Walking Daily with God: A Journey of Surrender
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound journey of walking daily with God, emphasizing the importance of maintaining spiritual momentum. This journey is not just a one-time event but a continuous, moment-by-moment walk with the Lord. We began by reflecting on the Celebrate Recovery ministry, which is not just for "those people" but for all of us. It serves as a reminder that we all need healing and support, and it invites us to think differently about our spiritual journeys.
The core of our discussion centered around the concept of a daily inventory, a practice that involves self-examination, Bible saturation, and continual prayer. Self-examination is not about self-reliance but about inviting God to search our hearts, as expressed in Psalm 139. This is a moment-by-moment surrender to God, acknowledging our inability to fully understand ourselves without His guidance.
Bible saturation goes beyond mere study; it involves allowing the Word to penetrate and transform us. It's about letting the scripture read us, rather than us just reading it. This approach helps us to focus on the essence of God's message, even if it means dwelling on a single verse for an extended period.
Prayer is the lifeline of our spiritual walk. It is not just about seeking answers but about seeking God Himself. Through prayer, we draw near to God, become aligned with His will, and gain the power to overcome life's challenges. This power is essential for loving others, even those we find difficult to love, and for living a life that reflects Christ's love and holiness.
Finally, we discussed the significance of being wholly possessed by God, allowing Him to own us and fill us with His Holy Spirit. This possession is our inheritance, not arrogance, and it empowers us to be carriers of Jesus in the world. As we walk daily with God, we are called to be His and to be holy, living lives that are fully surrendered to His purpose.
Key Takeaways:
1. Celebrate Recovery is for Everyone: Celebrate Recovery is not just for those we perceive as needing help; it is for all of us. It invites us to recognize our own need for healing and support, breaking down the barriers of "us" and "them." This ministry calls us to a deeper understanding of community and shared spiritual growth. [55:47]
2. The Importance of Self-Examination: True self-examination involves inviting God to search our hearts, as we cannot fully understand ourselves. This is a continuous process, not limited to a yearly or daily ritual, but a moment-by-moment surrender to God's insight and guidance. [01:03:06]
3. Bible Saturation Over Study: Bible saturation means allowing the scripture to read us and transform us, rather than merely studying it. This approach helps us focus on the essence of God's message, even if it means dwelling on a single verse for an extended period. [01:08:57]
4. Prayer as a Lifeline: Prayer is about seeking God, not just answers. It draws us closer to Him, aligns us with His will, and empowers us to overcome life's challenges. Through continual prayer, we gain the power to love others and live a life that reflects Christ's love. [01:17:24]
5. Being Possessed by God: Our spiritual journey is about being wholly possessed by God, allowing Him to own us and fill us with His Holy Spirit. This possession is our inheritance, empowering us to be carriers of Jesus in the world and live lives fully surrendered to His purpose. [01:25:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
- [02:15] - Celebrate Recovery: An Invitation for All
- [05:00] - The Daily Walk with God
- [07:45] - The Significance of the Walking Stick
- [10:30] - Mark 14:38 and Vigilance in Prayer
- [13:00] - Self-Examination and Psalm 139
- [16:45] - Bible Saturation vs. Study
- [20:00] - The Role of Continual Prayer
- [23:30] - Becoming God's Will
- [26:15] - The Power of Prayer in Overcoming Temptation
- [29:00] - Loving Others Through God's Eyes
- [32:00] - The Meaning of Prayer
- [35:00] - The Potter's Vase: Being His and Holy
- [38:00] - Possession and Inheritance in Christ
- [41:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Mark 14:38 - "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
2. Psalm 139:23-24 - "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
3. James 4:8 - "Come near to God and he will come near to you."
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of Celebrate Recovery being described as a ministry for everyone, not just "those people"? [55:47]
2. How does the sermon describe the practice of self-examination, and what role does Psalm 139 play in this process? [01:03:06]
3. What is meant by "Bible saturation" as opposed to Bible study, and how does this approach affect one's spiritual journey? [01:08:57]
4. According to the sermon, what is the primary purpose of prayer, and how does it relate to our relationship with God? [01:17:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of a "daily inventory" contribute to maintaining spiritual momentum in one's walk with God? [59:48]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that self-examination is a moment-by-moment surrender to God rather than a self-reliant practice? [01:03:06]
3. How does the idea of being "wholly possessed by God" challenge or affirm your understanding of spiritual inheritance and holiness? [01:25:02]
4. What does it mean to "become God's will" rather than just seeking it, and how might this change one's approach to prayer and daily life? [01:20:18]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. How can you incorporate the practice of a daily inventory to enhance your walk with God? [59:48]
2. Consider a time when you struggled with self-examination. How can you invite God into this process more intentionally, as suggested in Psalm 139? [01:03:06]
3. What steps can you take to move from merely studying the Bible to allowing it to saturate and transform your life? [01:08:57]
4. How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily routine, focusing on seeking God rather than just answers? [01:17:24]
5. Identify an area in your life where you need to surrender more fully to God's ownership. What practical steps can you take to allow God to possess this area? [01:25:02]
6. Think of a person you find difficult to love. How can prayer help you see them through God's eyes and respond with Christ-like love? [01:17:24]
7. How can you ensure that your spiritual journey is not just about following Jesus but also about being a carrier of His presence in the world? [01:26:51]
Devotional
Day 1: Celebrate Recovery: A Journey for Everyone
Celebrate Recovery is a ministry that emphasizes the universal need for healing and support, breaking down the barriers of "us" and "them." It invites everyone to recognize their own struggles and the need for community in their spiritual journey. This ministry is not just for those we perceive as needing help but is an invitation for all to engage in a deeper understanding of shared spiritual growth. By participating in Celebrate Recovery, individuals are encouraged to confront their own challenges and find healing through a supportive community. [55:47]
Isaiah 57:18-19 (ESV): "I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners, creating the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace, to the far and to the near, says the Lord, and I will heal him."
Reflection: Think of a personal struggle you have been hesitant to share. How can you take a step towards seeking support and healing within your community today?
Day 2: The Continuous Practice of Self-Examination
True self-examination involves inviting God to search our hearts, acknowledging that we cannot fully understand ourselves without His guidance. This is not a one-time event but a continuous, moment-by-moment surrender to God's insight. By allowing God to reveal the hidden areas of our hearts, we open ourselves to transformation and growth. This practice encourages humility and dependence on God, recognizing that self-reliance is insufficient for true spiritual understanding. [01:03:06]
Psalm 26:2-3 (ESV): "Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to see clearly? How can you invite God to search your heart and reveal His truth to you today?
Day 3: Bible Saturation: Letting Scripture Transform Us
Bible saturation goes beyond mere study; it involves allowing the Word to penetrate and transform us. This approach encourages believers to let scripture read them, focusing on the essence of God's message. By dwelling on a single verse for an extended period, individuals can experience a deeper understanding and transformation. This practice shifts the focus from intellectual study to a heart-level engagement with God's Word, allowing it to shape and mold us into His likeness. [01:08:57]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: Choose a verse that speaks to you today. How can you meditate on it throughout the day and allow it to transform your thoughts and actions?
Day 4: Prayer: Seeking God, Not Just Answers
Prayer is the lifeline of our spiritual walk, drawing us closer to God and aligning us with His will. It is not just about seeking answers but about seeking God Himself. Through continual prayer, believers gain the power to overcome life's challenges and love others as Christ loves us. This practice empowers individuals to live a life that reflects Christ's love and holiness, even in difficult circumstances. [01:17:24]
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: Reflect on a challenge you are currently facing. How can you shift your focus from seeking solutions to seeking God's presence and guidance in this situation?
Day 5: Being Wholly Possessed by God
Our spiritual journey is about being wholly possessed by God, allowing Him to own us and fill us with His Holy Spirit. This possession is our inheritance, empowering us to be carriers of Jesus in the world. By surrendering fully to God's purpose, believers are called to live lives that are holy and reflective of Christ's love. This complete surrender allows individuals to experience the fullness of God's presence and power in their lives. [01:25:02]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are holding back from fully surrendering to God? What steps can you take today to allow God to possess and transform this area?
Quotes
I wasn't there to show support. I was there to get support. It was wonderful. I didn't even know. I would have not known if I hadn't gone to. I never got over the entrance to the train, and they had people lined up on the sidewalk, and when you came through, they were cheering that you were there, cheering like you had just won the Super Bowl. Fly, Eagles, fly. [00:55:59]
I'm saying that Celebrate Recovery is not for them. It's for us. I'm just giving you permission to think about it differently. I would hear a lot of times people say, well, those people that come. I'm like, quit. It's not us and them. It's us. So this is not an intimidation, but it is an invitation. [00:56:27]
There's a slide here that says daily inventory, and the idea is that once we begin the walk with God, we want to continue the walk with God, and it is a daily walk with God. Really, it's a moment-by-moment walk with God, and so I want you to remember, so I bought my walking stick. [00:57:53]
And here's what Jesus said on the night of His betrayal. He said to Pete, Jim, and John—you know, they were His closest mates there. He said, keep, watch, and pray. He's basically saying, you're going to need to lean in. [01:00:26]
And so this is the word that Jesus gave to his closest disciples and certainly he intended it also for us so the daily walk a vigilance what's the default of your life in other words there are things we have to do we have to take care of each other we have to look at the time of day we have to keep a business. [01:01:50]
But the idea is that we need examination, and we need self-examination, but we need the great physician to do the examination. This is this passage, Psalm 139, 23, and 24. Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. [01:03:20]
What is the Psalmist saying here? He's admitted, Matthew 5 verse 3 blessed are the poor in spirit that's what he's admitting what is poor in spirit the person who is poor in spirit is blessed because they confess they cannot save themselves they can't ultimately help themselves they can't save themselves they can't and in this passage what he is saying is he's saying what he can't do he's saying what God can do I can't search myself I don't know my own heart I don't know my anxious thoughts but I know who does and so he surrenders himself to God for the examination this is not a yearly thing this is not even a daily thing it's a moment by moment idea where we live asking the Lord to search us and know us I pray these patches here probably as much as any passage I just catch myself crying out search me O God and know my heart and you know what I found he'll take you up on that prayer and that's a wonderful thing [01:04:54]
And the meaning of prayer is that we get a hold of God, not answers to prayer. I mean, answers to prayer is like the fruit of prayer, but it's not the meaning of prayer. And I think sometimes we've forgotten that. I have a prayer list. I was praying it at 5 .45 this morning. I'm for a prayer list, but I want you to know, I let God know almost every time I pray, Lord, I got my list, but I know the real reason I'm praying is because I need to know you. I need to get a hold of you today, and I need you especially to get a hold of me. [01:19:16]
And so that's the purpose of the daily walk is that we will be his, that he will own us, that he will possess us as his own. And the second possession is that we'll be holy. And that is that we will be filled with his holy presence, with his Holy Spirit. We'll be possessed by God. [01:25:15]
We are not merely followers of Jesus. We are carriers of Jesus. We are possessed by Jesus. And I know the look they gave me was not about me. And I knew in that moment Jesus wanted to wear me into that funeral. [01:27:24]
Celebrate Recovery gave me permission to say that out loud in front of folk. Because I found someone that's greater than even depression. And sometimes he answers your prayer, no. But he adds it instead. You know that, don't you? In the Bible, Paul prayed that the Lord would remove the thorn from his flesh. And God said, no. Instead, my grace is enough. My grace is sufficient. [01:28:51]
Please come and be near to us. And help us to trust you in ways that we didn't know how before. I pray this morning, if there's anyone here that doesn't walk with you, I pray that today, they will turn from sin and turn to you. That they will turn from darkness and turn to light. [01:29:21]
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