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Discovering the Heart of God Part 6

Discovering the Heart of God Part 6. Introduction.

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Discovering the Heart of God Part 6

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  1. Discovering the Heart of God Part 6

  2. Introduction Last Sunday we started to look at the presence of God. His presence surrounds us and indwells us, and yet there are times that He seems so far away. This is the paradox that we want to continue exploring this morning. If God is omnipresent, why does He seem so far away.

  3. Hiding From God Let’s take a moment to look at ourselves. We are conflicted creatures. On one hand we really want to know God. We attempt to seek Him and long for a glimpse of His presence. On the other hand we subconsciously know our depravity and we attempt to hide from the very presence we seek.

  4. Hiding From God The key is to allow God’s searing spotlight do its work. We get a glimpse of God’s holiness, and in return see our own sinfulness. It means we honestly face our shortcomings, weaknesses, flaws, and addictions. It means we stop making excuses based in genetic or cultural influence that only harden our lives and turn us away from God. It means we let God’s blinding spotlight break down our resistance and truly repent from our sin. This is Truth and it sets us free (Isaiah 6).

  5. Hiding From God’s Call Another reason people do not really want to experience God’s presence is that it results in a calling in our lives. Often times it results in the Jonah syndrome. We claim that we want to know God’s will and plan for our lives, only to find that it is not something we (the flesh) wants to do. He may call us to reconcile with an enemy, yield a bitterness, or call us to some area of service. Where could Jonah run from the presence of God???

  6. Hiding From God’s Call Most are not so brazen as to thumb their noses at God’s will. Our rejection is more subtle. We seek to replace God’s call with one that is more acceptable to ourselves. For example, God calls you to reconcile with a neighbor with whom you have been feuding. This calls us to humble ourselves and seek forgiveness. It is more pleasing to call a shut-in, bake cookies for neighborhood children, or volunteer at church. We rationalize that we are serving God while rejecting what He is calling us to do.

  7. Hiding From God’s Call Sometimes it is easier to hide from God, rather than risk being called to do something we find distasteful.

  8. Hiding From God’s Call • Think though the consequences. • You can lose the closeness you seek • God will put pressure on your life to move you in the right direction. Remember Jonah could not flee from God’s presence. • You can suffer loss of rewards

  9. Hiding From God’s Call In my limited life, I have come across too many people who rejected God’s call on their life. Some were called to be pastors and/or missionaries. They were enticed by the things of the world rather than the things of God. God’s call does not change. Rejection of God’s will usually results in bitter and angry people. They want God to do their will, while rejecting His. They long to have a purpose and relationship with God while rejecting Him. It is never too late to repent. Moses started his ministry at 80 years old!

  10. Hiding From God’s Promise Another reason people hide from God is a false guilt or false humility. They believe God would never be interested or be able to use them. Each person is a unique creation designed by God (Psalm 139) for His glory and purpose. To disbelieve one’s worth is to question the very ability of God.

  11. Hiding From God’s Promise Satan will use past guilt to stagnate your call into the presence of God. You must remember that Christ paid the debt for all your sin, so nothing remains to separate you from God. Remember He did not die so you could remain in your sin, but to set you free from it. Coming into the presence of God is a critical part of our transformation (1 John 3:2)

  12. Hiding From God’s Promise You need to remember that Jesus paid for ALL your sins upon the cross. There is nothing left to pay. Jesus took your punishment so you can live freely in Him. There is nothing left to separate you from God.

  13. Hiding From God’s Promise If you are finding yourself trapped in the negative side of this paradox of guilt and forgiveness. You need to accept God’s great love and boundless grace. God created you for fellowship with Him, you do not just desire it, you need it. God desires the very best for you. Stepping into God’s presence will demand some surrender on your part. We are flawed but not failures. God has great and wonderful plans for you, and Jesus died so you might obtain them!

  14. Hiding From God So here we are in the midst of paradox. I really want to know God and feel His presence. To do so means I strip myself of all justification except Christ. No more games, no more excuses. I will step into the light knowing that part of me must be shed and sacrificed, for it cannot exist in His presence. I yield my dreams knowing that His plan and call are more fulfilling. I step into the unknown in order to know and be known.

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