Wednesday, May 30, 2012

INTIMACY WITH GOD



Learn Exodus 33:7-11 - Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the “tent of meeting.” Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. And whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people rose and stood at the entrances to their tents, watching Moses until he entered the tent. As Moses went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and stay at the entrance, while the Lord spoke with Moses. Whenever the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they all stood and worshiped, each at the entrance to their tent. The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.

Main IdeaThis week we starting a new sermon series called “Christian to the Core”. In four weeks we will study four core values that could help us to understand what it really means to be sons/daughters of God. To be Christian to the core is to have an intimate and growing relationship with the God of the universe. God looks for consecrated men and women who live life from an intimate relationship with God. The bible is filled with images of God’s desire for a personal relationship with individuals. In Exodus 33:7-12, we read of a powerful account of God meeting with Moses as he led the people toward the Promised Land. Just as God spoke to Moses face to face, he desires a personal relationship with you and has provided a pathway of spiritual disciplines to help you overcome any barriers to going deeper with him. The path is found in spiritual disciplines, which include worship, Bible study, prayer and service.

Know What God longs for us to have his mind and see things the way he sees. He promises to meet us if we choose to go deeper in our relationship with him.

So What 
We develop intimacy with god intentionally as we walk each day with God. The journey enriches us with moments of profound insight, life transforming guidance, and personal experience of God’s love.

Now What 
This week, consider your relationship with God. What can you do today to begin mowing towards greater intimacy?

Discuss…
  1. Think about each of the four primary disciples, and think what can you do in each area to move more toward deeper intimacy?
  1. In worship I will…
  1. In Bible study I will…
  1. In Prayer I will…
  1. In service I will…
Next Steps…
 This week, talk with another Christian as discuss how he or she maintains a vibrant relationship with the Lord through worship, Scripture reading, prayer and service. Based on the feedback you receive, write down three suggestions that will help you develop a more intimate relationship with God. Think of how you will apply these to your life.  

Let’s pray… Almighty God, give me the strength and wisdom to prioritize my relationship with you. Help me spend time in quietness and reflection. Open my heart and speak to me. Take me deeper in my relationship with you so I might experience the fullness of your presence in my life.

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