What is the greatest gift that you could receive from God? What is it that you really want? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares about the greatest gift: God’s presence.
This Christmas, God doesn’t just want to give you what you think you want, but what you really want.
Not only does God want you to know who He is. He wants to be with you. You were created for communion with God.
Matthew 1:23 NIV
Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
When it came time for the announcement, God did something very strange and announced the birth of Jesus to two unlikely groups:
1. Shepherds.
Luke 2:8-10 NLT
Why shepherds? 1) Because God came for everyone, not just the wealthy and educated and 2) they were willing to share the news.
Luke 2:17 NLT
God speaks to those who will share. If you feel like God isn’t speaking to you like He used to, ask yourself what have I done with what God has already said?
2. Wisemen.
Matthew 2:1-2 NLT
Why magi? 1) They helped verify the birth of the messiah through objective observers and fulfillment of prophecy. 2) Because God came for everyone, not just the Jews.
There is only one path to God – Jesus. But Jesus will travel many paths to find his lost children. Jesus spoke the language of astrology to reach out the pagan wisemen. Can you find God through astrology? No. But God can find you there.
How can we receive the gift of God’s presence?
1) Invitation.Habakkuk 2:14 NLT For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord.
Awareness is the key to experiencing God’s presence.
Revelation 3:20 NLT [Laodecia] “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Imagine waiting on a guest to arrive that you hadn’t invited.
2) Preparation.You can create a favorable environment for your guest so they’ll stick around, and they’ll want to come back. Scripture talks about grieving the Holy Spirit and quenching the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30-32 ESV; 1 Thessalonians 5:19 ESV
If you want the Holy Spirit hang out at your place, you’ve got to clean it up. Proverbs 1:7
“Fear” in Hebrew includes the idea of wonder, amazement, mystery, astonishment, gratitude, admiration, and even worship.
If you’ll fear God everywhere you go, you’ll see God everywhere you go.
How do you walk around with something important? By keeping it in mind with every step you take.
3) Habitation. John 15:4
Abide = remain in, dwell, stay with. Not visitation, but habitation. Make living in God’s presence a lifestyle.
God entrusts us with the measure of His presence that we are willing to diligently guard.
Are you walking in the gift of God’s presence?