Transforming Homes Through God's Presence and Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of God's Presence

When the Ark of the Covenant was placed in the house of Obed-Edom, his household experienced profound blessings and transformation. This story illustrates the incredible impact of God's presence in our lives. The Ark, which housed the Ten Commandments, symbolized God's presence among His people. For three months, Obed-Edom's home was blessed because he welcomed the Ark without resistance. This narrative teaches us that when we invite God's presence into our homes and lives, we open ourselves up to spiritual and material prosperity. The blessings that come from God's presence are not just material but also spiritual, bringing peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. [15:49]

1 Chronicles 13:13-14 (ESV): "So David did not take the ark home into the city of David, but took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. And the ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had."

Reflection: Think about a specific area in your home or life where you feel God's presence is lacking. How can you intentionally invite His presence into that space today?

Day 2: The Importance of a Firm Spiritual Foundation

David's choice of Obed-Edom's house for the Ark underscores the importance of having a strong spiritual foundation. Obed-Edom's faith and reverence for God made his home a suitable place for the Ark. This is akin to building a house on rock rather than sand, as described in Matthew 7. A firm spiritual foundation ensures that we can withstand life's storms and experience God's blessings. Building our lives on the rock of God's word is crucial for spiritual growth and stability. It is through this foundation that we can fully experience the transformative power of God's presence. [17:46]

Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV): "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."

Reflection: Reflect on your current spiritual foundation. Are there areas where you need to strengthen your faith and reliance on God's word? What steps can you take today to build a firmer foundation?

Day 3: Welcoming God Without Resistance

Obed-Edom did not resist the Ark's presence, and as a result, his household was blessed. This teaches us the importance of welcoming God's presence into our lives without hesitation. Often, we want God to fit into our schedules and plans, but true transformation happens when we allow Him to enter freely and make changes as He sees fit. By surrendering our resistance and opening our hearts to God, we create an environment where His blessings can flow abundantly. This act of welcoming God without resistance is a powerful step towards spiritual growth and renewal. [19:20]

James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you have been resisting God's presence. What can you do today to surrender that resistance and invite Him in fully?

Day 4: Jesus as the Ultimate Home Improver

Unlike the Ark, which is lost to history, Jesus is always available to us. He continues to make "house calls," bringing healing and transformation. Jesus is the ultimate embodiment of God's presence, and by inviting Him into our hearts and homes, we allow Him to make the necessary renovations in our lives. This leads to spiritual growth and renewal. Jesus' visits to homes in the Bible brought healing and transformation, and He continues to do the same for us today. By welcoming Jesus into our lives, we open ourselves up to His transformative power and the blessings that come with it. [28:04]

Revelation 3:20 (ESV): "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

Reflection: Consider how you can invite Jesus into your daily routine. What specific changes can you make to ensure that He is a central part of your home and life?

Day 5: The Blessings of God's Presence

The blessings that came to Obed-Edom's household were not just material but also spiritual. When we allow God to reside in our homes and hearts, we experience a peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. This divine presence changes us from the inside out, making us better individuals. The story of Obed-Edom reminds us that God's presence brings holistic blessings that touch every aspect of our lives. By prioritizing God's presence, we open ourselves up to the fullness of His blessings, both seen and unseen. [24:46]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: Reflect on the spiritual and material blessings you have experienced as a result of God's presence in your life. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence daily?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the theme of "Home Improvement" through the lens of 1 Chronicles 13:13-14, where the Ark of the Covenant was placed in the house of Obed-Edom. This passage illustrates how the presence of God can transform and bless a household. We began by acknowledging the significance of the Ark, which housed the Ten Commandments and symbolized God's presence among His people. The Ark's stay in Obed-Edom's home for three months brought divine blessings, highlighting the transformative power of God's presence.

We delved into the reasons why David chose Obed-Edom's house, suggesting that his faith and reverence for God made his home a suitable place for the Ark. This choice underscores the importance of having a firm spiritual foundation, akin to building a house on rock rather than sand, as described in Matthew 7. The narrative also emphasized the need for us to welcome God's presence into our homes and hearts without resistance, allowing Him to bring about spiritual and physical blessings.

The sermon further drew parallels between the Ark and Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of God's presence. Unlike the Ark, which is lost to history, Jesus is ever-present and continues to make "house calls" to improve our lives. We were reminded of various biblical instances where Jesus visited homes, bringing healing and transformation. The message concluded with a call to invite Jesus into our hearts and homes, allowing Him to make the necessary renovations to our lives.

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Key Takeaways

1. Edom shows that when we allow God's presence into our homes and lives, we experience profound blessings and transformation. Just as the Ark brought blessings to Obed-Edom's household, inviting God into our daily lives can lead to spiritual and material prosperity. [15:49]
2. The Importance of a Firm Spiritual Foundation: David's choice of Obed-Edom's house for the Ark highlights the importance of having a strong spiritual foundation. Like the parable in Matthew 7, building our lives on the rock of God's word ensures that we can withstand life's storms. This foundation is crucial for experiencing God's blessings.

3. Welcoming God Without Resistance: Obed-Edom did not resist the Ark's presence, and as a result, his household was blessed. Similarly, we should welcome God's presence into our lives without hesitation. Often, we want God to fit into our schedules, but true transformation happens when we allow Him to enter freely and make changes as He sees fit.

4. Jesus as the Ultimate Home Improver: Unlike the Ark, which is lost, Jesus is always available to us. He continues to make "house calls," bringing healing and transformation. By inviting Jesus into our hearts, we allow Him to make the necessary renovations in our lives, leading to spiritual growth and renewal.

5. The Blessings of God's Presence: The blessings that came to Obed-Edom's household were not just material but also spiritual. When we allow God to reside in our homes and hearts, we experience a peace and joy that surpasses all understanding. This divine presence changes us from the inside out, making us better individuals.

### [15:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:42] - Introduction and Welcome to Guests
[08:15] - Men's Chorus and Worship
[09:50] - Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 13:13-14
[11:16] - Home Improvement: A Personal Confession
[12:11] - God as the Ultimate Home Improver
[13:52] - The Significance of the Ark of the Covenant
[15:49] - The Story of Obed-Edom
[17:46] - The Importance of a Firm Foundation
[19:20] - Welcoming God's Presence
[21:04] - The Impact of God's Presence
[22:56] - No Resistance to God's Presence
[24:46] - The Blessings of God's Presence
[26:23] - The Ark and Jesus Christ
[28:04] - Jesus' House Calls
[29:38] - Personal Testimony and Invitation
[31:16] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
[33:40] - Announcements and Final Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the significance of the Ark of the Covenant in the house of Obed-Edom? ([09:50])
How long did the Ark of the Covenant stay in Obed-Edom's house, and what were the results? ([15:49])
Why did David choose Obed-Edom's house for the Ark? ([17:46])
How did Obed-Edom respond to the presence of the Ark in his home? ([19:20])

Interpretation Questions

What does the story of Obed-Edom teach us about the transformative power of God's presence in our lives? ([15:49])
How does having a firm spiritual foundation, as illustrated by David's choice of Obed-Edom's house, impact our ability to receive God's blessings? ([17:46])
In what ways can we welcome God's presence into our lives without resistance, similar to Obed-Edom? ([19:20])
How does Jesus' role as the ultimate home improver compare to the Ark of the Covenant in terms of bringing transformation and blessings? ([28:04])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in your home or life. How did it transform your situation? ([15:49])
What steps can you take to build a stronger spiritual foundation in your life, similar to the parable in Matthew 7? ([17:46])
Are there areas in your life where you resist God's presence? How can you open up more to allow Him to make necessary changes? ([19:20])
How can you invite Jesus into your daily routine to experience continuous spiritual growth and renewal? ([28:04])
Think about the blessings you have received from welcoming God's presence. How can you share these blessings with others in your community? ([24:46])
Identify one specific area in your home or personal life that needs "home improvement." What practical steps can you take to invite God's presence into that area? ([29:38])
How can you ensure that your home is a place where God's presence is always welcome, just as Obed-Edom did? ([21:04])

Sermon Clips

1. "I believe this morning that the God who formed us and made us is also a God of home improvement. He's in that business. he wants to stop by your home and my home and improve us. Let's get right to the text. In the text today, Ezra writes this particular book, 1 Chronicles. It is a book that really describes the people of Israel who had long been in captivity and now they're making a new move, but they really put much stock then and even now in the Ark of the Covenant." [12:11] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "It's something about having a firm foundation. You know, in Matthew 7, where it talks about the parable that you build your house on rock, or you build it on sand. you know, when the storms of life come through, one of two things will happen. You will stand, or you will be challenged. Amen? And so I believe that he looked at this and began to say, perhaps this is the place where we will leave the presence of God." [17:46] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Do you think that your home could have been that place? Couldn't you imagine that, yes, I just want to drop it off here for a season. I just want to do it with you and I not having time to prepare. I mean, think about it. If Obed-Edom had known it was coming, they would have prepared and they would have gotten busy. Wait a minute, the ark's coming here. Let's get ready for it. But every now and then, God would just drop in. Amen? You ever had anybody just drop in?" [17:46] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "But to have the presence of God and the form of the ark to be in the space where you live, in the space where you sleep, in the space where you eat. I want you to just think about that for a moment. Because God knows what we need in our homes and what we need in our hearts. I want you to see both the physical and the spiritual. Amen? But there was a reason and there's a reason why God stops by your experience and my experience. The question is, will we let him in? Will we allow him to come in? He will not force this way, but I just thank God." [19:20] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It's been said that the home is where the heart is. And when God shows up, he's coming into what? Into our hearts. There's some things that we're trying to reconcile. And when the presence of God is there, our hearts soften. I know we big and bad and we don't take no stuff. But boy, when God stops in and begins to soften your heart by way of the Holy Spirit, you and I become different people. Do you like who you are when God stops in? Do you like who you are when God begins to minister to you?" [21:04] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "I believe that he talks. I believe that he speaks. I believe that he shows up. I want him to come by and to improve my home. Amen. I'm glad about that today. And you know, John 15 and five, because as the ark stayed there, it remained there. The text says, John 15 and five, Jesus reminds his disciples, I am the vine. You are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing. He can stay longer than three months. Amen." [21:04] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "But I declared the word says greater is he that's within me than he that is within the world. This sense of not resisting, not being afraid, not trying to keep God at arm's length. I know I've said it before, but you know, we, we, sometimes it's not convenient for us for God to show up. Sometimes it's not the right time for us, but aren't you glad sometimes he he'll break in ever had a break in. I'm glad sometimes he, he'll break into our experience and his presence will be felt." [22:56] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And when folks come to your house, when they come into your presence, they detect something very unusual about you because you've been spending time, not with an arc, but you've been spending time in the presence of God. I don't know about you, but when I come away from those moments, I feel good. I feel lighter. I feel like giving God some praise because what I've allowed him to come in and to rearrange my home. I've allowed him to come in and to change some things about me. And I thank God for that." [22:56] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "But where is the ark of the covenant today? It's a question that's fascinated biblical scholars and theologians and bible students and archaeologists for saying what where is it hollywood tried to find it the raiders of the law's ark harrison ford and his crew had no success but but no worries today we don't need the ark we need christ jesus our lord and savior who came and who died and he rose that's what we need if you're still looking for an ark uh you're looking for something to put in your home you just put jesus in your heart and therefore you carry around with you the presence of god." [26:23] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Jesus who came was in the home improvement business he made house calls think about it his father was a carpenter yeah so he know about buildings and specs and he knew about blueprints i told y'all i knew a thing or three amen but he made house calls he made house calls he made house calls if you were to ask a peter's mother-in-law she would say you know what jesus came by the house i wasn't feeling good but when he stopped into my house something happened the bible says that when jesus made a house call she got up and said can i serve you aren't you glad about that." [26:23] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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