Desiring God's Presence: The Heart of Our Faith

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of God's Presence

Desiring God's presence is the ultimate pursuit that transforms every aspect of our lives. In a world filled with competing desires, aligning our deepest yearning with God's presence brings true fulfillment and purpose. When we prioritize His presence, we experience a profound change that impacts our thoughts, actions, and relationships. God's presence is not just a comforting idea but a powerful reality that shapes our lives and aligns us with His will. As we seek Him above all else, we find ourselves living in the fullness of His transformative power. [13:26]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to prioritize God's presence over other desires? How can you intentionally seek His presence in that area today?

Day 2: Embracing Conviction and Renewal

God's presence has a profound impact on our lives, convicting us of sin and awakening us to our need for Him. This process of conviction and renewal is essential for spiritual growth, even though it may be uncomfortable at times. Embracing the impact of God's presence leads to a life of renewal and regeneration, allowing us to live fully alive in Christ. As we open ourselves to His presence, we experience a transformation that aligns us with His truth and empowers us to live a life of purpose and joy. [21:32]

2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV): "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."

Reflection: Is there a specific sin or area of your life where you feel convicted? How can you embrace God's presence to experience renewal and transformation in that area today?

Day 3: Following the Holy Spirit's Guidance

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in directing our lives, guiding us into truth and helping us make decisions aligned with God's will. Following the Spirit's leading requires a childlike faith and dependence, allowing us to experience the fullness of life and walk in the ways of Christ. As we surrender to the Holy Spirit's guidance, we find ourselves living in alignment with God's purpose and experiencing the joy and peace that comes from walking in His ways. [31:18]

Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."

Reflection: What decision or situation in your life requires the Holy Spirit's guidance? How can you cultivate a childlike faith to follow His leading today?

Day 4: Empowered by God's Presence

God's presence empowers us with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, enabling us to bear the fruits of the Spirit and operate in the gifts of the Spirit. This empowerment allows us to partner with God in bringing His kingdom to earth, living lives marked by His love, joy, and peace. As we embrace the power of God's presence, we become vessels through which His love and power flow to the world around us, impacting lives and advancing His kingdom. [34:58]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: How can you allow God's empowering presence to flow through you today? What specific action can you take to partner with God in bringing His kingdom to earth?

Day 5: Communion as a Miracle of Presence

The act of communion is a powerful reminder of God's presence and the miracles available through His sacrifice. As we partake in communion, we engage with the King of Kings, experiencing His love, healing, and transformation in our lives. This sacred act is not just a ritual but a profound encounter with God's presence, reminding us of the miracle of His love and the transformative power available to us through His sacrifice. [49:05]

1 Corinthians 10:16 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?"

Reflection: How can you approach communion with a renewed sense of awe and gratitude for God's presence? What miracle do you need to ask God for as you partake in communion today?

Sermon Summary

Desiring God's presence is the central theme of our lives as believers. In a world driven by desires, we often find ourselves structuring our lives around what we yearn for, whether it be love, success, or security. However, the ultimate desire that should drive us is the presence of God, for His presence changes everything. This truth is foundational to our faith and our community at Commission Church, where we prioritize God's presence above all else. Without His presence, our programs, ministries, and efforts are meaningless. But with His presence, we witness creation, life, freedom, healing, and the manifestation of God's kingdom.

The Bible reveals that desires are not inherently bad; in fact, God Himself has desires. Our deepest and truest desire is for the Lord, and when we pursue Him, everything in our lives changes for the better. God's presence impacts, directs, and empowers us supernaturally. It convicts us of sin, guides us into truth, and fills us with the power of the Holy Spirit. This supernatural empowerment enables us to live lives marked by the fruits and gifts of the Spirit, allowing us to partner with God in His work on earth.

As we embark on this journey of desiring God's presence, we are called to embrace the impact of His presence, follow His direction, and partner with His power. This requires a daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to cultivate His fruits and gifts in our lives. By doing so, we experience the fullness of life that God intends for us, and we become vessels through which His love and power flow to the world around us.

Key Takeaways

1. Desire for God's Presence: Our deepest desire should be for God's presence, as it changes everything in our lives. This desire aligns us with God's will and leads us to experience His transformative power. When we prioritize His presence, we find true fulfillment and purpose. [13:26]
2. Embrace the Impact: God's presence impacts our lives by convicting us of sin and awakening us to our need for Him. Embracing this impact leads to renewal and regeneration, allowing us to live fully alive in Christ. This process may be uncomfortable, but it is essential for spiritual growth. [21:32]
3. Follow the Leader: The Holy Spirit directs our lives, guiding us into truth and helping us make decisions aligned with God's will. By following the Spirit's leading, we experience the fullness of life and walk in the ways of Christ. This requires a childlike faith and dependence on the Spirit. [31:18]
4. Partner with the Power: God's presence empowers us with the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. This empowerment enables us to bear the fruits of the Spirit and operate in the gifts of the Spirit, partnering with God to bring His kingdom to earth. [34:58]
5. Communion as a Miracle: The act of communion is a powerful reminder of God's presence and the miracles available through His sacrifice. As we partake in communion, we engage with the King of Kings, experiencing His love, healing, and transformation in our lives. [49:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction and Greetings
[02:30] - Joke and Laughter
[04:00] - New Sermon Series: Changed
[05:30] - The Power of Desire
[08:00] - God's Presence Changes Everything
[10:30] - Desiring God Above All
[13:26] - Embrace the Impact of God's Presence
[16:00] - God's Presence in Scripture
[21:32] - Conviction and Renewal
[25:17] - Running Towards God's Presence
[31:18] - Follow the Leader: The Holy Spirit's Guidance
[34:58] - Empowered by God's Presence
[41:22] - Partnering with God's Power
[46:18] - Personal Testimony and Vision
[49:05] - Communion: A Meal of Miracles

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Desiring God's Presence

Bible Reading:

Genesis 1:1-3
Psalm 42:1-2
John 16:7-11

---

Observation Questions:

In Genesis 1:1-3, what role does the Spirit of God play in the creation narrative, and how does this relate to the theme of God's presence changing everything? [10:30]
According to Psalm 42:1-2, how is the desire for God described, and what imagery is used to convey this longing?
In John 16:7-11, what does Jesus say about the role of the Holy Spirit, and how does this relate to the idea of God's presence impacting our lives? [21:32]
How does the sermon describe the impact of God's presence on our lives, and what are some specific ways this impact is manifested? [21:32]

---

Interpretation Questions:

How does the creation account in Genesis 1:1-3 illustrate the transformative power of God's presence, and what implications does this have for our understanding of God's role in our lives? [10:30]
In what ways does the imagery in Psalm 42:1-2 reflect the human experience of longing for God's presence, and how can this inform our spiritual practices?
How does the sermon explain the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting us of sin and guiding us into truth, and why is this process essential for spiritual growth? [21:32]
What does it mean to "embrace the impact" of God's presence, and how can this mindset lead to renewal and regeneration in our spiritual journey? [21:32]

---

Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt the impact of God's presence in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions? How can you seek more of this impact in your daily life? [21:32]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of desiring God's presence above all else. What are some practical steps you can take to prioritize this desire in your daily routine? [13:26]
How can you cultivate a childlike faith to follow the Holy Spirit's guidance in your decisions and actions? What specific area of your life needs this kind of faith right now? [31:18]
Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that you feel is lacking in your life. What specific action can you take this week to cultivate this fruit in your interactions with others? [34:58]
The sermon mentions the power of communion as a reminder of God's presence. How can you approach communion with a renewed sense of its significance and potential for transformation in your life? [49:05]
Consider a situation where you feel stuck or isolated. How can you invite God's presence into this area to experience freedom and community? [25:17]
How can you partner with God's power by yielding to the Holy Spirit's fruits and gifts in your life? What is one practical step you can take to align yourself with this empowerment? [41:22]

Sermon Clips

God's presence changes everything. How many of you know that to be true in your lives that God's presence changes everything? Amen. And because God's presence truly does change everything, and this is the truth that we want to anchor, and we want to allow our desire for God's presence to permeate and saturate every part of our life and our being in our existence in our ministry here. [00:05:30] (21 seconds) Edit Clip

Without God's presence, it's meaningless. We don't need more programs, we need the presence of God. We don't need more fluff, we don't need more sermons, we need the presence of God. And we desire the presence of God more than anything else. Why? Because when God's presence shows up, we see creation, we see life, we see freedom, we see healing, we see wholeness, we see supernatural signs and wonders and miracles. [00:06:57] (27 seconds) Edit Clip

In other words, without God's presence, we are isolated, we are stuck in our sin, we are divided, and naturally, we are dead. But because of God's presence, everything changes, and we're given access to a united, free, abundant, and eternal life. And this isn't just momentary. This isn't just something that we say, hey, I said the prayer one time in 1997, so I'm waiting until I'm dead and gone to experience it. [00:16:07] (24 seconds) Edit Clip

The picture that I get of this is when I take my son to the beach and maybe you've taken your kids or grandkids to the beach and the waves are coming and they're at the shore and they see the wave coming and they kind of like run and then they start running away and they have that cute little giggle. Anybody know what I'm talking about when the wave's starting to come? [00:21:55] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

The Holy Spirit is described in John 14 through 16 as the advocate or the helper, and we know that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things and remind us of what Jesus taught us and guide us into truth. We read this in John 14 and John 16. It says this, I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever, the spirit of truth. [00:26:53] (21 seconds) Edit Clip

Because the Holy Spirit has been given to us, the presence of God to empower us, we are invited to partner with the power of the one who can change everything. And I think this looks twofold. Again, I think every day we need to yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit. We need to pray two prayers. Number one, Holy Spirit, fill me with your fruits. [00:42:22] (21 seconds) Edit Clip