word of God, it's young man. But that word of God, it's his word. So it still gives us an an his word. So it still gives us an an his word. So it still gives us an an invitation from God to see what's on the invitation from God to see what's on the invitation from God to see what's on the inside of our hearts. So when we read inside of our hearts. So when we read inside of our hearts. So when we read the Bible, it gives this space for God the Bible, it gives this space for God the Bible, it gives this space for God to speak into us the very things he to speak into us the very things he to speak into us the very things he wants to reveal and change. wants to reveal and change. wants to reveal and change. So let me give you a couple of examples So let me give you a couple of examples So let me give you a couple of examples of this. So last week I'm sitting in the of this. So last week I'm sitting in the of this. So last week I'm sitting in the service and Stacy's preaching. Did a service and Stacy's preaching. Did a service and Stacy's preaching. Did a great job and she challenged all like great job and she challenged all like great job and she challenged all like the men, the women, the kids, the the men, the women, the kids, the the men, the women, the kids, the singles. I mean, everybody got got their singles. I mean, everybody got got their singles. I mean, everybody got got their toes stepped on. And and so I'm sitting toes stepped on. And and so I'm sitting toes stepped on. And and so I'm sitting there listening and as she's talking there listening and as she's talking there listening and as she's talking about the verse in Ephesians 5:25, about the verse in Ephesians 5:25, about the verse in Ephesians 5:25, "Husbands, love your wives as Christ "Husbands, love your wives as Christ "Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church." And I'm like, you loved the church." And I'm like, you loved the church." And I'm like, you know, that's a that's a strong know, that's a that's a strong know, that's a that's a strong challenge. And I feel like I'm I'm not challenge. And I feel like I'm I'm not challenge. And I feel like I'm I'm not really living up to that challenge really living up to that challenge really living up to that challenge recently. And I felt like the Holy recently. And I felt like the Holy recently. And I felt like the Holy Spirit was prompting me in response to Spirit was prompting me in response to Spirit was prompting me in response to that verse to plan her birthday. The that verse to plan her birthday. The that verse to plan her birthday. The spirit was like, you know, her spirit was like, you know, her spirit was like, you know, her birthday's coming up in two days and you birthday's coming up in two days and you birthday's coming up in two days and you don't have a plan. and so plan a date don't have a plan. and so plan a date don't have a plan. and so plan a date and take her on a date. So my my and take her on a date. So my my and take her on a date. So my my obedient respon or my step of obedience obedient respon or my step of obedience obedient respon or my step of obedience last weekend through the service was to last weekend through the service was to last weekend through the service was to plan a date night with my wife. So plan a date night with my wife. So plan a date night with my wife. So here's us at the beach um watching a here's us at the beach um watching a here's us at the beach um watching a sunset and that was my application to

sunset and that was my application to sunset and that was my application to God's word. I'll give you another God's word. I'll give you another God's word. I'll give you another example. This week I was reading the example. This week I was reading the example. This week I was reading the Bible one morning and I'm like weighed Bible one morning and I'm like weighed Bible one morning and I'm like weighed down feeling so overwhelmed with down feeling so overwhelmed with down feeling so overwhelmed with responsibilities and things that I got responsibilities and things that I got responsibilities and things that I got got to get done and end of the year is got to get done and end of the year is got to get done and end of the year is really busy for all of us especially in really busy for all of us especially in really busy for all of us especially in ministry and I'm like you know kind of ministry and I'm like you know kind of ministry and I'm like you know kind of complaining to God about all these complaining to God about all these complaining to God about all these things that are weighing me down. And things that are weighing me down. And things that are weighing me down. And then I read a Bible verse that says in then I read a Bible verse that says in then I read a Bible verse that says in Philippians 4:19 and and my God shall Philippians 4:19 and and my God shall Philippians 4:19 and and my God shall supply all of your needs according to supply all of your needs according to supply all of your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. And his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. And his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. And as I'm feeling weighed down, it's almost as I'm feeling weighed down, it's almost as I'm feeling weighed down, it's almost as if God is sitting on the couch next as if God is sitting on the couch next as if God is sitting on the couch next to me. And he's like, "You know, Andy, I to me. And he's like, "You know, Andy, I to me. And he's like, "You know, Andy, I can handle more than you're giving me can handle more than you're giving me can handle more than you're giving me right now." Like literally, that's what right now." Like literally, that's what right now." Like literally, that's what I sense he was saying into my heart at I sense he was saying into my heart at I sense he was saying into my heart at that moment. Like, Andy, you're carrying that moment. Like, Andy, you're carrying that moment. Like, Andy, you're carrying all this stuff, and I'm right here. Just all this stuff, and I'm right here. Just all this stuff, and I'm right here. Just give me a couple bags. I'll carry them give me a couple bags. I'll carry them give me a couple bags. I'll carry them for you. And God God used that word to for you. And God God used that word to for you. And God God used that word to encourage me like, "Ah, there's a lot encourage me like, "Ah, there's a lot encourage me like, "Ah, there's a lot that I don't need to be carrying that I that I don't need to be carrying that I that I don't need to be carrying that I could hand to God." So when you open the could hand to God." So when you open the could hand to God." So when you open the book, he'll take his word and he'll book, he'll take his word and he'll book, he'll take his word and he'll he'll apply it into your life. Simply he'll apply it into your life. Simply he'll apply it into your life. Simply when you say, "God, I want to hear you when you say, "God, I want to hear you when you say, "God, I want to hear you speak to me." So my encouragement to you speak to me." So my encouragement to you speak to me." So my encouragement to you is to make space this week. You might is to make space this week. You might is to make space this week. You might start in one of the gospels, Matthew, start in one of the gospels, Matthew, start in one of the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. If you've never Mark, Luke, and John. If you've never Mark, Luke, and John. If you've never read those and read the words of Jesus, read those and read the words of Jesus, read those and read the words of Jesus, read a chapter a day and just ask God to read a chapter a day and just ask God to read a chapter a day and just ask God to speak. And then when you get through it, speak. And then when you get through it, speak. And then when you get through it, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, go back Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, go back Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, go back through it again. Now, you can read the through it again. Now, you can read the through it again. Now, you can read the rest of the Bible, but if you keep rest of the Bible, but if you keep rest of the Bible, but if you keep reading Jesus, it's like this way of reading Jesus, it's like this way of reading Jesus, it's like this way of seeing the whole Bible through the seeing the whole Bible through the seeing the whole Bible through the filter of God in human flesh. And as you

filter of God in human flesh. And as you filter of God in human flesh. And as you do, you understand more and more the do, you understand more and more the do, you understand more and more the voice of God. You hear him speak and he voice of God. You hear him speak and he voice of God. You hear him speak and he says things to you that lift your soul. says things to you that lift your soul. says things to you that lift your soul. Now, I want to just share a couple notes Now, I want to just share a couple notes Now, I want to just share a couple notes very specifically what the voice of the very specifically what the voice of the very specifically what the voice of the Lord sounds like. The voice of the Lord Lord sounds like. The voice of the Lord Lord sounds like. The voice of the Lord sounds like a loving father who cares, a sounds like a loving father who cares, a sounds like a loving father who cares, a wise teacher who knows what's best, a wise teacher who knows what's best, a wise teacher who knows what's best, a truthful counselor that guides us along truthful counselor that guides us along truthful counselor that guides us along the best path for our lives, and a good the best path for our lives, and a good the best path for our lives, and a good friend who will walk beside us in our friend who will walk beside us in our friend who will walk beside us in our trials. The voice of God is not a voice trials. The voice of God is not a voice trials. The voice of God is not a voice of condemnation or shame. And when God of condemnation or shame. And when God of condemnation or shame. And when God gives conviction, his conviction always gives conviction, his conviction always gives conviction, his conviction always lifts and gives us a way forward. That's lifts and gives us a way forward. That's lifts and gives us a way forward. That's the voice of God. In the Bible, it says the voice of God. In the Bible, it says the voice of God. In the Bible, it says that G Jesus speaks and he says, "My that G Jesus speaks and he says, "My that G Jesus speaks and he says, "My sheep will learn to know my voice and sheep will learn to know my voice and sheep will learn to know my voice and they'll follow me." The enemy, on the they'll follow me." The enemy, on the they'll follow me." The enemy, on the other hand, his voice is to steal, kill, other hand, his voice is to steal, kill, other hand, his voice is to steal, kill, and destroy. So when he speaks, he goes and destroy. So when he speaks, he goes and destroy. So when he speaks, he goes after your identity with shame. So he after your identity with shame. So he after your identity with shame. So he wants to tear you down. He wants to wants to tear you down. He wants to wants to tear you down. He wants to destroy you. And there are moments where destroy you. And there are moments where destroy you. And there are moments where you might be trying to hear the voice of you might be trying to hear the voice of you might be trying to hear the voice of God and you've got the voice of the God and you've got the voice of the God and you've got the voice of the enemy speaking into your ear. So, the enemy speaking into your ear. So, the enemy speaking into your ear. So, the goal is to learn to separate those two goal is to learn to separate those two goal is to learn to separate those two and to distinguish the loving father's and to distinguish the loving father's and to distinguish the loving father's voice spoken to you. Now, I love hearing voice spoken to you. Now, I love hearing voice spoken to you. Now, I love hearing stories of how God does this. And I want stories of how God does this. And I want stories of how God does this. And I want you to hear a very specific story of you to hear a very specific story of you to hear a very specific story of somebody from our church that heard God somebody from our church that heard God somebody from our church that heard God speaking to her and changed her life as speaking to her and changed her life as speaking to her and changed her life as a result. Let's watch.

Growing up, I didn't go to church. I Growing up, I didn't go to church. I didn't know God. I was homeschooled. I didn't know God. I was homeschooled. I didn't know God. I was homeschooled. I felt kind of isolated and different. felt kind of isolated and different. felt kind of isolated and different. When I was in high school, I was When I was in high school, I was When I was in high school, I was approached at a party by a group of approached at a party by a group of approached at a party by a group of people who were involved in a demonic people who were involved in a demonic people who were involved in a demonic cult. They propositioned me with money, cult. They propositioned me with money, cult. They propositioned me with money, fame, anything under the sun. They fame, anything under the sun. They fame, anything under the sun. They encouraged us to steal. They encouraged encouraged us to steal. They encouraged encouraged us to steal. They encouraged us to cheat. sexual immorality to us to cheat. sexual immorality to us to cheat. sexual immorality to antagonize people, specifically antagonize people, specifically antagonize people, specifically believers. Towards the end, I had lost believers. Towards the end, I had lost believers. Towards the end, I had lost my job. I lost my home. I lost pretty my job. I lost my home. I lost pretty my job. I lost my home. I lost pretty much every relationship I was around. I much every relationship I was around. I much every relationship I was around. I wasn't talking to my mom. I figured, wasn't talking to my mom. I figured, wasn't talking to my mom. I figured, what's the point of living anymore? what's the point of living anymore? what's the point of living anymore? Because everything is just so bad. And I Because everything is just so bad. And I Because everything is just so bad. And I felt like a waste of space. I went to an felt like a waste of space. I went to an felt like a waste of space. I went to an Airbnb and I was ready to give up. I was Airbnb and I was ready to give up. I was Airbnb and I was ready to give up. I was completely ready to just say goodbye.

completely ready to just say goodbye. completely ready to just say goodbye. And I sat there and I cried out and I And I sat there and I cried out and I And I sat there and I cried out and I said, "God, if you're real, said, "God, if you're real, said, "God, if you're real, please, just just show me. Please, just please, just just show me. Please, just please, just just show me. Please, just show me that you're real." I just felt show me that you're real." I just felt show me that you're real." I just felt so broken in that moment because I never so broken in that moment because I never so broken in that moment because I never felt so alone before. I felt so alone. felt so alone before. I felt so alone. felt so alone before. I felt so alone. And as I was sitting in that Airbnb, there was a voice right here and it there was a voice right here and it said, "Try it my way." I was like, said, "Try it my way." I was like, said, "Try it my way." I was like, "Okay. "Okay. "Okay. Who's this Jesus person? Let's let's Who's this Jesus person? Let's let's Who's this Jesus person? Let's let's find out who he is." I first found find out who he is." I first found find out who he is." I first found Saddleback when I was looking for a Saddleback when I was looking for a Saddleback when I was looking for a church. Pastor Stacy was speaking that church. Pastor Stacy was speaking that church. Pastor Stacy was speaking that weekend and she talked about Joseph and weekend and she talked about Joseph and weekend and she talked about Joseph and how he was sold into slavery by his how he was sold into slavery by his how he was sold into slavery by his brothers. The Lord was with Joseph when brothers. The Lord was with Joseph when brothers. The Lord was with Joseph when he was a slave. Like God might seem he was a slave. Like God might seem he was a slave. Like God might seem silent, but that does not mean that he silent, but that does not mean that he silent, but that does not mean that he is absent. You might be in a dark place is absent. You might be in a dark place is absent. You might be in a dark place right now, but you know where God is?

right now, but you know where God is? right now, but you know where God is? He's right there with you. I felt such a He's right there with you. I felt such a He's right there with you. I felt such a core relation to that just with my past core relation to that just with my past core relation to that just with my past and my own family. I would come to and my own family. I would come to and my own family. I would come to church uh during the day and I would church uh during the day and I would church uh during the day and I would come sit on a bench just to be in nature come sit on a bench just to be in nature come sit on a bench just to be in nature and learn more about Jesus. I started and learn more about Jesus. I started and learn more about Jesus. I started serving on Saddleback's production team. serving on Saddleback's production team. serving on Saddleback's production team. We all have different backgrounds and we We all have different backgrounds and we We all have different backgrounds and we all have different stories and yet we all have different stories and yet we all have different stories and yet we can all come together and be able to can all come together and be able to can all come together and be able to talk about God. The first time I shared talk about God. The first time I shared talk about God. The first time I shared my story, it was in front of the my story, it was in front of the my story, it was in front of the production team. I was able to share it production team. I was able to share it production team. I was able to share it right before service. And something right before service. And something right before service. And something changed. God showed me that I can share changed. God showed me that I can share changed. God showed me that I can share my testimony with everyone and not just my testimony with everyone and not just my testimony with everyone and not just certain people. And to be able to speak certain people. And to be able to speak certain people. And to be able to speak freely about how powerful God truly is. freely about how powerful God truly is. freely about how powerful God truly is. I've noticed that lives around me have I've noticed that lives around me have I've noticed that lives around me have changed. Uh my mom has even started changed. Uh my mom has even started changed. Uh my mom has even started cracking open her own Bible. I am so cracking open her own Bible. I am so cracking open her own Bible. I am so grateful for all that God has pulled me grateful for all that God has pulled me grateful for all that God has pulled me through. The amount of damage I just through. The amount of damage I just through. The amount of damage I just felt for the longest time felt for the longest time felt for the longest time was probably was probably was probably I probably wouldn't be here today if it I probably wouldn't be here today if it I probably wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for God. And just the fact that wasn't for God. And just the fact that wasn't for God. And just the fact that he took he met me right where I was at he took he met me right where I was at he took he met me right where I was at right in that Airbnb and said, "Try it right in that Airbnb and said, "Try it right in that Airbnb and said, "Try it my way." And I no longer had to follow my way." And I no longer had to follow my way." And I no longer had to follow my own way of thinking, my own way of my own way of thinking, my own way of my own way of thinking, my own way of life. I just had to depend on God, which life. I just had to depend on God, which life. I just had to depend on God, which has been the easiest yes I've ever has been the easiest yes I've ever has been the easiest yes I've ever taken.

Some of you today are at that place Some of you today are at that place where Taylor was when she first walked where Taylor was when she first walked where Taylor was when she first walked into one of our Saddleback campuses. And into one of our Saddleback campuses. And into one of our Saddleback campuses. And I believe today is going to be a day of I believe today is going to be a day of I believe today is going to be a day of breakthrough for many people to hear the breakthrough for many people to hear the breakthrough for many people to hear the voice of God for the very first time. voice of God for the very first time. voice of God for the very first time. You're going to discover that the voice You're going to discover that the voice You're going to discover that the voice of God is a voice of love. He's of God is a voice of love. He's of God is a voice of love. He's gracious. He's compassionate. He gracious. He's compassionate. He gracious. He's compassionate. He personally sees you and knows you. And personally sees you and knows you. And personally sees you and knows you. And the more you know his voice, the more the more you know his voice, the more the more you know his voice, the more you want to hear his voice. And that you want to hear his voice. And that you want to hear his voice. And that leads to the second part of the story we leads to the second part of the story we leads to the second part of the story we see. That's to position ourselves in see. That's to position ourselves in see. That's to position ourselves in order to hear from God. It's to come to order to hear from God. It's to come to order to hear from God. It's to come to a place where there's space in our life a place where there's space in our life a place where there's space in our life for God to be able to speak to us. So for God to be able to speak to us. So for God to be able to speak to us. So often we're so busy, our lives are so often we're so busy, our lives are so often we're so busy, our lives are so full that we don't give God the space to full that we don't give God the space to full that we don't give God the space to speak into our lives. And in this speak into our lives. And in this speak into our lives. And in this passage when when Eli is speaking to passage when when Eli is speaking to passage when when Eli is speaking to Samuel, what Eli says to Samuel is, "Go Samuel, what Eli says to Samuel is, "Go Samuel, what Eli says to Samuel is, "Go lay back down, lay in the bed, and wait lay back down, lay in the bed, and wait lay back down, lay in the bed, and wait for God to speak. Go back to this quiet for God to speak. Go back to this quiet for God to speak. Go back to this quiet place and let God speak to you." Now, I place and let God speak to you." Now, I place and let God speak to you." Now, I want you to imagine for just a moment want you to imagine for just a moment want you to imagine for just a moment like this story happening in modern like this story happening in modern like this story happening in modern times, like it's happening in 2025. And times, like it's happening in 2025. And times, like it's happening in 2025. And here's this little kid who hears a voice here's this little kid who hears a voice here's this little kid who hears a voice who comes down the hallway. And you who comes down the hallway. And you who comes down the hallway. And you know, Eli says, "Take some melatonin. Go know, Eli says, "Take some melatonin. Go know, Eli says, "Take some melatonin. Go back to bed." And then the second time back to bed." And then the second time back to bed." And then the second time he comes back. And he says, "Well, hey he comes back. And he says, "Well, hey he comes back. And he says, "Well, hey buddy, here's your iPad. Take your iPad buddy, here's your iPad. Take your iPad buddy, here's your iPad. Take your iPad back. And maybe if you watch this video, back. And maybe if you watch this video, back. And maybe if you watch this video, you'll fall asleep." And so here is you'll fall asleep." And so here is you'll fall asleep." And so here is Samuel on his iPad playing. And God Samuel on his iPad playing. And God Samuel on his iPad playing. And God walks up and he hears a voice and he walks up and he hears a voice and he walks up and he hears a voice and he thinks it's coming from his iPad. He

thinks it's coming from his iPad. He thinks it's coming from his iPad. He misses the fact that it's the voice of misses the fact that it's the voice of misses the fact that it's the voice of God. And sometimes I think this is the God. And sometimes I think this is the God. And sometimes I think this is the way many of us live our lives that God way many of us live our lives that God way many of us live our lives that God is right there speaking but our heads is right there speaking but our heads is right there speaking but our heads are down. There's so much noise and are down. There's so much noise and are down. There's so much noise and we're not hearing his voice. You may we're not hearing his voice. You may we're not hearing his voice. You may maybe you've had this experience before maybe you've had this experience before maybe you've had this experience before where you've been like in a really busy where you've been like in a really busy where you've been like in a really busy place and there's a lot of noise around. place and there's a lot of noise around. place and there's a lot of noise around. Stacy hates to go to places with lots of Stacy hates to go to places with lots of Stacy hates to go to places with lots of TVs cuz I'm so distracted and ADHD and I TVs cuz I'm so distracted and ADHD and I TVs cuz I'm so distracted and ADHD and I hate to go to restaurants where the hate to go to restaurants where the hate to go to restaurants where the table right next to you is like 6 in table right next to you is like 6 in table right next to you is like 6 in away and you can hear everything that away and you can hear everything that away and you can hear everything that they're saying. You're like a spouse. they're saying. You're like a spouse. they're saying. You're like a spouse. They're like talking and pouring out They're like talking and pouring out They're like talking and pouring out each other's hearts. And just imagine each other's hearts. And just imagine each other's hearts. And just imagine like this is you. You're at a like this is you. You're at a like this is you. You're at a restaurant. You're pouring out your restaurant. You're pouring out your restaurant. You're pouring out your heart and you start like emotionally heart and you start like emotionally heart and you start like emotionally sharing and you're like sharing this sharing and you're like sharing this sharing and you're like sharing this story from deep within you. like story from deep within you. like story from deep within you. like something happened at work and it really something happened at work and it really something happened at work and it really hurt and now you're wrecked and you're hurt and now you're wrecked and you're hurt and now you're wrecked and you're like feeling overwhelmed and it's like like feeling overwhelmed and it's like like feeling overwhelmed and it's like you're just telling this story over and you're just telling this story over and you're just telling this story over and over again and the person right across over again and the person right across over again and the person right across from you, they're like trying to listen from you, they're like trying to listen from you, they're like trying to listen but there's all this noise and it's just but there's all this noise and it's just but there's all this noise and it's just kind of like getting louder and louder kind of like getting louder and louder kind of like getting louder and louder and you can't hear and then all of a and you can't hear and then all of a and you can't hear and then all of a sudden it's like now it's quiet and you sudden it's like now it's quiet and you sudden it's like now it's quiet and you can hear again and now the voice that can hear again and now the voice that can hear again and now the voice that you were trying to listen to there's no you were trying to listen to there's no you were trying to listen to there's no distraction. So when the Bible says distraction. So when the Bible says distraction. So when the Bible says this, be still. Be still and know that I this, be still. Be still and know that I this, be still. Be still and know that I am God. That voice that you hear comes am God. That voice that you hear comes am God. That voice that you hear comes in the stillness. He says, I will be in the stillness. He says, I will be in the stillness. He says, I will be exalted among the nations. So God is exalted among the nations. So God is exalted among the nations. So God is looking to speak, but he's asking, will looking to speak, but he's asking, will looking to speak, but he's asking, will you make space in your life for him?

you make space in your life for him? you make space in your life for him? Will you be still long enough to hear Will you be still long enough to hear Will you be still long enough to hear the voice of God? So for me, there's a the voice of God? So for me, there's a the voice of God? So for me, there's a little practice that I've done. One of little practice that I've done. One of little practice that I've done. One of them is just not pulling out my phone them is just not pulling out my phone them is just not pulling out my phone when I first wake up. There's a when I first wake up. There's a when I first wake up. There's a temptation like right when you get up to temptation like right when you get up to temptation like right when you get up to get on your phone, start checking get on your phone, start checking get on your phone, start checking messages, but to make space like early messages, but to make space like early messages, but to make space like early in the morning, the first hour of the in the morning, the first hour of the in the morning, the first hour of the day to carve out to say, "God, I want to day to carve out to say, "God, I want to day to carve out to say, "God, I want to hear from you. I want you to speak to hear from you. I want you to speak to hear from you. I want you to speak to me." There's other really simple things me." There's other really simple things me." There's other really simple things that have helped me like going on walks that have helped me like going on walks that have helped me like going on walks without a phone or without a device or without a phone or without a device or without a phone or without a device or an ability to get connected from an ability to get connected from an ability to get connected from somewhere outside to just listen and somewhere outside to just listen and somewhere outside to just listen and hear or to drive down the road with this hear or to drive down the road with this hear or to drive down the road with this the stereo turned off so there's no the stereo turned off so there's no the stereo turned off so there's no noise in the car. Or another really noise in the car. Or another really noise in the car. Or another really extreme thing that you can do that I've extreme thing that you can do that I've extreme thing that you can do that I've done before is just to take time to go done before is just to take time to go done before is just to take time to go away. And for me, I love to go into the away. And for me, I love to go into the away. And for me, I love to go into the woods where there's like no noise around woods where there's like no noise around woods where there's like no noise around except for nature and to ask God to except for nature and to ask God to except for nature and to ask God to speak. Now, somebody told me one time speak. Now, somebody told me one time speak. Now, somebody told me one time there's a place that you can go on the there's a place that you can go on the there's a place that you can go on the central coast of California. It's called central coast of California. It's called central coast of California. It's called New Kumodily Hermitage. Now, hermitage, New Kumodily Hermitage. Now, hermitage, New Kumodily Hermitage. Now, hermitage, what it means, it's a place where monks what it means, it's a place where monks what it means, it's a place where monks would go and live. They would dedicate would go and live. They would dedicate would go and live. They would dedicate themselves to serve people who would themselves to serve people who would themselves to serve people who would come through their hermitage like a come through their hermitage like a come through their hermitage like a retreat center. And they said, "You retreat center. And they said, "You retreat center. And they said, "You should go to this place. It's beautiful.

should go to this place. It's beautiful. should go to this place. It's beautiful. It's on the central coast. There's just It's on the central coast. There's just It's on the central coast. There's just one problem. You can't talk when you get one problem. You can't talk when you get one problem. You can't talk when you get there." I'm like, "That's really bad for there." I'm like, "That's really bad for there." I'm like, "That's really bad for an extrovert." So, I drive there up the an extrovert." So, I drive there up the an extrovert." So, I drive there up the central coast and I pack my food. I go central coast and I pack my food. I go central coast and I pack my food. I go to this place. It's like 25 bucks a day. to this place. It's like 25 bucks a day. to this place. It's like 25 bucks a day. Finally, I get up there and when I drive Finally, I get up there and when I drive Finally, I get up there and when I drive on the property, I see this sign. And it on the property, I see this sign. And it on the property, I see this sign. And it says this, "Drive says this, "Drive says this, "Drive slowly." Like, "Get ready to slow down." slowly." Like, "Get ready to slow down." slowly." Like, "Get ready to slow down." And then I see this sign right here. And then I see this sign right here. And then I see this sign right here. Silence. They don't even say please. Silence. They don't even say please. Silence. They don't even say please. It's like quiet, bro. And then I like go It's like quiet, bro. And then I like go It's like quiet, bro. And then I like go into my space, you know, every day. I'm into my space, you know, every day. I'm into my space, you know, every day. I'm like talking out loud to myself more and like talking out loud to myself more and like talking out loud to myself more and more because I couldn't talk outside. more because I couldn't talk outside. more because I couldn't talk outside. And every time I'd like go outside if I And every time I'd like go outside if I And every time I'd like go outside if I would see like one of the monks, I just would see like one of the monks, I just would see like one of the monks, I just kind of smile at him but not talk. You kind of smile at him but not talk. You kind of smile at him but not talk. You know that. But there there was something know that. But there there was something know that. But there there was something that happened as I was there for a few that happened as I was there for a few that happened as I was there for a few days that as I slowed down at the end, days that as I slowed down at the end, days that as I slowed down at the end, this is the gift right here. I want you this is the gift right here. I want you this is the gift right here. I want you to see this picture is being alone with to see this picture is being alone with to see this picture is being alone with God on the top of a mountain and letting God on the top of a mountain and letting God on the top of a mountain and letting his words speak into my heart and the his words speak into my heart and the his words speak into my heart and the clarity that comes when all the noise is clarity that comes when all the noise is clarity that comes when all the noise is gone. See, one of my concerns for gone. See, one of my concerns for gone. See, one of my concerns for myself, my family, for so many of us, myself, my family, for so many of us, myself, my family, for so many of us, there's so much noise around us. All of there's so much noise around us. All of there's so much noise around us. All of what we do is so fast. traffic, phones, what we do is so fast. traffic, phones, what we do is so fast. traffic, phones, church services are even fast. Like if church services are even fast. Like if church services are even fast. Like if there's a 7-second lull between a song, there's a 7-second lull between a song, there's a 7-second lull between a song, everybody gets a little anxious. And and everybody gets a little anxious. And and everybody gets a little anxious. And and there there's a sense in which when you there there's a sense in which when you there there's a sense in which when you slow down, it's like you start to see

slow down, it's like you start to see slow down, it's like you start to see there is a living God who is everywhere there is a living God who is everywhere there is a living God who is everywhere and he's speaking and he's better than and he's speaking and he's better than and he's speaking and he's better than you can fathom. His character is beyond you can fathom. His character is beyond you can fathom. His character is beyond what you could imagine. So in Psalm 103 what you could imagine. So in Psalm 103 what you could imagine. So in Psalm 103 when the writer says the Lord is when the writer says the Lord is when the writer says the Lord is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love, that for you today, abounding in love, that for you today, abounding in love, that for you today, wherever you are in your journey wherever you are in your journey wherever you are in your journey spiritually, I believe if you could spiritually, I believe if you could spiritually, I believe if you could truly see who God is, you would carve truly see who God is, you would carve truly see who God is, you would carve out space to be with him more. And the out space to be with him more. And the out space to be with him more. And the invitation is to make that space to box invitation is to make that space to box invitation is to make that space to box it out and say, "God, I want to hear it out and say, "God, I want to hear it out and say, "God, I want to hear your voice." He is a God who speaks. your voice." He is a God who speaks. your voice." He is a God who speaks. He's looking for people who will listen. He's looking for people who will listen. He's looking for people who will listen. He wants you to make that space. And He wants you to make that space. And He wants you to make that space. And then there's one final thing I want us then there's one final thing I want us then there's one final thing I want us to see in this passage. I want you to to see in this passage. I want you to to see in this passage. I want you to notice at the end when Samuel is sent notice at the end when Samuel is sent notice at the end when Samuel is sent back to his bedroom or to his room from back to his bedroom or to his room from back to his bedroom or to his room from Eli, Eli makes this statement. When the Eli, Eli makes this statement. When the Eli, Eli makes this statement. When the Lord comes, this time I want you to say, Lord comes, this time I want you to say, Lord comes, this time I want you to say, "Speak for your servant is listening.

"Speak for your servant is listening. "Speak for your servant is listening. Speak for your servant is listening." Speak for your servant is listening." Speak for your servant is listening." And this last part is very important. I And this last part is very important. I And this last part is very important. I believe for us to hear from God, we have believe for us to hear from God, we have believe for us to hear from God, we have to make our desire known to God to say, to make our desire known to God to say, to make our desire known to God to say, "God, I want to hear from you." But my "God, I want to hear from you." But my "God, I want to hear from you." But my heart is postured to receive. I believe heart is postured to receive. I believe heart is postured to receive. I believe God is gracious and that he's not God is gracious and that he's not God is gracious and that he's not forcing himself on you. And God goes forcing himself on you. And God goes forcing himself on you. And God goes where he's wanted. So when a heart cries where he's wanted. So when a heart cries where he's wanted. So when a heart cries out and says, "God, I want more of you. out and says, "God, I want more of you. out and says, "God, I want more of you. I want more of you in my business. I I want more of you in my business. I I want more of you in my business. I want more of you in my marriage. I want want more of you in my marriage. I want want more of you in my marriage. I want more of you in my relationship with my more of you in my relationship with my more of you in my relationship with my kids. I want more of you. Maybe you're kids. I want more of you. Maybe you're kids. I want more of you. Maybe you're dating. I want more of you, God. And dating. I want more of you, God. And dating. I want more of you, God. And sometimes I think we want God to speak, sometimes I think we want God to speak, sometimes I think we want God to speak, but we kind of want God to speak like I but we kind of want God to speak like I but we kind of want God to speak like I want to lose weight. Like I want to lose want to lose weight. Like I want to lose want to lose weight. Like I want to lose weight and it would be nice to lose weight and it would be nice to lose weight and it would be nice to lose weight, but I really like chocolate chip weight, but I really like chocolate chip weight, but I really like chocolate chip pancakes and I had one too many this pancakes and I had one too many this pancakes and I had one too many this morning. And it's like I I I have these morning. And it's like I I I have these morning. And it's like I I I have these internal desires and there's something internal desires and there's something internal desires and there's something about a soul that gets desperate for God about a soul that gets desperate for God about a soul that gets desperate for God that their life begins to shift. I heard that their life begins to shift. I heard that their life begins to shift. I heard this story one time of this this young this story one time of this this young this story one time of this this young man and he had a mentor who seemed to man and he had a mentor who seemed to man and he had a mentor who seemed to like always hear from God. And he was like always hear from God. And he was like always hear from God. And he was like saying, you know, this morning I like saying, you know, this morning I like saying, you know, this morning I was opening the Bible and God spoke to was opening the Bible and God spoke to was opening the Bible and God spoke to me. And so one day he said, you know, me. And so one day he said, you know, me. And so one day he said, you know, I'm going to call my mentor up and see I'm going to call my mentor up and see I'm going to call my mentor up and see if he'll like tell me the secret of if he'll like tell me the secret of if he'll like tell me the secret of hearing from God. And so he calls his hearing from God. And so he calls his hearing from God. And so he calls his mentor and his mentor says, "Hey, um, mentor and his mentor says, "Hey, um, mentor and his mentor says, "Hey, um, meet me tomorrow at the river. We'll go meet me tomorrow at the river. We'll go meet me tomorrow at the river. We'll go for a walk and I I'll tell you how I

for a walk and I I'll tell you how I for a walk and I I'll tell you how I hear from God." So he comes the next hear from God." So he comes the next hear from God." So he comes the next morning, he's really excited, like he's morning, he's really excited, like he's morning, he's really excited, like he's going to hear from his mentor the secret going to hear from his mentor the secret going to hear from his mentor the secret of hearing from God. And so they get on of hearing from God. And so they get on of hearing from God. And so they get on this trail and they're walking and he's this trail and they're walking and he's this trail and they're walking and he's he's like expecting his mentor to share he's like expecting his mentor to share he's like expecting his mentor to share the secret. And it's like the walk is the secret. And it's like the walk is the secret. And it's like the walk is going on and on and on and he's getting going on and on and on and he's getting going on and on and on and he's getting more and more frustrated like when is more and more frustrated like when is more and more frustrated like when is this guy going to share the secret with this guy going to share the secret with this guy going to share the secret with me? So finally, it's like an hour later me? So finally, it's like an hour later me? So finally, it's like an hour later and they stop at this lake and he's and they stop at this lake and he's and they stop at this lake and he's like,"When are you going to tell me the like,"When are you going to tell me the like,"When are you going to tell me the secret of hearing from God and he says secret of hearing from God and he says secret of hearing from God and he says to him,"Well, there's one more thing I'm to him,"Well, there's one more thing I'm to him,"Well, there's one more thing I'm going to tell you in just a minute, but going to tell you in just a minute, but going to tell you in just a minute, but there's one more thing I need to show there's one more thing I need to show there's one more thing I need to show you. Let's let's walk over right to this you. Let's let's walk over right to this you. Let's let's walk over right to this lake." So they walk over to the lake and lake." So they walk over to the lake and lake." So they walk over to the lake and the mentor bends down and he says, "Hey, the mentor bends down and he says, "Hey, the mentor bends down and he says, "Hey, look at that thing right there in the look at that thing right there in the look at that thing right there in the lake." And so the young man bends down. lake." And so the young man bends down. lake." And so the young man bends down. And when he's down, the mentor takes his And when he's down, the mentor takes his And when he's down, the mentor takes his hand, his head, his hand, the mentor's hand, his head, his hand, the mentor's hand, his head, his hand, the mentor's hand on the young man's head and shoves hand on the young man's head and shoves hand on the young man's head and shoves his head into the water, underneath the his head into the water, underneath the his head into the water, underneath the water. And this kid like water. And this kid like water. And this kid like like he's gasping for air. He's dying. like he's gasping for air. He's dying. like he's gasping for air. He's dying. He's shaking his head. And then the He's shaking his head. And then the He's shaking his head. And then the young man is flailing. And then like 30 young man is flailing. And then like 30 young man is flailing. And then like 30 seconds later, finally, boom, he like seconds later, finally, boom, he like seconds later, finally, boom, he like pops up and he's like, "What was that pops up and he's like, "What was that pops up and he's like, "What was that for? You almost killed me." And the for? You almost killed me." And the for? You almost killed me." And the mentor looks at him and he says, "You mentor looks at him and he says, "You mentor looks at him and he says, "You really wanted to breathe, didn't you?"

really wanted to breathe, didn't you?" really wanted to breathe, didn't you?" And the young man said, "Yes, I was And the young man said, "Yes, I was And the young man said, "Yes, I was going to die if I didn't breathe." And going to die if I didn't breathe." And going to die if I didn't breathe." And the mentor looks at him and he says, the mentor looks at him and he says, the mentor looks at him and he says, "When you are as desperate for God as "When you are as desperate for God as "When you are as desperate for God as you were for air in that moment, that's you were for air in that moment, that's you were for air in that moment, that's when you'll hear from God." When there when you'll hear from God." When there when you'll hear from God." When there is a desperation in your soul that rises is a desperation in your soul that rises is a desperation in your soul that rises up like Jesus says in Matthew 4:4, up like Jesus says in Matthew 4:4, up like Jesus says in Matthew 4:4, listen to these words. Jesus is speaking listen to these words. Jesus is speaking listen to these words. Jesus is speaking to the tempter in the wilderness. And he to the tempter in the wilderness. And he to the tempter in the wilderness. And he says this, it is written, man does not says this, it is written, man does not says this, it is written, man does not live by bread alone, but by every word live by bread alone, but by every word live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. So that proceeds from the mouth of God. So that proceeds from the mouth of God. So the word of God is a source of the word of God is a source of the word of God is a source of sustenance for your soul. And the Rama, sustenance for your soul. And the Rama, sustenance for your soul. And the Rama, personal word of God is able to speak personal word of God is able to speak personal word of God is able to speak into your life a word of hope, into your into your life a word of hope, into your into your life a word of hope, into your life, a word of strength that gives you life, a word of strength that gives you life, a word of strength that gives you a a kind of sustenance that you didn't a a kind of sustenance that you didn't a a kind of sustenance that you didn't have before, a word of peace in the have before, a word of peace in the have before, a word of peace in the midst of anxiety. that the word of God midst of anxiety. that the word of God midst of anxiety. that the word of God knows. He knows exactly what you need in knows. He knows exactly what you need in knows. He knows exactly what you need in this moment. And as you look across the this moment. And as you look across the this moment. And as you look across the room you're in today, all of our room you're in today, all of our room you're in today, all of our campuses, thousands of people, the campuses, thousands of people, the campuses, thousands of people, the living God knows every situation, every living God knows every situation, every living God knows every situation, every hair on every head, and the voice of the hair on every head, and the voice of the hair on every head, and the voice of the Lord is able to speak into every single Lord is able to speak into every single Lord is able to speak into every single life. And that's you. He wants to speak life. And that's you. He wants to speak life. And that's you. He wants to speak to you today. And I love this verse.

to you today. And I love this verse. to you today. And I love this verse. Jeremiah 29:13 says, "This is when Jeremiah 29:13 says, "This is when Jeremiah 29:13 says, "This is when you'll find the Lord. It's when you seek you'll find the Lord. It's when you seek you'll find the Lord. It's when you seek him and you will seek him with your him and you will seek him with your him and you will seek him with your whole heart. That's when you will find whole heart. That's when you will find whole heart. That's when you will find the Lord." And some of us have been the Lord." And some of us have been the Lord." And some of us have been seeking him with half of our heart. And seeking him with half of our heart. And seeking him with half of our heart. And we just been saying, "God, I'm I kind of we just been saying, "God, I'm I kind of we just been saying, "God, I'm I kind of want to hear your voice." But what if want to hear your voice." But what if want to hear your voice." But what if today was a day of desperation where you today was a day of desperation where you today was a day of desperation where you stopped turning to counselors and you stopped turning to counselors and you stopped turning to counselors and you stopped turning to books and friends to stopped turning to books and friends to stopped turning to books and friends to be the ultimate source that would solve be the ultimate source that would solve be the ultimate source that would solve your problem and you turn to God. So your problem and you turn to God. So your problem and you turn to God. So many other wonderful things that you can many other wonderful things that you can many other wonderful things that you can use in your life. But there is nothing use in your life. But there is nothing use in your life. But there is nothing like the voice of God spoken into your like the voice of God spoken into your like the voice of God spoken into your heart and today today he wants to speak heart and today today he wants to speak heart and today today he wants to speak to you. to you. to you. So, I want to ask you to make some space So, I want to ask you to make some space So, I want to ask you to make some space right now that we might let him speak to right now that we might let him speak to right now that we might let him speak to us. So, if you will go ahead and just us. So, if you will go ahead and just us. So, if you will go ahead and just kind of put down the stuff in your hand, kind of put down the stuff in your hand, kind of put down the stuff in your hand, unless you're listening and driving a unless you're listening and driving a unless you're listening and driving a car, then keep the steering wheel in car, then keep the steering wheel in car, then keep the steering wheel in your hand. But for the rest of us, I your hand. But for the rest of us, I your hand. But for the rest of us, I want to invite you just to empty your want to invite you just to empty your want to invite you just to empty your hands for a moment.

hands for a moment. hands for a moment. And as we consider coming before the And as we consider coming before the And as we consider coming before the living God, I want to make sure you know living God, I want to make sure you know living God, I want to make sure you know this is the same God that all the Bible this is the same God that all the Bible this is the same God that all the Bible spoke about. He's the one that spoke to spoke about. He's the one that spoke to spoke about. He's the one that spoke to David when David was out tending his David when David was out tending his David when David was out tending his sheep as he wrote the Psalms. He's the sheep as he wrote the Psalms. He's the sheep as he wrote the Psalms. He's the same God that showed up to Moses in a same God that showed up to Moses in a same God that showed up to Moses in a burning bush. He's the same God that led burning bush. He's the same God that led burning bush. He's the same God that led the people across the the Jordan River the people across the the Jordan River the people across the the Jordan River as the Israelites came into the promised as the Israelites came into the promised as the Israelites came into the promised land. He's the same God that spoke to land. He's the same God that spoke to land. He's the same God that spoke to Mary and told her that she was going to Mary and told her that she was going to Mary and told her that she was going to give birth to the Messiah. That's the give birth to the Messiah. That's the give birth to the Messiah. That's the God that is speaking right now. And I'd God that is speaking right now. And I'd God that is speaking right now. And I'd like to ask you between you and him like to ask you between you and him like to ask you between you and him right now in this moment, if you will, right now in this moment, if you will, right now in this moment, if you will, if you're comfortable, just close your if you're comfortable, just close your if you're comfortable, just close your eyes, bow your head. You might open your eyes, bow your head. You might open your eyes, bow your head. You might open your hands in front of you as a posture of hands in front of you as a posture of hands in front of you as a posture of surrender. surrender. surrender. And you could say to him, I I want to And you could say to him, I I want to And you could say to him, I I want to hear your voice. I want to hear your hear your voice. I want to hear your hear your voice. I want to hear your voice, God. voice, God. voice, God. And as you do this, just want to ask, And as you do this, just want to ask, And as you do this, just want to ask, Holy Spirit, that you would come and Holy Spirit, that you would come and Holy Spirit, that you would come and fill our spaces with your presence. We fill our spaces with your presence. We fill our spaces with your presence. We are so desperate for more of you, God.

are so desperate for more of you, God. are so desperate for more of you, God. We're so needy of you. Maybe you would We're so needy of you. Maybe you would We're so needy of you. Maybe you would ask God in this moment, just say, "Tell ask God in this moment, just say, "Tell ask God in this moment, just say, "Tell me what you see when you look at me." me what you see when you look at me." me what you see when you look at me." Some of you today are carrying deep Some of you today are carrying deep Some of you today are carrying deep shame and the word of God is you are a shame and the word of God is you are a shame and the word of God is you are a priceless daughter of the most high God. priceless daughter of the most high God. priceless daughter of the most high God. Some of you men are just carrying so Some of you men are just carrying so Some of you men are just carrying so much weight right now and you keep much weight right now and you keep much weight right now and you keep trying to do it on your own and the most trying to do it on your own and the most trying to do it on your own and the most high God just says, "I I I'm with you in high God just says, "I I I'm with you in high God just says, "I I I'm with you in it." it." it." The voice of the Lord is powerful and The voice of the Lord is powerful and The voice of the Lord is powerful and mighty, near and present, loving and mighty, near and present, loving and mighty, near and present, loving and gracious. gracious. gracious. So just ask him to speak. So just ask him to speak. So just ask him to speak. Just say, "Speak to me God. Speak Just say, "Speak to me God. Speak Just say, "Speak to me God. Speak for your servant is listening." Lord God Almighty, Lord God Almighty, we are so thankful for your nearness.

we are so thankful for your nearness. we are so thankful for your nearness. Holy Spirit, we're so thankful for your Holy Spirit, we're so thankful for your Holy Spirit, we're so thankful for your presence in our midst, the sweetness of presence in our midst, the sweetness of presence in our midst, the sweetness of your presence. There is nothing your presence. There is nothing your presence. There is nothing in this world like you. in this world like you. in this world like you. And Lord, I pray right now across And Lord, I pray right now across And Lord, I pray right now across continents, campuses, and every continents, campuses, and every continents, campuses, and every situation. situation. situation. Lord, I pray for a fresh encounter with Lord, I pray for a fresh encounter with Lord, I pray for a fresh encounter with you this weekend across all of our you this weekend across all of our you this weekend across all of our campuses. campuses. campuses. Lord, that you would put a hunger and a Lord, that you would put a hunger and a Lord, that you would put a hunger and a thirst for more of you that nothing in thirst for more of you that nothing in thirst for more of you that nothing in this world satisfies. Lord, I think this world satisfies. Lord, I think this world satisfies. Lord, I think about how many people right now are about how many people right now are about how many people right now are turning to so many other things. They're turning to so many other things. They're turning to so many other things. They're turning to drugs and relationships and turning to drugs and relationships and turning to drugs and relationships and approval of people and success in the approval of people and success in the approval of people and success in the world. And you are right here offering world. And you are right here offering world. And you are right here offering living water to all of us that never living water to all of us that never living water to all of us that never runs dry. And so we pray that you would runs dry. And so we pray that you would runs dry. And so we pray that you would have your way in us. Have your way in have your way in us. Have your way in have your way in us. Have your way in us. We worship you as the same God who us. We worship you as the same God who us. We worship you as the same God who spoke all throughout the pages of spoke all throughout the pages of spoke all throughout the pages of scripture. The same God who conquered scripture. The same God who conquered scripture. The same God who conquered the grave. The same God who is ruling the grave. The same God who is ruling the grave. The same God who is ruling and reigning as the high king of heaven.

and reigning as the high king of heaven. and reigning as the high king of heaven. Jesus, you alone are worthy of adoration Jesus, you alone are worthy of adoration Jesus, you alone are worthy of adoration and praise. And we thank you that your and praise. And we thank you that your and praise. And we thank you that your voice is living and active, that your voice is living and active, that your voice is living and active, that your word is eternal, that you haven't left word is eternal, that you haven't left word is eternal, that you haven't left us. So we crown you with praise in this us. So we crown you with praise in this us. So we crown you with praise in this place. And we worship you, Jesus. In place. And we worship you, Jesus. In place. And we worship you, Jesus. In your name we pray. Amen. Amen. I want to your name we pray. Amen. Amen. I want to your name we pray. Amen. Amen. I want to invite you, if you will, to stand with invite you, if you will, to stand with invite you, if you will, to stand with me. And we want to seal this moment in me. And we want to seal this moment in me. And we want to seal this moment in worship as we call out to the God who worship as we call out to the God who worship as we call out to the God who speaks. speaks. speaks. You heard your children. Then you hear You heard your children. Then you hear You heard your children. Then you hear your children. Now you are the same God. your children. Now you are the same God. your children. Now you are the same God. You are the same God. You answered You are the same God. You answered You are the same God. You answered prayers back then and you will answer prayers back then and you will answer prayers back then and you will answer now. You are the same God. You are the now. You are the same God. You are the now. You are the same God. You are the same God. You were providing same God. You were providing same God. You were providing you are providing now. You are the same.

you are providing now. You are the same. you are providing now. You are the same. Oh, you are the same God. You move in Oh, you are the same God. You move in Oh, you are the same God. You move in power. power. power. God move in power. Now you are the same God move in power. Now you are the same God move in power. Now you are the same God. You are the same God. You are here. God. You are the same God. You are here. God. You are the same God. You are here. You are here. You are here. You are here. You are You are You are You are You are You are You are You are You are You are You are You are You are You are You are You are You are You are [Music] [Music] [Music] my God. Heat. Heat. Heat. on your faithful

on your faithful name. [Music] [Music] Amen. Amen. Amen. >> Well, thank you for joining us for >> Well, thank you for joining us for >> Well, thank you for joining us for church today. And what a powerful church today. And what a powerful church today. And what a powerful reminder that the same God of the Bible, reminder that the same God of the Bible, reminder that the same God of the Bible, the God that spoke to Samuel, is the the God that spoke to Samuel, is the the God that spoke to Samuel, is the same God that speaks to us today. He's same God that speaks to us today. He's same God that speaks to us today. He's the same God that wants relationship the same God that wants relationship the same God that wants relationship with you, that loves you, and that is with you, that loves you, and that is with you, that loves you, and that is inviting you into a life with him. And inviting you into a life with him. And inviting you into a life with him. And maybe today while you were listening to maybe today while you were listening to maybe today while you were listening to the message, there was a next step that the message, there was a next step that the message, there was a next step that God was impressing on your heart. God was impressing on your heart. God was impressing on your heart. Whether is whether it was to pray for Whether is whether it was to pray for Whether is whether it was to pray for something and to bring something to him something and to bring something to him something and to bring something to him in prayer or maybe it was to start a in prayer or maybe it was to start a in prayer or maybe it was to start a relationship with him and to seek him relationship with him and to seek him relationship with him and to seek him and to ask him for the very first time and to ask him for the very first time and to ask him for the very first time to reveal himself to you. Maybe there's to reveal himself to you. Maybe there's to reveal himself to you. Maybe there's another next step that God is putting on another next step that God is putting on another next step that God is putting on your heart. We would love to be praying your heart. We would love to be praying your heart. We would love to be praying for you and walking you through taking a for you and walking you through taking a for you and walking you through taking a next step as you grow in your faith. And next step as you grow in your faith. And next step as you grow in your faith. And so you can let us know what next step so you can let us know what next step so you can let us know what next step you want to take by clicking the link in you want to take by clicking the link in you want to take by clicking the link in the description if you're watching on the description if you're watching on the description if you're watching on YouTube or you can open the Saddleback YouTube or you can open the Saddleback YouTube or you can open the Saddleback app and let us know that way as well.

app and let us know that way as well. app and let us know that way as well. Church family, we love you so much. We Church family, we love you so much. We Church family, we love you so much. We are praying for you this week. We hope are praying for you this week. We hope are praying for you this week. We hope that you know that you are loved not that you know that you are loved not that you know that you are loved not only by us of the creator of the only by us of the creator of the only by us of the creator of the universe. And we hope to see you again universe. And we hope to see you again universe. And we hope to see you again next weekend. next weekend. next weekend. [Music]