Hearing and Recognising God's Voice

There is a great need to tap into the rich vein of the voice of God so that we can to hear from the God of heaven to navigate our life here on earth.

Life is a series of important decisions. If we are saved as a young person at 20, and by the time we reached 50, in the intervening 30 years we could have made five major decisions that required us to seek God's voice carefully. It's not that we will not need God beyond that Big Five, we still do, but the decisions needed are mostly related to those.

INTRODUCTION

The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many vision (1 Samuel 3:1)

Let us watch out for barrenness that may invade our lives so subtly that we can dispense ourselves from the need of listening to God and depends on our own determination, resources, training and talents. We may still succeed but to what end?

Barrenness is a death sentence to the spiritual being.

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,

“This is the way, walk in it,”
Whenever you turn to the right hand

Or whenever you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)

God is a speaking to us all the time. He wants to communicate. It is as important not to tune God out of our lives as to tune into God at all times.

Shepherds at times follow sheep from behind so that they can direct, guide, admonish. It is like the usage of GPS navigation for our road trips. As long as there is no need to turn left or right the GPS will hold its peace. We just need to keep our steering steady. The travel will be stress-free and we will arrive at the destination soon enough.

HEARING GOD’S VOICE THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

How to relate to those esp the younger ones? Who like to ask:

• How do I hear God’s voice? He seems so distant.
• Not able to initiate or start a dialogue with God. God is Impersonal.
• Not able to tap into the communicative channels that lead to God presence. God is not  friendly.
• “I am good at ‘horizontal’ communication with everybody using FB, WhatsApp, Wechat,Telegram, Twitter, Instagram etc but never good with ‘vertical’ communications with God. What is wrong with God? Obsolete? Need to upgrade?

How the Older Generation Learn to Hear God’ Voice?

They hack their way through the jungles of the world into the presence of God. They heave and push and shove a formula, use methodologies and systems.
Our reading list looks like these:

• The mystery of God’s Majestic Voice – How to Unpack it?
• 15 –Steps to Hear God’s Voice
• 20 – Ways to Recognize God’s voice
• The Holy Speaking God
• How to Journal to Detect the Trends of What God is Speaking to Us

THE DIFFERENT WAYS GOD’S VOICE CAN COME TO US

Soft and gentle whispers to the dramatic display of sound and sights.

• Elijah - Whispers
• Jeremiah – Burdens
• Moses - Burning bush
• Balaam – Donkey speaking
• OT to NT – Angelic Visitation
• Joseph in the OT and Joseph, Jesus’ father – Vision and dreams
• How the church was started – Mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire
• Jehovah Jireh and display the faith of Abraham and Isaac – Provision of a ram
• Prophecies, revelatory knowledge and wisdom

HEARING GOD IS SIMPLE

     
We need to understand the Protocol of God.

• It is the disposition to know and then to act.
• It is submission and obediene

      We need to Position Ourselves to hear God

• Go into an environment of expectation with the congregation, assembly and throng to enter the temple of God.. Let us go up to the mountains of the Lord. 
• Go into an environment of thick praise and worship
• Go into an environment of musing and meditating on the word of God 
• Go into an environment of Christian service. Idle mind devil’s workshop. Idle hands leads to temptation
  

In the Modern Scenario and Terminology, the Voice of God Looks Like:

• Eureka moment – a sudden, unexpected realization of the solution to a problem
• Serendipity moment – making discoveries while searching for or focus on other things
• Holy Intrusion of God – hearing God while busy serving Him or doing productive work in the office or business

WHAT CAN THE VOICE OF GOD DO?

• Rescue us from a life tedium 
• Deliver from depression and discouragement
• Deflect away crisis
• Allow us to seize opportunities
• Redirect paths
• Revitalise us while in deep despair
• Directions in major decisions
• Catalyst for growth in all areas
• Inspire new projects and undertakings
• Mitigate risk 

In 1994, I made a decision to go focus some of my work in a restricted access nation. While worshiping God in a Prayer Meeting God gave me 3 Malay words. I hardly speak and use Malay words. So it came as a surprise. God also has a sense of humour, the three words actually rhymed. The words were "Teluk" (Gulf), "menakluk" (conquer for God) and "memeluk" (embrace the faith). 

I could understand immediately in my spirit the implications of the words. But I had a question. It is that of location.  It is not complete as it came as a common noun and not as a proper noun. Where is this place "Teluk" (Gulf)? Instantaneously the answer came and the country was revealed to be as bright as a sunny day. I spent fourteen years and made seventy trips into this country but was never caught. Despite travelling many times on its dangerous roads I never had an accident. In 2007 it ended quite dramatically after I was hit by a motorbike while crossing the road. I understood clearly that my work was over.

CHECKS AND BALANCES TO VERIFY THE VOICE

1. Is it consistent with the character and attributes of God?
2. Is it consistent with scriptures? Jesus said? From which chapter and verse?
3. Does it satisfy the wisdom test? Violate common sense? How Jesus would have and acted?
4. Is it in tune with my style to do the work/ministry, personality, talents, gifts and experience?
5. How would my best friends and colleagues react to the promptings? In the multitude of counsellors there is victory.
6. Do I have peace that surpasses all understanding with regards to my decison?

Vision-Driven Ministry

I   VISION

WHAT IS A VISION?

Vision is a plan given by God

Ingredient of a Vision

VISION is an inspirational statement of a church’s bold ambition that defies logic.

Vision Statement (Sample) 

Our vision is to be a network of house churches winning the ________ for Christ.

II   MISSION

WHAT IS A MISSION?

MISSION defines the church’s purpose of existence and is a result from VISION

Ingredients of a Mission[1]

1. It should be visionary and likely to persist for a significant period of time. This is important as a backdrop against which more detailed objectives and strategies can be developed, delivered and changed over time.

2. It should clarify the main purposes of the church, and the reasons why the network exists.

3. It should describe the church’s main activities and the position/influence it wishes to attain in its field.

4. There is a statement of the key values of the church.

5. Down to earth though highly inspirational in nature. 

6. It is easily understood an agreed by everyone in the network. 

7. Motivate people at all level to focus on the VISION.

8. It sets standard for performances.

9. It is qualitative in nature.

10. Dynamic and grow with the church therefore changes to it are required from time to time.

Mission Statement (Sample)

1. To powerfully fulfill the GREAT COMMISSION by propagating the good news of Jesus Christ and making disciples (Mt 28:19-20).

2. To actively fulfill the GREAT COMMANDMENT by loving our God and neighbor (Mt 22:37-40)

3. To mobilize and enable her house churches and members to take responsibility by being directly and indirectly involved in frontline and supportive ministries to fulfill the Great Commission and Great Commandment (Eph 4:11, 12; 2 Cor 3:6)

4. To be an example for the world to reflect the glory, power and nature of God (Mark 16:17,18; 2 Pet 1:4 ).

III   OBJECTIVES

WHAT IS AN OBJECTIVE?

OBJECTIVES will result in the fulfillment of our MISSION

Ingredients of Objectives

It is quantitative and show WHAT need to be done and by WHEN

It is S.M.A.R.T.

Objectives Statement (Sample) 

1. To grow to 50 house churches by year 2005. House churches led by lay-leaders are to multiply once a year. They are to function in outreach, discipleship, ministry and support. 

2. To raise 5 full-time staff at 2 a year from 2003 

3. To give 20% of church budget for missions in ______ and South East Asia by year 2005. 

4. …. 

5. ….

IV   STRATEGY

WHAT IS A STRATEGY?

STRATEGY tells us HOW to achieve the OBJECTIVES

Strategy Statement (Sample)

1. Grow by concentrating resources on starting house churches that are strong in evangelism, discipleship and caring

2. Church as a place of refuge for he hurting

3. Offering opportunity to serve

4. Reaching new migrants, families and minority groups

5. Networking with other Christians and churches for new contacts 

V   CORE VALUES

WHAT ARE CORE VALUES?

It help us in decision-making on how to turn STRATEGY into action

Ingredients of Core Values

1. Core Values are our ‘belief system’

2. It will govern what we think and how we work

Core Values Statement (Sample)

1. Evangelistic work and zeal throughout

2. Maintain innovative ministries

3. Warm and hospitable environment

4. Correct attitude in ministry rather than skill and talent

5. Harmony and peace in relationship

6. Best training, trainer and materials for training

7. Using gifting and callings of leaders to start new ministries

8. Sustainability of ministries is important, self-financing, governing and propagating

9. Best possible worship, preaching, praying and teaching

VI   PROGRAM

WHAT IS AN EQUIPPING PROGRAM?

PROGRAM are for equipping the church and are organized ministries that put STRATEGY in action

Equipping Program Statement (Sample)

1. Build cell groups

2. Evangelistic program all year round

3. Foster fellowship program

4. Source relevant audio, video literature and books for library

5. Acquire and design training program for church and ministries

6. Build Outreach and Training functions of the churches

7. Cell, Music, Prayer, Men, Women and Children program for network

VII   BUDGET

WHAT IS A BUDGET?

BUDGET is the PROGRAM in Dollars and Cents

VIII   STANDARDS

WHAT ARE STANDARDS?

STANDARDS are excellent/best practices applied to repeated tasks and works

Standards Statement (Sample)

1. Standards for planning, execution and follow-up for evangelistic program

2. Standards for cell and church planting program

3. Standards for functional ministries

4. Standards for leadership and workers

5. Standards for leadership committee

6. Job Description for all that serve from leaders to workers

7. Standards for financials transactions and recordings

8. Standards for Holy Communion, Baptism in Water, Baptism in the Holy Spirit, Baby Dedication, Wedding and Funerals

9. Standards for computerization

10. Standards for office administration

IX   CONTROLS

WHAT ARE CONTROLS?

CONTROLS match actual performances with OBJECTIVES AND STANDARDS to allow for adjustments and corrections for any deviations

Controls Statement (Sample)

1. Organization Chart and line of authority

2. Weekly and monthly attendance for all services

3. Biweekly cell leaders meeting

4. Bimonthly department meeting and committee meeting

5. Quarterly evaluation and review for all departments comparing actual with expected performance

6. Yearly account audit by external accountant

7. Procedures for counting offerings

8. Church evaluation and planning for next year in September.

9. Mid-term planning (3 years)

10. Long-term planning (5-10 years)

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[1] Gerry Johnson and Kevan Scholes, Exploring Corporate Strategy, 3rd ed, (Prentice Hall: New York 1993), p.186

Through the Travels (Food)

I have worked with people who dared not licked their lips when out of their home country. An amoeba may have landed on their lops and this will introduce it into the gut causing untold personal misery. Welcome to the world of gastro-intestinal issues. Some brush their teeth only with bottled water. I do not want to discount others' precautions. I have mine too. 

There is a no snails, clams, shells and oysters policy in third world Asia. I try to keep to touristy spots. Do I eat hawker food? Yes, only food that was put over the fire, dipped into a boiling water and fried over a hot wok/pan. And it is to be eaten immediately.

Generally the food in the cities and towns are clean especially when it is in a packaged tour. If going out of the way then observe some precautions.

1. Eat food immediately after it is cooked. Most hawker's food fall into this category. Hot stew or soup just off the pot! Food fried in a hot wok. Or deep-fried stuff just taken out from a cauldron of hot oil. Or anything grilled over fire or baked in an oven.

2. If it is set on the table, see whether it is covered or if on the shelves whether the doors or curtains are drawn. This is to avoid houseflies diving into it. We got into trouble once in Chiangmai where we tucked in uncovered delicious left-overs after the service. It was our undoing. Two were rushed to the hospital.

3. Best choice: Any food cooked to order. Fried rice and noodles. Soup noodles are also good if it is cook in a hot pot. However, watch out for dirty plates and bowls. 

4. Eat fruits that you can peel. Do not buy cut/peeled fruits. It may be washed with dirty water. Fancy eating prepared fruits washed in river water. It happened in Bangladesh when I was travelling in a ferry. Bananas, oranges and mandarins are the best. If you need to peel and cut fruits like apples and watermelons washed the skin with bottle water first before using your Swiss knife. 

5. If you have food and fruits that do not look and taste what it should be throw it away and discreetly remove those from your mouth. Why fight it.

6. Beef keeps best follow by chicken and pork. So the choice is yours. Beef may have the lowest risk among all meats.

7. Do not take ice especially in the country side. The ice in the city and towns are generally ok. If unsure as the expatriate who has done this and eaten that. Otherwise get your canned/Tetrapak drinks off the refrigerator. Use a straw. If there is no refrigerator you can do this. Pack the ice in a plastic bag and pack the coke into another plastic bag. Put the coke in the plastic bag into the other plastic bag of ice. This will chill the drink sufficiently.

8. Another note is to be careful of recycle straws. Watch out for tell tale signs. This is carrying recycling to far.

Through the Travels (Toilet Facilities)

Squat of a different kind!

I was no stranger to outhouses in new villages in my country where I got used to the smell. As a teenager, holiday work has also taken me to crude construction sites where I lived and I got to use some of the dirtiest outhouses around. I dared not look down as I could imagine maggots waving at me. Some of these cesspool were just inches away from my bottom.

An unforgettable experience was an outhouse built on a slope. Two horizontal planks were extended 6-10 feet from the edge of the hill and kept horizontal there by stilts. A stall was built on top of it. In hilly breezy country it was pretty cool. Just don't look down. This got me to treat new experiences as an adventure.

In the early 1990's my travels started in North Thailand and North-east Myanmar. Later I included Laos and Cambodia. The tribes in the mountainous North Thailand have no stalls for toilets. They will use the open and often before light. I think they prefer the open especially the older folks. There is saying that a release can be done on land, in water (river) and in the air (squatting on a tree branch). For the uninitiated the river job will required one's back to face downstream. The younger generation will catch up with the toilet stalls once they are in schools. 

Those who made trips to these places or their equivalent is expected to do it in the open. Many a times the first question I was asked before folks signed up for these trips will be the toilet facilities. 

My early experience with no toilet facilities was in a Akha village in Mae Chan, North Thailand. We don't mind as we were a party of two men. If the ladies were are there generally a hole was dug into the ground in a secluded and shady place. A few stakes were hammered into the ground and a sarong stretched out by the stakes to form a circular or square stall. 

In these locations the men will find a place away from the houses preferable with a thicket to protect the back (rear). Then we would have a long stick that was strong yet could be flexed. The thicket and the stick is to protect us from the village pigs. They will wait for us to finish and then they lapped it up. Some hungry and enthusiastic pigs will be oinking away and these animals can be intimidating. 

Another humourous occasion was in Vietnam. I visited a Cham village in Binh Thuan province. Cham was basically unreached at that time. Three hours early I was at a seaside village visiting a few church planters. The village was successful in their aqua-culture business.I was feted with lots of crabs, fish and shrimps. Another famous product was their soda water and a their famous bottling plant, Vinh Hao. This natural soda water was poured into a glass with of lime juice and lots of sugar. The concoction of bubbly 'lime-ade' is quite an explosive thirst quencher, as well as a bowel irritant. 

My Chinese experience was pretty interesting. We have a 'shit drain' (it is a literal translation from Cantonese) and stalls were built on top of the drain. At least there was some privacy. While in the stall, I could literally see the 'cakes' from the other stalls. The cleaner will wait for enough 'cakes' before a pail of water is poured down from the higher end flushing all of it into a pond at the lower end.

My bowel was acting up in the Cham village and I spoke through my interpreter that I needed to visit the toilet. The host pointed to the back of the house. I thought they have an outhouse. I went and and did not see one then proceeded to search for one. My bowel was increasing irritated and I was more desperate as the seconds ticked away. I gave up and went back to the house and spoke to my interpreter again. This time the interpreter took me to the rear of the house and with a polite and graceful sweep of his hand from left to right indicating to me that I could take my pick where the toilet is to be. I understood and I went to the nearest bush.

Toilet facilities
1. If there is a need to use the toilet, I prefer the squatty potty than the western -style sit-down toilet. There is no contact. There is also incentive to finish it as soon as possible to avoid needles and pins on the feet.

2. However I am not choosy. If I can wipe the seat down with Dettol Wipes or line the seat with tissue it is fine. If it is unsightly do not attempt to squat on the throne. This is dangerous.

3. Try to do the 'horse stance' i.e. sitting without touching the bowl. You have to be able to last 2-3 minutes. Anyway if it is a bad stomach. This is enough time.

4. Otherwise it is not urgent and you can look for a better one elsewhere.

5. If stomach is bloated or have wind take 2 tablets of charcoal 3X a day. This may be preventive and allow you time to get back to the hotel or a cafe where you pay for a drink and then get to use their amenities.

Through the Travels (Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS)

I would have enjoyed my travel tremendously if I do not have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). There were times I shared with people my struggle with IBS. I received mixed responses. Some prayed, gave advice and others gave plum and charcoal pills. But through the years and much prayer and without healing I will make do and treat it as a thorn in the flesh.

In the initial years, I traveled long distance through Thailand using their ever reliable rail, bus and air. My concern was with the bus. It may have a toilet but most of the time it was not serviceable. I can imagine being trapped in the bus and needing the toilet and the bus stopped every 2 hours. I tried not to use a bus in Vietnam as they have no toilet. The train and plane was never a problem. I have a pack of Dettol wet-wipes to sanitise the toilet seat.

The earliest medicines I carried with me were Po Chai Yin (Chinese herbs in granules) and later Lomotil and Imodium. Then came the Bifidus in sachet and Charcoal pills. These are good after the fact so it is of no use when IBS struck. Later I took preventive measures, I kept certain food out of my diet during travels. It's mostly the spicy and dairy stuffs.

The other discipline was not eat breakfast especially if I knew I will not be near to a toilet or in places where the toilet was expect to be dirty or in the bush. Breakfast irritates the bowels. I missed those breakfast moments while staying in the 5-star hotel. No food will enter into my stomach until lunch. This way I will usually do not require the toilet until the next day. I really envy those who can 'blah' into the bowl once in the morning and be done with. Then they can chow all the breakfast they want without any bowel irritation.

I do missed the great food in Thailand, India, Bangladesh and Indonesia. I try to keep the spicy food and coconut milk intake to the minimum. It is not that I want to take but for lack of options. Even stir-fried vegetables Cantonese style have chili flakes in them. There is no avoiding. So it will take 3-5 days to build in a critical mass. Herein I can predict somewhat when it will come and will make plans for it.

So have I been caught needing to use the toilet while on the road? Yes enough times to tell some good tales. Those who want to read on, do so at your own risk.

I was once in Prey Veng in Southeast Cambodia and close to the Vietnamese border teaching a group of Church Planters with my local counterpart. We finished after 3 days and were ready to leave but was asked to stay as they want to serve us a local fruit. It was like a Kiwi or a Sapodilla, smaller and with skin that was a bit shriveled. Our host broke it open and served it to us. The taste was bad and I swallowed it not wanting to offend the host.

Just 20 minutes of driving, I have these wave of abdominal cramps. I asked for the pick-up to stop so that I can relieved myself. But the road back to Phnom Penh was bad. It was not long after the Vietnamese invasion and the road was intentionally left in very bad condition and both left and right of with without vegetation. I still have to do it. And lo and behold out of the trough of the land came 2 ladies walking their cows home. One of the basic courtesies in these 'bush' countries is for them to move away and used a less direct route.

Any accidents after 20 years of travelling? With careful discipline of food intake, charcoal pills and the grace of God, it is enough. No accidents. PTL.