Seeking God's Presence: A Call to Personal Revival

Devotional

Day 1: Longing for God's Presence Above All

Moses' request to see God's glory was not about witnessing more miracles but about wanting more of God Himself. This teaches us that our ultimate desire should be for God, not just what He can do for us. We must seek a deeper relationship with Him, longing for His presence in our lives. Moses exemplified a heart that yearned for God above all else, demonstrating that true fulfillment comes from a relationship with the Creator, not merely from His gifts. In our own lives, we are called to cultivate this same desire, prioritizing our connection with God over the distractions and demands of the world. [07:13]

Exodus 33:18-19 (ESV): "Moses said, 'Please show me your glory.' And he said, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.'"

Reflection: What is one specific way you can prioritize seeking God's presence over seeking His blessings in your daily life today?

Day 2: Transformation Through Beholding

Paul reminds us that as we behold the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His image. This transformation requires us to linger in God's presence, to gaze intently at Christ, and to allow His Spirit to change us from the inside out. The process of transformation is not instantaneous but involves a continual, intentional focus on Christ. As we spend time in His presence, we are gradually molded into His likeness, reflecting His character and love to the world around us. This transformation is a testament to the power of God's presence in our lives, reshaping us to be more like Him. [12:09]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to spend more time beholding Christ and allowing His Spirit to transform you today?

Day 3: Unity and Expectancy in Worship

The revival at Asbury demonstrated the power of unity and expectancy in worship. People from all walks of life gathered to worship God, and their anticipation of encountering Him was palpable. We must come to church with the same expectancy, ready to be transformed by His presence. When believers unite with a shared purpose of seeking God, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, creating a fertile ground for God to move powerfully. This unity and expectancy are crucial for experiencing the fullness of God's presence in our communal worship. [21:19]

Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV): "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore."

Reflection: How can you contribute to a spirit of unity and expectancy in your church's worship gatherings this week?

Day 4: Personal Revival as a Catalyst

Before we can pray for nationwide revival, we must first seek personal revival in our own hearts and homes. This involves drawing a circle around ourselves and asking God to revive everything within that circle. Personal revival is the catalyst for a broader spiritual awakening. It begins with an honest assessment of our spiritual condition and a willingness to invite God to renew and transform us. As we experience personal revival, we become agents of change, influencing those around us and contributing to a larger movement of God's Spirit. [31:09]

Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV): "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."

Reflection: What specific area of your life needs revival, and how can you invite God to begin that work in you today?

Day 5: The Power of Lingering in God's Presence

To experience the fullness of God, we must be willing to linger in His presence, not rushing through our time with Him. This means setting aside distractions and focusing solely on Him, allowing His Spirit to work in our hearts and transform us. Lingering in God's presence is about creating space for Him to speak, move, and change us. It requires intentionality and a willingness to prioritize our relationship with Him above the busyness of life. As we linger, we open ourselves to deeper encounters with God, leading to lasting transformation. [28:15]

Psalm 27:4 (ESV): "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."

Reflection: What distractions can you set aside today to create more space for lingering in God's presence?

Sermon Summary

In this time of spiritual awakening, we find ourselves in a unique moment as a nation and as a church. The recent events at Asbury University and other campuses have sparked a movement of revival, and it is crucial that we do not miss this opportunity to seek more of Jesus. Revival is not the end goal; it is a means to an end, which is a deeper relationship with God. As we delve into the story of Moses in Exodus 33, we see a man who desired God above all else. Moses' bold request to see God's glory was not about witnessing more miracles or displays of power; it was about wanting more of God Himself.

Moses' life teaches us that encountering God leaves a lasting mark. When we truly experience the presence of God, we are never the same. This transformation is not about a one-hour-a-week Christianity or a checklist of religious duties. It is about a deep hunger and thirst for God that drives us to seek Him with all our hearts. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 3, reminds us that as we behold the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His image. This transformation requires us to linger in God's presence, to gaze intently at Christ, and to allow His Spirit to change us from the inside out.

As we reflect on the revival at Asbury, we are reminded of the power of unity, humility, and expectancy in worship. People from all walks of life gathered to worship God, and their anticipation of encountering Him was palpable. This is a call for us to come to church with the same expectancy, to be present in God's presence, and to allow Him to work in our lives. We must pray for a nationwide revival, starting with personal revival in our own hearts and homes. Let us be a generation that stands up for Christ, seeking His presence and power in our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Desire for God Above All Else: Moses' request to see God's glory was not about witnessing more miracles but about wanting more of God Himself. This teaches us that our ultimate desire should be for God, not just what He can do for us. We must seek a deeper relationship with Him, longing for His presence in our lives. [07:13]
2. Transformation Through Beholding: Paul reminds us that as we behold the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His image. This transformation requires us to linger in God's presence, to gaze intently at Christ, and to allow His Spirit to change us from the inside out. [12:09]
3. Unity and Expectancy in Worship: The revival at Asbury demonstrated the power of unity and expectancy in worship. People from all walks of life gathered to worship God, and their anticipation of encountering Him was palpable. We must come to church with the same expectancy, ready to be transformed by His presence. [21:19]
4. Personal Revival as a Catalyst: Before we can pray for nationwide revival, we must first seek personal revival in our own hearts and homes. This involves drawing a circle around ourselves and asking God to revive everything within that circle. Personal revival is the catalyst for a broader spiritual awakening. [31:09]
5. The Power of Lingering in God's Presence: To experience the fullness of God, we must be willing to linger in His presence, not rushing through our time with Him. This means setting aside distractions and focusing solely on Him, allowing His Spirit to work in our hearts and transform us. [28:15]
** [28:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:09] - Revival in Our Nation
[00:42] - Experiencing God's Presence
[01:31] - Praying for More of Jesus
[02:13] - Moses' Passion for God
[03:36] - God's Favor and Presence
[05:39] - Moses' Bold Request
[07:13] - Desire for God Himself
[09:43] - Marked by God's Presence
[11:02] - Transformation Through Beholding
[12:41] - Lingering in God's Presence
[14:13] - Hunger for God
[20:08] - Lessons from Asbury Revival
[27:01] - God's Presence in Worship
[31:09] - Personal Revival and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Exodus 33:12-23
- 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

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Observation Questions:

What was Moses' bold request to God in Exodus 33, and why was it significant? [05:54]
How does Paul describe the transformation that occurs when we behold the glory of the Lord in 2 Corinthians 3? [11:25]
What were some of the key characteristics of the revival at Asbury University as described in the sermon? [20:51]

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Interpretation Questions:

Why do you think Moses desired to see God's glory, even after witnessing many miracles? What does this reveal about his relationship with God? [06:47]
How does the concept of "lingering in God's presence" contribute to personal transformation, according to the sermon? [12:09]
In what ways did the unity and expectancy in worship at Asbury University serve as a model for the church today? [21:19]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Do you find yourself seeking more of God's presence or more of His miracles? How can you shift your focus to desire God Himself? [07:13]
What practical steps can you take to "linger" in God's presence this week? Consider setting aside specific times for prayer and reflection without distractions. [12:41]
How can you cultivate a sense of expectancy and unity in your worship experience, both personally and within your church community? [21:19]
The sermon emphasized the importance of personal revival as a catalyst for broader spiritual awakening. What areas of your life need revival, and how can you invite God to work in those areas? [31:09]
Consider the role of humility and unity in your interactions with others. How can you practice radical humility and promote unity in your daily life? [22:33]
How can you encourage and support the younger generation in their spiritual journey, especially in seeking a deeper relationship with God? [30:11]
What specific actions can you take to pray for and support a nationwide revival, starting with your own heart and home? [28:33]

Sermon Clips

Revival is not what we're praying for in a sense although we want to pray for Revival we're actually praying for more of Jesus because Revival is Jesus the Revival is a means to an end which is Jesus what we really want is more of God, and so as I prayed this week and really asked the Holy Spirit what would I share with our people what is the secret to more of you the Lord directed me to the Old Testament book of Exodus. [00:17:50]

Moses wanted God more than anything else in the world a key word there is God he wanted God more than anything else in the world now you have to agree this request from Moses is the boldest ask of his entire life and you got to get the backstory to to know the question like you would think if you're wandering in a desert and you and I come upon a bush that is burning but is not consumed and we hear the voice of God that probably would be enough are you with me but that wasn't enough apparently. [00:05:40]

He's not asking for more miracles he's seen that he's not asking for more activity of God he's experienced that he's not asking for a demonstration of the power of God he's already enjoyed that what he's asking for is he wants God he's saying I want you I want more of God I want to know you God let me ask you today do you want more of God no no really I'm asking you do you want more of God God himself not what God can do for you. [00:06:49]

Moses is not satisfied with a fat-free Sweet and Low substitute for the presence of God he wants the fullness of God he wants to know God he wants to experience God he wants to encounter God and God grants his requests look what he does exodus 33 21 the Lord said to Moses here's a place near me you're to stand on this rock on the mountain and with my glory why says passes by I will put you in the crevice of The Rock and I'm going to cover you with my hand until I have passed by. [00:07:55]

One of the things about a man who experiences the Manifest presence of God is that that man or woman is marked for life see Moses because he saw God there's going to be a residual effect on his life and he's never going to be the same and some of you know what I'm talking about right like when you truly encounter God you're never the same amen anybody Amen to that there's a residual effect you're ruined in a good way for the rest of your life. [00:09:39]

Paul's going to give us the secret to that because I know you're thinking well how does that how am I transformed today Paul gives us the secret and in the text he says when you look or behold Christ your heart is transformed watch this you cannot look at here's what he's saying you cannot look at Gazette contemplate two things at once meaning you cannot be negative and look intently at Christ you cannot contemplate your problems and consider the glory of God simultaneously. [00:17:35]

You will be amazed when you linger in the presence of God and God begins to change your heart see when God begins to change your heart you will be amazed what happens when you get right with them you'll be amazed you start to have a hunger for the things of God will blow your mind you start to have a passion for the word of God what used to be words on a paper are now the Breath of God to your soul like a healing balm of Gilead over your head like the Old Testament the word of God becomes alive. [00:18:26]

You don't need another sermon to get there you don't need another Bible study Bible studies are good sermons are good don't don't stop coming back amen every week but you don't need another conference you don't need another meeting to go to out of town you get there from a fresh touch from God a fresh encounter with God here's what Paul says where the spirit of the Lord is there is what freedom freedom. [00:19:09]

What we saw is a group of people worshiping God regardless of race nationality denomination or even age in fact if you saw some of the videos I put online there was a baby in front of me and children all the way up to senior adults 80 and 90 year old men and women and they're just a fresh touch from God they want to and here's what it reminded me of that's what the Kingdom of Heaven is going to look like amen. [00:20:54]

The people there were hungry for a moment in the presence of God in a sense they were hungry for more of God now when we got there at 10 30 they would not allow anyone into the chapel because it was the student service so we waited an hour but by the time we were let in there were literally hundreds if not thousands already in line this was a lot the line from yesterday now I want you to see this this comes down it's already way back there the line goes this is the line down the street. [00:24:50]

Before God can send Revival to the hallways of the schools he has the first sin Revival to the home you live in and to your heart personally we can't say God revived them before he revives us here's personal Revival you draw a circle on the ground and you get in it and you say God revive everything in this circle first and so here's what I know in a group this size because I know me there are some of you who would say I need a personal Revival look at me today I need a personal Revival today. [00:31:58]

I'm going to ask you if the holy spirit of God is prompting your heart and you're saying I need a Revival I need a touch from God I need the Holy Spirit to work I'm going to ask you right now in front of everybody would you just stand right where you are just right where you are right to your feet I need fresh touch from God. [00:33:28]

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Seeking God's Presence: A Call to Personal Revival

Devotional

Day 1: Longing for God's Presence Above All

Day 2: Transformation Through Beholding

Day 3: Unity and Expectancy in Worship

Day 4: Personal Revival as a Catalyst

Day 5: The Power of Lingering in God's Presence

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Seeking God's Presence: A Call to Personal Revival

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