Drawing Near to God Part 2
Copyright: South Bay Community Church
Sermon Reflections: Drawing Near to God Part 2
Date: 1 October 2023
Speaker: Lead Pastor Tammy Long
Sermon Texts: James 4:8, Psalms 16:11
Sermon Reflections: Drawing Near to God Part 2
Date: 1 October 2023
Speaker: Lead Pastor Tammy Long
Sermon Texts: James 4:8, Psalms 16:11
Sermon Preamble
In this message, we conclude the series on being deeply rooted and drawing near to God. Minister Paula Fuller presented a 90 Day Challenge for us to deepen our love relationship with God by living into a rhythm of spiritual practices and intentionally experimenting with new spiritual practices. These practices help us grow in our faith and deepen our love relationship with God. In the message last Sunday by Pastor Tammy Long, she challenged us by exploring ways we are uniquely wired to connect with God so we can see God more clearly, follow God in nearness, and love God more dearly day by day. We are invited through pathways to enjoy a customized and unique relationship with God. When we keep Jesus at the center, we recognize that the pathways we are exploring are paths to connect with God. As we draw near to God, in God’s presence is the fullness of joy. Jesus is at the center of that joy!
The basics of connecting with God as a growing disciple
If we are going to grow spiritually and deepen in our love relationship with God, there are some basics that are true for all of us. Each person’s relationship with God is unique. There are basic building blocks of a growing disciple. The basic foundations for growth, like necessary soil, for everybody are the following: (1) Bible reading in learning about God from the Word of God; (2) Praying from conversing and communing with God in a dialogue; (3) Attending church worship to connect with God in worship as a family; (4) Participating in a small group or class for support and accountability as brothers and sisters; (5) Serving in changing the world; (6) Sharing God’s love inside and outside the church walls.
God invites us to engage in these basic foundations in ways that enhance intimacy of being with God
For God, it is all about the relationship God desires with us. God nourishes our intimacy of being with God, not just doing for God. Similarly, have you ever had it happen when you have spent time with family or friends, and it was the best time ever? Perhaps it has been a while since you were able to catch up with them due to busy schedules or distance that makes it hard to stay in touch. As the visit drew to a close, you were thinking that you must do this again, since you miss, enjoy, and love being together.
Spiritual practices help us enjoy God’s presence. These spiritual practices are habits, rhythms, and ways that draw us near and keep us close to God. Every time with God won’t be fireworks or the best time ever. However, relationships develop when we are consistent and invest in that relationship. As we keep showing up, the relationship grows richer and sweeter as the days go by. No matter what we may be going through, when we open ourselves up to close relationship with God, there is peace, comfort, rest, assurance, and joy. This is God’s presence.
Our scripture texts for this message are the same texts from last week’s message about drawing near to God. “Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you” (James 4:8a). The Psalmist declared, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalms 16:11).
Finding your uniqueness in God’s presence
This sermon series, drawing from the excellent book, Sacred Pathways: Nine Ways to Connect with God gives us insights into how we are naturally wired to connect with God for an intimate relationship. Just like the uniqueness of our fingerprints, each of us connects with God in our own special way. The message last week explored three of the nine temperaments in the pathway grouping called Wonder. Followers of Jesus under the Pathway of Wonder draw near to God through the wonder, awe, and amazement of who God is, what God does, and all God has made. You may recall that we met the naturalist, who feels closest to God in nature. Naturalists like David say, “Let me be outdoors.” We met the sensate, who feels closest to God through their senses of seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, touching, and smelling. The sensate, like Isiah and Ezekiel declares, “Let me experience.” Then we met the traditionalist, who feels closest to God through ritual, symbol, and tradition. Abram connected with God through ritual. We saw how he built altars along his journey to meet God and remember.
We are a mix of temperaments. You will resonate with two, three, or more of the nine sacred pathways. Even the pathways you don’t resonate with now, you may want to try and see if God awakens something new in you! This message will continue with the rest of the temperaments in the pathway groups called Contemplation and Action.
The next set of temperaments for connecting with God are grouped under the pathway of contemplation
The pathway grouping known as contemplation connects with God in settings and experiences where one can reflect, process, and think deeply about the things of God. The contemplation pathways are ascetics, contemplative, and intellectual. You may feel that this is your group.
Ascetics in the pathway grouping of contemplation is solitude and simplicity
In this pathway grouping of contemplation, the first path is ascetics. Ascetics feel closest to God in solitude and simplicity. They meet God internally and would rather shut out the world. They don’t like the distractions of group worship or highly stimulating settings. They prefer a simpler environment and the discipline of strict practices such as consistent fasting, prayer, and self-denial. Some call this the monastic temperament. The ascetic requests, “Let me be alone.” Instead of being lonely, ascetics come alive and meet God in these spaces of aloneness.
John the Baptist probably connected with God as an ascetic. Although he is often portrayed as a wild man shouting in the desert, there’s more to his story if you look deeper. Mark 1:4, 6 tells us, “And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.” According to Old Testament Law, locusts were among the few insects that could be eaten (Leviticus 11:22). By eating locusts, John remained faithful to the Law of God and also renounced worldly pleasures. We can surmise that John the Baptist connected with God in solitude, simplicity, and the strict discipline of his vows. That is how God wired John the Baptist. You may not feel called to life in a monastery or convent, but you may resonate with meeting God in stillness, silence, and simplicity with an ascetic bent in your wiring.
If you resonate with the ascetic pathway, following are some things to consider over the next 90 days to deepen your intimacy with God: (1) Unplug from technology and spend intentional time with God free from distractions; (2) Create a simple clutter free space as the place where you meet God; (3) Choose to be silent for a period of time or go on a silent retreat; (4) Fast from food, entertainment, or a pleasure and spend time with God; (5) Declutter, cut back, or simplify an area of your home or life as an act of devotion; (6) Rise earlier or stay up later than normal to pray and meet God in the quiet hours; (7) Take a personal retreat for a few hours or days; (8) Drive, walk, or run in silence and draw near to God.
Contemplative in the pathway grouping of contemplation is through loving adoration
Contemplatives feel closest to God through adoration as they think deeply about the things of God. Contemplatives want to love God in ever deepening ways. They immerse themselves in God’s love, and metaphorically sit at God’s feet, and gaze in God’s face to speak and enjoy God. Contemplatives long for God and seek to love God with the purest possible love. Contemplatives draw near to God through an emotional connection of the heart. Contemplatives ask, “Let me feel.”
The contemplative path is illustrated in Psalm 42: 1-2 written by David: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
Moses pronounced final blessings on the tribes of Israel. This gives a picture of both the sentiment and the heart’s desire of a contemplative. “The beloved of the lord rests in safety - the Most High surrounds him all day long – and he rests between his shoulders.” (Deuteronomy 33: 12). Resting between God’s shoulders is the contemplative’s happy place. Contemplatives live for that sense of love.
Perhaps you recognize yourself as a contemplative, a human after God’s own heart of love, or the contemplative is high in your mix of paths to connect with God. Some ideas to have a fresh encounter with God could be: (1) Explore a variety of ways to pray to deepen communication with God, such as centering prayer, breath prayers, the Jesus prayer, dancing prayer, or written prayers; (2) Read, recite, and pray the Psalms; (3) Practice the presence of God by being mindful of God’s nearness and love; (4) Read the gospels, visualize and enter the story as a beloved disciple of Jesus; (5) Create spaces and times to draw away from the day-to-day tasks to be with God; (6) Engage in secret acts of devotion – sharing a gift, card, or act of service “behind the scenes” as a love offering to God; (7) Sing love songs to God and draw near.
Intellectuals in the pathway grouping of contemplation is through learning something new about God
Intellectuals love God with their mind. They feel closest to God when they are studying, reading, and learning something new about God or the ways of God. Intellectuals enjoy God in the world of concepts, principles, and doctrine. They can spend a long time dissecting a passage of scripture for deeper meaning. If they are not learning new things about God, their relationship feels stagnate. Intellectuals say, “let me think.” For the intellectual, right thinking enables right living.
The intellectual pathway is about a love connection with God through the mind. It has nothing to do with intelligence and IQ. Intellectuals enjoy connecting with God by thinking deeply, asking hard questions, and exploring concepts and profound truths with God. This is not limited to theological concepts, since God is the originator of all things. Everything in the universe has something to teach us about God. We connect with our minds as we study, learn, and draw near to God about anything.
Solomon connected with God through deep thinking, as is apparent in reading Ecclesiastes or Proverbs. This is recorded in 1Kings: “Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt….He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered and thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, for the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles, and fish. From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom.” (1Kings 4:30, 32-34).
An example of a person on the intellectual pathway is a pastor friend who worked in science before he became a pastor. He gave a magnificent sermon on how science and the Bible are not in conflict. Through advances in science, we see more of God’s hand and intelligent design. This message was compelling and inspiring. This pastor connects with God through his mind, and he helped us to do the same!
As we engage in our 90 day challenge, what might be some ways intellectuals can draw near to God? Suggestions include: (1) Attend a class or study you would enjoy at church, seminary, or online; (2) Read or listen to audio books or podcasts; (3) Journal or keep a notebook and talk to God about what you are learning about God and the Ways of God; (3) Teach a class and connect with God through study and preparation; (4) Write a blog, devotional, or reflection to formulate, refine, and deepen your thoughts with God; (5) Join a small group or class where you can process ideas and draw near to God in community with others.
The final set of three temperaments for connecting with God are grouped under the pathway of action
The action spiritual temperaments are followers of Jesus that have a lot of energy and a strong desire to make a difference in the world around them. They feel closest to God through action and activity. The three pathways in the action grouping are activists, caregivers, and enthusiasts.
Activists in the pathway of action is through standing alongside God in battle
Activists love God through confrontation. They are spiritually nourished and connect with God when they are standing alongside God in battle. God must be at the center. Activists serve the God of justice and feel God’s presence most when they take a stand against evil and work on the frontlines advancing God’s Kingdom. Actions include writing letters to government officials, urging people to vote, raising awareness for social injustice and disparities, or marching in a protest. Often, activists see church as a place to recharge their batteries and then get back to battle for social and evangelistic causes. Activists say, “Let me conquer.”
God must be at the center with a consciousness and recognition that God is in the midst. This spiritual sensitivity enables one to see, sense, and experience the presence of God as one draws near to God as an activist. Author Francis Schaeffer in his book, the Mark of a Christian, wrote: “There is only one kind of person who can fight the Lord’s battles in anywhere near a proper way, and that is the man [or woman] who by nature is unbelligerent. A belligerent [person] tends to do it because [they] are belligerent; at least it looks that way. The world must observe that [we fight] not because we love the smell of blood, the smell of the arena, the smell of the bullfight, but because we must for God’s sake.” The activist must act for God’s sake to create the space to draw near to God. When we confront as an activist, it can be scary and requires dependence on God. An unknown writer put it this way: “The fear involved in confrontation creates a certain dependence on God that isn’t normally there. Facing this fear, stepping out on faith, and finding God faithful as God meets you can bring deeper intimacy with God.”
God invited Moses to confront the powers in his day. When God told Moses to go to Pharoah and demand he let God’s people go, Moses came up with every excuse for God to send someone else. God countered every excuse including Moses’ last excuse that he did not speak well. God communicated to Moses: “You shall speak to Aaron and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do” (Exodus 4:15). That is the path for connecting with God for the activist. God is present and near, teaching what to say and do. The activist is dependent on God for every battle, every fight, and every strategic move as God directs. They draw near to God for direction, protection, encouragement, and comforts as they experience the presence of God.
Suggestions for activists to experience God in a fresh way include: (1) Pray about injustices you are passionate about. Share your thoughts with God and listen for direction; (2)Do a prayer walk or drive through a neighborhood; (3) Notice what stirs for you as you watch the news or learn of justice disparities and spend time drawing near to God for how he might have you respond; (4)Volunteer or support an organization addressing an area of justice; (5)Pray through scriptures related to justice; (6)Coordinate justice initiatives to invite friends, family to action with you, as you draw near to God and his presence guides you.
Caregivers in the pathway grouping of action is through loving and caring for others
Caregivers love God by loving others. They feel connected to God and the joy of God’s presence when they are meeting the needs of others and giving of themselves. They are wired and motivated by service and compassion. They see God and draw near when they see God in the needy, the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned. A caregiver nursing someone to health is a spiritual service, an act of worship and devotion to God, and the way they draw near and experience the fullness of God’s joy. For those not wired as a caregiver, it can be difficult to see how caring for others draws one closer to God. However, there can be joy in being with God in caregiving, sensing God’s presence and profound love, seeing God in the eyes of the one you are caring for, and experiencing the truth that whatever you do to the least of these, you have done for Jesus (Mathew 25:40). Not every person who administers care connects with God as a caregiver. However, it is a path to draw near to God and experience the fullness of God’s presence.
Mother Teresa is an example of a person who connects with God as a caregiver. For over 50 years, Mother Teresa devoted her life to helping the poor, the sick, the orphans, the dying, and the unwanted around the world. Listen to her own words: “I see God in every human being. When I wash the leper’s wounds I feel I am nursing the Lord Himself. Is it not a beautiful experience?” The experiences of caregiving transform the most difficult tasks into meaningful experiences with the beauty of God’s presence. Caregiving does not have to be limited to caring for the sick. Caregivers love God by loving others, which can happen in any number of ways.
If you are a caregiver, to experience God in a fresh way over the next 90 days, consider: (1) Visit a hospital or senior center; (2) Spend time with a shut-in; (3) Serve at ADOBE or Bread of Life Giving; (4) Volunteer with one of our South Bay Community Church P.E.A.C.E. initiatives. (5) Volunteer with our non-profit Genesis and care for our youth; (6) Mentor or tutor a student.
Enthusiasts in the pathway grouping of action is through celebratory worship and mystery
Enthusiasts draw near to God through celebratory worship and supernatural forms of faith. The enthusiast affirms that we serve a supernatural God who does supernatural things. They feel close to God when they recognize and celebrate what God has done in the world, are doing now in the world, and anticipate with great expectations and faith what God could do and will do. Enthusiasts draw near to God in excitement, awe, and celebratory expressions of praise. They relish “But God” moments. With joyous gusto, they assert that what other may call mere coincidence is actually the beauty and mystery of God at work. Enthusiasts proclaim, “Let’s celebrate!”
A favorite scriptural verse for the enthusiast is: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).
If you are an enthusiast, here are some ways you might enjoy connecting with God: (1) Loudly celebrate the goodness of God with dance, music, or singing; (2) Keep a prayer list and note God’s answers; (3) Keep track of your dreams and consider whether God is giving insight, direction or clarity consistent with God’s Word; (4) Cultivate the mystery of expectancy. For example ask God to bring someone you can minister to, and then wait, watch, and pray; (5) Seek God and then step out on faith, open to whatever God may do; (6) Share with an accountability partner what you sense God may be doing as you draw near to God in community.
Cautions as we draw near to keep Jesus at the center of our joy
Every pathway has a foothold the devil can wrangle so we must keep Jesus at the center. For example, a naturalist can get lost in the gift of nature and forget about God, the giver. The intellectual can struggle with pride. The caregiver can become co-dependent, not dependent on God. However, when we keep Jesus at the center, we recognize that the paths are ways to connect with God. These fresh ways to engage our love for God’s Word, prayer, worship, and service are side by side with our Savior, Jesus Christ. The key is connecting with God through the work of Jesus Christ.
If we draw near to God, we become more aware of God’s nearness to us. In God’s presence is the fullness of joy. Jesus is the center of your joy!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FOR USE IN FAMILY GROUP
The basics of connecting with God as a growing disciple
-Which of the basic building blocks for your growth as a disciple require more intentionality from you?
God invites us to engage in these basic foundations in ways that enhance intimacy of being with God
What pathways, besides your primary pathway for intimate connection with God, are you willing to explore?
Ascetic in the pathways of contemplation grouping is in solitude and simplicity
-What aspect, if any, of the Ascetic spiritual temperament resonates with you? If the Ascetic spiritual temperament resonates with you, what suggestion to make every effort to draw near to God and meet God in a fresh way will you try in the next 90 days?
Contemplative in the pathways of contemplation grouping is through loving adoration
-What aspect, if any, of the Contemplative spiritual temperament resonates with you? If the Contemplative spiritual temperament resonates with you, what suggestion to make every effort to draw near to God and meet God in a fresh way will you try in the next 90 days?
Intellectuals in the pathways of contemplation grouping is through learning something new about God
-What aspect, if any, of the Intellectualist spiritual temperament resonates with you? If the Intellectualist spiritual temperament resonates with you, what suggestion to make every effort to draw near to God and meet God in a fresh way will you try in the next 90 days?
Activist in the pathways of action grouping is through standing alongside God in battle
-What aspect, if any, of the Activist spiritual temperament resonates with you? If the Activist spiritual temperament resonates with you, what suggestion to make every effort to draw near to God and meet God in a fresh way will you try in the next 90 days?
Caregiver in the pathways of action grouping is through loving and caring for others
-What aspect, if any, of the Caregiver spiritual temperament resonates with you? If the Caregiver spiritual temperament resonates with you, what suggestion to make every effort to draw near to God and meet God in a fresh way will you try in the next 90 days?
Enthusiast in the pathways of action grouping is through celebratory worship and mystery
-What aspect, if any, of the Enthusiast spiritual temperament resonates with you? If the Enthusiast spiritual temperament resonates with you, what suggestion to make every effort to draw near to God and meet God in a fresh way will you try in the next 90 days?
In this message, we conclude the series on being deeply rooted and drawing near to God. Minister Paula Fuller presented a 90 Day Challenge for us to deepen our love relationship with God by living into a rhythm of spiritual practices and intentionally experimenting with new spiritual practices. These practices help us grow in our faith and deepen our love relationship with God. In the message last Sunday by Pastor Tammy Long, she challenged us by exploring ways we are uniquely wired to connect with God so we can see God more clearly, follow God in nearness, and love God more dearly day by day. We are invited through pathways to enjoy a customized and unique relationship with God. When we keep Jesus at the center, we recognize that the pathways we are exploring are paths to connect with God. As we draw near to God, in God’s presence is the fullness of joy. Jesus is at the center of that joy!
The basics of connecting with God as a growing disciple
If we are going to grow spiritually and deepen in our love relationship with God, there are some basics that are true for all of us. Each person’s relationship with God is unique. There are basic building blocks of a growing disciple. The basic foundations for growth, like necessary soil, for everybody are the following: (1) Bible reading in learning about God from the Word of God; (2) Praying from conversing and communing with God in a dialogue; (3) Attending church worship to connect with God in worship as a family; (4) Participating in a small group or class for support and accountability as brothers and sisters; (5) Serving in changing the world; (6) Sharing God’s love inside and outside the church walls.
God invites us to engage in these basic foundations in ways that enhance intimacy of being with God
For God, it is all about the relationship God desires with us. God nourishes our intimacy of being with God, not just doing for God. Similarly, have you ever had it happen when you have spent time with family or friends, and it was the best time ever? Perhaps it has been a while since you were able to catch up with them due to busy schedules or distance that makes it hard to stay in touch. As the visit drew to a close, you were thinking that you must do this again, since you miss, enjoy, and love being together.
Spiritual practices help us enjoy God’s presence. These spiritual practices are habits, rhythms, and ways that draw us near and keep us close to God. Every time with God won’t be fireworks or the best time ever. However, relationships develop when we are consistent and invest in that relationship. As we keep showing up, the relationship grows richer and sweeter as the days go by. No matter what we may be going through, when we open ourselves up to close relationship with God, there is peace, comfort, rest, assurance, and joy. This is God’s presence.
Our scripture texts for this message are the same texts from last week’s message about drawing near to God. “Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you” (James 4:8a). The Psalmist declared, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalms 16:11).
Finding your uniqueness in God’s presence
This sermon series, drawing from the excellent book, Sacred Pathways: Nine Ways to Connect with God gives us insights into how we are naturally wired to connect with God for an intimate relationship. Just like the uniqueness of our fingerprints, each of us connects with God in our own special way. The message last week explored three of the nine temperaments in the pathway grouping called Wonder. Followers of Jesus under the Pathway of Wonder draw near to God through the wonder, awe, and amazement of who God is, what God does, and all God has made. You may recall that we met the naturalist, who feels closest to God in nature. Naturalists like David say, “Let me be outdoors.” We met the sensate, who feels closest to God through their senses of seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, touching, and smelling. The sensate, like Isiah and Ezekiel declares, “Let me experience.” Then we met the traditionalist, who feels closest to God through ritual, symbol, and tradition. Abram connected with God through ritual. We saw how he built altars along his journey to meet God and remember.
We are a mix of temperaments. You will resonate with two, three, or more of the nine sacred pathways. Even the pathways you don’t resonate with now, you may want to try and see if God awakens something new in you! This message will continue with the rest of the temperaments in the pathway groups called Contemplation and Action.
The next set of temperaments for connecting with God are grouped under the pathway of contemplation
The pathway grouping known as contemplation connects with God in settings and experiences where one can reflect, process, and think deeply about the things of God. The contemplation pathways are ascetics, contemplative, and intellectual. You may feel that this is your group.
Ascetics in the pathway grouping of contemplation is solitude and simplicity
In this pathway grouping of contemplation, the first path is ascetics. Ascetics feel closest to God in solitude and simplicity. They meet God internally and would rather shut out the world. They don’t like the distractions of group worship or highly stimulating settings. They prefer a simpler environment and the discipline of strict practices such as consistent fasting, prayer, and self-denial. Some call this the monastic temperament. The ascetic requests, “Let me be alone.” Instead of being lonely, ascetics come alive and meet God in these spaces of aloneness.
John the Baptist probably connected with God as an ascetic. Although he is often portrayed as a wild man shouting in the desert, there’s more to his story if you look deeper. Mark 1:4, 6 tells us, “And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.” According to Old Testament Law, locusts were among the few insects that could be eaten (Leviticus 11:22). By eating locusts, John remained faithful to the Law of God and also renounced worldly pleasures. We can surmise that John the Baptist connected with God in solitude, simplicity, and the strict discipline of his vows. That is how God wired John the Baptist. You may not feel called to life in a monastery or convent, but you may resonate with meeting God in stillness, silence, and simplicity with an ascetic bent in your wiring.
If you resonate with the ascetic pathway, following are some things to consider over the next 90 days to deepen your intimacy with God: (1) Unplug from technology and spend intentional time with God free from distractions; (2) Create a simple clutter free space as the place where you meet God; (3) Choose to be silent for a period of time or go on a silent retreat; (4) Fast from food, entertainment, or a pleasure and spend time with God; (5) Declutter, cut back, or simplify an area of your home or life as an act of devotion; (6) Rise earlier or stay up later than normal to pray and meet God in the quiet hours; (7) Take a personal retreat for a few hours or days; (8) Drive, walk, or run in silence and draw near to God.
Contemplative in the pathway grouping of contemplation is through loving adoration
Contemplatives feel closest to God through adoration as they think deeply about the things of God. Contemplatives want to love God in ever deepening ways. They immerse themselves in God’s love, and metaphorically sit at God’s feet, and gaze in God’s face to speak and enjoy God. Contemplatives long for God and seek to love God with the purest possible love. Contemplatives draw near to God through an emotional connection of the heart. Contemplatives ask, “Let me feel.”
The contemplative path is illustrated in Psalm 42: 1-2 written by David: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”
Moses pronounced final blessings on the tribes of Israel. This gives a picture of both the sentiment and the heart’s desire of a contemplative. “The beloved of the lord rests in safety - the Most High surrounds him all day long – and he rests between his shoulders.” (Deuteronomy 33: 12). Resting between God’s shoulders is the contemplative’s happy place. Contemplatives live for that sense of love.
Perhaps you recognize yourself as a contemplative, a human after God’s own heart of love, or the contemplative is high in your mix of paths to connect with God. Some ideas to have a fresh encounter with God could be: (1) Explore a variety of ways to pray to deepen communication with God, such as centering prayer, breath prayers, the Jesus prayer, dancing prayer, or written prayers; (2) Read, recite, and pray the Psalms; (3) Practice the presence of God by being mindful of God’s nearness and love; (4) Read the gospels, visualize and enter the story as a beloved disciple of Jesus; (5) Create spaces and times to draw away from the day-to-day tasks to be with God; (6) Engage in secret acts of devotion – sharing a gift, card, or act of service “behind the scenes” as a love offering to God; (7) Sing love songs to God and draw near.
Intellectuals in the pathway grouping of contemplation is through learning something new about God
Intellectuals love God with their mind. They feel closest to God when they are studying, reading, and learning something new about God or the ways of God. Intellectuals enjoy God in the world of concepts, principles, and doctrine. They can spend a long time dissecting a passage of scripture for deeper meaning. If they are not learning new things about God, their relationship feels stagnate. Intellectuals say, “let me think.” For the intellectual, right thinking enables right living.
The intellectual pathway is about a love connection with God through the mind. It has nothing to do with intelligence and IQ. Intellectuals enjoy connecting with God by thinking deeply, asking hard questions, and exploring concepts and profound truths with God. This is not limited to theological concepts, since God is the originator of all things. Everything in the universe has something to teach us about God. We connect with our minds as we study, learn, and draw near to God about anything.
Solomon connected with God through deep thinking, as is apparent in reading Ecclesiastes or Proverbs. This is recorded in 1Kings: “Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt….He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered and thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, for the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles, and fish. From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom.” (1Kings 4:30, 32-34).
An example of a person on the intellectual pathway is a pastor friend who worked in science before he became a pastor. He gave a magnificent sermon on how science and the Bible are not in conflict. Through advances in science, we see more of God’s hand and intelligent design. This message was compelling and inspiring. This pastor connects with God through his mind, and he helped us to do the same!
As we engage in our 90 day challenge, what might be some ways intellectuals can draw near to God? Suggestions include: (1) Attend a class or study you would enjoy at church, seminary, or online; (2) Read or listen to audio books or podcasts; (3) Journal or keep a notebook and talk to God about what you are learning about God and the Ways of God; (3) Teach a class and connect with God through study and preparation; (4) Write a blog, devotional, or reflection to formulate, refine, and deepen your thoughts with God; (5) Join a small group or class where you can process ideas and draw near to God in community with others.
The final set of three temperaments for connecting with God are grouped under the pathway of action
The action spiritual temperaments are followers of Jesus that have a lot of energy and a strong desire to make a difference in the world around them. They feel closest to God through action and activity. The three pathways in the action grouping are activists, caregivers, and enthusiasts.
Activists in the pathway of action is through standing alongside God in battle
Activists love God through confrontation. They are spiritually nourished and connect with God when they are standing alongside God in battle. God must be at the center. Activists serve the God of justice and feel God’s presence most when they take a stand against evil and work on the frontlines advancing God’s Kingdom. Actions include writing letters to government officials, urging people to vote, raising awareness for social injustice and disparities, or marching in a protest. Often, activists see church as a place to recharge their batteries and then get back to battle for social and evangelistic causes. Activists say, “Let me conquer.”
God must be at the center with a consciousness and recognition that God is in the midst. This spiritual sensitivity enables one to see, sense, and experience the presence of God as one draws near to God as an activist. Author Francis Schaeffer in his book, the Mark of a Christian, wrote: “There is only one kind of person who can fight the Lord’s battles in anywhere near a proper way, and that is the man [or woman] who by nature is unbelligerent. A belligerent [person] tends to do it because [they] are belligerent; at least it looks that way. The world must observe that [we fight] not because we love the smell of blood, the smell of the arena, the smell of the bullfight, but because we must for God’s sake.” The activist must act for God’s sake to create the space to draw near to God. When we confront as an activist, it can be scary and requires dependence on God. An unknown writer put it this way: “The fear involved in confrontation creates a certain dependence on God that isn’t normally there. Facing this fear, stepping out on faith, and finding God faithful as God meets you can bring deeper intimacy with God.”
God invited Moses to confront the powers in his day. When God told Moses to go to Pharoah and demand he let God’s people go, Moses came up with every excuse for God to send someone else. God countered every excuse including Moses’ last excuse that he did not speak well. God communicated to Moses: “You shall speak to Aaron and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do” (Exodus 4:15). That is the path for connecting with God for the activist. God is present and near, teaching what to say and do. The activist is dependent on God for every battle, every fight, and every strategic move as God directs. They draw near to God for direction, protection, encouragement, and comforts as they experience the presence of God.
Suggestions for activists to experience God in a fresh way include: (1) Pray about injustices you are passionate about. Share your thoughts with God and listen for direction; (2)Do a prayer walk or drive through a neighborhood; (3) Notice what stirs for you as you watch the news or learn of justice disparities and spend time drawing near to God for how he might have you respond; (4)Volunteer or support an organization addressing an area of justice; (5)Pray through scriptures related to justice; (6)Coordinate justice initiatives to invite friends, family to action with you, as you draw near to God and his presence guides you.
Caregivers in the pathway grouping of action is through loving and caring for others
Caregivers love God by loving others. They feel connected to God and the joy of God’s presence when they are meeting the needs of others and giving of themselves. They are wired and motivated by service and compassion. They see God and draw near when they see God in the needy, the poor, the sick, and the imprisoned. A caregiver nursing someone to health is a spiritual service, an act of worship and devotion to God, and the way they draw near and experience the fullness of God’s joy. For those not wired as a caregiver, it can be difficult to see how caring for others draws one closer to God. However, there can be joy in being with God in caregiving, sensing God’s presence and profound love, seeing God in the eyes of the one you are caring for, and experiencing the truth that whatever you do to the least of these, you have done for Jesus (Mathew 25:40). Not every person who administers care connects with God as a caregiver. However, it is a path to draw near to God and experience the fullness of God’s presence.
Mother Teresa is an example of a person who connects with God as a caregiver. For over 50 years, Mother Teresa devoted her life to helping the poor, the sick, the orphans, the dying, and the unwanted around the world. Listen to her own words: “I see God in every human being. When I wash the leper’s wounds I feel I am nursing the Lord Himself. Is it not a beautiful experience?” The experiences of caregiving transform the most difficult tasks into meaningful experiences with the beauty of God’s presence. Caregiving does not have to be limited to caring for the sick. Caregivers love God by loving others, which can happen in any number of ways.
If you are a caregiver, to experience God in a fresh way over the next 90 days, consider: (1) Visit a hospital or senior center; (2) Spend time with a shut-in; (3) Serve at ADOBE or Bread of Life Giving; (4) Volunteer with one of our South Bay Community Church P.E.A.C.E. initiatives. (5) Volunteer with our non-profit Genesis and care for our youth; (6) Mentor or tutor a student.
Enthusiasts in the pathway grouping of action is through celebratory worship and mystery
Enthusiasts draw near to God through celebratory worship and supernatural forms of faith. The enthusiast affirms that we serve a supernatural God who does supernatural things. They feel close to God when they recognize and celebrate what God has done in the world, are doing now in the world, and anticipate with great expectations and faith what God could do and will do. Enthusiasts draw near to God in excitement, awe, and celebratory expressions of praise. They relish “But God” moments. With joyous gusto, they assert that what other may call mere coincidence is actually the beauty and mystery of God at work. Enthusiasts proclaim, “Let’s celebrate!”
A favorite scriptural verse for the enthusiast is: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets” (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).
If you are an enthusiast, here are some ways you might enjoy connecting with God: (1) Loudly celebrate the goodness of God with dance, music, or singing; (2) Keep a prayer list and note God’s answers; (3) Keep track of your dreams and consider whether God is giving insight, direction or clarity consistent with God’s Word; (4) Cultivate the mystery of expectancy. For example ask God to bring someone you can minister to, and then wait, watch, and pray; (5) Seek God and then step out on faith, open to whatever God may do; (6) Share with an accountability partner what you sense God may be doing as you draw near to God in community.
Cautions as we draw near to keep Jesus at the center of our joy
Every pathway has a foothold the devil can wrangle so we must keep Jesus at the center. For example, a naturalist can get lost in the gift of nature and forget about God, the giver. The intellectual can struggle with pride. The caregiver can become co-dependent, not dependent on God. However, when we keep Jesus at the center, we recognize that the paths are ways to connect with God. These fresh ways to engage our love for God’s Word, prayer, worship, and service are side by side with our Savior, Jesus Christ. The key is connecting with God through the work of Jesus Christ.
If we draw near to God, we become more aware of God’s nearness to us. In God’s presence is the fullness of joy. Jesus is the center of your joy!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FOR USE IN FAMILY GROUP
The basics of connecting with God as a growing disciple
-Which of the basic building blocks for your growth as a disciple require more intentionality from you?
God invites us to engage in these basic foundations in ways that enhance intimacy of being with God
What pathways, besides your primary pathway for intimate connection with God, are you willing to explore?
Ascetic in the pathways of contemplation grouping is in solitude and simplicity
-What aspect, if any, of the Ascetic spiritual temperament resonates with you? If the Ascetic spiritual temperament resonates with you, what suggestion to make every effort to draw near to God and meet God in a fresh way will you try in the next 90 days?
Contemplative in the pathways of contemplation grouping is through loving adoration
-What aspect, if any, of the Contemplative spiritual temperament resonates with you? If the Contemplative spiritual temperament resonates with you, what suggestion to make every effort to draw near to God and meet God in a fresh way will you try in the next 90 days?
Intellectuals in the pathways of contemplation grouping is through learning something new about God
-What aspect, if any, of the Intellectualist spiritual temperament resonates with you? If the Intellectualist spiritual temperament resonates with you, what suggestion to make every effort to draw near to God and meet God in a fresh way will you try in the next 90 days?
Activist in the pathways of action grouping is through standing alongside God in battle
-What aspect, if any, of the Activist spiritual temperament resonates with you? If the Activist spiritual temperament resonates with you, what suggestion to make every effort to draw near to God and meet God in a fresh way will you try in the next 90 days?
Caregiver in the pathways of action grouping is through loving and caring for others
-What aspect, if any, of the Caregiver spiritual temperament resonates with you? If the Caregiver spiritual temperament resonates with you, what suggestion to make every effort to draw near to God and meet God in a fresh way will you try in the next 90 days?
Enthusiast in the pathways of action grouping is through celebratory worship and mystery
-What aspect, if any, of the Enthusiast spiritual temperament resonates with you? If the Enthusiast spiritual temperament resonates with you, what suggestion to make every effort to draw near to God and meet God in a fresh way will you try in the next 90 days?
Posted in Stand Alone Sermon
Posted in James 4, Psalms 16, spiritual practices, path, disciple, intimacy with God, presence, connect, ascetic, solitude, simplicity, John the Baptist, contemplation, contemplative, Psalms 42, Deuteronomy 33, adoration, feel, inttellectual, think, Solomon, 1 Kings 4, science and bible, action, activist, Frances Schaeffer, Exodus 4, caregiver, Mother Teresa, enthusiast, worship, mystery, supernatural, Jesus at center
Posted in James 4, Psalms 16, spiritual practices, path, disciple, intimacy with God, presence, connect, ascetic, solitude, simplicity, John the Baptist, contemplation, contemplative, Psalms 42, Deuteronomy 33, adoration, feel, inttellectual, think, Solomon, 1 Kings 4, science and bible, action, activist, Frances Schaeffer, Exodus 4, caregiver, Mother Teresa, enthusiast, worship, mystery, supernatural, Jesus at center
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