Sarah Young - Experiencing Gods Presence

2015 by Sarah Young

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or otherexcept for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. Nelson Books and Thomas Nelson are registered trademarks of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-0-7180-3586-0

ISBN 978-0-7180-3593-8 (eBook)

First Printing May 2015

CONTENTS

EBOOK INSTRUCTIONS

I n this ebook edition, please use your devices note-taking function to record your thoughts wherever you see the bracketed instructions [Your Notes] or [Your Response]. Use your devices highlighting function to record your response whenever you are asked to checkmark, circle, underline, or otherwise indicate your answer(s).

S ometimes our busy and difficult lives give us the impression that God is silent. We cry out to Him, but our feelings tell us that He isnt answering our prayers. In this, our feelings are incorrect. God hears our prayers and speaks right into the situations in which we find ourselves. The trouble is that our lives are often too hectic, our minds too distracted, for us to take in what God offers.

This Jesus Calling Bible study is designed to help individuals and groups meditate on the words of Scripture and hear them not just as words said to people long ago but as words said to us today in the here and now. The goal is to help the heart hear and respond to what the mind readsto encounter the living God as He speaks through the Scriptures. The writer to the Hebrews tells us:

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of Gods glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

HEBREWS 1:13

God has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The New Testament gives us the chance to walk with Jesus, see what He does, and hear Him speak into the sometimes confusing situations in which we find ourselves. The Old Testament tells us the story of how God prepared a people to be the family of Jesus, and in the experiences of those men and women we find our own lives mirrored.

THE GOAL OF THIS SERIES

The Jesus Calling Bible Study Series offers you a chance to lay down your cares, enter Gods Presence, and hear Him speak through His Word. You will get to take some time in silence studying a passage of scripture, and then if youre meeting with a group, share your insights and hear what others discovered. Youll also get to discuss excerpts from the Jesus Calling devotional that relate to the themes of the Bible passages. In this way, you will learn how to better make space in your life for the Spirit of God to speak to you through the Word of God and the people of God.

THE FLOW OF EACH SESSION

Each session of this study guide contains the following elements:

CONSIDER IT. The one or two questions in this opening section serve as an icebreaker to help you start to think about the theme of the session. These questions will help you connect the theme to your own past or present experience and will help you get to know the others in your group more deeply. If youve had a busy day and your mind is full of distractions, this section will help you better focus.

EXPERIENCE IT. Here you will find two readings from Jesus Calling, along with some questions for reflection. This is your chance to talk with others about the biblical principles found within the Jesus Calling devotions. Can you relate to what the reading describes?

STUDY IT. Next, youll explore one or two Scripture passages connected to the session topic and the readings from Jesus Calling. You will not only analyze these passages but also pray through them in ways designed to engage your heart as well as your head. The main passage is always a story in which a person encounters the Presence of God. You will pray and then spend several minutes in silence imagining what it was like to be there with the Father or Jesus in that moment. If youre meeting with a group, you will then talk about what you learned and how the passage is relevant to your life.

LIVE IT. Finally, you will find five days worth of suggested Scripture passages that you can pray through on your own during the week. Suggested questions for additional study and reflection are provided.

During the Study It portion, you will want to make notes of what comes to mind when you imagine the scene in the Scripture passage. Be sure to bring a pen to record your thoughts. The Bible passage itself is provided for you in this study guide.

FOR LEADERS

If you are leading a group through this study guide, please see the Leaders Notes at the end of the guide. Youll find background on the design of the study as well as suggested answers for some of the study questions.

CONSIDER IT

God is present with you. Right now. Do you believe that? Do you believe it in theory, or do you experience Gods Presence as you go through your day?

God yearns to spend quiet moments with you and help you grow more and more aware of His Presence as you seek Him. In this first session, well begin to develop the habit of sitting in Gods Presence, hearing His voice as He speaks through the Scriptures.

. Have you ever experienced Gods Presence? If so, what did you (or what do you) experience? If you never have, do you believe God wants you to experience His Presence when you read the Scriptures? Why or why not?

[Your Response]

. What draws you to this exploration of Gods Presence?

[Your Response]

EXPERIENCE IT

Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My Face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye because my attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence.