Experiencing God's Presence Through Worship and Communion

Devotional

Day 1: Experiencing God's Presence

Worship is more than just an activity; it is an opportunity to deeply connect with God. When we gather together, whether in song, prayer, or stillness, we open ourselves to truly sensing His presence. This connection transforms our understanding and experience of His love and grace. Worship is a time to let go of distractions and focus entirely on God, allowing His presence to fill our hearts and minds. It is in these moments that we can feel His love, peace, and guidance more profoundly. [15:00]

Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV): "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Reflection: How can you create a space in your daily routine to intentionally seek and experience God's presence? What specific actions will you take to make this a priority?

Day 2: God's Pursuing Love

The promise that "goodness and mercy will follow you" signifies that God's love is not passive but actively pursues us. This relentless pursuit means that no matter what challenges we face—whether health issues, financial struggles, or relational problems—God's love is always chasing after us. His love is a constant presence in our lives, providing comfort and assurance even in the most difficult times. Understanding this can change how we perceive our struggles, knowing that we are never alone and that God's love is always with us. [48:56]

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: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you see or feel God's pursuing love in that situation? How can this understanding help you face future challenges?

Day 3: The Power of Prayer

Prayer is a powerful tool that brings about real change. The testimonies of answered prayers in our community are a testament to God's faithfulness. When we pray, we are not just speaking into the air; we are communicating with a God who listens and responds. This understanding should encourage us to pray with faith and expectation, knowing that our prayers have the power to move mountains and bring about God's will in our lives and the lives of others. [49:38]

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: Reflect on a specific prayer you have been praying for a while. How can you renew your faith and expectation in God's ability to answer that prayer? What steps can you take to pray more fervently and consistently?

Day 4: The New Covenant

The new covenant established by Jesus' blood frees us from the old covenant of the law. Our relationship with God is no longer based on our ability to keep rules but on what Jesus has done for us. This new covenant clothes us in Christ's righteousness, making us acceptable before God. It is a covenant of grace, where we are invited to rest in the finished work of Christ and live in the freedom and joy that comes from being fully accepted and loved by God. [01:00:23]

Hebrews 8:10-12 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."

Reflection: How does understanding the new covenant change the way you view your relationship with God? What areas of your life can you surrender more fully to His grace and righteousness?

Day 5: The Comfort of Psalm 23

Psalm 23 offers profound comfort and assurance. It reminds us that the Lord is our shepherd, providing for all our needs, guiding us, and protecting us. Even in the darkest valleys, we have nothing to fear because He is with us, offering His comfort and peace. This psalm is a powerful reminder of God's constant presence and care in our lives, encouraging us to trust Him completely and find rest in His promises. [54:46]

Isaiah 40:11 (ESV): "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a "dark valley." How did you experience God's comfort and guidance during that time? How can you remind yourself of His promises in Psalm 23 in your current circumstances?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good evening, everyone. It's a joy to gather together and experience the presence of God. We know He is here among us, as He promised to be where two or more are gathered in His name. Our goal tonight is for each of you to truly sense His presence. Feel free to worship in whatever way you feel led—whether standing, sitting, kneeling, or coming to the altar. We are blessed to have an incredible choir and orchestra who lead us in worship, and tonight we will also share in communion.

We began with a prayer, inviting everyone to greet one another and welcome those who are new. Jenny shared her testimony, reminding us that we often don't know the struggles others are facing. Whether it's health issues, financial needs, or relational problems, we can hold onto the promise that God's goodness and mercy will follow us. This is a powerful reminder that God is for us, and if He is for us, who can be against us?

We then moved into a time of prayer and worship, inviting those who are facing challenges to come to the altar. We sang about God's goodness and mercy, and took a moment to pray for those on our hearts. Psalm 23 was a central focus, reminding us that the Lord is our shepherd and we lack nothing. He leads us, restores us, and comforts us, even in the darkest valleys.

As we transitioned to communion, we reflected on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. His body was broken for us, and His blood established a new covenant, freeing us from the old covenant of the law. This new covenant is based on His righteousness, not our own. As we took the bread and the cup, we remembered His incredible love and sacrifice for us.

Finally, we concluded with a hymn, celebrating the salvation we have in Jesus. We were encouraged to continue reading and meditating on the Psalms, finding strength and hope in God's Word. Tonight, we have remembered and celebrated the Lord Jesus Christ through song, prayer, and communion.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Experiencing God's Presence: It's one thing to know that God is present, but it's another to truly sense His presence. Worship is an opportunity to connect deeply with God, whether through singing, praying, or simply being still. This connection transforms our understanding and experience of His love and grace. [15:00]
2. God's Pursuing Love: The promise that "goodness and mercy will follow you" means that God's love actively pursues us. This is not a passive following but a relentless pursuit. No matter what challenges we face—health issues, financial struggles, or relational problems—God's love is always chasing after us. [48:56]
3. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool that brings about real change. The testimonies of answered prayers in our community are a testament to God's faithfulness. When we pray, we are not just speaking into the air; we are communicating with a God who listens and responds. [49:38]
4. The New Covenant: The new covenant established by Jesus' blood frees us from the old covenant of the law. Our relationship with God is no longer based on our ability to keep rules but on what Jesus has done for us. This new covenant clothes us in Christ's righteousness, making us acceptable before God. [60:23]
5. The Comfort of Psalm 23: Psalm 23 offers profound comfort and assurance. It reminds us that the Lord is our shepherd, providing for all our needs, guiding us, and protecting us. Even in the darkest valleys, we have nothing to fear because He is with us, offering His comfort and peace. [54:46]
### [54:46]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[15:00] - Worship and Freedom in Worship
[48:04] - Jenny's Testimony
[48:56] - God's Pursuing Love
[49:38] - Power of Prayer
[50:08] - Invitation to the Altar
[53:58] - Continued Prayer and Reflection
[54:46] - Comfort of Psalm 23
[56:01] - Reflection on Brain Surgery and Psalm 23
[57:19] - The Greatest Gift of Love
[57:54] - Communion: The Bread
[59:42] - Communion: The Cup
[62:31] - Singing and Rejoicing
[63:02] - The Power of the Psalms
[64:05] - Conclusion and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Psalm 23 say about the Lord's role as our shepherd? ([54:46])
According to Romans 8:31-32, what assurance do we have if God is for us? ([48:56])
What are the elements of communion mentioned in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, and what do they symbolize? ([57:54])
How did the pastor describe the impact of prayer during his heart surgery? ([49:38])

Interpretation Questions

How does the imagery of God as a shepherd in Psalm 23 provide comfort during difficult times? ([54:46])
In what ways does the promise of "goodness and mercy" following us reflect God's active pursuit of us? ([48:56])
How does the new covenant, as described in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, change our relationship with God compared to the old covenant? ([01:00:23])
What does the pastor's testimony about prayer reveal about the power and importance of prayer in our lives? ([49:38])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a powerful way. How did it change your perspective or situation? ([15:00])
Are there areas in your life where you need to be reminded of God's relentless pursuit of you with His goodness and mercy? How can you open yourself up to experiencing this more fully? ([48:56])
How can you incorporate the practice of prayer more intentionally in your daily routine, especially during challenging times? ([49:38])
What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the new covenant established by Jesus' sacrifice? ([01:00:23])
Psalm 23 speaks of God leading us beside still waters and restoring our souls. What practical steps can you take this week to allow God to lead and restore you? ([54:46])
How can you use the promises found in Psalm 23 to encourage someone else who is going through a difficult time? ([54:46])
Communion is a time to remember Jesus' sacrifice. How can you make this remembrance a more meaningful part of your spiritual life? ([57:54])

Sermon Clips

1. "What we want is we just want you to experience the presence of God. Now, we know He's here. He said, where there are two or more gathered in my name, I'll be in the midst of them. But there's a difference in Him being here and you knowing that He's here. We want you to know He's here. We want you to sense that." [15:00] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Surely goodness and mercy will follow you. Literally it's the word to chase you. He will chase you. Because he loves you. The scripture says that if God be for us, who could be against us? He who did not spare his own son. How will he not also freely with him give us all things?" [48:56] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Your prayers. Your prayers. They work. I'm telling you there are testimonies all over this room. Of the goodness of the Lord. And his mercy. That follows us every day. So can we stand together. And I'm going to invite you to do something. As we stand. We're going to sing the chorus part of this." [49:38] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The Lord is our shepherd. We don't need a thing. He does make us to lie down in green pastures. He leads us. Besides still waters. He restores our soul. And He guides us in the paths of righteousness. For His name's sake. And though we have to walk through the valley. Of the shadow of death. We won't be afraid of evil. For He is with us. And His rod and staff will comfort us." [54:46] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I just couldn't help but think. As I'm listening to that Psalm. And those words. When I was going through brain surgery. They wanted me to talk as much as I could. That's never been a problem for me. But while they're doing something on my brain. That was going to be a challenge. And the Lord put in my heart. Quote as much scripture as you can remember." [56:42] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "God demonstrated his love for us. And that while we were yet. What? Sinners. Christ died for us. And so in this moment. We remember the greatest gift of all. As Paul said in Romans. If God be for us. Who could be against us? He didn't spare his own son. But he offered him up for us all. So how will he not also with Jesus. Freely give us everything we need." [57:19] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The new covenant. Was not based on what we could do. It was based on what he did for us. And his blood. Cleansed us from all unrighteousness. And his blood. Was his righteousness given to us. So as often as we drink this cup. We remember. We are now clothed in the righteousness of Christ. So when the father sees us. He sees his son." [01:01:04] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Rachel and I. Are reading through the Psalms. One Psalm a day. And we've got some others. That have joined us on that journey. And two days ago. We read Psalm 3. When I read it. Thou Lord. Are the lifter of my head. That Psalm. Is one of the Psalms. That just. It gives me everything I need for a day. Everything I need. I can find it in that Psalm." [01:03:02] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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