When Was The Last Time?

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message encourages believers to reflect on their relationship with God, questioning when was the last time they had a genuine, unadulterated moment of devotion, simply basking in His presence. We are reminded that our Lord desires a personal connection with each one of us, yearning for us to adore Him without expectation or condition. This message invites us to re-evaluate our spiritual habits and prioritize intimacy with God.

Key Scripture References

• Psalm 42:1-2 - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." This passage beautifully captures the longing in our souls to be close to God, to experience His presence and love.
• Psalm 63:1 - "O God, you are my God; I seek you my soul is parched. When shall I come face to face with God?" This verse highlights the deep yearning in our hearts for a personal encounter with God, where we can gaze into His loving eyes and express our devotion.
• Matthew 22:37-38 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment." Jesus teaches us that loving God is not just a feeling, but a choice we make every day, prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 - "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." This passage reminds us that our entire being – spirit, soul, and body – is meant to be surrendered to God's loving care.
• Psalm 119:10 - "With my whole heart I seek you; do not let me stray from your commands." We are called to pursue a deep understanding of God's Word, allowing it to guide us in our relationship with Him and shape our daily choices.
• John 17:3 - "Now this is eternal life: that they might know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." This verse emphasizes the significance of knowing God intimately, which is the essence of eternal life. We are invited to experience this kind of relationship with our Lord.
• Revelation 22:4-5 - "And they will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more; they will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God will give them light." This passage paints a picture of what awaits us in eternity – an unbroken gaze into God's loving face, where we'll bask in His presence forever.

Key Takeaways

• We must prioritize our relationship with God above all else, making time for genuine moments of devotion and adoration. This may involve setting aside distractions, such as technology or social media, to focus on Him.
• A true relationship with God is not about what we get from Him but about how much we love and adore Him. We must re-evaluate our motivations and ensure that our actions are driven by a desire to please and honor Him.
• As we seek to deepen our connection with God, we should remember that He desires an intimate relationship with each one of us. This means being vulnerable and honest before Him, sharing our joys and struggles, and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life.
• We must be willing to surrender our entire being – spirit, soul, and body – to God's loving care. This involves submitting to His will, trusting in His goodness, and allowing Him to shape us into the image of Christ.

This Week's Challenge

Take one hour each day this week to simply sit with God, looking at Him in the face, expressing your love for Him without expectation or condition. Use a journal or prayer guide to help you focus on His presence and adore Him sincerely.

Reflection Questions

• What is the last time I had an unadulterated moment of devotion with God? What was it like, and what did I experience?
• How can my family or small group prioritize intimacy with God in our daily lives? What habits or practices can we adopt to deepen our connection with Him?
• What are some areas in my life where I've been seeking God's blessings rather than simply loving and adoring Him? How can I shift my focus towards a more heart-centered relationship with Him?