Chasing God's Presence: A Journey to Closer Connection

In our busy world, filled with distractions and constant demands, there's a timeless call urging us to seek God's presence above everything else. This message isn't about chasing promises or achievements; it's about nurturing a deep, personal relationship with our Creator.

At its core, this message tells us that God trusts us with what we've already surrendered to Him. When we find true satisfaction in God, the idols in our hearts start to crumble, and the best offers of this world fade compared to the joy of knowing Him. An idol is anything that comes between us and Jesus, but as we let God's presence fill our hearts, these distractions naturally fall away.

Moses' story in Exodus 33 illustrates this beautifully. He told God, "You are more important to me than what you've promised me," showing that he valued the Giver over the gift. This attitude makes us faithful stewards of God's promises. When we love God more than what He promises us, we become reliable vessels for His purposes.

This message challenges us to look at our hearts. Do we love the promise more than the Promiser? Are we more interested in what God can do for us than in God Himself? These are important questions that need honest answers.

The call to a closer relationship with God is not just an ideal; it's a practical invitation to change our daily routines. We're encouraged to start our days with prayer, spending time in God's presence before diving into our busy lives. This isn't about religious duty but about building a real relationship with our Creator, recognizing that we can't navigate life well without His guidance and presence.

Think about it like this: Just as we wouldn't spend all day working without talking to our spouse, we shouldn't go through our days without communing with our Heavenly Father. This shift in perspective can transform how we live each day.

The message also emphasizes knowing Scripture. How can we follow God if we don't know His Word? This isn't about being legalistic but about valuing the words of the One we love. It's a call to hunger for God's truth and let it shape our lives.

A key point in this message is valuing God's presence over His promises. We're reminded of Abraham's story, where God told him, "I am your exceeding great reward" (Genesis 15:1). This statement highlights that God Himself is our ultimate reward, not just the blessings He gives.

There's also a warning about getting too attached to our roles or callings. When we're more focused on our mission than on Jesus, we become resistant to correction. True spiritual maturity is being open to guidance and willing to be shaped by God.

We're encouraged to "buy the oil" now – to invest in our relationship with God while we have the chance. This isn't something that happens overnight; it's a lifelong journey requiring consistent effort and dedication. The message urges us not to wait until we're older or less busy but to start building this intimacy with God now.

The ultimate goal of our spiritual journey is to become like Christ, as Romans 8:29 says. This is our true destiny, achievable only by spending time with Jesus. The more we're in His presence, the more we become like Him.

Practical tips are given on how to develop this intimate relationship with God. We're encouraged to pray, worship, and simply be in God's presence. This isn't about checking off a spiritual to-do list; it's about developing a genuine friendship with our Creator.

The message wraps up with a powerful reminder: a life lived in God's presence can have a profound impact. When we're nourished by God, our words become healing to those around us. Our homes, marriages, and relationships are transformed by the overflow of our intimacy with God.

In essence, this message calls us back to our first love – to make Jesus the center of our lives. It challenges us to re-evaluate our priorities, let go of selfish ambitions, and pursue God with all our hearts. As we do, we'll find that He is indeed our greatest reward, and nothing compares to the joy of knowing Him deeply.

Checkout the full sermon here.