Embracing God's Presence for a New Beginning

Devotional

Day 1: The Privilege of Standing in God's Presence

The highest honor we can achieve is to be in God's presence. Gabriel's declaration, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God," underscores the profound privilege and transformative power of being before God. Gabriel did not boast about his abilities or status; instead, he emphasized the honor of standing before God. This teaches us that in God's presence, we find healing, comfort, strength, and empowerment. When we come to church, we should do so with a heart ready to worship and receive from God, recognizing the privilege of being in His presence. [32:28]

Luke 1:18-19 (ESV): "And Zechariah said to the angel, 'How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.' And the angel answered him, 'I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.'"

Reflection: How can you prepare your heart to fully experience and honor God's presence in your daily life and worship?

Day 2: Cultivating Respect for God and Parents

In today's society, there is often a lack of respect for both parents and God. Teaching and modeling respect for God is crucial, as it shapes our worship and our lives. When we come to church, we should do so with reverence and expectation, ready to worship and receive from God. Respect for God and His presence is essential, as it influences how we live and interact with others. By fostering a culture of respect within our families and communities, we can create an environment where God's presence is honored and revered. [31:35]

Ephesians 6:1-3 (ESV): "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (this is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you show greater respect for God and your parents in your daily actions and attitudes?

Day 3: Transformation Through Encountering God's Presence

Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6 illustrates how encountering God's presence can transform our lives. Just as Isaiah's ministry took off after he saw the Lord, our lives can be profoundly impacted when we truly enter into God's presence. We must prioritize God over material possessions and other distractions, allowing His presence to guide and bless us. When we encounter God, we are changed, and our purpose becomes clearer. This transformation is not just for our benefit but also for the benefit of those around us, as we become vessels of God's love and grace. [36:00]

Isaiah 6:1-5 (ESV): "In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!' And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: 'Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!'"

Reflection: What distractions or material possessions are hindering you from fully encountering God's presence, and how can you prioritize Him today?

Day 4: Consistency in Our Walk with God

It's not enough to feel God's presence on Sunday; we must seek Him daily. By staying in His presence, we can navigate life's challenges with His peace and strength. This consistency in our walk with God sets an example for our children and helps us to be better parents. True transformation begins with us, the parents, setting an example of faith and devotion. When we consistently seek God, we build a strong foundation of faith that can withstand the trials and tribulations of life. [54:45]

Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."

Reflection: How can you incorporate daily practices that help you consistently seek and remain in God's presence?

Day 5: The Power of Prayer and Letting Go of Sin

To receive God's blessings, we must let go of sin and be sincere in our walk with Him. Prayer is powerful, and when we approach God with a genuine heart, He can open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings. We must prioritize our relationship with God to experience His full blessings. Letting go of sin and embracing a life of prayer and devotion allows us to align ourselves with God's will and purpose. This alignment brings about a deeper sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment in our lives. [47:01]

James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: What sins or burdens do you need to let go of today, and how can you deepen your prayer life to experience God's blessings more fully?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

This morning, we gathered to celebrate and prepare for the upcoming school year, focusing on the importance of being in the presence of God. We began by sending the children to their Sunday school class, where they wrote down their challenges from the previous year. Parents were then invited to pray over these challenges and symbolically wipe them away, signifying a fresh start for the new school year.

We turned our attention to Luke 1:18-19, where the angel Gabriel speaks to Zechariah. Gabriel's declaration, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God," served as the foundation for our discussion. We explored the profound honor and transformative power of being in God's presence. Gabriel didn't boast about his abilities or status; he emphasized the privilege of standing before God. This teaches us that the highest honor we can achieve is to be in God's presence, where we find healing, comfort, strength, and empowerment.

We also discussed the lack of respect for parents and God in today's society. Respect for God and His presence is crucial, as it shapes our worship and our lives. When we come to church, we should do so with a heart ready to worship and receive from God, not just to fulfill an obligation. The presence of God is where lives are changed, and we should approach it with reverence and expectation.

Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6 was highlighted to illustrate how encountering God's presence can transform our lives. Just as Isaiah's ministry took off after he saw the Lord, our lives can be profoundly impacted when we truly enter into God's presence. We must prioritize God over material possessions and other distractions, allowing His presence to guide and bless us.

Finally, we emphasized the importance of consistency in our walk with God. It's not enough to feel His presence on Sunday; we must seek Him daily. By staying in His presence, we can navigate life's challenges with His peace and strength. As we prayed for ourselves and our children, we acknowledged that true transformation begins with us, the parents, setting an example of faith and devotion.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Honor of God's Presence: Gabriel's statement, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God," reminds us that the highest honor is to be in God's presence. This is where we find healing, comfort, and empowerment. We should approach church and worship with a heart ready to receive from God, recognizing the privilege of being in His presence. [32:28]
2. Respect for God and Parents: Today's society often lacks respect for both parents and God. Teaching and modeling respect for God is crucial, as it shapes our worship and our lives. When we come to church, we should do so with reverence and expectation, ready to worship and receive from God. [31:35]
3. Transformation Through God's Presence: Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6 illustrates how encountering God's presence can transform our lives. Just as Isaiah's ministry took off after he saw the Lord, our lives can be profoundly impacted when we truly enter into God's presence. We must prioritize God over material possessions and other distractions. [36:00]
4. Consistency in Our Walk with God: It's not enough to feel God's presence on Sunday; we must seek Him daily. By staying in His presence, we can navigate life's challenges with His peace and strength. This consistency in our walk with God sets an example for our children and helps us to be better parents. [54:45]
5. The Power of Prayer and Letting Go of Sin: To receive God's blessings, we must let go of sin and be sincere in our walk with Him. Prayer is powerful, and when we approach God with a genuine heart, He can open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings. We must prioritize our relationship with God to experience His full blessings. [47:01]
### [47:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:59] - Introduction and Announcements
[26:42] - Children's Activity and Prayer
[27:32] - Outdoor Activities Overview
[27:56] - Candy Toss Announcement
[28:43] - Reading from Luke 1:18-19
[29:34] - The Presence of God
[30:20] - Respect for Parents and God
[31:35] - The Importance of Worship
[32:28] - Gabriel's Declaration
[33:14] - Entering God's Presence
[34:00] - Personal Testimony and Reflection
[36:00] - Isaiah's Vision
[39:09] - Feeding Off God's Presence
[45:49] - Letting Go of Sin
[47:01] - The Power of Prayer
[54:45] - Consistency in Our Walk with God
[59:59] - Preparing to Pray for the Children
[61:15] - Altar Call and Prayer
[62:59] - Closing Prayer and Blessings

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was Gabriel's response to Zechariah's doubt in Luke 1:18-19? How did Gabriel describe his position? ([28:43])
In Isaiah 6:1-3, what did Isaiah see in his vision, and how did it impact him?
According to Psalm 16:11, what is found in God's presence?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Gabriel emphasized his position of standing in the presence of God rather than his abilities or status? ([32:28])
How does Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6 illustrate the transformative power of encountering God's presence? ([36:00])
What does Psalm 16:11 suggest about the benefits of being in God's presence, and how does this align with the sermon’s message about the honor and power of God's presence?

Application Questions

Reflect on Gabriel's statement, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God." How can you prioritize being in God's presence in your daily life? ([32:28])
The sermon mentioned the lack of respect for parents and God in today's society. How can you model and teach respect for God in your home and community? ([31:35])
Isaiah's vision led to a significant transformation in his ministry. What distractions or "Uzziahs" in your life might be hindering your relationship with God, and how can you address them? ([36:00])
Consistency in our walk with God was emphasized. What practical steps can you take to seek God's presence daily, not just on Sundays? ([54:45])
The sermon highlighted the power of prayer and the need to let go of sin. Is there a specific sin or habit you need to surrender to God to experience His full blessings? How can you start this process? ([47:01])
How can you create an environment in your home where your children see the importance of being in God's presence and seeking Him daily? ([54:45])
The sermon encouraged entering church with a heart ready to worship and receive from God. How can you prepare your heart and mind before attending church to fully engage in worship and receive from God? ([33:14])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "In the presence of God, we are healed. In the presence of God, we are comforted. By the presence of God, we are strengthened and empowered. We are here to have a good time. But so many times people have not thought about that. And so they never think of church or being with the family of God or being in his presence as meaning anything." [31:35] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "There is no greater privilege than being able to come into the presence of God. I know there are those that have to say, I don't want to come to church, and I don't want this. And that may be. But I'm here this morning, not because somebody put a gun to my head. I'm here because I want to be here. Somebody say amen this morning. Amen." [34:00] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When you enter into the presence of God, you should begin to enter with glory and thankfulness. There is no greater privilege than being able to come into the presence of God. I know there are those that have to say, I don't want to come to church, and I don't want this. And that may be. But I'm here this morning, not because somebody put a gun to my head. I'm here because I want to be here." [33:14] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you begin to walk into the door and say, God can move in my life today. God can touch me today. This could be the day that God takes away all my sin, all my problems. This could be the day God saves my marriage. If you begin to come into this place with the possibility of what God can do in the presence of God, this could be your greatest day." [37:43] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "When you enter into his presence, there's so much that God can do. But you got to stop looking at your circumstance. And you need to start looking at God." [59:59] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Gabriel was letting know there is no higher honor than being in the presence of God. He did not say, I am Gabriel, the greatest of the angels. He did not say, I am Gabriel, who God gives the most important messages to men. Because he was a messenger for God. I mean, he is a messenger for God. He did not say, I am Gabriel, who can call fire down from heaven. He said, I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God." [32:28] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You see, this morning we're here because there is a reality in serving God. Some don't think about that. When they walk in those doors, they actually think about everything but the worship of God and about being in his presence. Some people walk in the church and they start counting how many white people we have here. How many black people are here? How many Hispanics are here? Like, that really doesn't matter. The color of your skin really doesn't matter. What matters is, do you know Jesus as Lord and Savior?" [34:46] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You were meant to feed off of God. You were meant to receive from God and partake of God. There in the Garden of Eden, man was made a certain way. He was made in the very presence of God. And as they began to enjoy the presence of God, God was able to feed them. Now, because of sin, they left that and they were no longer feeding off God. And they allowed the devil to interrupt that receiving from God." [43:08] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When you say no to sin and yes to God. Come on, somebody have church with me this morning. When you say no to sins and yes to God. Then God can bless you. As you begin to walk in the faith of God and you say, God, I want to be in your presence. I want you, God, to bless me like never before. You see, you begin to say, I need God. Can somebody say, I need God? Come on, I need God. The more you admit that, the more God can touch you. The more that God can bless you. As you begin to realize that without him, we can do nothing." [47:01] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Sometimes you're getting ready to make a decision on something and all of a sudden you just feel a lack. Hmm, what happened there? You get kind of backtracked sometimes. I felt God. I was thinking about doing this. I was feeling God. And then I decided to do this thing and I don't feel God at all. What you ought to ask yourself is, is God in that will, in that choice? If God is not in that choice, you ought not to do it." [55:57] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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