Following God's Presence: A Journey of Faith
Summary
In today's discussion, we explored the profound concept of living under God's presence, drawing inspiration from the biblical account in Numbers 9:16-23, where the Israelites were guided by a cloud representing God's presence. This narrative serves as a metaphor for our spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of seeking and following God's guidance in our lives. Vince shared his personal journey of moving across different places, driven by a sense of divine direction, which he described as "following the cloud." This journey began with an experience of God's presence, underscoring the significance of being under God's care and guidance.
We delved into the challenges and joys of making decisions under God's guidance, acknowledging that while it may seem easier for the Israelites who had a visible sign, we too can experience God's presence through the Holy Spirit. This presence is not always visible but can be felt in tangible ways, much like the feeling of love. We discussed the importance of being sensitive to God's presence and movement in our lives and the lives of others, encouraging us to be open to His leading.
The conversation also touched on the idea of a presence-centered lifestyle, where stability is found not in external circumstances but in being aligned with God's presence. This involves a shift in mindset, recognizing that true stability comes from following where God leads, even if it means stepping into the unknown. Vince's story exemplifies this adventurous journey, where he and his family have embraced the unpredictability of following God's call.
Finally, we emphasized the role of discipleship, highlighting that it's not just the responsibility of pastors but of every believer. We are called to make disciples, to be a tangible representation of God's presence in the lives of others, and to invite them into a relationship with Jesus. This involves being visible in our faith, serving others, and sharing the love of Christ in practical ways.
Key Takeaways:
1. Experiencing God's Presence: The journey of faith begins with an experience of God's presence, which can be felt in tangible ways. This presence guides our decisions and movements, much like the cloud guided the Israelites. It's essential to be open to these experiences and recognize them as God's way of leading us. [09:57]
2. Presence-Centered Living: True stability is found in living under God's presence, not in external circumstances. This requires a shift in mindset, recognizing that following God's guidance, even into the unknown, is where true security lies. [31:50]
3. Discipleship as a Shared Responsibility: Making disciples is a calling for every believer, not just pastors. We are to be a tangible representation of God's presence, inviting others into a relationship with Jesus through our actions and words. [35:46]
4. The Adventure of Following God: Embracing the unpredictability of following God's call leads to a life of adventure and growth. It's about being willing to step out in faith, trusting that God has something better for us beyond our comfort zones. [24:37]
5. Visibility in Faith: Being visible in our faith involves serving others and sharing the love of Christ in practical ways. It's about being a light in our communities, showing others what it means to live under God's presence. [43:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:17] - Introduction to Following the Cloud
- [09:57] - Experiencing God's Presence
- [16:35] - The Role of Prayer and Community
- [18:32] - Seeking God's Guidance
- [20:39] - The Adventure of Following God
- [24:37] - Embracing Unpredictability
- [26:08] - Saying Yes to God's Invitation
- [31:50] - Presence-Centered Living
- [35:46] - Discipleship as a Shared Responsibility
- [36:46] - Being Visible in Faith
- [43:18] - Practical Steps for Sharing Faith
- [46:00] - Closing Thoughts and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Numbers 9:16-23
Observation Questions:
1. In Numbers 9:16-23, how did the Israelites know when to set out on their journey and when to camp? What does this tell us about their reliance on God's guidance?
2. Vince shared his personal journey of "following the cloud." What were some of the key moments or decisions in his life that he attributed to God's guidance? [02:17]
3. How did Vince describe the feeling of being under God's presence, and how does this compare to the Israelites' experience with the cloud? [09:57]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding believers today, according to the sermon? [16:35]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the concept of "following the cloud" apply to modern-day decision-making for believers? What challenges might arise from not having a visible sign like the Israelites did? [09:57]
2. Vince mentioned the unpredictability and adventure of following God's call. How can embracing this unpredictability lead to spiritual growth? [24:37]
3. The sermon emphasized a presence-centered lifestyle. How does this mindset shift affect one's perception of stability and security? [31:50]
4. Discipleship was highlighted as a shared responsibility. How can believers actively participate in making disciples in their daily lives? [35:46]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence guiding you in a decision. How did you recognize it, and what was the outcome? [09:57]
2. Vince's story involved moving to different places as part of following God's call. Is there an area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone? What steps can you take to respond to this call? [24:37]
3. How can you cultivate a presence-centered lifestyle in your daily routine? What practical changes can you make to prioritize God's presence over external circumstances? [31:50]
4. Identify one person in your life who you can invite into a discipleship relationship. What specific actions can you take to be a tangible representation of God's presence to them? [35:46]
5. Vince mentioned the importance of being visible in faith. What are some simple ways you can express your faith in your community this week? [36:46]
6. Consider the unpredictability of following God's call. How can you prepare yourself mentally and spiritually to embrace the unknown with faith and trust? [24:37]
7. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you become more sensitive to His guidance and presence in your daily decisions? [16:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Experiencing God's Presence in Everyday Life
In the journey of faith, experiencing God's presence is foundational. This presence, though not always visible, can be felt in tangible ways, guiding our decisions and movements. Just as the Israelites were led by a cloud, we too are invited to be open to God's leading through the Holy Spirit. This requires a sensitivity to His presence, recognizing that He is actively involved in our lives. By being attentive to these experiences, we can discern God's direction and align our lives with His will. [09:57]
"And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." (Isaiah 58:11, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt God's presence. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of His presence in your daily routine today?
Day 2: Finding Stability in God's Presence
True stability is not found in external circumstances but in living under God's presence. This requires a shift in mindset, recognizing that following God's guidance, even into the unknown, is where true security lies. By embracing a presence-centered lifestyle, we learn to trust in God's provision and direction, even when the path is uncertain. This journey involves letting go of our need for control and allowing God to lead us into new and uncharted territories. [31:50]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are seeking stability in external circumstances? How can you shift your focus to find stability in God's presence instead?
Day 3: Embracing Discipleship as a Shared Responsibility
Discipleship is a calling for every believer, not just pastors. We are to be a tangible representation of God's presence, inviting others into a relationship with Jesus through our actions and words. This involves being visible in our faith, serving others, and sharing the love of Christ in practical ways. By embracing this shared responsibility, we become active participants in God's mission, making a lasting impact in the lives of those around us. [35:46]
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can intentionally disciple or mentor in their faith journey? What practical steps can you take to begin this process today?
Day 4: The Adventure of Following God's Call
Embracing the unpredictability of following God's call leads to a life of adventure and growth. It's about being willing to step out in faith, trusting that God has something better for us beyond our comfort zones. This adventurous journey requires courage and a willingness to embrace the unknown, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. By saying yes to God's invitation, we open ourselves to new opportunities and experiences that deepen our faith and reliance on Him. [24:37]
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a practical step towards embracing this adventure today?
Day 5: Being Visible in Faith
Being visible in our faith involves serving others and sharing the love of Christ in practical ways. It's about being a light in our communities, showing others what it means to live under God's presence. By living out our faith authentically, we become a tangible representation of God's love and grace, inviting others to experience the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus. This visibility is not about drawing attention to ourselves but pointing others to Christ through our actions and words. [43:18]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you be more visible in your faith today? What is one practical way you can serve someone in your community and share the love of Christ with them?
Quotes
"God doesn't just want to say, hey, here's what to do. God wants to be an experiential, real relationship. He wants you to experience his presence and know him first." [00:16:35] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Part of our job can be to point things out and say, hey, what if he's here? What if God is actually close by in this moment? What if he's doing something? God is close to the brokenhearted." [00:17:56] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Whereas the people of Israel, and I think that you've really modeled this in a very interesting way, Vince, you're kind of always on the move in this adventure of following the cloud of God's presence." [00:20:39] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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