Embracing God's Relentless Love and Guidance
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the relentless love of God and His unwavering commitment to us. We began by recalling the burdens and obstacles of our past week, recognizing that there is no shadow He won't light up, no mountain He won't climb, and no wall He won't kick down to reach us. This imagery underscores the profound truth that God is always pursuing us, even when we feel distant or overwhelmed by life's challenges. We expressed our gratitude for His constant presence and repented for the times we doubted His nearness.
We celebrated the joy of community, acknowledging birthdays and the importance of fellowship within our church family. This sense of belonging is a reflection of the larger family of God, where each of us is valued and loved.
The core of our discussion centered on understanding the Father heart of God. We emphasized the importance of hearing God's voice, which is our birthright as His children. Jesus modeled this perfectly, often withdrawing to pray and listen to the Father. We, too, must cultivate a lifestyle of intentional listening, setting aside time to hear from God amidst our busy lives.
We explored practical steps to nurture this lifestyle, drawing from Habakkuk's example of getting alone to listen, watching to understand, and writing down what God says. We also discussed the importance of confirming what we hear with Scripture and the nature of God, ensuring that our understanding aligns with His character.
Finally, we engaged in a reflective exercise, asking God how He feels about us and what He values most in our relationship. This practice helps us to deepen our connection with Him and to live from a place of knowing His love and guidance.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Relentless Pursuit: God's love is relentless and unwavering. He will light up every shadow, climb every mountain, and kick down every wall to reach us. This truth should comfort us in times of doubt and remind us of His constant presence and pursuit. [37:47]
2. Intentional Listening: Just as Jesus often withdrew to pray and listen to the Father, we must also cultivate a lifestyle of intentional listening. This involves setting aside time to be alone with God, away from the busyness of life, to hear His voice clearly. [01:01:55]
3. Confirming God's Voice: It is crucial to confirm what we hear from God with Scripture and His nature. This ensures that we are not led astray by our emotions or external influences but are grounded in the truth of His Word and character. [01:10:54]
4. The Inner Witness: God has given us an inner witness, the Holy Spirit, to guide and protect us. This internal check helps us discern His voice and make decisions that align with His will, even when our emotions or circumstances suggest otherwise. [01:29:28]
5. Reflective Practice: Regularly asking God how He feels about us and what He values in our relationship helps deepen our connection with Him. This practice fosters a greater awareness of His love and guidance, enabling us to live more fully in His presence. [01:39:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[37:47] - Reflecting on Our Week
[38:27] - God's Relentless Pursuit
[39:01] - Repentance and Gratitude
[39:33] - Celebrating Community
[41:23] - Special Announcements
[42:16] - Birthday Celebrations
[44:10] - Kids' Church and Fundraising
[51:11] - Offering and Prayer
[52:47] - Technical Difficulties and God's Voice
[53:23] - Understanding the Father Heart of God
[55:22] - Personal Struggles and God's Presence
[56:52] - The Importance of Hearing God's Voice
[58:18] - Finding Home in God's Heart
[01:00:01] - Jesus' Example of Listening
[01:01:55] - Practical Steps to Hear God's Voice
[01:10:54] - Confirming God's Voice with Scripture
[01:29:28] - The Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit
[01:39:23] - Reflective Practice: Hearing from God
[01:44:43] - Closing and Fellowship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 12:50 - "I know that His command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say."
2. Luke 5:16 - "But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer."
3. Habakkuk 2:1-2 - "I will climb to my watchtower and stand at my guard post. There I will wait to see what the Lord says and how He will answer my complaint. Then the Lord said to me, 'Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does John 12:50 reveal about Jesus' relationship with the Father and His approach to speaking? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on hearing God's voice? [01:01:12]
2. According to Luke 5:16, what was Jesus' practice before making decisions or taking action? How does this practice serve as a model for us? [01:01:55]
3. In Habakkuk 2:1-2, what steps does Habakkuk take to hear from God, and what does God instruct him to do with the message he receives? How does this align with the sermon’s advice on nurturing a lifestyle of hearing God's voice? [01:13:02]
4. Reflecting on the sermon, what are some practical steps mentioned that can help us confirm we are hearing God's voice correctly? [01:10:54]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' dependence on the Father’s voice in John 12:50 challenge our own approach to decision-making and speaking? What might this look like in our daily lives? [01:01:12]
2. Why is it significant that Jesus often withdrew to pray, as mentioned in Luke 5:16? How can this practice of intentional listening impact our relationship with God? [01:01:55]
3. Habakkuk’s example in Habakkuk 2:1-2 involves waiting, watching, and writing. How can these actions help us in discerning God’s voice today? [01:13:02]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of confirming what we hear from God with Scripture and His nature. Why is this step crucial, and what might be the consequences of neglecting it? [01:10:54]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent time when you felt distant from God. How can the truth of God's relentless pursuit, as discussed in the sermon, bring comfort and reassurance to you in such times? [37:47]
2. Jesus modeled intentional listening by withdrawing to pray. What specific steps can you take this week to create space for intentional listening to God? [01:01:55]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of confirming what we hear from God with Scripture. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine to ensure you are grounded in His truth? [01:10:54]
4. Think about a time when you felt a nudge or spontaneous thought that you believed was from God. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience about being more attentive to His voice? [01:17:06]
5. The inner witness of the Holy Spirit is given to guide and protect us. Can you recall a situation where you felt an internal check or warning? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [01:29:28]
6. The sermon encouraged us to regularly ask God how He feels about us and what He values in our relationship. Take a moment to reflect on this practice. How can you incorporate it into your prayer life, and what impact do you think it will have on your relationship with God? [01:39:23]
7. Considering the importance of community and fellowship mentioned in the sermon, how can you actively contribute to fostering a sense of belonging and support within your church family? [39:33]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Relentless Pursuit
God's love is relentless and unwavering. He will light up every shadow, climb every mountain, and kick down every wall to reach us. This truth should comfort us in times of doubt and remind us of His constant presence and pursuit. No matter how distant or overwhelmed we feel, God is always there, actively seeking us out and drawing us closer to Him. This relentless pursuit is a testament to His deep love and commitment to each of us.
Reflecting on this truth, we can find solace and strength in knowing that we are never alone. God's love is not passive; it is active and intentional. He is always working in our lives, even in the moments when we cannot see it. By acknowledging His relentless pursuit, we can develop a deeper trust in His presence and a greater appreciation for His unwavering love. [37:47]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge or obstacle you faced. How can you see God's relentless pursuit and presence in that situation?
Day 2: Intentional Listening
Just as Jesus often withdrew to pray and listen to the Father, we must also cultivate a lifestyle of intentional listening. This involves setting aside time to be alone with God, away from the busyness of life, to hear His voice clearly. Jesus modeled this perfectly, showing us the importance of prioritizing time with God to receive guidance, strength, and comfort.
In our fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find moments of quiet and solitude. However, intentional listening is crucial for our spiritual growth and relationship with God. By creating space in our daily lives to listen to Him, we open ourselves to His wisdom and direction. This practice helps us to align our hearts with His will and to navigate life's complexities with a sense of peace and purpose. [01:01:55]
Habakkuk 2:1 (ESV): "I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint."
Reflection: Set aside 10 minutes today to be alone with God. What do you sense He is saying to you in this time of intentional listening?
Day 3: Confirming God's Voice
It is crucial to confirm what we hear from God with Scripture and His nature. This ensures that we are not led astray by our emotions or external influences but are grounded in the truth of His Word and character. By aligning our understanding with the Bible, we can discern God's voice more accurately and avoid potential misunderstandings.
God's voice will never contradict His Word. Therefore, it is essential to be familiar with Scripture and to use it as a benchmark for what we believe we are hearing from Him. This practice not only protects us from deception but also deepens our knowledge of God's character and His promises. By confirming His voice with Scripture, we build a solid foundation for our faith and decision-making. [01:10:54]
1 John 4:1 (ESV): "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."
Reflection: Think of something you believe God has spoken to you recently. How does it align with Scripture and His character?
Day 4: The Inner Witness
God has given us an inner witness, the Holy Spirit, to guide and protect us. This internal check helps us discern His voice and make decisions that align with His will, even when our emotions or circumstances suggest otherwise. The Holy Spirit acts as a counselor, providing us with wisdom, conviction, and comfort.
By tuning into the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and confidence. This requires a sensitivity to His promptings and a willingness to follow His lead, even when it goes against our natural inclinations. Trusting the Holy Spirit's guidance helps us to stay on the path that God has set before us and to experience His peace and assurance in our daily lives. [01:29:28]
Romans 8:16 (ESV): "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did the inner witness of the Holy Spirit guide you in that process?
Day 5: Reflective Practice
Regularly asking God how He feels about us and what He values in our relationship helps deepen our connection with Him. This practice fosters a greater awareness of His love and guidance, enabling us to live more fully in His presence. By seeking His perspective, we can gain insights into our identity and purpose as His beloved children.
Engaging in reflective practice allows us to cultivate a more intimate relationship with God. It encourages us to be vulnerable and open to His affirmations and corrections. This ongoing dialogue with God helps us to grow in our faith and to experience His love in a more profound way. By making this a regular part of our spiritual routine, we can develop a deeper sense of belonging and purpose in our walk with Him. [01:39:23]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: Take a moment to ask God how He feels about you and what He values most in your relationship. What do you sense He is saying?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There's no mountain that he won't climb up to get to us. There's no wall, no obstacle, no enemy, no confusion. No doubt, no anxiety, no depression, no brokenness, no death. There's no wall that he won't kick down get to us." [37:47] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He's a good God. He's a good God that wants a deep, intimate, personal relationship with each and every one of us. gosh, I love that. Love on someone. Tell them that they're welcome in the house. Remind them that God loves them. Oh, God's good, isn't he?" [39:33] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Lord, you are good. You're good to us all the time. And Father, we give back in our service. Give back with our talents, Father. And we sow back with our treasure. Receive our, Lord, our finances today. Lord, that we might see you do a miraculous work, Lord, not just in us, but in our friends and our family and in our community. God, that they might come to know, Lord, some of the words that we sang this morning as real to them, that they might find a God that they can fall into loving arms with and discover a life where they can really live." [51:11] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Does anybody want to be holy, righteous, purified, spotless? Does anybody want to be forgiven, justified, really living? Anybody here? Praise God, we are, we've accepted Jesus. Yeah? But it's all about Him, isn't it? It's all about Him." [58:01] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus' love for His Father compelled Him to pull away and to listen and to watch. But as wonderful as that sounds, so many of us struggle in this place and so many Christians don't live that way. You know, how do we nurture a lifestyle of hearing God's voice? How do we nurture that? I guess it's important that if we're going to nurture a lifestyle of hearing God's voice, then we need to know that He actually still speaks today." [01:06:19] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "To be really living, we need to understand this because He saved us into a family with a Father who loved us, not a religion that wants to control us. You know, it's one of the greatest benefits of being a son and daughter of the Almighty God is the ability, is the ability to hear His voice." [58:18] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus took the time to listen. The truth is sometimes God struggles and maybe it's more me because I'm Italian and I'd like to talk. He struggles to get a word in with some of us. Yet Jesus took the time to listen. Luke 5, 16. It reads that but Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. Before He did anything, before He moved into action, before He made any plan, He planned His next steps, He actually stepped aside and He engaged intentionally, right? Intentionally made a conscious decision to listen to what the Father was saying." [01:01:30] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We can't pick and choose the parts of Jesus we like. We can't ignore the parts that we don't. Or the parts that actually at times require a little bit of discipline, a little bit of commitment. Oh, I don't like those. No deal. We can't pick and choose stuff. I mean, we want the miracles. We want the signs. We want the wonders. If anybody here says no, I will throw a microphone at you. Right? We all want to experience miracles, signs, and wonders. All of us." [01:04:26] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we can't hear His voice, if we don't know what Father God's saying, if we haven't yet embraced the heart of God, if we still think that He's distant, we're going to be unclear often in our direction. We'll be open to the I guess to being led astray to deceptions if you will. You know, we'll be influenced by so many other voices, voices that are all competing for our attention, yeah? All competing for our agreement." [01:00:19] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to know it. But pastor, what happens if the Bible's silent on a specific issue? Phone a friend. No, no, don't phone a friend. Sorry. No. If you send Scott God actually instructing you to move somewhere or change careers, that's an example. Let's say that. That's a big one. You're in a job. It's really cool, but now you want to change. Or you're moving house. Could be a relationship with someone. I don't know. Confirm it by the nature of God, what you're hearing. This is where you ask, is what I'm hearing consistent with the nature of who God is, where I'm being led to?" [01:27:36] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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