His Presence

Is there something you need to let go? Something you’re overburdened with because you believe it’s all up to you? Are you tempted to be angry and resentful when others do things without calling on your expertise? Do you refuse to let others help you because you need the credit?

As we continue in this series on the Heart of Worship, King David shows us that when we are willing not to be the hero of our story and to praise God for his faithfulness, trusting that he is the one who will work all things together for the good of those who love him (Rom. 8:28), we will see blessings multiply exponentially.

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

I Chronicles 17:1-10

I Chronicles 28:1-7, 11-19

I Chronicles 29:1-9

I Chronicles 17:10-14

Acts 2:29-36

The goal of this series is to explore what worship really looks like in the everyday, ordinary parts of our lives, trusting that God will meet us there. This week’s focus is on the practice of Praise, the acknowledgment and recognition of who God is and what He does. It all begins with paying attention.

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

Psalm 145

Exodus 34:5-8

In this series we will reposture our hearts and minds toward worship. When we truly encounter the presence of God, worship is the only conceivable response. But how can we make that connection? How do we cultivate hearts of worship? We will explore examples from the life of King David as we answer those questions and seek the heart of God in our every day lives.

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

I Samuel 13: 7b-14.

I Samuel 16: 1-13.

I Samuel 17: 32-37, 45-46.

Psalm 23.

John 10:14-15

The wilderness has long been a place where the Lord calls his people to commune with him. Will we miss out on this intimacy because the desert is dry and our feet are tired? Or will we trust that the manna will be there tomorrow and lean in to a communion with Him?

His Presence is the only promise we’re guaranteed, but praise God, it’s the only promise we really need.

In a Kingdom of Scarcity, it can feel like we have to make sure we get and keep stuff, accolades, relationships, everything. But in The Land of Leftovers, our Great God provides plenty for all of us to rest in the freedom of celebration instead of competition.

Do you feel alone? Have you exhausted all your options and wonder if the only thing left for you is a life of just “getting by”? Do you wonder if anyone actually sees you? In Mark 5, a woman whose name is not recorded in scripture has suffered with a constant flow of blood for twelve years. She is cut off from her entire community, but she has the audacity to believe that Jesus can change things for her. And His Presence brings a reward for her faith beyond anything she could have imagined.

Do you feel forgotten by God? Do you worry that your questions and frustrations mean that maybe you don’t really believe him? Are you struggling to discern a balance between rest and responsibility? In John 11, Martha was certain that Jesus was the Messiah and that he loved her and her brother, Lazarus, but she was also frustrated that he hadn’t come. Even in her questioning, her ultimate longing was His Presence, and at just the right time, he showed up for her.

What are you weary of waiting for? Does it feel like you’re running out of time or maybe have missed your chance? Anna’s story from Luke 2 shows us what it looks like to be faithful to a faithful God even when hope is hard.

In this series, I’ll tell stories adapted from biblical narratives that will provide a fresh perspective of the Presence of our Savior. In Acts chapter 9, Ananias fears for his life until Jesus sends him directly to the man who pledged to kill him. His Presence defies logic, and we can embrace the mystery and lean into his promises.