Embracing God's Presence: Building Together in Faith

Devotional

Day 1: We Are Included in God’s Family

In God’s house, even the sparrow and the swallow—creatures that might be considered insignificant or out of place—are welcomed and allowed to make their home. This is a powerful image of how God includes each of us, no matter our background, personality, or past. We are not pushed aside, tidied up, or made to feel like we don’t belong. Instead, we are invited to the table, welcomed into the family, and given a place to be restored and healed. All that is required is to say “yes” to Jesus, and we find ourselves part of this extraordinary, diverse family, loved and cherished by God. [08:18]

Psalm 84:1-4 (NIV)
How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.

Reflection: Who in your life might feel excluded or overlooked? How can you extend God’s welcome and inclusion to them this week?

Day 2: We Are Accepted as We Are

The sparrow and the swallow are very different birds—one common and social, the other rare and selective—yet both are accepted and allowed to build their nests side by side in God’s presence. Their differences do not disqualify them, and neither do ours. God intentionally created each of us with unique qualities, and He accepts us fully, flaws and all. We don’t need to compare ourselves to others or wish we were different; instead, we can rest in the truth that we are purposefully made and deeply loved. When we live out of this acceptance, we show the world that there is space for everyone in God’s kingdom. [15:44]

Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”

Reflection: What is one unique aspect of yourself that you have struggled to accept? How might you thank God for it and use it to bless others today?

Day 3: We Are Meant to Dwell and Build

The birds in the psalm didn’t just visit the temple—they built their nests there, making it their home. In the same way, we are called to find our spiritual home and invest ourselves in it, building with the resources God has given us. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, thinking we need to build like someone else or that our contribution is less valuable. But God equips each of us uniquely for the work He’s given us. We are called to dwell, receive encouragement and healing, and then go out to build for the kingdom, both inside and outside the church, using our own God-given gifts. [20:16]

2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Reflection: Where has God placed you to build, and what is one step you can take this week to invest in that place or community with your unique gifts?

Day 4: We Are Called to the Altar—Even When It’s Hard

The sparrow and the swallow built their nests near the altar, a place of sacrifice, fire, and sometimes pain. This reminds us that following Jesus often means drawing close to Him even in difficult or challenging circumstances. Sometimes we find ourselves in dark or inhospitable places, but even there, God’s presence goes with us. We are called to be faithful and to build for the kingdom, trusting that God will not abandon us. In every hard assignment, God attaches a promise: “My presence will go with you.” Even at the altar, we are not alone. [27:48]

Exodus 33:14 (NIV)
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Reflection: Is there a difficult place or situation where you sense God calling you to remain faithful? How can you invite His presence and build for His kingdom there today?

Day 5: We Are Building a Legacy for the Next Generation

The swallow finds a nest for herself where she may have her young, reminding us that our calling is not just for ourselves but for those who come after us. Whether as parents, spiritual mentors, or friends, we are sowing seeds into the next generation. Sometimes we may not see the fruit of our investment, but God promises that our faithful sowing will not be in vain. As we train and encourage others, especially children and young people, their praise and faith can silence the enemy and bring about God’s purposes. We trust God to bring the harvest, even if we don’t see it ourselves. [34:36]

Psalm 8:2 (NIV)
Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

Reflection: Who is one younger person or spiritual “child” you can encourage or invest in this week? What is one practical way you can sow into their life today?

Sermon Summary

Psalm 84 paints a beautiful picture of longing for God’s presence, using the imagery of two small birds—the sparrow and the swallow—who find their home near the altar in the temple. These birds, so different in nature and status, are both welcomed and included in God’s house. This is a profound reminder that in God’s kingdom, everyone is invited, regardless of background, personality, or perceived worth. The only requirement is to say “yes” to Jesus, and in doing so, we are not only included but also accepted just as we are.

The sparrow and the swallow teach us that our differences do not disqualify us. In fact, God intentionally created each of us with unique qualities and purposes. Just as these birds build their nests differently, we are each called to build and contribute in our own way. There is no need for comparison or envy; God has given each of us the resources and gifts necessary for the work He has set before us. Our calling is to dwell in His presence, to find our spiritual home, and to build faithfully with what we have been given.

Building near the altar is significant. The altar is a place of sacrifice, cost, and sometimes pain. Yet, it is also the place closest to God’s presence. Sometimes, we find ourselves in difficult or even hostile environments, but even there, we are called to build and to trust that God’s presence goes with us. He never abandons us, and His promise is to be with us, especially in the hardest places.

Finally, the swallow builds her nest not just for herself, but for the next generation. We are called to invest in those who come after us—our children, both biological and spiritual. Even if we do not see the fruit of our labor, we trust that God will bring a harvest. Our legacy is not measured by public recognition, but by faithful sowing and trust in God’s faithfulness to bring growth in His time.

Key Takeaways

1. Inclusion in God’s family is not based on merit, background, or personality. Like the sparrow and the swallow, we are welcomed simply because we have said “yes” to Jesus. No one is pushed aside or tidied up; all are invited to the table, regardless of how we come. This radical inclusion is a cause for deep gratitude and praise. [03:57]
2. Acceptance in the kingdom means embracing both our own uniqueness and the differences of others. God intentionally created each of us with specific qualities and purposes, and our differences are not obstacles but gifts. When we live out of our true identity in Christ, we become living testimonies of God’s goodness to the world, showing that there is space for everyone. [13:17]
3. We are called to dwell and build in God’s presence, using the resources and gifts He has given us. Comparison with others only robs us of our purpose; instead, we are to focus on building what God has asked us to build, in the way He has equipped us. The diversity of our contributions strengthens the community and advances God’s kingdom in unique ways. [21:23]
4. Building near the altar means being willing to serve and invest even in difficult, costly, or painful places. The promise of God’s presence accompanies us in these times, and He calls us to faithfulness even when circumstances are hard. Our obedience in these moments is not wasted; God is with us, and His presence is our greatest reward. [27:48]
5. Legacy is about investing in the next generation, both physically and spiritually. We may not always see the fruit of our sowing, but God promises to bring a harvest. Our role is to faithfully sow into the lives of others, trusting that God will use our investment to establish strongholds of praise and to raise up those who will do even greater things for His kingdom. [34:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:39] - Reading Psalm 84 Together
[02:41] - The Lord’s Presence and Blessing
[03:57] - We Are Included
[08:18] - The Joy of Belonging
[09:03] - We Are Accepted
[13:17] - Living Out Our True Identity
[15:44] - Building Together in Diversity
[18:01] - Avoiding Comparison
[21:23] - Building with God’s Resources
[22:22] - Called to the Altar
[27:48] - God’s Presence in Difficult Places
[29:40] - Building a Legacy for the Next Generation
[34:36] - Sowing and Trusting God for the Harvest
[39:08] - Closing Reading and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 84 (ESV) — > How lovely is your dwelling place,
> O Lord of hosts!
> My soul longs, yes, faints
> for the courts of the Lord;
> my heart and flesh sing for joy
> to the living God.
> Even the sparrow finds a home,
> and the swallow a nest for herself,
> where she may lay her young,
> at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
> my King and my God.
> Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
> ever singing your praise!
> ...
> For a day in your courts is better
> than a thousand elsewhere.
> I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
> than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
> For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
> the Lord bestows favor and honor.
> No good thing does he withhold
> from those who walk uprightly.
> O Lord of hosts,
> blessed is the one who trusts in you!

Observation Questions

In Psalm 84, what is significant about the sparrow and the swallow finding their home near the altar? What does this tell us about God’s house? ([01:39])
According to the sermon, how are the sparrow and the swallow different from each other, and why is it important that both are included in the temple? ([09:03])
What does the altar represent in the context of this psalm and the sermon? Why is it meaningful that the birds build their nests there? ([22:22])
What does the psalmist say about those who dwell in God’s house and those whose strength is in God? ([01:39])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon highlights that both the sparrow and the swallow are welcomed in God’s house, despite their differences. What does this suggest about God’s view of diversity and inclusion within His family? ([12:04])
The preacher mentions that building near the altar involves sacrifice and sometimes pain. Why might God call us to build and serve in difficult or uncomfortable places? ([22:22])
The swallow builds her nest for the next generation. What does this teach us about our responsibility to invest in others, especially those who come after us? ([29:40])
The sermon warns against comparing ourselves to others in the way we “build.” How can comparison affect our sense of purpose and belonging in God’s kingdom? ([21:23])

Application Questions

The only requirement for inclusion in God’s family is to say “yes” to Jesus. Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong or weren’t “good enough” for God? How does this truth challenge or encourage you? ([03:57])
Think about your own unique qualities and background. In what ways can you embrace and use your God-given differences to serve others, rather than wishing you were more like someone else? ([13:17])
Are there areas in your life where you find yourself comparing your gifts, resources, or contributions to those of others? How can you shift your focus to faithfully building with what God has given you? ([21:23])
Have you ever found yourself in a “difficult place” (work, family, community) where it was hard to see God’s presence? How might you continue to build and trust God even when it’s costly or painful? ([27:48])
Who are the “next generation” in your life—children, youth, or spiritual sons and daughters? What is one practical way you can invest in them this week, even if you may not see immediate results? ([29:40])
The sermon encourages us to sow faithfully, trusting God for the harvest. Is there someone you’ve been investing in or praying for, but haven’t seen fruit yet? How can you keep trusting God’s timing and faithfulness? ([34:36])
The psalmist expresses deep longing for God’s presence. What is one step you can take this week to intentionally “dwell” in God’s presence, whether through prayer, worship, or another practice? ([01:39])

Sermon Clips

``You don't have to look at anybody else and think that they are better than you. You don't have to want to be anyone else. You are you, purposefully made to be you. There are things that only you can bring to the kingdom, things that only you can bring to the world. No one else can do it the way you do it. [00:13:17] (22 seconds) #NearToTheAltar

If we can say, here I am, flawed but loved, that tells anyone who doesn't know Jesus that there is space for them. God has made space for me. Therefore, he has made space for you. If he can say, I love you, Lorraine, he can say, I love you, you. [00:14:09] (29 seconds) #PresenceInTheImpossible

Because we're living from the truth that who we are in Christ is more important than anything else. And I might find you a bit irritating, but I, do you know what? Jesus loves you. And so I'm the one who needs to work on that. We are accepted in the beloved. We were not a people, but now we are a people. And we are called by the name of Christ. I love that. Thank you, Jesus. [00:15:38] (32 seconds) #NextGenPraise

Scripture tells us that the Lord has given us everything we need for life and godliness. Everything. Every resource, every bit of insight, every bit of wisdom, every bit of intelligence, every bit of capability. He's given us everything we need. So the thing that he has asked you to build, he has given you the resources to do it. Don't worry about it. Don't think that there isn't resource for you. There is. [00:19:03] (28 seconds) #MentorWithLove

If God has instructed you, he will equip you. And he will do that physically and spiritually and emotionally. And you will stand and then again stand building the thing that he has asked you to build. Don't look at someone else's nest and think, I need to build like that. You don't. You need to build what God has asked you to build. And you need to build it where he has asked you to build it. [00:19:30] (26 seconds) #SowInFaith

You'll have heard the saying, comparison is the thief of joy. In the kingdom, comparison is the thief of purpose. Don't let Satan steal your purpose because you're too busy looking at somebody else rather than looking at Jesus. Build what you've been told to build with the resources that you've been given to build. [00:21:18] (28 seconds)

The statement I heard was that every time God gives something difficult to someone to do, an impossible mission, every time he does it, he does it with a promise attached to it. Do this really difficult thing and my presence will go with you. So there's this thing we're meant to do, this really difficult thing. And the promise is my presence. [00:27:48] (32 seconds)

Finally, finally, finally, we can have a legacy. Finally, the swallow finds a nest for herself where she may have her young. This swallow is not just building for herself. She's building for the next generation. We need to do the same. We need to be aware of the next generation, investing in them. [00:28:58] (30 seconds)

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