Feeding Our Daily Relationship with God
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Family Life Church! Today is a special Family Day where we all come together, including our children, to praise Jesus. We have Pastor Tyler and Pastor Paul with us, and we are excited to share this unique service with you. Our focus today is on the importance of feeding our relationship with God daily, not just during special events or retreats. We often experience powerful moments with God during these events because we remove distractions, prioritize time with Him, and engage in godly community. But God desires to be the God of our everyday lives, not just the God of our events.
Our faith fact for today is: "My relationship with God only grows if I feed it." We discussed how to feed our relationship with God by removing distractions, prioritizing time with Him, and engaging in godly community. We also emphasized the importance of giving as an act of worship, recognizing God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives.
We took time to pray for our world, especially for the nation of France, where only 2% of the population are evangelical Christians. We prayed for a move of God in that nation and for more missionaries to be sent to Europe and our communities.
Finally, we encouraged everyone to adopt a childlike faith, free from the fear of judgment, and to engage in worship wholeheartedly. We invited the children to lead us in worship, demonstrating the pure and uninhibited way we should approach God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Feeding Your Relationship with God: Our relationship with God grows only if we feed it. This means intentionally removing distractions, prioritizing time with Him, and engaging in godly community. Just as we need physical food to grow, our spiritual life requires nourishment through consistent engagement with God. [09:38]
2. The Power of Giving as Worship: Giving back to God is an act of worship that acknowledges His goodness and faithfulness in our lives. It's not just an obligation but a heartfelt response to His blessings. When we give with a worshipful heart, we connect with God in a tangible way, expressing our gratitude and trust in Him. [20:00]
3. Praying for a Lost and Broken World: Our world is in desperate need of Jesus, and our response should be prayer. Instead of reacting with anger or frustration, we should intercede for those who are lost and broken. Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about real change, both in our communities and globally. [23:46]
4. Embracing Childlike Faith: Jesus calls us to come to Him with the faith of a child, free from the fear of judgment and full of trust. Children worship without concern for what others think, and we should strive to do the same. This pure, uninhibited approach allows us to experience God more deeply and authentically. [44:03]
5. Creating Mountaintop Moments in Everyday Life: The powerful experiences we have at retreats or special services can be part of our daily lives if we prioritize time with God, remove distractions, and engage in godly community. These practices help us maintain a vibrant and growing relationship with God, making every day a potential mountaintop moment. [38:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:12] - Introduction of Pastors
[05:10] - Laughing Jesus
[08:56] - God's Presence in Everyday Life
[09:38] - Feeding Your Relationship with God
[10:34] - Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 4
[19:29] - Worship and Giving
[20:00] - Giving as an Act of Worship
[21:37] - Family Day Cookout Announcement
[22:05] - Prayer Focus: Our World Needs Jesus
[23:46] - Praying for France and the World
[33:43] - The Importance of Godly Community
[38:33] - Creating Mountaintop Moments
[40:01] - Prioritizing Time with God
[41:49] - Childlike Faith in Worship
[44:03] - Invitation to Worship Together
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 4:18 - "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 4:18 suggest about the nature of our focus in our spiritual lives?
2. According to the sermon, what are the three key ways to feed our relationship with God? ([09:38])
3. How did the sermon describe the act of giving as a form of worship? ([20:00])
4. What was the significance of praying for France during the service? ([23:46])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does focusing on the unseen, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:18, help in feeding our relationship with God?
2. Why is it important to remove distractions in order to grow our relationship with God? ([38:33])
3. How can giving be both an act of worship and a tangible expression of our faith? ([20:00])
4. What does it mean to have a childlike faith, and how can this impact our worship and relationship with God? ([44:03])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. What are some specific distractions you can remove to prioritize time with God? ([38:33])
2. Think about your current community. How can you engage more deeply in a godly community to support your spiritual growth? ([39:16])
3. In what ways can you incorporate giving as a heartfelt act of worship in your life? ([20:00])
4. How can you adopt a childlike faith in your worship and daily walk with God? What steps can you take to worship without fear of judgment? ([44:03])
5. Identify one person or group in your community or globally that you can pray for regularly. How can you commit to interceding for them? ([23:46])
6. What are some practical ways you can create "mountaintop moments" in your everyday life? ([38:33])
7. How can you encourage your family or friends to join you in prioritizing time with God and engaging in godly community? ([39:16])
Devotional
Sure, let's proceed step-by-step.
### Step 1: Themes
1. Nourishing Your Spiritual Life
2. Worship Through Generosity
3. Interceding for the World
4. Faith Like a Child
5. Daily Mountaintop Experiences
### Step 2: Descriptions
1. Nourishing Your Spiritual Life: Our relationship with God is akin to a plant that requires regular watering and care to thrive. Just as a plant needs sunlight, water, and nutrients, our spiritual life needs consistent engagement with God through prayer, reading the Bible, and fellowship with other believers. By intentionally removing distractions, prioritizing time with God, and engaging in a godly community, we can ensure that our relationship with Him grows and flourishes. This daily nourishment is essential for a vibrant and dynamic faith. [09:38]
2. Worship Through Generosity: Giving back to God is more than just a financial transaction; it is an act of worship that acknowledges His goodness and faithfulness in our lives. When we give with a worshipful heart, we are expressing our gratitude and trust in Him. This act of generosity connects us with God in a tangible way, reminding us of His blessings and our dependence on Him. It is a heartfelt response to His love and provision, and it deepens our relationship with Him. [20:00]
3. Interceding for the World: Our world is in desperate need of Jesus, and as believers, our response should be one of prayer and intercession. Instead of reacting with anger or frustration to the brokenness around us, we are called to pray for those who are lost and hurting. Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about real change, both in our communities and globally. By lifting up nations, like France, where the evangelical Christian population is small, we can ask God to move powerfully and send more missionaries to spread His love and truth. [23:46]
4. Faith Like a Child: Jesus calls us to approach Him with the faith of a child, which is characterized by trust, innocence, and a lack of fear of judgment. Children worship without concern for what others think, and this pure, uninhibited approach allows us to experience God more deeply and authentically. By embracing a childlike faith, we can worship wholeheartedly and connect with God in a way that is free from the constraints of adult worries and self-consciousness. [44:03]
5. Daily Mountaintop Experiences: The powerful spiritual experiences we often have at retreats or special services can be part of our everyday lives if we prioritize time with God, remove distractions, and engage in godly community. These practices help us maintain a vibrant and growing relationship with God, making every day a potential mountaintop moment. By creating space for God in our daily routines, we can experience His presence and power consistently, not just during special events. [38:33]
### Step 3: Bible Passages
1. Nourishing Your Spiritual Life: "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." (Psalm 1:2-3, ESV)
2. Worship Through Generosity: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
3. Interceding for the World: "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)
4. Faith Like a Child: "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (Mark 10:15, ESV)
5. Daily Mountaintop Experiences: "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." (Mark 1:35, ESV)
### Step 4: Reflection Questions
1. Nourishing Your Spiritual Life: What distractions can you remove from your daily routine to prioritize time with God today?
2. Worship Through Generosity: How can you give back to God in a way that reflects your gratitude and trust in Him this week?
3. Interceding for the World: Who in your community or the world can you pray for today, asking God to move powerfully in their lives?
4. Faith Like a Child: What would it look like for you to worship God without fear of judgment or concern for what others think?
5. Daily Mountaintop Experiences: How can you create a "mountaintop moment" in your daily life by setting aside time for God today?
### Step 5: 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Nourishing Your Spiritual Life
Our relationship with God is akin to a plant that requires regular watering and care to thrive. Just as a plant needs sunlight, water, and nutrients, our spiritual life needs consistent engagement with God through prayer, reading the Bible, and fellowship with other believers. By intentionally removing distractions, prioritizing time with God, and engaging in a godly community, we can ensure that our relationship with Him grows and flourishes. This daily nourishment is essential for a vibrant and dynamic faith. [09:38]
"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." (Psalm 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: What distractions can you remove from your daily routine to prioritize time with God today?
Day 2: Worship Through Generosity
Giving back to God is more than just a financial transaction; it is an act of worship that acknowledges His goodness and faithfulness in our lives. When we give with a worshipful heart, we are expressing our gratitude and trust in Him. This act of generosity connects us with God in a tangible way, reminding us of His blessings and our dependence on Him. It is a heartfelt response to His love and provision, and it deepens our relationship with Him. [20:00]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you give back to God in a way that reflects your gratitude and trust in Him this week?
Day 3: Interceding for the World
Our world is in desperate need of Jesus, and as believers, our response should be one of prayer and intercession. Instead of reacting with anger or frustration to the brokenness around us, we are called to pray for those who are lost and hurting. Prayer is a powerful tool that can bring about real change, both in our communities and globally. By lifting up nations, like France, where the evangelical Christian population is small, we can ask God to move powerfully and send more missionaries to spread His love and truth. [23:46]
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community or the world can you pray for today, asking God to move powerfully in their lives?
Day 4: Faith Like a Child
Jesus calls us to approach Him with the faith of a child, which is characterized by trust, innocence, and a lack of fear of judgment. Children worship without concern for what others think, and this pure, uninhibited approach allows us to experience God more deeply and authentically. By embracing a childlike faith, we can worship wholeheartedly and connect with God in a way that is free from the constraints of adult worries and self-consciousness. [44:03]
"Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." (Mark 10:15, ESV)
Reflection: What would it look like for you to worship God without fear of judgment or concern for what others think?
Day 5: Daily Mountaintop Experiences
The powerful spiritual experiences we often have at retreats or special services can be part of our everyday lives if we prioritize time with God, remove distractions, and engage in godly community. These practices help us maintain a vibrant and growing relationship with God, making every day a potential mountaintop moment. By creating space for God in our daily routines, we can experience His presence and power consistently, not just during special events. [38:33]
"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." (Mark 1:35, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create a "mountaintop moment" in your daily life by setting aside time for God today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Did you know you're allowed to have fun at church? No. Even in the adult church. Now, I got a question. How many of you have ever seen the picture called Laughing Jesus? You've got to Google it. All right. Here's the thing. I feel like every picture we see of Jesus, he looks like this. Yep. That real pensive look of like, I'm very serious. But there's a picture of Jesus that somebody painted a few years ago. Now, that is a picture of him just with his head back laughing out loud. You know, I believe that God's got a sense of humor." [05:10] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It's how many of you have ever experienced like an event with God? Like a retreat or a camp or a special service. And you know, moments like that feel like, wow, God is really moving. I wish I could replicate that again. Well, that's what we want to talk about today is that God's not just the God of our events. He's the God of every day." [08:56] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Giving to God is an act of worship. It's us saying, God, you've been so good to me. How many of you could say that? God, you've been so good to me. Anybody? Yes, all right. God has been so good. And this is one of those moments where our faith in God goes from spiritual to tangible. Because it's like, you know what? I recognize mentally, physically, emotionally, God has been so good. Spiritually, God has been so good. I want to give back to Him physically and thank Him for His faithfulness." [19:29] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Can I tell you what we need most as the people of God? We need to pray. We need to pray because what does this tell us? We're living in a lost and broken world that needs Jesus. And if anything, Lord, double our efforts to send missionaries to Europe. Double our efforts to send missionaries into our communities because I don't know, this could just as easily happen in America as it did in France. We got a lot of people who need Jesus." [23:46] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you prioritize time with God on a regular basis, you start to change. And that's what they experience in moments like this, what you've experienced. But the other thing that I think is so important is this part. Of godly community. One of the things that makes a camp or a retreat or a worship service so awesome is guess what? Everybody in the room is doing the same thing too, right?" [39:16] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "My relationship with God will only grow if I'm feeding it. We're going to talk today about what it looks like to feed your relationship with God. But I'd like to put up a scripture verse for you found in 1 Corinthians 4. And this is the reality of why we focus on these things, right? Because it says we don't look at the troubles we can see now. Rather, we fix our gaze on things that can change us. God cannot be seen, right? God cannot be seen with our physical eyes. But that's what we fix our eyes on. For the things we see now will soon be gone. But the things we cannot see will last forever." [10:34] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You know, when we were planning this service, one of the things we were looking at is, you know, we all have times and places where we go to events and do things. And if you've ever been to like a retreat or a camp or a special service, there are just things that you experience. There that it's like, I just don't experience that anywhere else. Or like that note that we read at the beginning where it's like, man, I wish it could be like this every day. And so we really wanted to investigate this idea of what's it like to have God in your life moving like that every day." [33:43] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You know, a few months ago, my kids went to youth camp and when they got back, I had a conversation with one of my daughters a few days later. She said, dad, why is it that when we have worship at church, it's so different from worship at camp? I said, what do you mean? She said, well, we sang a song yesterday in church that we sang at camp. And she goes, but when I was at camp, there were people who were down on their knees and they're crying and they're worshiping the Lord and they're up front in the altar and they're, they're just responding to God. But, but we did that song yesterday and it just felt like everybody in the room was scared to move." [43:15] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You know, say you were deciding like you are a phenomenal chess player. Anybody play chess in here? Four of you. Good. Chess is not something everybody knows, right? But you're like, I am going to start the Shenango Valley Chess Association. All right. That's going to be me. We're going to all play chess. We're going to get together and we're going to be the best chess players that ever lived. And we're going to have events and organize all these things. And we're going to do that. We're going to play chess. Let me ask you this. Does that draw you closer in relationship with Jesus?" [41:08] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So I want to invite you adults. Would you let your kids lead you? Would you let these childlike faiths in the room lead you? And would you join us up here at the front for a moment of just, God, we're going to meet with you. We're going to have a time of, of worship with you. We're going to cry out to you and we're going to play a couple songs. And as we're doing this, can I encourage you just in your own heart and your own mind? What are some of the distractions I need to say no to? What are some of the distractions I need to say no to? What are some of the ways in which I can create priorities to serve God? And what are the ways I can build my God community?" [44:46] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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