Embracing Spiritual Hunger: Hope and Transformation in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Hunger—Desiring God Above All Else

Spiritual hunger is the deep longing within every person to know, love, and be with God, a desire that, when directed toward Him, anchors our faith and transforms our lives. Without this hunger, faith becomes a mere idea rather than a living relationship, and we risk filling the God-shaped hole in our hearts with things that ultimately leave us empty. True spiritual hunger leads to intimacy with God and a genuine love for others, changing how we see ourselves and those around us. When we pursue God with this hunger, we find our identity, purpose, and fulfillment in Him, and our lives become a testimony to His love. [49:43]

Matthew 18:3 (CSB):
“Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you have been seeking fulfillment apart from God? How can you intentionally redirect that longing toward Him today, asking Him to fill you with a deeper spiritual hunger?


Day 2: Spiritual Power—Relying on the Holy Spirit

Every follower of Jesus is given spiritual power through the Holy Spirit, enabling ordinary words and actions to carry extraordinary impact when sharing faith. This power is not about eloquence or personal skill, but about God working through us, turning our simple steps of faith into moments where His presence is made real. Even when we feel weak or inadequate, the Spirit’s power is like dynamite—transforming conversations, opening hearts, and ensuring that people encounter the real Jesus, not just our stories. We can relax and step out in faith, knowing that God is the one who brings true change. [58:02]

Acts 1:8 (CSB):
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Reflection:
When was the last time you relied on the Holy Spirit rather than your own abilities in a conversation about faith? What would it look like to trust God’s power in your next opportunity to share Jesus?


Day 3: Spiritual Hope—Becoming Ambassadors of Hope

The hope we have in Jesus is not just for ourselves but is meant to be shared with a world desperate for meaning, peace, and purpose. As ambassadors of hope, we are called to step into the brokenness around us, bringing the light and assurance that only Christ can offer. This hope is an anchor for our souls, rooted in the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of eternal life. Our lives and words become a beacon, showing others that true hope is found in Him, and that every person is uniquely gifted to bring this hope to those around them. [01:04:10]

2 Corinthians 5:20 (CSB):
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

Reflection:
Who in your life is struggling with hopelessness or uncertainty? How can you intentionally bring them a word or act of hope this week, pointing them to the anchor you have in Jesus?


Day 4: The Power of Prayer—Seeking God in Uncertainty

When we don’t know what to do, prayer is our first and best response, connecting us to God’s wisdom, presence, and power. The early disciples, confused and unsure after Jesus’ ascension, united in prayer and found direction and strength as they waited for the Holy Spirit. Prayer is not just a religious duty but a lifeline that brings healing, provision, and peace, reminding us that God is at work even when we cannot see the way forward. In every season of uncertainty, turning to God in prayer opens the door for Him to move in ways beyond our understanding. [53:26]

Acts 1:14 (CSB):
“They all were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”

Reflection:
What is one area of confusion or uncertainty you are facing right now? Take a moment to pray specifically about it, asking God for guidance and expecting Him to respond.


Day 5: Jesus—The Anchor of True and Lasting Hope

Jesus offers a hope that is both present and eternal, a hope that cannot be shaken by life’s storms or disappointments. Unlike anything else we might try to fill our lives with, Jesus alone satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts and gives us a reason to live with joy and confidence. His resurrection is the guarantee that our hope is real and lasting, and He invites us to trust Him fully, letting go of substitutes that will always let us down. In Him, we find peace, purpose, and a hope that endures forever. [01:18:53]

Hebrews 6:19 (CSB):
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.”

Reflection:
Is there something or someone you have been relying on for hope instead of Jesus? What step can you take today to anchor your trust more deeply in Him?

Sermon Summary

Welcome to the Evangelism For Everyone series!

Over the next six weeks at Henley and Enfield, we'll be unpacking the HABITS of evangelism that every one of us has the opportunity, call and privilege to live out.

GK Chesterton: 'Evangelism has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.'

How can we make this imperative, Great Commandment-driven part of our faith accessible to people who aren’t extreme extroverts and ADHD enthusiasts?

By building simple evangelism HABITS.

Hospitality
Asking Great Questions
Being A Christian
Invitation
Testimony
Spirit

    Today we continued our journey through the “Evangelism for Everyone” series, focusing on the final letter in the HABITS acronym: S for Spirit. Evangelism is often seen as daunting, but it becomes accessible and powerful when we recognize that it is the Holy Spirit who does the real work. We explored three essential aspects: spiritual hunger, spiritual power, and spiritual hope.

    Spiritual hunger is the deep longing within every human heart—a God-shaped hole that only He can fill. This hunger is not unique to Christians; it’s a universal human experience. When we direct this hunger toward God, it leads to intimacy with Him and a genuine love for others. Without it, faith becomes hollow, and our lives lack the anchor that only Jesus provides.

    Spiritual power is what God gives us through the Holy Spirit. We don’t need to be eloquent or persuasive; we simply need to step out in faith. When we do, God steps in with power—dynamite power—that transforms ordinary words and actions into life-changing encounters. Our role is to point people to Jesus, not to ourselves, trusting that the Spirit will do what we cannot.

    Finally, spiritual hope is what we offer the world. In a time marked by anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty, the hope of Jesus is an anchor for our souls. This hope is not fleeting or shallow; it is rooted in the reality of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life. We are called to be bringers of hope, stepping into the breach for a world desperate for meaning and peace. Jesus is the answer to the deepest longings of every heart, and He invites us to share that hope with boldness and compassion.


    Key Takeaways
    • 1. Spiritual Hunger Is Universal and Foundational Every person carries a deep spiritual hunger—a longing for meaning, connection, and purpose. This hunger is not just a Christian phenomenon but a human one, and if not directed toward God, it will be filled by something else, often to our detriment. When we pursue God with this hunger, we find intimacy with Him and a love for others that transforms our lives and relationships. If our faith does not lead us to see people differently, we must ask whether we truly know God. [52:34]
    • 2. The Holy Spirit Empowers Ordinary People for Extraordinary Impact We often feel inadequate or unqualified to share our faith, but the power to witness does not come from our eloquence or expertise. The Holy Spirit is the source of true spiritual power—dynamite that turns simple words and actions into encounters with the living God. When we step out in faith, even awkwardly, God steps in with power, ensuring that the focus remains on Jesus and not on us. [58:02]
    • 3. Hope Is the Distinctive Gift Christians Bring to a Hurting World In a world marked by anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty, the hope found in Jesus is both an anchor and a calling. We are not just recipients of hope but ambassadors, sent to bring light into darkness and meaning into confusion. This hope is not based on fleeting experiences or persuasive arguments but on the historical reality and living presence of Jesus, who alone can fill the God-shaped hole in every heart. [64:10]
    • 4. Authentic Faith Is Marked by Transformation and Mission Knowing God is not merely about intellectual assent or religious activity; it is about being changed from the inside out. True intimacy with God leads to a life that cannot be hidden—a life that radiates love, hope, and purpose. We are called to step into the breach, to be the light of the world, and to recognize that our unique stories and gifts are meant to reach those around us. [65:29]
    • 5. Prayer and the Presence of God Are the Wellspring of Spiritual Life When we set aside time to seek God—whether in a dedicated prayer room or in the quiet of our hearts—we discover that He meets us in ways that surpass our expectations. Prayer is not just a discipline but a doorway to encounter, healing, and peace. In the storms of life, Jesus offers living water and a hope that endures, inviting us to return to Him again and again for renewal and strength. [76:17]
    Youtube Chapters
    • [49:43] - The Importance of Spiritual Hunger
    • [51:12] - The God-Shaped Hole in Every Heart
    • [52:34] - Intimacy with God and Love for Others
    • [53:26] - The Power of Prayer in Uncertainty
    • [55:34] - Spiritual Power: God Steps In
    • [58:02] - Sharing Faith: Focus on Jesus
    • [61:05] - Seeking God vs. Seeking Miracles
    • [64:10] - Spiritual Hope: The Anchor for Our Souls
    • [65:29] - Called to Be the Light of the World
    • [74:20] - Invitation to Prayer and Response
    • [78:53] - Jesus: The Anchor of Hope

    Bible Study Guide

    Bible Reading

    Acts 1:8 (CSB) — > But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

    Matthew 18:2-4 (CSB) — > He called a child and had him stand among them. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

    Hebrews 6:19 (CSB) — > We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.

    Observation Questions
    1. In Acts 1:8, what does Jesus say will happen when the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples? What is the result of this power?
    2. According to Pastor Mike, what is meant by “spiritual hunger,” and how is it described as a universal human experience? [[51:12]]
    3. How does Hebrews 6:19 describe the hope we have in Jesus? What image is used?
    Interpretation Questions
    1. The sermon says that spiritual hunger is not just a Christian thing, but a human thing. Why is it important to recognize this when thinking about sharing faith with others? [[51:12]]
    2. The Holy Spirit is described as giving “dynamite” power to ordinary people. What does this mean for someone who feels unqualified to share their faith? [[55:34]]
    3. The hope we have in Jesus is called an “anchor for our souls.” How does this hope differ from other kinds of hope people might look for in the world? [[01:04:10]]
    Application Questions
    1. The sermon said that if our faith doesn’t lead us to see people differently, we may not truly know God. Is there a group or person in your life you struggle to see through God’s eyes? What would it look like to see them differently this week? [[52:34]]
    2. When was the last time you felt spiritually hungry? What did you do with that hunger—did you try to fill it with God, or with something else? How can you direct your spiritual hunger toward God this week? [[51:12]]
    3. The Holy Spirit empowers us to share our faith, even if we feel awkward or unqualified. Can you think of a recent moment when you felt nudged to talk about Jesus but hesitated? What would it look like to step out in faith next time? [[58:02]]
    4. The sermon talked about being “ambassadors of hope” in a world full of anxiety and loneliness. Who in your life needs hope right now? What is one practical way you could bring hope to them this week? [[01:04:10]]
    5. Prayer was described as a “doorway to encounter, healing, and peace.” What is one way you can set aside intentional time for prayer this week, even if it feels awkward or new? [[01:16:17]]
    6. The sermon challenged us to “step into the breach” and be the light of the world. What is one area of your life where you feel called to bring light or hope, but have been holding back? What’s a first step you could take? [[01:05:29]]

    Sermon Clips

    Every single person is spiritually hungry. It's just it doesn't always go to God. It's stirring powerfully in our world today, though. Now, here's what I mean about it not always going to God. The philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal, he put it this way. The guy who tortured you all in year nine maths with his triangles. He put it this way, inside every one of us is a God-shaped hole. And if you don't fill it with God, you will fill it with something else. [00:51:12] (29 seconds)  #GodShapedHole

    Because if you pursue spiritual hunger and you chase it because you need it, then you will end up with two of the greatest attributes you can have, which is intimacy with God and love for other people. Because if you're hungry for God and you want more of God, then you will know more of God. And the more you know of God, the more you will realise how personally loved and known you are. The amount you will know that your identity is founded in Him, your validity, your sense of self is all founded in Him. [00:52:22] (30 seconds)  #HungerForIntimacy

    Friends, don't seek the miracle. Seek the experience with Jesus, the encounter with Jesus. So you need spiritual hunger, and you have spiritual power. But what you give when you share your faith, and this is my last point today, is spiritual hope. Spiritual hope. That's why we do all of this. That's why we share our faith. Look, we might in our lives share it a bit out of obligation, or out of passion, or a multitude of other reasons, but the reason it impacts people is because it brings hope. [01:01:53] (32 seconds)  #PurposeInTheBrokenness

    The reason is, if you are ambassadors of hope, that means God has not only told you you have meaning, He has given your life purpose. He said, not only do I tell you you are worthwhile, I send you out so you can experience it for yourselves. I send you on mission because the world needs to know that they too have this hope that is an anchor for our souls. [01:03:47] (22 seconds)  #AuthenticFaithOutward

    He came to bring you a hope you can trust in now and forever. He came to say, I have come to give you life and life in abundance. And most of us do one of two things. We fear death or we ignore it. But Jesus came to say, listen, I've come so that right now the life you live is full of joy. [01:09:39] (21 seconds)  #UnfailingHope

    ``Whatever you have replaced God with will let you down. But Jesus will never let you down. And the reason I can say that is because He has already been resurrected from the grave. He's already done what He said He would do. He's proven His hope. [01:13:06] (20 seconds)  #FaithThatRefreshes

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