Category: Sermons

Craving the Presence of God: A Journey to True Spiritual Growth

All humans have cravings. Some of us more than others. It’s a very “normal” thing to have cravings and try to find something that fills the ache. We often find ourselves chasing after worldly desires, filling our lives with distractions that leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled. But what if there was a way to satisfy our deepest longings and experience true growth? The answer lies in rediscovering our craving for God’s presence.

The apostle Peter, in his first epistle, provides us with profound wisdom on this matter. He urges us to “rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind” (1 Peter 2:1). These negative attributes can cloud our hearts and minds, preventing us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love and presence.

Malice, the desire to see others suffer, often stems from hurt or resentment. Deceit involves dishonesty or misleading others, while hypocrisy is professing beliefs we don’t actually practice. Envy arises from discontent with our own lives and coveting what others possess. Slander involves spreading false and malicious statements about others. These harmful attitudes and behaviors not only damage our relationships with others but also hinder our spiritual growth.

Peter encourages us to crave “pure spiritual milk” like newborn babies (1 Peter 2:2). This metaphor beautifully illustrates the kind of hunger we should have for God’s word and presence. Just as infants instinctively crave milk for nourishment and growth, we too should develop an insatiable appetite for spiritual sustenance.

However, many of us have lost this God given craving. We’ve allowed other appetites to take precedence, filling the God-shaped void in our hearts with lesser things. We may find ourselves more motivated by work deadlines or social engagements than by the desire to spend time in God’s presence. This misalignment of priorities leads to spiritual stagnation and frustration.

To reignite our spiritual cravings, we must first recognize what we’ve been feeding our souls. Have we developed an unhealthy appetite for things that don’t truly satisfy? Just as our tastes for food can change over time, our spiritual appetites can be reshaped. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but with consistent effort, we can cultivate a deep longing for God’s presence.

Peter is actually referencing the Psalms which invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). This beautiful imagery reminds us that experiencing God’s goodness is not just an intellectual exercise but a deeply personal and sensory one. When we truly taste the goodness of God, it creates a craving that nothing else can satisfy.

So how do we develop this craving? It starts with intentionality. We must make a conscious effort to prioritize our relationship with God. This might mean setting aside dedicated time for prayer and Bible study, even when it’s inconvenient. It could involve surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who encourage our spiritual growth. Perhaps it means turning off distractions and creating space for silence and reflection.

As we begin to taste God’s goodness, we’ll find that our other cravings start to diminish. The things of this world that once seemed so important will pale in comparison to the richness of God’s presence. We’ll discover that in Him, we lack no good thing (Psalm 34:10).

It’s important to remember that this journey is not about perfection but progress. There will be times when we stumble or when our cravings for lesser things resurface. In these moments, we must return to the source of true satisfaction. We must remind ourselves of the goodness we’ve tasted and seen in God’s presence.

One practical way to nurture our spiritual cravings is through worship. When we lift our voices in praise, we’re not just going through the motions. We’re actively engaging our hearts and minds in adoration of our Creator. The act of worship can awaken dormant spiritual appetites and remind us of the joy found in God’s presence.

Another powerful practice is meditation on Scripture. As we ruminate on God’s word, allowing it to penetrate our hearts, we begin to crave more of His truth. The Bible becomes not just a book of rules or ancient history, but a living, breathing testament to God’s character and love for us.

Community also plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining our spiritual cravings. When we surround ourselves with others who are hungry for God’s presence, their passion can be contagious. We can encourage one another, share our experiences, and spur each other on toward deeper faith.

As we cultivate this craving for God’s presence, we’ll find that it impacts every area of our lives. Our relationships will be transformed as we learn to love others with God’s love. Our work will take on new meaning as we see it as an opportunity to glorify God. Even our leisure time will be infused with a sense of purpose as we seek to honor God in all we do.

The journey to developing a craving for God’s presence is not always easy. It requires sacrifice, discipline, and a willingness to let go of things that may be holding us back. But the rewards are immeasurable. As we taste and see that the Lord is good, we’ll discover a satisfaction that surpasses all understanding.

Today, we’re constantly bombarded with messages about what we should want or need. Instead let us return to the one true source of fulfillment. Let us rid ourselves of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander, making room for a pure and passionate craving for God’s presence. As we do, we’ll find ourselves growing in ways we never thought possible, becoming more and more the people God created us to be.

May we all rediscover the joy of craving God’s presence, allowing His goodness to transform us from the inside out. As we taste and see His goodness anew, may our hearts echo the words of the psalmist: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God” (Psalm 42:1). Let this be the craving that defines our lives, leading us to true fulfillment and spiritual growth.

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Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional for your week:

Day 1: Craving God’s Presence

Reading: 1 Peter 2:1-3

Devotional: Today, reflect on what you truly crave in your life. Peter urges us to “crave pure spiritual milk” like newborn babies. This imagery reminds us of our need for God’s nourishment. Consider how your daily choices reflect your spiritual appetite. Are you hungering for God’s presence, or have worldly distractions dulled your spiritual taste buds? Pray for a renewed craving for God’s word and presence, asking Him to realign your desires with His will.

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Day 2: Purifying the Heart

Reading: Psalm 51:10-12

Devotional: Yesterday, we considered our cravings. Today, focus on purifying your heart. In 1 Peter 2:1, we’re instructed to rid ourselves of malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. These negative attitudes can poison our relationship with God and others. Reflect on any of these that may have taken root in your heart. Ask God to create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you, as David prayed in Psalm 51. Commit to actively replacing these negative attitudes with love, truth, and genuine faith.

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Day 3: Tasting God’s Goodness

Reading: Psalm 34:8-10

Devotional: “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” invites the psalmist. This echoes Peter’s words about tasting the Lord’s goodness. Today, intentionally seek experiences of God’s goodness in your life. Look for His blessings in nature, relationships, or personal circumstances. Reflect on past moments when you’ve tangibly felt God’s goodness. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of His goodness daily? Ask God to sharpen your spiritual senses to recognize and savor His goodness more fully.

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Day 4: Growing in Salvation

Reading: 2 Peter 3:17-18

Devotional: Peter emphasizes spiritual growth as a result of craving God’s word. Growth isn’t automatic; it requires intentional effort and nourishment. Evaluate your spiritual growth. Are you stagnant or progressing? Consider areas where you need to grow – perhaps in knowledge, faith, or character. Set a specific goal for spiritual growth and outline steps to achieve it. Remember, growth often happens in community, so consider how you can engage more deeply with your church family to foster mutual growth.

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Day 5: Living with Spiritual Hunger

Reading: Matthew 5:6

Devotional: Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” This beatitude encapsulates the spiritual craving Peter describes. Reflect on your spiritual hunger. Do you approach your relationship with God with the same urgency as physical hunger? Consider fasting from something today (food, social media, etc.) to cultivate a deeper hunger for God. Use the time or energy typically spent on that activity to pray, read Scripture, or serve others. Ask God to increase your spiritual appetite and to satisfy you with His presence above all else.

**Remember, this reading plan is a starting point. Allow these reflections to deepen your relationship with God and transform your daily life. May your craving for God’s presence grow stronger each day.

Faith in Action: Living Out What We Believe

In our spiritual journey, we often encounter the question: Is faith alone enough, or should it be accompanied by actions? This age-old debate has created tension in Christians for centuries, with some emphasizing the importance of faith and others stressing the significance of works. However, a deeper look into the scriptures reveals that these two concepts are not mutually exclusive but rather intricately connected.

The book of James offers profound insights into this matter, particularly in its second chapter. It challenges us to examine our faith and its manifestation in our daily lives. James poses a thought-provoking question: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?”

This question strikes at the heart of our understanding of faith. It’s easy to claim belief, but James argues that true faith is always accompanied by corresponding actions. He illustrates this point with a practical example: If we see a brother or sister without clothes and daily food, and we merely wish them well without addressing their physical needs, what good have we done? Our words, without action, are hollow and ineffective.

James takes this argument further by drawing a startling comparison. He states that even demons believe in God and shudder. This comparison is meant to shake us out of complacency. If our faith doesn’t produce any tangible change in our lives or impact on others, how is it different from the “beliefs” of demons? Not exactly great company. True faith, James argues, should transform us and motivate us to act in ways that reflect God’s love and character.

To drive his point home, James refers to two significant figures from the Old Testament: Abraham and Rahab. Abraham, often called the father of faith, demonstrated his belief through his willingness to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. This act wasn’t what saved Abraham, but it was evidence of the faith that had already saved him. Similarly, Rahab, despite her background as a prostitute, showed her faith by protecting the Israelite spies. These examples illustrate that faith and works are not opposing forces but complementary aspects of a genuine relationship with God.

James concludes this section with a powerful analogy: “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead.” This vivid image underscores the inseparable nature of faith and works. Just as a body without a spirit is lifeless, faith without corresponding actions is equally lifeless.

So, what does this mean for us today? How can we ensure our faith is alive and active?

Firstly, it calls us to regular self-examination. We need to ask ourselves: Is there evidence of my faith in my daily life? Am I different because of what I believe? This isn’t about perfection but about direction. Our faith should be gradually transforming us, making us more like Christ.

Secondly, it encourages us to be intentional about putting our faith into action. This could mean serving in our local church, volunteering in our community, or simply showing kindness to those around us. It’s about allowing our belief in God’s love to overflow into tangible expressions of love towards others.

Thirdly, it reminds us of the importance of community. The Christian faith was never meant to be lived in isolation. We need each other for encouragement, accountability, and growth. Regular gathering with other believers, whether in a formal church setting or informal small groups, is crucial for nurturing active faith.

Moreover, this teaching challenges us to go beyond mere mental assent to spiritual truths. While understanding doctrine is important, our faith should impact our hearts and hands, not just our heads. It should change how we think, feel, and act.

It’s also worth noting that this isn’t about earning our salvation. The Bible is clear that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8). However, genuine faith will inevitably produce good works. (Eph 2:10) As someone once said, “We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works.”

This understanding of faith in action can revolutionize our approach to Christianity. Instead of viewing our faith as a set of beliefs we mentally agree with, we can see it as a dynamic force that shapes every aspect of our lives. It transforms how we treat others, how we handle our resources, how we face challenges, and how we view our purpose in life.

Furthermore, living out our faith in tangible ways can be a powerful testimony to those around us. In a world often skeptical of religious claims, actions indeed speak louder than words. When people see the positive impact of our faith-driven actions, it can open doors for meaningful conversations about the source of our motivation – our relationship with God.

As we reflect on this teaching, let’s challenge ourselves to move beyond passive belief to active faith. Let’s look for opportunities to demonstrate our faith through acts of love, service, and kindness. Let’s strive to be not just hearers of the word but doers also.

Remember, faith and works are two sides of the same coin. One cannot exist without the other in a genuine, living faith. As we grow in our understanding and application of this truth, we’ll find our faith becoming more vibrant, impactful, and fulfilling.

In conclusion, let’s embrace a faith that is alive – a faith that believes deeply and acts boldly. Let’s allow our belief in God’s love to transform us from the inside out, making us agents of positive change in our families, communities, and the world at large. After all, that’s what true, living faith is all about.

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Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide for your week:

Day 1: Faith in Action

Reading: James 2:14-26

Devotional: Today’s passage challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith. James boldly states that faith without works is dead. This doesn’t mean we’re saved by our works, but rather that true, living faith will inevitably produce good works. Reflect on your own life – how is your faith manifesting in tangible actions? Are you merely giving mental assent to beliefs, or are you allowing God’s love to flow through you in practical ways? Consider one specific way you can put your faith into action today, whether it’s through an act of kindness, spending time in prayer, or serving others.

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Day 2: The Friend of God

Reading: Genesis 15:1-6, James 2:23

Devotional: Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness, and he was called God’s friend. What an incredible privilege – to be considered a friend of the Almighty! This intimate relationship with God is available to all believers through Christ. Today, meditate on what it means to be a friend of God. How can you cultivate this friendship? Perhaps by spending more time in His presence, listening to His voice through Scripture, or simply talking to Him throughout your day. Remember, true friendship involves trust, loyalty, and mutual affection. How can you demonstrate these qualities in your relationship with God today?

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Day 3: The Transforming Power of Faith

Reading: Hebrews 11:31, Joshua 2:1-21

Devotional: Rahab’s story is a powerful testament to the transforming power of faith. Despite her past as a prostitute, her one act of faith – protecting the Israelite spies – led to her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus. This reminds us that God can redeem anyone, regardless of their past. He specializes in taking broken lives and making them beautiful. Reflect on areas in your life where you need God’s redemptive touch. Trust that He can use your past experiences, even the painful ones, for His glory. How can you step out in faith today, trusting God to work through you despite your imperfections?

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Day 4: Living Faith in Community

Reading: Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42-47

Devotional: The early church demonstrated their faith through devoted community life. They gathered regularly, shared meals, prayed together, and supported one another. In our individualistic culture, it’s easy to neglect the communal aspect of faith. Yet, James emphasizes that faith is made evident through our actions, many of which involve how we treat others. Today, consider how you can strengthen your connection to your faith community. Can you reach out to encourage a fellow believer? Volunteer to serve in your church? Or simply commit to regular attendance and participation in worship and fellowship?

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Day 5: Faith that Produces Fruit

Reading: Galatians 5:22-23, John 15:1-8

Devotional: The fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – are outward manifestations of an inward faith. Jesus teaches that remaining connected to Him, like branches to a vine, is essential for bearing fruit. Today, examine your life for evidence of these spiritual fruits. Are there areas where you’re seeing growth? Areas that need more cultivation? Remember, producing fruit is not about striving in your own strength, but about abiding in Christ and allowing His life to flow through you. Spend time in prayer, asking God to produce more of His fruit in your life as a testament to your living faith.