Embracing God's Constant Presence and Power

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we often forget that we are constantly in the presence of the Lord. Whether we are aware of it or not, God is always with us, just as David proclaimed in the Psalms. Our awareness of His presence is often clouded by distractions, worries, and the burdens we carry. However, our faith can strengthen this awareness, allowing us to focus on God and His blessings. When we enter His presence with our problems, we should leave them with Him, trusting that He is the ultimate problem solver.

The presence of God is awe-inspiring and powerful, surpassing any earthly authority or figure. He is the Lord of the entire universe, and He desires to bless us and solve our problems. Yet, like Adam and Eve, we sometimes hide from His presence due to fear or guilt. God does not seek to punish us but to help us repent and change. He wants to be involved in our lives, offering His resurrection power to overcome any challenge we face.

Throughout history, people have turned away from God, choosing to follow their own paths. Israel's repeated rejection of God serves as a reminder of the consequences of ignoring His presence. God desires our full devotion, not a divided heart. He wants us to worship Him alone, recognizing that He is the one who rescues us from our enemies.

In times of trouble, we must remember that God is in control. He holds the universe together and commands a mighty army. When we align ourselves with Him, we become part of His family and His kingdom. Fear should not dictate our actions; instead, we should trust in God's power and presence.

Distractions can hinder our relationship with God, but we must strive to focus on Him. When we are overwhelmed, we should seek the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ and remember that Jesus can solve any problem. God wants us to turn to Him with our whole hearts, promising that He will provide more than enough for us. In His presence, we find times of refreshing and the strength to overcome any obstacle.

Key Takeaways:

1. Constant Presence of God: We are always in God's presence, whether we realize it or not. Our faith and focus can enhance our awareness of His presence, allowing us to experience His blessings more fully. [03:22]

2. God's Power and Authority: God's presence is more powerful than any earthly authority. He desires to bless us and solve our problems, not to punish us. We should not hide from Him but seek His help and guidance. [04:36]

3. Devotion to God Alone: God desires our full devotion and does not want to share us with other idols or distractions. We must worship Him alone, recognizing that He is our ultimate rescuer and provider. [13:17]

4. Trust in God's Control: In times of trouble, we must remember that God is in control and holds the universe together. Aligning ourselves with Him makes us part of His family and kingdom, where fear has no place. [15:13]

5. Overcoming Distractions: Distractions can hinder our relationship with God, but we must strive to focus on Him. In His presence, we find times of refreshing and the strength to overcome any obstacle. [21:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:22] - Awareness of God's Presence
- [04:36] - God's Power and Authority
- [05:28] - Repentance and Change
- [07:45] - The Word of God as a Love Letter
- [09:35] - Running from God's Call
- [11:02] - Jonah's Story of Avoidance
- [12:12] - Israel's Rejection of God
- [13:17] - Devotion to God Alone
- [14:25] - Elisha's Vision of God's Army
- [15:13] - Trust in God's Control
- [17:09] - Consequences of Idolatry
- [18:03] - God's Patience and Call to Repentance
- [19:00] - Jesus as the Only Way
- [21:53] - Overcoming Distractions
- [23:39] - Times of Refreshing in God's Presence
- [24:46] - Invitation to Experience God's Love

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 139:7-10 - "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."
2. 2 Kings 6:15-17 - "When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. 'Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?' the servant asked. 'Don’t be afraid,' the prophet answered. 'Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.' And Elisha prayed, 'Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.' Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 139:7-10 reveal about God's presence in our lives? How does this align with the sermon’s message about God being everywhere? [03:22]
2. In 2 Kings 6:15-17, what was Elisha's response to his servant's fear, and how does this illustrate the sermon’s point about trusting in God's control? [15:13]
3. How did the sermon describe the reaction of Adam and Eve to God's presence after they sinned, and what does this tell us about human nature? [04:13]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate how distractions can hinder our awareness of God's presence? [21:53]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God’s omnipresence in Psalm 139 challenge or comfort individuals in their daily lives? [03:22]
2. What does Elisha’s prayer for his servant in 2 Kings 6:15-17 teach about spiritual vision and awareness of God’s power? [15:13]
3. How might the fear and guilt experienced by Adam and Eve after their sin reflect common human responses to wrongdoing today? [04:13]
4. In what ways do distractions in modern life compare to the distractions mentioned in the sermon, and how do they affect one's spiritual focus? [21:53]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take to become more aware of His presence in your daily life? [03:22]
2. Elisha’s servant was initially afraid until his eyes were opened to see God’s army. How can you cultivate a mindset that trusts in God’s unseen power during challenging times? [15:13]
3. Consider a situation where fear or guilt has kept you from approaching God. How can you overcome these feelings to seek His help and guidance? [04:13]
4. Identify a specific distraction in your life that hinders your relationship with God. What practical steps can you take this week to minimize its impact? [21:53]
5. How can you support a fellow believer who is struggling with distractions or feeling overwhelmed? What role does community play in strengthening faith? [21:53]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about God’s desire for full devotion. What changes can you make to ensure that your heart is not divided by other idols or distractions? [13:17]
7. How can you remind yourself of God’s control and presence when facing personal or global crises? What practices can help reinforce this trust? [15:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Awareness of God's Ever-Present Nature
In our daily lives, we often overlook the constant presence of God. This presence is not contingent on our awareness or acknowledgment; it simply is. Our faith acts as a lens, sharpening our focus and allowing us to perceive His presence more clearly. By cultivating this awareness, we open ourselves to experiencing His blessings more fully. Distractions, worries, and burdens can cloud our perception, but through faith, we can learn to set these aside and focus on the divine presence that surrounds us. When we bring our problems into His presence, we should trust Him to handle them, knowing that He is the ultimate problem solver. [03:22]

Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV): "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me."

Reflection: What is one distraction in your life that often clouds your awareness of God's presence? How can you intentionally set it aside today to focus more on Him?


Day 2: Embracing God's Supreme Authority
God's presence is awe-inspiring and surpasses any earthly authority. He is the Lord of the universe, desiring to bless us and solve our problems, not to punish us. Often, like Adam and Eve, we hide from His presence due to fear or guilt. However, God seeks to help us repent and change, not to condemn us. He wants to be involved in our lives, offering His resurrection power to overcome any challenge we face. By seeking His help and guidance, we align ourselves with His supreme authority and open ourselves to His transformative power. [04:36]

Isaiah 40:28-29 (ESV): "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength."

Reflection: Is there a fear or guilt that is causing you to hide from God? How can you bring this to Him today, trusting in His desire to help and not to punish?


Day 3: Wholehearted Devotion to God
Throughout history, people have turned away from God, choosing to follow their own paths. This is exemplified by Israel's repeated rejection of God, serving as a reminder of the consequences of ignoring His presence. God desires our full devotion, not a divided heart. He wants us to worship Him alone, recognizing that He is our ultimate rescuer and provider. By devoting ourselves fully to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and open ourselves to His guidance and provision. [13:17]

1 Kings 18:21 (ESV): "And Elijah came near to all the people and said, 'How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.' And the people did not answer him a word."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find your devotion divided? How can you take a step today to devote this area fully to God?


Day 4: Trusting in God's Sovereign Control
In times of trouble, it is crucial to remember that God is in control. He holds the universe together and commands a mighty army. When we align ourselves with Him, we become part of His family and His kingdom, where fear has no place. Trusting in God's power and presence allows us to navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He is in control and that we are not alone. [15:13]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: What is one specific situation in your life where you need to trust in God's control? How can you remind yourself of His sovereignty in this situation today?


Day 5: Overcoming Distractions to Focus on God
Distractions can hinder our relationship with God, but we must strive to focus on Him. In His presence, we find times of refreshing and the strength to overcome any obstacle. When overwhelmed, seeking the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ can help us refocus on Jesus, who can solve any problem. God wants us to turn to Him with our whole hearts, promising that He will provide more than enough for us. [21:53]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: What is one distraction that often pulls your focus away from God? How can you intentionally set aside time today to focus on Him and seek His presence?

Quotes

"We're always in the Lord's presence. There's nowhere you can go. We forget sometimes. There are times that we get angry, we forget. There are times that things don't go our way, and we forget. But we're always in. There's nowhere you can go. David said, where can I go from your presence, Lord? If I go up into the heavens, you're there. If I go down into the depths of hell, you're there. No matter where I go, if I go to a deserted island, you're there. We're always in his presence." [00:00:25]

"Do you know if the new president come walking through those doors, we'd all forget what we're thinking about, wouldn't we? We'd all be having our focus on him. Can I tell you, we serve a living God that's more powerful, more awesome than anybody, any president, any person on the planet. When he comes around, heels melt like wax in his presence. He's pretty awesome. He's an awesome God. At the presence of the Lord, the whole... He's the Lord of the whole universe, and he's here this morning." [00:01:33]

"God's the creator of the universe. He created me and you. He doesn't want to punish you. He doesn't want to bend you over his knee. He wants you to repent and change. And he wants to come and help you with all of the problems that you've got. That's the living Savior. We were talking in Sunday school this morning. We serve a God that's alive. You see, Jesus said he told his disciples more than once." [00:05:49]

"Cain was sent from the presence of the Lord. He killed his brother. He was jealous of his brother, and he killed him. God knew it. He saw it. He saw what happened. He asked Cain where his brother was at. He knew he's killed his brother. He just wanted him to admit it. Am I my brother's keeper? You know, we try to cover up stuff when we do things wrong. We try to cover up stuff. Didn't work. God punished him, gave him a severe punishment." [00:06:13]

"Israel has a history. If you read in the book, if you read in the Old Testament, Israel has a history. At one time, the Bible says they put their hands over their ears. They did not want to hear the word of God. They did not want to hear the message because they had no intention of doing what God wanted them to do. No intention. You must worship only the Lord your God. He's the one who's going to rescue you from your enemies." [00:13:18]

"God doesn't want to share you with anybody. He wants you to be totally His. He doesn't want you to be somebody else's. He wants you to be His. You're His creation. He created you. He wants you to be His. Sometimes God just has to turn the light on. I wrote that. There was a whole lot of text there, and I'm not going to read it all. But it tells of a story of Elisha." [00:14:07]

"All of the time, all we have to do is go to Jesus. He runs everything. Do you know he's still holding everything together? He's still holding this whole universe together. You look at all the creation and all the beautiful things in this world. He's still holding everything together, and he doesn't need any help. He's able to hold it all together. Well, when the servant's eyes were opened, he saw all of God's people, all of God's army." [00:15:50]

"Distractions. Sometimes someone has our attention. As Christians, sometimes things get in our way. We come to church, we got a problem on our mind. We got a situation going on. We got a problem with a family member. We got a bill that's got to be paid. We got all kinds of things, and we sit back there and we listen to the message. We listen to the songs. We listen to the message, and we leave the same way we came because that distraction kept us." [00:20:19]

"Zechariah paints a bad, a sorrowful picture of people that continually turn from God, continually just ignore Him. Continually don't want to hear about it. They're going to do things their way. They're going to do it the way they want, and that's the way it's got to be. I don't want to do, I don't even want to listen to the Word of God. I don't want to read it. I don't want to hear it. I don't want anything to do with it." [00:22:09]

"God has a message for you this morning. He has a message for me this morning. He loves you. He cares about you. He wants you to turn to Him with your whole heart. He wants you to give all that you have to Him. And I promise you, if you give all you have to Him, there'll be plenty left over. And you'll have more than enough. You'll always be taken care of. It's nice to be in His presence." [00:23:02]

"There are times of repent and be converted that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come before the presence of the Lord. When you get into His presence, if you want to be cleansed, if you want to be made whole, if you want to be made right, all you've got to do is come to Him and say, Lord, I'm sorry, I messed it up. I'm turning to You. I'm giving my life to You. That's all you've got to do." [00:24:25]

"Those that are distracted by problems, let them see you're the problem solver. Reach out to each one that's here this morning. Lord, we're in your presence and we worship you. We're in your presence and we love you. With every head bowed and every eye closed, I want to ask you, are you in His presence? Can you see the glorious God that I'm talking about? Can you see the loving Savior that I'm talking about?" [00:25:21]

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Transcript
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