Deepening Our Relationship with God Through Presence

 

Summary

Taking a moment to reflect on the essence of our relationship with God, I am reminded of the profound importance of slowing down and truly listening—not just to others, but to God Himself. In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves rushing through life, missing the opportunity to connect deeply with those around us and with God. This week, I took a deliberate step back, leaving my phone behind and engaging in meaningful conversations with people I encountered. It was a reminder of the richness that comes from being present and truly listening to others' stories and struggles.

This experience parallels our need to cultivate a personal relationship with God. It's not enough to rely solely on church services or teachings from others. We must carve out time to be alone with God, to read His Word, and to allow His Spirit to speak directly to us. This personal time with God is irreplaceable and transformative. As Peter reminds us, "All flesh is like grass... but the word of the Lord remains forever." Our lives are fleeting, but God's Word is eternal and life-giving.

We are called to be like newborn infants, longing for the pure spiritual milk of God's Word. This longing is not just about acquiring knowledge but about experiencing the goodness of God firsthand. It's about tasting and seeing that the Lord is good, developing a relationship that is as real and intimate as any earthly relationship. This relationship is marked by a deep love for God, even though we have not seen Him, and a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.

In this journey, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role, assuring us of God's love and enabling us to cry out to Him as our Father. This relationship is not about rules or obligations but about a genuine connection with our Creator, who knows us intimately and loves us deeply. My prayer is that each of us will experience this profound relationship with God, finding joy and security in His presence.

Key Takeaways:

- The Importance of Presence: In our hurried lives, we often miss the opportunity to truly connect with others and with God. Taking time to slow down and listen can lead to deeper relationships and a greater understanding of the struggles and joys of those around us. [02:38]

- Personal Time with God: Our relationship with God cannot be sustained solely by church services or teachings from others. We must spend personal time with God, reading His Word and allowing His Spirit to speak directly to us. This personal connection is transformative and irreplaceable. [09:46]

- The Eternal Word of God: Our lives are fleeting, but God's Word is eternal. It remains true and life-giving, offering us guidance and hope. We are called to long for God's Word, like newborn infants longing for milk, to grow in our faith and understanding. [12:12]

- Experiencing God's Goodness: Tasting and seeing that the Lord is good is about experiencing His love and presence firsthand. This relationship is marked by a deep love for God and a joy that is inexpressible, even though we have not seen Him. [16:11]

- The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit assures us of God's love and enables us to cry out to Him as our Father. This relationship is not about rules but about a genuine connection with our Creator, who knows us intimately and loves us deeply. [41:58]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Missionary Commercial
- [01:01] - A Lesson from Home
- [02:26] - Leaving the Phone Behind
- [03:06] - Listening to Others
- [04:25] - The Need for Deep Relationships
- [06:12] - Addressing Different Needs
- [08:07] - The Importance of Personal Time with God
- [09:04] - The Most Important Lesson
- [10:29] - The Eternal Word of God
- [12:12] - The Word That Lasts Forever
- [14:12] - Longing for Spiritual Milk
- [16:11] - Tasting God's Goodness
- [19:49] - Encouragement to Read 1 Peter
- [21:07] - Introduction to 1 Peter
- [23:22] - Elect Exiles and God's Plan
- [26:47] - Born Again Through Mercy
- [30:10] - Loving God Without Seeing Him
- [32:09] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [41:58] - Assurance of God's Love

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 1:24-25 - "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever."
2. 1 Peter 2:2-3 - "Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good."

Observation Questions:
1. What did the pastor do differently this week to focus on being present with others? ([02:26])
2. How does the pastor describe the fleeting nature of life compared to the eternal nature of God's Word? ([11:06])
3. What metaphor does the pastor use to describe our longing for God's Word, and how does it relate to our spiritual growth? ([14:12])
4. How does the pastor illustrate the role of the Holy Spirit in assuring us of God's love? ([41:58])

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to have a personal relationship with God that goes beyond church services and teachings? How does this personal time with God transform us? ([09:46])
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that our hurried lives can prevent us from truly connecting with others and with God? ([02:38])
3. How does the pastor explain the concept of longing for God's Word like newborn infants? What does this metaphor suggest about our spiritual needs? ([14:12])
4. How does the Holy Spirit enable us to experience a genuine connection with God, according to the pastor? ([41:58])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there specific moments where you can intentionally slow down and be present with others or with God? How can you make this a regular practice? ([02:38])
2. Think about your personal time with God. How can you create a more meaningful and consistent routine for reading His Word and listening to His Spirit? ([09:46])
3. The pastor talks about the eternal nature of God's Word. How can you incorporate more of God's Word into your daily life to guide and sustain you? ([12:12])
4. Have you experienced moments where you "tasted and saw that the Lord is good"? How can you seek out more of these experiences in your spiritual journey? ([16:11])
5. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you become more aware of His presence and guidance in your daily decisions and interactions? ([41:58])
6. Identify one relationship in your life that could benefit from deeper listening and presence. What steps can you take this week to nurture that relationship? ([02:38])
7. Reflect on the pastor's message about the fleeting nature of life. How does this perspective influence your priorities and the way you live each day? ([11:06])

Devotional

Day 1: The Gift of Presence
In our fast-paced world, we often overlook the profound impact of being present with others and with God. Slowing down allows us to truly listen and connect, fostering deeper relationships. By intentionally setting aside distractions, such as leaving our phones behind, we can engage in meaningful conversations and understand the struggles and joys of those around us. This practice not only enriches our human interactions but also mirrors our need to be present with God, listening to His voice and experiencing His presence in our lives. [02:38]

"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs your undivided attention today? How can you intentionally create space to be fully present with them?


Day 2: Cultivating Personal Time with God
Our relationship with God cannot be sustained solely by attending church services or listening to teachings. It requires personal time spent in His presence, reading His Word, and allowing His Spirit to speak directly to us. This personal connection is transformative and irreplaceable, as it deepens our understanding of God's character and His will for our lives. By setting aside dedicated time for prayer and reflection, we open ourselves to the life-giving power of God's Word and His Spirit. [09:46]

"But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:6, ESV)

Reflection: What specific time each day can you dedicate to being alone with God, and how will you protect this time from distractions?


Day 3: The Enduring Word of God
Our lives are fleeting, but the Word of God is eternal and remains true across generations. It offers guidance, hope, and life-giving wisdom. Like newborn infants longing for milk, we are called to crave the pure spiritual nourishment found in God's Word. This longing is not just about acquiring knowledge but about growing in our faith and understanding of God's eternal truths. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we anchor our lives in the unchanging promises of God. [12:12]

"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." (Isaiah 40:8, ESV)

Reflection: What specific passage of Scripture will you meditate on this week to deepen your understanding of God's eternal truth?


Day 4: Experiencing the Goodness of God
Tasting and seeing that the Lord is good involves experiencing His love and presence firsthand. This relationship is marked by a deep love for God and a joy that is inexpressible, even though we have not seen Him. By opening our hearts to God's goodness, we develop a relationship that is as real and intimate as any earthly relationship. This experience of God's love transforms our lives, filling us with joy and gratitude. [16:11]

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" (Psalm 34:8, ESV)

Reflection: How have you experienced God's goodness in your life recently, and how can you share this experience with others today?


Day 5: The Holy Spirit's Assurance
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our relationship with God, assuring us of His love and enabling us to cry out to Him as our Father. This relationship is not about following rules or obligations but about a genuine connection with our Creator, who knows us intimately and loves us deeply. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live in the freedom and security of God's love, guiding us in our daily walk with Him. [41:58]

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" (Romans 8:15, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance and assurance of God's love?

Quotes


I found myself just going up and down with that knowing that biblically I need to slow down I got to take time for people I got to listen to people but then you get in that Rush mode and that hurry like I got to get all this stuff done. [00:02:01]

I took a deliberate step back, leaving my phone behind and engaging in meaningful conversations with people I encountered. It was a reminder of the richness that comes from being present and truly listening to others' stories and struggles. [00:02:26]

We need to be getting into each other's lives and listening and we all needed just a few people a few people in our lives to dig deep and to hear them and to speak words of wisdom to actually know them. [00:08:44]

My youth pastor taught me how to spend time alone with God because no one's going to get you better than he does. I'm so glad like the one thing I took away during that time was you got to get alone because there's something that you won't get through a sermon. [00:09:06]

All flesh is like grass and all its Glory like the flower of grass the grass withers and the flower Falls but the word of the Lord remains forever. He says All Flesh he's talking about us see your body see you know your skin and everything. [00:10:44]

We have podcasts where we can just jump on the computer and listen to anyone and you know all sorts of people all across the nation and teaching the word of God that's great that's great go could do that you you've got access to all sorts of different Christian books. [00:12:51]

It's not going to replace this this is so good you've got to be alone just reading this there's something that happens there's something where just you and God and the Holy Spirit and his word that's going to speak to you and then you know that it's directly from him. [00:13:13]

Like newborn infants long for the pure spiritual milk that by it you may grow up into salvation if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good so he goes long for he goes like a newborn infant those of you who have had kids or we've all heard kids. [00:13:40]

Though you have not seen him you love him though you do not now see him you believe in him and Rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory is this true of you this morning that even though you've never seen God you love him. [00:30:13]

The Holy Spirit somehow inside of me Cries Out ABA father he gives me this security that I can call him daddy he is my father and I know I'm loved by him and I struggled because I thought okay how do I explain that though cuz I don't know how to explain. [00:33:04]

The role of the holy spirit in our hearts it's somehow his Spirit crying out and letting us know that we're loved by him we're Sons we're not slaves and our Spirits cry out for him in a relationship listen my relationship with God is just as real. [00:42:45]

I want everyone to experience that relationship yet it's not something I can teach um it's something really that you have to trust from God's word but also it's something that you experience through your own relationship with him and that comes through the holy spirit. [00:43:39]

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Transcript
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