Seeking God's Presence: Intimacy and Guidance in Life
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into Exodus 33, exploring the profound relationship between Moses and God. We began by acknowledging the importance of gratitude and service, reflecting on how Jesus came to serve, not to be served. The central theme of our discussion was the significance of God's presence in our lives. We examined how God orchestrates every detail of our existence, even those we consider insignificant. This understanding should lead us to seek His guidance in every decision we make.
We discussed the concept of being "stiff-necked," a term used to describe the Israelites' stubbornness and pride. This pride often leads us away from God, making us resistant to His guidance. We must strip away our pride and seek God earnestly, just as Moses did. Moses' relationship with God was intimate; he spoke to God as a friend, face to face. This level of intimacy is something we should strive for in our own lives.
Moses' plea to God, "If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here," is a powerful reminder that we should not undertake any endeavor without seeking God's presence and approval. We must be intentional in our relationship with God, ensuring that we are always in the place He has prepared for us. This place is not just a physical location but a spiritual state of being close to God, standing on the firm foundation of His promises.
We concluded by emphasizing the importance of being in the "cleft of the rock," a place of safety and protection provided by God. This cleft represents God's covering and guidance in our lives. As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, we must hold on to God, ensuring that every step we take is in alignment with His will.
### Key Takeaways
1. Gratitude and Service: Embrace a heart of gratitude and a spirit of service, reflecting Jesus' example. Recognize that every detail of our lives is orchestrated by God, and nothing is too insignificant for His attention. This understanding should lead us to serve others selflessly, knowing that in doing so, we are serving God. [24:36]
2. Stripping Away Pride: The Israelites' "stiff-necked" nature serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. We must be willing to strip away our pride and seek God earnestly. This often involves humbling ourselves and acknowledging that our way is not always the best way. [33:04]
3. Intimacy with God: Moses' relationship with God was marked by deep intimacy, speaking to God as a friend. We should strive for this level of closeness in our own lives, talking to God openly and honestly. This kind of relationship requires time, effort, and a genuine desire to know God more deeply. [39:28]
4. Seeking God's Presence: Moses' plea for God's presence is a powerful reminder that we should not undertake any endeavor without seeking God's guidance. We must be intentional in our relationship with God, ensuring that we are always in the place He has prepared for us. This involves daily seeking His will and aligning our actions with His guidance. [41:35]
5. The Cleft of the Rock: The "cleft of the rock" symbolizes a place of safety and protection provided by God. As we navigate life's challenges, we must hold on to God, ensuring that every step we take is in alignment with His will. This place of safety is where we find stability and peace, even in the midst of turmoil. [53:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:36] - Gratitude and Service
[26:08] - God's Sovereignty
[27:28] - The Tabernacle of the Congregation
[28:54] - God's Presence and Rest
[30:12] - God's Glory Revealed
[31:44] - Stiff-Necked People
[33:04] - Stripping Away Pride
[34:30] - The Mirror of Self-Reflection
[36:21] - Seeking the Lord
[38:45] - Talking to God as a Friend
[40:30] - The Importance of God's Presence
[43:48] - God Knows Your Name
[45:27] - The Place by God
[48:28] - Standing on the Rock
[53:54] - The Cleft of the Rock
[57:32] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Exodus 33:1-23
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the term "stiff-necked" mean in the context of Exodus 33, and how did it apply to the Israelites? ([31:44])
2. How did Moses' relationship with God differ from that of the other Israelites, according to Exodus 33:11? ([38:45])
3. What was Moses' plea to God in Exodus 33:15, and why was it significant? ([40:30])
4. What does the "cleft of the rock" symbolize in Exodus 33:22, and how does it relate to God's protection? ([30:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to strip away pride in our relationship with God, as illustrated by the Israelites' removal of their ornaments? ([33:04])
2. How can we cultivate an intimate relationship with God similar to Moses' "face to face" conversations with Him? ([38:45])
3. What does it mean to seek God's presence in every decision, and how can this be practically applied in our daily lives? ([41:35])
4. How does the concept of the "cleft of the rock" provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty and challenge? ([30:12])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did you seek God's guidance before making it? How might the outcome have been different if you had? ([41:35])
2. Identify an area in your life where pride might be hindering your relationship with God. What steps can you take to humble yourself and seek His guidance? ([33:04])
3. Think about your daily routine. How can you intentionally create moments to talk to God as a friend, similar to how Moses did? ([38:45])
4. When facing a difficult situation, how can you remind yourself to seek the "cleft of the rock" for God's protection and guidance? ([30:12])
5. Consider a time when you felt unsteady or unsure. How did you find stability in God's promises, and how can you apply this experience to future challenges? ([48:28])
6. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and a spirit of service in your daily interactions, reflecting Jesus' example? ([24:36])
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are always in the place God has prepared for you, both physically and spiritually? ([45:27])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Gratitude and Service
Gratitude and service are foundational to a life that reflects Jesus' example. Recognizing that every detail of our lives is orchestrated by God, we should embrace a heart of gratitude and a spirit of service. Jesus came to serve, not to be served, and this should inspire us to serve others selflessly. When we understand that nothing in our lives is too insignificant for God's attention, it changes our perspective and motivates us to serve others, knowing that in doing so, we are serving God. [24:36]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt overlooked or unappreciated. How can you shift your perspective to see God's hand in that situation and respond with gratitude and service?
Day 2: Stripping Away Pride
The Israelites' "stiff-necked" nature serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride. Pride can lead us away from God, making us resistant to His guidance. To truly seek God, we must be willing to strip away our pride and humble ourselves. This involves acknowledging that our way is not always the best way and being open to God's direction. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of stubbornness and align ourselves more closely with God's will. [33:04]
James 4:6 (ESV): "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where pride has been a barrier to seeking God's guidance. What steps can you take today to humble yourself and seek His direction earnestly?
Day 3: Cultivating Intimacy with God
Moses' relationship with God was marked by deep intimacy, speaking to God as a friend. This level of closeness is something we should strive for in our own lives. Cultivating intimacy with God requires time, effort, and a genuine desire to know Him more deeply. It involves talking to God openly and honestly, just as Moses did. By investing in our relationship with God, we can experience the profound connection that Moses had, where we speak to God as a friend and seek His presence in every aspect of our lives. [39:28]
Psalm 25:14 (ESV): "The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant."
Reflection: Reflect on your current relationship with God. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your intimacy with Him, such as setting aside dedicated time for prayer and reading Scripture?
Day 4: Seeking God's Presence
Moses' plea for God's presence is a powerful reminder that we should not undertake any endeavor without seeking God's guidance. Being intentional in our relationship with God means ensuring that we are always in the place He has prepared for us. This involves daily seeking His will and aligning our actions with His guidance. By prioritizing God's presence in our lives, we can navigate our decisions and actions with confidence, knowing that we are following His lead. [41:35]
Exodus 33:15 (ESV): "And he said to him, 'If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.'"
Reflection: Before starting your day, take a moment to seek God's presence and guidance. What specific decision or action do you need to bring before Him today to ensure you are aligned with His will?
Day 5: Finding Safety in the Cleft of the Rock
The "cleft of the rock" symbolizes a place of safety and protection provided by God. As we navigate life's challenges, we must hold on to God, ensuring that every step we take is in alignment with His will. This place of safety is where we find stability and peace, even in the midst of turmoil. By trusting in God's covering and guidance, we can face uncertainties with confidence, knowing that He is our refuge and strength. [53:54]
Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV): "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"
Reflection: Think about a current challenge or uncertainty you are facing. How can you intentionally seek God's protection and guidance, finding your place of safety in Him today?
Quotes
1. "He takes care of every minute thing that we think is irrelevant to him that's impactful maybe to our life it's big to God and the number that's here this morning the number will be here uh in about an hour and then tonight he knows every one of our issues problems concerns victory struggles he knows all that and he's going to be here in about an hour and then tonight he knows every one of our and he cares about it which is amazing amazing fact that you think amazing thought that you think that big of a god would think of little old me." [24:36] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Isn't it often when we're stiff-necked that God has the ability to remove the pride from us? I don't know if you've ever been through that. I've been through that. And it is not fun in any way, shape, or form. But sometimes God removes that stiff neck from us, and he does it. In a way where, first off, we have to get rid of our pride. You have to get out of your own way." [33:49] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Are you seeking the Lord? You know it's an action. It's not a passage. It's direction there. That's a direction to go seek the Lord. What do you need to seek the Lord about today? Only you and God knows that. Do you need to seek God about a decision? Do you need to seek God about a prayer? Do you need to seek God about a relationship getting better with God? What do you need to seek God about? Because that's an action." [36:21] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When's the last time you talked to God like a friend? Think about that. Right now, you come to church to learn about Jesus, but you learn, you learn, you come to church to learn to be more like Jesus. When's the last time that you were by that place? When's the last time you were in that place? You say, oh, brother Fred, it's been, it's been, it's been a minute. It's been a couple of days. See, life in the Satan distracts you from being in that place." [47:24] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you want to know that place of steadiness that will guide you through your life when the waves of life come, because the waves of life are coming, you might not see them now. You might not see them tomorrow. But that wave, that tide is coming in at you, and you got to know when that tide hits you, you have to be able to say, I'm going to be in the place by Jesus so I can endure that, and I don't have it rock me to my core, to then I become unstable, and then the devil comes in, and then I give a foothold to the devil, and then in moments and hours and days, I don't even know what I'm doing." [49:35] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Hey, hey, hold on to God like that. Don't let him take two steps, and you don't know where he's going. Don't let him take one half of a step, and you not know where he's going, and you're with him. Do not let him, don't not, don't not pay attention to God to where you're right by him, because right by him is that rock. And that rock is what gives you support. Everybody now, a lot of folks nowadays are looking for anything and everything to help me. As soon as I have a problem, well, let me call my buddy. As soon as I have a problem, well, let's go over here on Facebook." [52:24] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The first thing that you got to realize is you got to realize you have to be right by God. It's what Moses said. Moses said, I'm not, I'm not, I'm not going anywhere. I'm not taking another step if your presence doesn't go with me. And then God said, you know what? I like that. So let me do some, a couple of reminders. Number one, be right by God. There's a place. And that place for you. You say your name. And that, that place. That place was made for you." [53:54] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Make sure today, make sure today, if you're not in his, if his presence doesn't go with you, don't go. Don't take the first step. Make sure of that presence. And invite him into every decision and every small thing in your life. And it will be. It will be amazing how he covers you and he protects you in that cleft." [56:35] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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