Pressing Into Deeper Relationship and Faith

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Is the Key to Pleasing God

Faith is the essential foundation for receiving anything from God; without it, no amount of effort, emotion, or heritage can move the heart of God. True faith is not about intellect, background, or feelings, but about believing that God is who He says He is and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. When you respond to God in faith—through praise, worship, and seeking Him with your whole heart—He responds in power, opening doors and pouring out blessings that cannot be earned any other way. [13:51]

Hebrews 11:1-2, 6 (ESV):
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation... And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you have been relying on your own strength or emotions instead of responding to God in faith? How can you intentionally respond to God with faith today?

Day 2: Relationship with God Requires Your Best

God is not looking for half-hearted offerings or secondhand devotion; He desires a relationship where you give Him your very best, just as Abel did. The quality of your relationship with God is revealed in what you bring to Him—your time, your worship, your obedience, and your heart. When you offer God your best, even when it costs you, your life speaks to Him in ways that words cannot, and He responds with favor and blessing. [29:11]

Genesis 4:4-10 (ESV):
"And Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. The Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.' Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Where is Abel your brother?' He said, 'I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?' And the Lord said, 'What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground.'"

Reflection: In what area of your life have you been giving God less than your best? What would it look like to offer Him your best today, even if it costs you something?

Day 3: God Responds to Hunger and Diligence

God is drawn to those who are hungry for Him and who seek Him with diligence, not just those who go through the motions of religion. A breakthrough in your life comes when you are willing to pay the price—when you pray for yourself, seek God earnestly, and refuse to settle for a surface-level relationship. God honors those who are desperate for Him, who cry out for more, and who are willing to let go of comfort to pursue His presence. [20:49]

Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV):
"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to show God your hunger for Him—whether in prayer, worship, or setting aside distractions?

Day 4: Worship Is the Mark of God’s Chosen

When God looks for someone to use, He looks for a worshiper—someone whose relationship with Him is marked by praise, trust, and intimacy, not just outward accomplishments. David was chosen not because of his status or abilities, but because he was a worshiper who called God "my God" in every circumstance. Your breakthrough and calling are tied to your willingness to worship God through every season, declaring His goodness and faithfulness no matter what you face. [38:38]

Psalm 18:1-3 (ESV):
"I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies."

Reflection: How can you intentionally worship God today, not just with your words but with your attitude and actions, especially in the midst of challenges?

Day 5: Breakthrough Comes Through Persistent, Anointed Prayer

Breakthrough is not automatic; it comes when you refuse to settle for the status quo and press into God through persistent, anointed prayer. The altar must be stirred, your heart must be engaged, and you must be willing to pray for yourself and others until victory comes. God is looking for people who will not be satisfied with "the same old, same old," but who will seek Him for a fresh outpouring, healing, and restoration—believing that He is able to do the impossible. [55:26]

James 5:14-16 (ESV):
"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 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: Who is one person you can pray for persistently and specifically today, believing God for their breakthrough or healing? Will you also ask someone to pray with you for your own breakthrough?

Sermon Summary

There is a unique blessing in this house—a spiritual atmosphere that is not to be taken for granted. Many people in other places struggle to break through spiritually, but here, the presence of God is tangible and accessible. This is not because of a building or a person, but because of a spirit of hunger and openness to God. When we gather, we are not just going through motions or routines; we are invited to reach for a deeper relationship with Jesus, to move beyond the surface and into a place where God can truly work in our lives.

Faith is the foundation of everything we receive from God. Hebrews 11 reminds us that it was by faith the elders obtained a good report—not by their status, intellect, or connections, but by their response to God. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. God is not moved by our pity, our intellect, or our background; He is moved by our faith and our response to His presence. When we respond in worship, in praise, and in seeking Him diligently, God responds in power, healing, and transformation.

Relationship with God is not a side issue—it is the core of everything. It is not enough to be inspired for a moment or to ride the wave of a good service. True relationship is built in the secret place, in the daily choices, in giving God our best and not our leftovers. Abel’s offering was accepted because it cost him something; David was chosen not for his outward qualifications, but because he was a worshiper. God is looking for those who will pursue Him, who will pay the price, who will not settle for a shallow connection but will press in for intimacy and transformation.

No matter your background, your struggles, or your past, God can do the impossible in your life if you will build a relationship with Him. The power of God is not reserved for the elite or the perfect, but for those who are hungry, who are willing to seek, to worship, and to respond. Healing, deliverance, and breakthrough are available, but they come through relationship and faith. Today is a day to stir the altar, to renew your pursuit, and to refuse to leave unchanged. God is calling for a people who will not be satisfied with the status quo, but who will press in for more of Him.

Key Takeaways

1. The Spiritual Atmosphere Matters The environment we cultivate—both personally and corporately—can either hinder or facilitate a move of God. Many struggle to break through because of spiritual resistance, but when a church or a life is marked by hunger and openness, God’s presence is tangible and accessible. We must never take for granted the blessing of a spiritually open atmosphere, and we should guard and nurture it with prayer and worship. [00:43]
2. Faith Is the Only Currency That Moves God God is not impressed by our background, intellect, or emotions; He responds to faith. Hebrews 11:6 makes it clear that without faith, it is impossible to please Him. Our response to God’s presence—through worship, praise, and seeking—determines what we receive. If we want to see God move, we must move in faith, not just in feeling or tradition. [13:51]
3. Relationship with God Requires Sacrifice and Authenticity Abel’s offering was accepted because it was costly and sincere, reflecting a genuine relationship with God. God is not interested in half-hearted devotion or secondhand worship; He desires our best. The depth of our relationship with Him is revealed in what we are willing to give, how we prioritize Him, and whether we seek Him for who He is, not just for what He can do. [27:00]
4. Breakthrough and Power Flow from Intimacy, Not Performance The stories of faith in Hebrews 11 and the life of David show that God chooses and uses those who have cultivated intimacy with Him. It is not talent, status, or outward appearance that draws God’s favor, but a heart that worships, seeks, and trusts Him in every season. If we want to see God’s power, we must invest in relationship, not just religious activity. [36:40]
5. The Altar Must Be Stirred and the Pursuit Renewed God is calling us to move beyond complacency and routine. The altar—both in our hearts and in our gatherings—must be a place of continual surrender, hunger, and expectation. We cannot settle for the “same old, same old”; we must press in for a fresh encounter, a renewed relationship, and a breakthrough that changes us and those around us.

** [55:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:43] - The Blessing of a Spiritual Atmosphere
[02:30] - The Value of a Good Spirit
[03:20] - Invitation to Deeper Relationship
[05:17] - Releasing Healing and Faith
[10:48] - Reading Hebrews 11:1-2
[12:03] - The Foundation of Faith
[13:51] - Faith That Pleases God
[18:05] - The Cost of a Move of God
[23:09] - The Critical Nature of Relationship
[27:00] - Abel’s Offering and the Power of Sacrifice
[31:33] - Deliverance and the Power of Relationship
[36:40] - David: Worshiper Before King
[42:08] - Anointing and Prayer for Healing
[46:28] - Corporate Prayer and Declaration
[55:26] - Stirring the Altar and Pursuing Breakthrough
[58:54] - A Call to Ministers and the Church
[62:57] - Renewing Hunger and Pursuit
[65:18] - Final Call to Breakthrough

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 11:1-2, 6 (ESV) — 1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 11:2, what was it that allowed the elders (the people of old) to receive a good report from God?
In Hebrews 11:6, what two things does the writer say are necessary for someone who wants to draw near to God?
The sermon described a “spiritual atmosphere” that makes it easier for people to experience God’s presence. What did the preacher say was the reason for this atmosphere in the church? [[00:43]]
What was unique about Abel’s offering, and why did God accept it? [[27:00]]

Interpretation Questions

The preacher said, “God is not moved by our pity, our intellect, or our background; He is moved by our faith and our response to His presence.” What does this suggest about what God values most in our relationship with Him? [[13:51]]
Why do you think the preacher emphasized that relationship with God is not just about being inspired for a moment or having a good service, but is built in the “secret place” and in daily choices? [[23:09]]
The sermon mentioned that David was chosen not for his outward qualifications, but because he was a worshiper. What does this teach us about what God looks for in people He wants to use? [[36:40]]
The preacher said, “The altar—both in our hearts and in our gatherings—must be a place of continual surrender, hunger, and expectation.” What does it mean for the “altar” in your life to be stirred? [[55:26]]

Application Questions

The preacher said that the spiritual atmosphere in a church or home can either help or hinder a move of God. What are some practical ways you can help create an atmosphere of hunger and openness to God in your own life or in your family? [[00:43]]
Hebrews 11:6 says that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Is there an area in your life right now where you need to step out in faith instead of relying on your own strength or understanding? What would that look like this week? [[13:51]]
The sermon challenged us not to give God our “leftovers” but to give Him our best, like Abel did. What is one area where you have been giving God less than your best? What specific change can you make to offer Him your best this week? [[27:00]]
The preacher talked about not settling for a shallow connection with God, but pressing in for intimacy and transformation. What is one step you can take this week to deepen your relationship with God beyond just attending church or going through routines? [[23:09]]
The altar was described as a place of continual surrender and expectation. Is there something you need to surrender to God today? What is holding you back from doing that? [[55:26]]
The sermon said that breakthrough, healing, and deliverance are available to anyone who is hungry and willing to seek God. Is there a breakthrough you are seeking? How can your small group pray with you and support you in pursuing it? [[31:33]]
The preacher called the church to “refuse to leave unchanged.” What is one thing you want to see changed in your life as a result of this study and time together? [[01:05:18]]

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