Better Is One Day With God | Mark Henry | Blessed

Well, good morning, fellowship, Well, good morning, fellowship, and I hope you've had a good summer so and I hope you've had a good summer so and I hope you've had a good summer so far. I do want to welcome those of you far. I do want to welcome those of you far. I do want to welcome those of you in the chapel, those of you that may be in the chapel, those of you that may be in the chapel, those of you that may be online uh with us. I if we haven't had a online uh with us. I if we haven't had a online uh with us. I if we haven't had a chance to meet yet, my name is Mark. I'm chance to meet yet, my name is Mark. I'm chance to meet yet, my name is Mark. I'm one of the pastors here at Fellowship. one of the pastors here at Fellowship. one of the pastors here at Fellowship. We're so glad uh that you're with us We're so glad uh that you're with us We're so glad uh that you're with us today. Particularly uh maybe if this is today. Particularly uh maybe if this is today. Particularly uh maybe if this is your first time, we're so glad you're your first time, we're so glad you're your first time, we're so glad you're with us. Want to encourage you after the with us. Want to encourage you after the with us. Want to encourage you after the service to drop by the connection service to drop by the connection service to drop by the connection center. We'd love to get to know you and center. We'd love to get to know you and center. We'd love to get to know you and help you take your next steps uh here at help you take your next steps uh here at help you take your next steps uh here at Fellowship. Well, I know uh this time of Fellowship. Well, I know uh this time of Fellowship. Well, I know uh this time of year kind of is a sad time for some of year kind of is a sad time for some of year kind of is a sad time for some of you because this next week starts you because this next week starts you because this next week starts school, right? And uh I recognize that school, right? And uh I recognize that school, right? And uh I recognize that which means that the fall is coming, which means that the fall is coming, which means that the fall is coming, which means that football season's which means that football season's which means that football season's coming. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Uh but anyway, coming. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Uh but anyway, coming. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Uh but anyway, uh I want to talk a little bit as we uh I want to talk a little bit as we uh I want to talk a little bit as we think about the fall kind of where we're think about the fall kind of where we're think about the fall kind of where we're headed preachingwise. Uh next week, uh headed preachingwise. Uh next week, uh headed preachingwise. Uh next week, uh we'll still be in our short series we're we'll still be in our short series we're we'll still be in our short series we're doing in Psalms. The following week will doing in Psalms. The following week will doing in Psalms. The following week will be vision Sunday. Then we're moving into be vision Sunday. Then we're moving into be vision Sunday. Then we're moving into a series on the miracles of Jesus, which a series on the miracles of Jesus, which a series on the miracles of Jesus, which will be a really fun series. want to will be a really fun series. want to will be a really fun series. want to encourage you to be a part of that. Then encourage you to be a part of that. Then encourage you to be a part of that. Then we'll study the book of Esther together we'll study the book of Esther together we'll study the book of Esther together and then we'll close out the year uh and then we'll close out the year uh and then we'll close out the year uh looking uh at the Advent and having a looking uh at the Advent and having a looking uh at the Advent and having a little Christmas series together. So little Christmas series together. So little Christmas series together. So that's where we're headed today. We're that's where we're headed today. We're that's where we're headed today. We're in the second week of this short series in the second week of this short series in the second week of this short series we're doing in the book of Psalms that we're doing in the book of Psalms that we're doing in the book of Psalms that we're calling Blessed. And we are we're calling Blessed. And we are we're calling Blessed. And we are talking about what does a blessed life

talking about what does a blessed life talking about what does a blessed life look like? And and it's not what so look like? And and it's not what so look like? And and it's not what so often we mistakenly think a blessed life often we mistakenly think a blessed life often we mistakenly think a blessed life looks like. It's not material things or looks like. It's not material things or looks like. It's not material things or success or control or sex and money. In success or control or sex and money. In success or control or sex and money. In fact, the fact of the matter is that fact, the fact of the matter is that fact, the fact of the matter is that really none of those created things can really none of those created things can really none of those created things can satisfy us or bring us the blessing that satisfy us or bring us the blessing that satisfy us or bring us the blessing that we long for in our heart. Last week, if we long for in our heart. Last week, if we long for in our heart. Last week, if you were here in Psalm 1, we discovered you were here in Psalm 1, we discovered you were here in Psalm 1, we discovered that our life is blessed when we spend that our life is blessed when we spend that our life is blessed when we spend time with God and follow his word in our time with God and follow his word in our time with God and follow his word in our daily lives. And now here in Psalm 84, daily lives. And now here in Psalm 84, daily lives. And now here in Psalm 84, we see that our life is blessed when we we see that our life is blessed when we we see that our life is blessed when we spend time worshiping God with his spend time worshiping God with his spend time worshiping God with his people. When we spend time worshiping people. When we spend time worshiping people. When we spend time worshiping with God, that's where blessing and with God, that's where blessing and with God, that's where blessing and satisfaction in life can be found. Uh if satisfaction in life can be found. Uh if satisfaction in life can be found. Uh if you haven't already, let me encourage you haven't already, let me encourage you haven't already, let me encourage you. Go ahead and take out your Bible or you. Go ahead and take out your Bible or you. Go ahead and take out your Bible or your Bible app, however you like to your Bible app, however you like to your Bible app, however you like to follow along, and join me in Psalm 84.

follow along, and join me in Psalm 84. follow along, and join me in Psalm 84. Psalm 84 is where we're going to be Psalm 84 is where we're going to be Psalm 84 is where we're going to be today. As you do that, I want to ask you today. As you do that, I want to ask you today. As you do that, I want to ask you this question. this question. this question. If you could be anywhere, If you could be anywhere, If you could be anywhere, what place would you want to be? what place would you want to be? what place would you want to be? I If you could be anywhere, where is the I If you could be anywhere, where is the I If you could be anywhere, where is the place that you want to be? For me, place that you want to be? For me, place that you want to be? For me, that's Hawaii. that's Hawaii. that's Hawaii. I I man, I'll tell you, particularly on I I man, I'll tell you, particularly on I I man, I'll tell you, particularly on the hard days of life, I want to be in the hard days of life, I want to be in the hard days of life, I want to be in Hawaii. The beach, Hawaii. The beach, Hawaii. The beach, the water, the beauty. There's just the water, the beauty. There's just the water, the beauty. There's just something about Hawaii something about Hawaii something about Hawaii that I really love and enjoy. It's the that I really love and enjoy. It's the that I really love and enjoy. It's the place that I want to be. All of us have place that I want to be. All of us have place that I want to be. All of us have somewhere that we want to be. somewhere that we want to be. somewhere that we want to be. What is that place or that place where What is that place or that place where What is that place or that place where you want to be? What is that for you? In you want to be? What is that for you? In you want to be? What is that for you? In fact, last year on average, fact, last year on average, fact, last year on average, every American spent about $6,000 on every American spent about $6,000 on every American spent about $6,000 on travel.

travel. travel. Now, you may be below that number, you Now, you may be below that number, you Now, you may be below that number, you may be above that number, but what that may be above that number, but what that may be above that number, but what that tells me is is that there are a lot of tells me is is that there are a lot of tells me is is that there are a lot of people people people traveling and going somewhere else traveling and going somewhere else traveling and going somewhere else rather than the place that they are. rather than the place that they are. rather than the place that they are. That for all of us, there's this desire That for all of us, there's this desire That for all of us, there's this desire we have to be somewhere else other than we have to be somewhere else other than we have to be somewhere else other than where we find ourselves today. We want where we find ourselves today. We want where we find ourselves today. We want to get away from it all. And so there's to get away from it all. And so there's to get away from it all. And so there's some place that we'd rather be. But the some place that we'd rather be. But the some place that we'd rather be. But the reality is is that no matter how many reality is is that no matter how many reality is is that no matter how many cool places we may go to, we will never cool places we may go to, we will never cool places we may go to, we will never find a place where we're fully content, find a place where we're fully content, find a place where we're fully content, fully happy, and fully satisfied. fully happy, and fully satisfied. fully happy, and fully satisfied. Why is that? Why is it that even in all Why is that? Why is it that even in all Why is that? Why is it that even in all of our going and doing, we still feel of our going and doing, we still feel of our going and doing, we still feel unsatisfied? unsatisfied? unsatisfied? Well, Psalm 84 Well, Psalm 84 Well, Psalm 84 says it's because the only thing that says it's because the only thing that says it's because the only thing that will fully satisfy us is knowing God.

will fully satisfy us is knowing God. will fully satisfy us is knowing God. Fellowshipping with God, being in the Fellowshipping with God, being in the Fellowshipping with God, being in the presence of God. That's where blessing presence of God. That's where blessing presence of God. That's where blessing and satisfaction in this life is really and satisfaction in this life is really and satisfaction in this life is really found. Every other place you want to go, found. Every other place you want to go, found. Every other place you want to go, every other place you desire to be will every other place you desire to be will every other place you desire to be will fall short of being with God and fall short of being with God and fall short of being with God and enjoying him. enjoying him. enjoying him. So, this psalm is going to use language So, this psalm is going to use language So, this psalm is going to use language that talks about God's courts and God's that talks about God's courts and God's that talks about God's courts and God's house, which is Old Testament language house, which is Old Testament language house, which is Old Testament language to describe being in the presence of to describe being in the presence of to describe being in the presence of God. Psalm 84 sets before us the God. Psalm 84 sets before us the God. Psalm 84 sets before us the blessing blessing blessing uh of being in the one place that can uh of being in the one place that can uh of being in the one place that can fully satisfy our soul, and that's being fully satisfy our soul, and that's being fully satisfy our soul, and that's being in the presence of God with his people. in the presence of God with his people. in the presence of God with his people. Psalm 84. Psalm 84. Psalm 84. Let's read through this together. Let's read through this together. Let's read through this together. Starting in verse one. Starting in verse one. Starting in verse one. Says, "How lovely is your dwelling Says, "How lovely is your dwelling Says, "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts. My my soul place, O Lord of Hosts. My my soul place, O Lord of Hosts. My my soul longs, longs, longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord.

yes, faints for the courts of the Lord. yes, faints for the courts of the Lord. My heart and flesh sing for joy to the My heart and flesh sing for joy to the My heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a living God. Even the sparrow finds a living God. Even the sparrow finds a home in the swallow a nest for herself home in the swallow a nest for herself home in the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young at your where she may lay her young at your where she may lay her young at your altars. Oh Lord of hosts, my my king and altars. Oh Lord of hosts, my my king and altars. Oh Lord of hosts, my my king and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in my God. Blessed are those who dwell in my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise, your house, ever singing your praise, your house, ever singing your praise, Sailor. Blessed are those whose strength Sailor. Blessed are those whose strength Sailor. Blessed are those whose strength is in you and whose heart are the is in you and whose heart are the is in you and whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the highways to Zion. As they go through the highways to Zion. As they go through the valley of Baka, they make it a place of valley of Baka, they make it a place of valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs. The early rain also covers it springs. The early rain also covers it springs. The early rain also covers it with pools that go from strength to with pools that go from strength to with pools that go from strength to strength. Each one appears before God in strength. Each one appears before God in strength. Each one appears before God in Zion. Oh Lord of host, hear my prayer. Zion. Oh Lord of host, hear my prayer. Zion. Oh Lord of host, hear my prayer. Give ear, oh God of Jacob, Sa. Give ear, oh God of Jacob, Sa. Give ear, oh God of Jacob, Sa. Behold our shield, oh God, look on the Behold our shield, oh God, look on the Behold our shield, oh God, look on the face of your anointed. For a day in your face of your anointed. For a day in your face of your anointed. For a day in your courts is better than a thousand courts is better than a thousand courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. elsewhere. elsewhere. I'd rather be a doorkeeper in the house I'd rather be a doorkeeper in the house I'd rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of of my God than dwell in the tents of of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a son wickedness. For the Lord God is a son wickedness. For the Lord God is a son and a shield. The Lord bestows favor and and a shield. The Lord bestows favor and and a shield. The Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold honor. No good thing does he withhold honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. Oh Lord from those who walk uprightly. Oh Lord from those who walk uprightly. Oh Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trust of hosts, blessed is the one who trust of hosts, blessed is the one who trust in you.

in you. in you. Now, I must confess to you as I read Now, I must confess to you as I read Now, I must confess to you as I read those words there in Psalm 84, I want to those words there in Psalm 84, I want to those words there in Psalm 84, I want to long for God's presence like this, but I long for God's presence like this, but I long for God's presence like this, but I don't. Can you relate? don't. Can you relate? don't. Can you relate? I I I truly do. I I I want to I want to I I I truly do. I I I want to I want to I I I truly do. I I I want to I want to long for God's presence like this in my long for God's presence like this in my long for God's presence like this in my life, but I don't. I mean, look at the words here. And the I mean, look at the words here. And the psalmist talks about his soul is psalmist talks about his soul is psalmist talks about his soul is fainting for the courts of the Lord. fainting for the courts of the Lord. fainting for the courts of the Lord. When you got up this morning and you When you got up this morning and you When you got up this morning and you were getting ready for church, was your were getting ready for church, was your were getting ready for church, was your soul fainting with anticipation about soul fainting with anticipation about soul fainting with anticipation about being here? Maybe I but I doubt it. being here? Maybe I but I doubt it. being here? Maybe I but I doubt it. Verse 10, uh the psalmist talks about Verse 10, uh the psalmist talks about Verse 10, uh the psalmist talks about that better is one day in your courts that better is one day in your courts that better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. Is that true than a thousand elsewhere. Is that true than a thousand elsewhere. Is that true for you? for you? for you? Do you really believe that that it's that one day with God, a day that it's that one day with God, a day worshiping him with his people? Is that worshiping him with his people? Is that worshiping him with his people? Is that really to you better than a thousand really to you better than a thousand really to you better than a thousand trips to the beach?

Better than a thousand golf rounds with Better than a thousand golf rounds with your friends? your friends? your friends? Better than a a thousand meals at your Better than a a thousand meals at your Better than a a thousand meals at your favorite restaurants? favorite restaurants? favorite restaurants? I suspect not. So, what Psalm 84 is going to do here is So, what Psalm 84 is going to do here is challenge and confront the weaknesses of challenge and confront the weaknesses of challenge and confront the weaknesses of our longings our longings our longings and encourage us and awaken us to a a a and encourage us and awaken us to a a a and encourage us and awaken us to a a a deeper desire, a deeper longing for the deeper desire, a deeper longing for the deeper desire, a deeper longing for the presence of God. presence of God. presence of God. So the question I want to ask this So the question I want to ask this So the question I want to ask this morning is how do we awaken a deeper morning is how do we awaken a deeper morning is how do we awaken a deeper longing for God in our lives? Well, I longing for God in our lives? Well, I longing for God in our lives? Well, I think Psalm 84 gives us four things that think Psalm 84 gives us four things that think Psalm 84 gives us four things that can develop or awaken a a deeper hunger can develop or awaken a a deeper hunger can develop or awaken a a deeper hunger or or longing for God in our lives. or or longing for God in our lives. or or longing for God in our lives. Let's talk about those. The first is Let's talk about those. The first is Let's talk about those. The first is this. We need to pay attention to our this. We need to pay attention to our this. We need to pay attention to our soul.

soul. soul. If we want a a deeper hunger, a deeper If we want a a deeper hunger, a deeper If we want a a deeper hunger, a deeper longing for God, we need to pay longing for God, we need to pay longing for God, we need to pay attention to our soul. attention to our soul. attention to our soul. We need to listen to our soul. We need to listen to our soul. We need to listen to our soul. Look how the psalmist starts verse one. Look how the psalmist starts verse one. Look how the psalmist starts verse one. He he says, "How lovely is your dwelling He he says, "How lovely is your dwelling He he says, "How lovely is your dwelling place, oh Lord of hosts. My soul longs, place, oh Lord of hosts. My soul longs, place, oh Lord of hosts. My soul longs, yes, faints, yes, faints, yes, faints, for the courts of the Lord. My heart and for the courts of the Lord. My heart and for the courts of the Lord. My heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God." flesh sing for joy to the living God." flesh sing for joy to the living God." The first thing we're asked to do is to The first thing we're asked to do is to The first thing we're asked to do is to pay attention to what our soul longs pay attention to what our soul longs pay attention to what our soul longs for. for. for. That that thing that longs inside of you That that thing that longs inside of you That that thing that longs inside of you is your soul. is your soul. is your soul. That that's what's longing inside of That that's what's longing inside of That that's what's longing inside of you. It's your soul that's searching for you. It's your soul that's searching for you. It's your soul that's searching for purpose and meaning in this world. And purpose and meaning in this world. And purpose and meaning in this world. And we need to pay attention to our soul. we need to pay attention to our soul. we need to pay attention to our soul. And here's why that's so important. And here's why that's so important. And here's why that's so important. Because we're being shaped by the world Because we're being shaped by the world Because we're being shaped by the world that we live in. And the world is trying that we live in. And the world is trying that we live in. And the world is trying to satisfy its longings with earthly to satisfy its longings with earthly to satisfy its longings with earthly things.

things. things. And many of these earthly things in and And many of these earthly things in and And many of these earthly things in and of themselves are not bad. They're not of themselves are not bad. They're not of themselves are not bad. They're not evil, but they can't satisfy the deepest evil, but they can't satisfy the deepest evil, but they can't satisfy the deepest longings of our soul. longings of our soul. longings of our soul. And we know this to be true. And yet And we know this to be true. And yet And we know this to be true. And yet there's something in us that believes if there's something in us that believes if there's something in us that believes if we could just get this one thing, we could just get this one thing, we could just get this one thing, it would satisfy our soul. If we could it would satisfy our soul. If we could it would satisfy our soul. If we could just get in that one neighborhood, just get in that one neighborhood, just get in that one neighborhood, we can just get that one promotion, we can just get that one promotion, we can just get that one promotion, get that one new car, get that one new car, get that one new car, get get into that that that one school, get get into that that that one school, get get into that that that one school, get get that one new relationship. get get that one new relationship. get get that one new relationship. Maybe then those longings that we feel Maybe then those longings that we feel Maybe then those longings that we feel in our soul, maybe maybe then they would in our soul, maybe maybe then they would in our soul, maybe maybe then they would finally be satisfied. And we buy into this, don't we? And we buy into this, don't we? And what the psalm is telling us is that And what the psalm is telling us is that And what the psalm is telling us is that we need to pay attention to our soul. we need to pay attention to our soul. we need to pay attention to our soul. Because when we're attentive to our Because when we're attentive to our Because when we're attentive to our soul, here's what we realize. Those soul, here's what we realize. Those soul, here's what we realize. Those longings in our soul can't be satisfied longings in our soul can't be satisfied longings in our soul can't be satisfied with material things or with experiences with material things or with experiences with material things or with experiences or with relationships because they're so or with relationships because they're so or with relationships because they're so much deeper. There's nothing in this much deeper. There's nothing in this much deeper. There's nothing in this world that can fill up our soul. There's world that can fill up our soul. There's world that can fill up our soul. There's only one thing that can satisfy the only one thing that can satisfy the only one thing that can satisfy the longings of our soul and that is God longings of our soul and that is God longings of our soul and that is God himself. Only God can satisfy that himself. Only God can satisfy that himself. Only God can satisfy that longing that you have in your heart to

longing that you have in your heart to longing that you have in your heart to know him, to be with him, to be in his know him, to be with him, to be in his know him, to be with him, to be in his presence. And until we pay attention to presence. And until we pay attention to presence. And until we pay attention to our soul, what we will do is just stay our soul, what we will do is just stay our soul, what we will do is just stay stuck in a doom loop of sorts, thinking stuck in a doom loop of sorts, thinking stuck in a doom loop of sorts, thinking that by indulging our appetites and that by indulging our appetites and that by indulging our appetites and desires, we can satisfy our longings. desires, we can satisfy our longings. desires, we can satisfy our longings. And by and large that will just leave us And by and large that will just leave us And by and large that will just leave us in a place of emptiness in a place of emptiness in a place of emptiness and unsatisfied and unsatisfied and unsatisfied because we were created for so much because we were created for so much because we were created for so much more. Our soul was created more. Our soul was created more. Our soul was created to be connected to the living God to to be connected to the living God to to be connected to the living God to know him to be in his presence. And it's know him to be in his presence. And it's know him to be in his presence. And it's only God where our soul will find true only God where our soul will find true only God where our soul will find true rest and satisfaction. rest and satisfaction. rest and satisfaction. And that is what your soul and my soul And that is what your soul and my soul And that is what your soul and my soul is longing for. So how can we is longing for. So how can we is longing for. So how can we awaken a deeper hunger, awaken a deeper hunger, awaken a deeper hunger, a deeper longing for God? We need to pay a deeper longing for God? We need to pay a deeper longing for God? We need to pay attention to our soul. Our soul is attention to our soul. Our soul is attention to our soul. Our soul is longing for God. Our soul is longing for longing for God. Our soul is longing for longing for God. Our soul is longing for more in this life. And there's nothing more in this life. And there's nothing more in this life. And there's nothing in the material world that can meet that in the material world that can meet that in the material world that can meet that longing inside of you and inside of me.

longing inside of you and inside of me. longing inside of you and inside of me. The second though, we need to gather to The second though, we need to gather to The second though, we need to gather to worship God with his people. worship God with his people. worship God with his people. We need to gather to worship God with We need to gather to worship God with We need to gather to worship God with his people. Look how the psalmist his people. Look how the psalmist his people. Look how the psalmist continues. continues. continues. He says, "Even the sparrows find a home He says, "Even the sparrows find a home He says, "Even the sparrows find a home and the swallow a nest for herself where and the swallow a nest for herself where and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young at your altars. Oh she may lay her young at your altars. Oh she may lay her young at your altars. Oh Lord of hosts, my king and my God. Lord of hosts, my king and my God. Lord of hosts, my king and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your Blessed are those who dwell in your Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise." Sa house, ever singing your praise." Sa house, ever singing your praise." Sa Now what is sa or sila? You can Now what is sa or sila? You can Now what is sa or sila? You can pronounce it either it's like pronounce it either it's like pronounce it either it's like pronouncing tomato or tomato. pronouncing tomato or tomato. pronouncing tomato or tomato. What is sa? Sa we don't know for certain What is sa? Sa we don't know for certain What is sa? Sa we don't know for certain what it is. But what we believe and what what it is. But what we believe and what what it is. But what we believe and what most scholars believe it is is that it most scholars believe it is is that it most scholars believe it is is that it is a pause or a time to reflect in the is a pause or a time to reflect in the is a pause or a time to reflect in the Psalms on what you just read. that that Psalms on what you just read. that that Psalms on what you just read. that that that's the place where you take a breath that's the place where you take a breath that's the place where you take a breath and you meditate on what you've just and you meditate on what you've just and you meditate on what you've just read in the psalm. So when you see that read in the psalm. So when you see that read in the psalm. So when you see that that's what sa or sila is communicating.

that's what sa or sila is communicating. that's what sa or sila is communicating. And notice here in the verses that we And notice here in the verses that we And notice here in the verses that we just read it talks about altars just read it talks about altars just read it talks about altars and it talks about a house. and it talks about a house. and it talks about a house. This is talking about the temple This is talking about the temple This is talking about the temple that's in Jerusalem. that's in Jerusalem. that's in Jerusalem. And in the Old Testament, the presence And in the Old Testament, the presence And in the Old Testament, the presence of God dwelt only in the temple. That's of God dwelt only in the temple. That's of God dwelt only in the temple. That's where he resided. And so if you wanted where he resided. And so if you wanted where he resided. And so if you wanted to be in the presence of God, if you to be in the presence of God, if you to be in the presence of God, if you wanted to worship God, you had to travel wanted to worship God, you had to travel wanted to worship God, you had to travel to Jerusalem. to Jerusalem. to Jerusalem. A and so the people of God in the Old A and so the people of God in the Old A and so the people of God in the Old Testament would regularly make a Testament would regularly make a Testament would regularly make a pilgrimage, a journey to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, a journey to Jerusalem for pilgrimage, a journey to Jerusalem for feast and holidays to gather with his feast and holidays to gather with his feast and holidays to gather with his people in the presence of God because people in the presence of God because people in the presence of God because only the presence of God was in the only the presence of God was in the only the presence of God was in the temple to worship him and to celebrate temple to worship him and to celebrate temple to worship him and to celebrate who he was. who he was. who he was. And and what the psalmist is doing is And and what the psalmist is doing is And and what the psalmist is doing is he's right now he's away from Jerusalem he's right now he's away from Jerusalem he's right now he's away from Jerusalem and he is reflecting and reminiscing and he is reflecting and reminiscing and he is reflecting and reminiscing about the power and and the joy of being about the power and and the joy of being about the power and and the joy of being in the presence of God and worshiping in the presence of God and worshiping in the presence of God and worshiping God. And he even says even the birds God. And he even says even the birds God. And he even says even the birds have it better than he does. Why?

have it better than he does. Why? have it better than he does. Why? because they've built nests probably up because they've built nests probably up because they've built nests probably up in the eaves of the temple and every day in the eaves of the temple and every day in the eaves of the temple and every day they're coming in there and they're they're coming in there and they're they're coming in there and they're they're close to God. They're with God's they're close to God. They're with God's they're close to God. They're with God's people. They're hearing the worship of people. They're hearing the worship of people. They're hearing the worship of God. And he's reflecting on that. He's God. And he's reflecting on that. He's God. And he's reflecting on that. He's talking about how how blessed even these talking about how how blessed even these talking about how how blessed even these birds are. birds are. birds are. But how much more so is the blessing for But how much more so is the blessing for But how much more so is the blessing for God's people God's people God's people to come in to the presence of God and to to come in to the presence of God and to to come in to the presence of God and to worship him. worship him. worship him. See, the psalmist is reminding us that See, the psalmist is reminding us that See, the psalmist is reminding us that when we're in the place where God is when we're in the place where God is when we're in the place where God is worshiped, it awakens a deeper longing worshiped, it awakens a deeper longing worshiped, it awakens a deeper longing for God in us. for God in us. for God in us. In fact, I would imagine that's part of In fact, I would imagine that's part of In fact, I would imagine that's part of why you're here this morning why you're here this morning why you're here this morning because you know when you go to the because you know when you go to the because you know when you go to the place where God is worshiped, it awakens place where God is worshiped, it awakens place where God is worshiped, it awakens a longing for him in you. It stirs a longing for him in you. It stirs a longing for him in you. It stirs something in you. It awakens something something in you. It awakens something something in you. It awakens something in you that you can't find anywhere in you that you can't find anywhere in you that you can't find anywhere else. That's why you're here this else. That's why you're here this else. That's why you're here this morning morning morning because you know that when you go to the because you know that when you go to the because you know that when you go to the place where God is worshiped, it stirs place where God is worshiped, it stirs place where God is worshiped, it stirs something in you something in you something in you because you are in the the presence of because you are in the the presence of because you are in the the presence of God and it stirs a longing for God in God and it stirs a longing for God in God and it stirs a longing for God in you when you come to a place like this.

you when you come to a place like this. you when you come to a place like this. And notice when we come to a place like And notice when we come to a place like And notice when we come to a place like this, we're we're told by the psalmist this, we're we're told by the psalmist this, we're we're told by the psalmist here that we sing praises to our God. here that we sing praises to our God. here that we sing praises to our God. It's right for us It's right for us It's right for us to praise God. And I would say to praise God. And I would say to praise God. And I would say regardless of our circumstances that it's right to praise our God, that it's right to praise our God, to praise God in our suffering. to praise God in our suffering. to praise God in our suffering. It's right to sing to him in our It's right to sing to him in our It's right to sing to him in our prosperity. prosperity. prosperity. All seasons of life should evoke praise All seasons of life should evoke praise All seasons of life should evoke praise to God. to God. to God. Now, I want to stop here just for a Now, I want to stop here just for a Now, I want to stop here just for a moment a and speak to the men who are moment a and speak to the men who are moment a and speak to the men who are listening today listening today listening today who who don't sing in church. Some of you think that Some of you think that singing is for women. It's not something singing is for women. It's not something singing is for women. It's not something that men do.

that men do. that men do. Some of you think because you sit in the Some of you think because you sit in the Some of you think because you sit in the back back back that what singing is is really for the that what singing is is really for the that what singing is is really for the people that are down front here. people that are down front here. people that are down front here. Some of you guys who don't sing in the Some of you guys who don't sing in the Some of you guys who don't sing in the church, the reason you don't sing, you church, the reason you don't sing, you church, the reason you don't sing, you got a terrible voice. You sing off key. got a terrible voice. You sing off key. got a terrible voice. You sing off key. And I can relate to that. Okay. Amen. And I can relate to that. Okay. Amen. And I can relate to that. Okay. Amen. >> It's the first amen I've gotten in a >> It's the first amen I've gotten in a >> It's the first amen I've gotten in a while. Yes. >> But here's what we need to hear, guys. >> But here's what we need to hear, guys. And not just the guys, but the women And not just the guys, but the women And not just the guys, but the women that are listening today, all of us, that are listening today, all of us, that are listening today, all of us, kids, students, everybody. kids, students, everybody. kids, students, everybody. The Bible is clear that we are called as The Bible is clear that we are called as The Bible is clear that we are called as men, women, kids, students, everyone to men, women, kids, students, everyone to men, women, kids, students, everyone to sing praises to our God. Not just here sing praises to our God. Not just here sing praises to our God. Not just here in Psalm 84, but it's all over the Bible in Psalm 84, but it's all over the Bible in Psalm 84, but it's all over the Bible that our God is so good, our God is so that our God is so good, our God is so that our God is so good, our God is so great, our God is so wonderful great, our God is so wonderful great, our God is so wonderful that we can't contain ourselves. We want that we can't contain ourselves. We want that we can't contain ourselves. We want to sing praises to our God.

to sing praises to our God. to sing praises to our God. Here's the way Ephesians 5:19 says it. Here's the way Ephesians 5:19 says it. Here's the way Ephesians 5:19 says it. Says, "Speaking to one another with Says, "Speaking to one another with Says, "Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the psalms, hymns, and songs from the psalms, hymns, and songs from the spirit." Listen to this. Sing and make spirit." Listen to this. Sing and make spirit." Listen to this. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. Why would we want to sing to God? Why would we want to sing to God? Because whether you want to acknowledge Because whether you want to acknowledge Because whether you want to acknowledge it or not, friend, it or not, friend, it or not, friend, everything that you are, everything that everything that you are, everything that everything that you are, everything that you have is a gift from God himself. you have is a gift from God himself. you have is a gift from God himself. Everything James says, every good and Everything James says, every good and Everything James says, every good and perfect gift comes from above. perfect gift comes from above. perfect gift comes from above. And so you have been a recipient of And so you have been a recipient of And so you have been a recipient of God's grace to you. A and that ought to God's grace to you. A and that ought to God's grace to you. A and that ought to ready and steady your heart as you come ready and steady your heart as you come ready and steady your heart as you come in here. There should be a sense in in here. There should be a sense in in here. There should be a sense in which all of us as we come into this which all of us as we come into this which all of us as we come into this place, our hearts are ready to sing place, our hearts are ready to sing place, our hearts are ready to sing praises to our God.

praises to our God. praises to our God. Why? Because he's worthy. And when we're Why? Because he's worthy. And when we're Why? Because he's worthy. And when we're singing together, what that does is it singing together, what that does is it singing together, what that does is it stirs in each of us a longing, a deeper stirs in each of us a longing, a deeper stirs in each of us a longing, a deeper longing for God, longing for God, longing for God, for who he is and what he's done. for who he is and what he's done. for who he is and what he's done. And listen, And listen, And listen, let me say one last thing to the guys let me say one last thing to the guys let me say one last thing to the guys before I move on here, in particular, those of you who are in particular, those of you who are married or maybe have kids. married or maybe have kids. married or maybe have kids. If you want to be a spiritual leader and If you want to be a spiritual leader and If you want to be a spiritual leader and example to your wife and to your kids, example to your wife and to your kids, example to your wife and to your kids, a very simple way to do that is to come a very simple way to do that is to come a very simple way to do that is to come in here and to sing praises to God. in here and to sing praises to God. in here and to sing praises to God. It's just a simple way to to model that. It's just a simple way to to model that. It's just a simple way to to model that. I remember when I had kids at home, we I remember when I had kids at home, we I remember when I had kids at home, we would sit right up front here and one of would sit right up front here and one of would sit right up front here and one of the things I would intentionally try to the things I would intentionally try to the things I would intentionally try to do in particular for my boys is I wanted do in particular for my boys is I wanted do in particular for my boys is I wanted them to see their dad sing praise to them to see their dad sing praise to them to see their dad sing praise to their God.

their God. their God. And I think it's a very simple thing we And I think it's a very simple thing we And I think it's a very simple thing we can do, but it it it communicates can do, but it it it communicates can do, but it it it communicates something something something about the importance that there's only about the importance that there's only about the importance that there's only one king. There's only one that is one king. There's only one that is one king. There's only one that is worthy of worship and that's our God. worthy of worship and that's our God. worthy of worship and that's our God. and he's worthy of praise when we get in and he's worthy of praise when we get in and he's worthy of praise when we get in here and when we and when we praise him here and when we and when we praise him here and when we and when we praise him in that way it it in that way it it in that way it it there's a hunger that develops inside of there's a hunger that develops inside of there's a hunger that develops inside of us. You with me? us. You with me? us. You with me? And notice what happens as we continue And notice what happens as we continue And notice what happens as we continue here in verse 5. here in verse 5. here in verse 5. It says, "Blessed are those whose It says, "Blessed are those whose It says, "Blessed are those whose strength is in you and whose heart are strength is in you and whose heart are strength is in you and whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the highways to Zion. As they go through the highways to Zion. As they go through the valley of Baka, they make it a a the valley of Baka, they make it a a the valley of Baka, they make it a a place of springs. They the early rain place of springs. They the early rain place of springs. They the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from also covers it with pools. They go from also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength. Each one appears strength to strength. Each one appears strength to strength. Each one appears before God in Zion. Now, as I said a before God in Zion. Now, as I said a before God in Zion. Now, as I said a moment ago, this is a pilgrimage psalm.

moment ago, this is a pilgrimage psalm. moment ago, this is a pilgrimage psalm. It It's recounting the journey of going It It's recounting the journey of going It It's recounting the journey of going up to Jerusalem to the place where the up to Jerusalem to the place where the up to Jerusalem to the place where the temple was, where God dwelt. And this temple was, where God dwelt. And this temple was, where God dwelt. And this journey was a repeated pattern in the journey was a repeated pattern in the journey was a repeated pattern in the life of the people of God. They were life of the people of God. They were life of the people of God. They were regularly making their way to Jerusalem regularly making their way to Jerusalem regularly making their way to Jerusalem to to worship God, to be with his to to worship God, to be with his to to worship God, to be with his people, to to sing to him, to worship people, to to sing to him, to worship people, to to sing to him, to worship him. And what the psalmist is saying is him. And what the psalmist is saying is him. And what the psalmist is saying is when you do that, when you do that, when you do that, what happens is the highways of Zion get what happens is the highways of Zion get what happens is the highways of Zion get formed in your heart. Do you see that? formed in your heart. Do you see that? formed in your heart. Do you see that? Now Zion is where God was in the Old Now Zion is where God was in the Old Now Zion is where God was in the Old Testament. Testament. Testament. The point being The point being The point being is that the things we do repeatedly is that the things we do repeatedly is that the things we do repeatedly over and over again have a way of over and over again have a way of over and over again have a way of forming a a highway or a pathway in our forming a a highway or a pathway in our forming a a highway or a pathway in our heart to God.

heart to God. heart to God. that those things over time have a way that those things over time have a way that those things over time have a way of shaping and forming who we are of shaping and forming who we are of shaping and forming who we are because it's opening up our heart, our because it's opening up our heart, our because it's opening up our heart, our highway to God. highway to God. highway to God. And you may not even realize this, but And you may not even realize this, but And you may not even realize this, but this has happened to you before. this has happened to you before. this has happened to you before. It It happened to me on Thursday. It It happened to me on Thursday. It It happened to me on Thursday. I woke up and on my mind were the lyrics I woke up and on my mind were the lyrics I woke up and on my mind were the lyrics of a song that we sang the Sunday before of a song that we sang the Sunday before of a song that we sang the Sunday before that personally I have never sung before that personally I have never sung before that personally I have never sung before the song in a habit. Now, now why were the song in a habit. Now, now why were the song in a habit. Now, now why were those lyrics on my mind? those lyrics on my mind? those lyrics on my mind? Because time and time again, I'm coming Because time and time again, I'm coming Because time and time again, I'm coming in here. We're worshiping together. in here. We're worshiping together. in here. We're worshiping together. We're hearing the word together. We're We're hearing the word together. We're We're hearing the word together. We're singing together. And over time, what singing together. And over time, what singing together. And over time, what those things do is they build a highway those things do is they build a highway those things do is they build a highway in our heart to God. And over time, in our heart to God. And over time, in our heart to God. And over time, those repeated things begin to shape and those repeated things begin to shape and those repeated things begin to shape and to form our lives and to make us who it to form our lives and to make us who it to form our lives and to make us who it is that God has called us to be. By the is that God has called us to be. By the is that God has called us to be. By the way, that's why it's incredibly way, that's why it's incredibly way, that's why it's incredibly important that we have a regular rhythm important that we have a regular rhythm important that we have a regular rhythm of coming to church of coming to church of coming to church because this is one of the places. is because this is one of the places. is because this is one of the places. is not the only place, but this is one of not the only place, but this is one of not the only place, but this is one of the places where God opens up the the places where God opens up the the places where God opens up the highway of our heart to him where we can highway of our heart to him where we can highway of our heart to him where we can experience the presence of God and grow

experience the presence of God and grow experience the presence of God and grow in our hunger and our longing for God. in our hunger and our longing for God. in our hunger and our longing for God. It's in a place like this as we gather It's in a place like this as we gather It's in a place like this as we gather together, as we encourage each other, as together, as we encourage each other, as together, as we encourage each other, as we hear the word together, it is working we hear the word together, it is working we hear the word together, it is working and forming and shaping the pathways and and forming and shaping the pathways and and forming and shaping the pathways and the highways and the byways of our heart the highways and the byways of our heart the highways and the byways of our heart and our life. and our life. and our life. And over time, what that does is it And over time, what that does is it And over time, what that does is it opens up the highways to Zion. opens up the highways to Zion. opens up the highways to Zion. So, how do we develop a a deeper longing So, how do we develop a a deeper longing So, how do we develop a a deeper longing for God? for God? for God? Well, the psalmist says we pay attention Well, the psalmist says we pay attention Well, the psalmist says we pay attention to our soul. We we gather with others to to our soul. We we gather with others to to our soul. We we gather with others to worship God. And and then third, we walk worship God. And and then third, we walk worship God. And and then third, we walk in God's ways. We walk in God's ways. in God's ways. We walk in God's ways. in God's ways. We walk in God's ways. Look at verse 11. Look at verse 11. Look at verse 11. It says, "For the Lord God is a son and It says, "For the Lord God is a son and It says, "For the Lord God is a son and a shield. The Lord bestows favor and a shield. The Lord bestows favor and a shield. The Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold honor. No good thing does he withhold honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. Oh Lord from those who walk uprightly. Oh Lord from those who walk uprightly. Oh Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trust of hosts, blessed is the one who trust of hosts, blessed is the one who trust in you." Now, I'm not going to say a lot in you." Now, I'm not going to say a lot in you." Now, I'm not going to say a lot about this point because we're going to about this point because we're going to about this point because we're going to talk a lot about it next week. But the talk a lot about it next week. But the talk a lot about it next week. But the point that the psalmist is making here point that the psalmist is making here point that the psalmist is making here is that when we walk in God's ways, when is that when we walk in God's ways, when is that when we walk in God's ways, when we trust in him, we experience blessing.

we trust in him, we experience blessing. we trust in him, we experience blessing. When we don't walk in God's ways, we When we don't walk in God's ways, we When we don't walk in God's ways, we don't obey God, we don't trust in him, don't obey God, we don't trust in him, don't obey God, we don't trust in him, we don't experience that blessing. And we don't experience that blessing. And we don't experience that blessing. And so what the psalmist is acknowledging is so what the psalmist is acknowledging is so what the psalmist is acknowledging is that obedience to God, obedience to his that obedience to God, obedience to his that obedience to God, obedience to his word, word, walking in his ways, it has word, word, walking in his ways, it has word, word, walking in his ways, it has a way of awakening a deeper longing for a way of awakening a deeper longing for a way of awakening a deeper longing for God in our lives. God in our lives. God in our lives. Do you know why? Because what happens is Do you know why? Because what happens is Do you know why? Because what happens is when you live in obedience to God and when you live in obedience to God and when you live in obedience to God and you are walking in his ways, what you you are walking in his ways, what you you are walking in his ways, what you begin to see is the blessings begin to see is the blessings begin to see is the blessings and the flourishing that happens in your and the flourishing that happens in your and the flourishing that happens in your life as you're walking in obedience to life as you're walking in obedience to life as you're walking in obedience to God. A and that makes you it makes you God. A and that makes you it makes you God. A and that makes you it makes you it gives you a desire that you have to it gives you a desire that you have to it gives you a desire that you have to walk more and more in his ways. And to walk more and more in his ways. And to walk more and more in his ways. And to draw closer and closer to God gives you draw closer and closer to God gives you draw closer and closer to God gives you a deeper longing for who he is and what a deeper longing for who he is and what a deeper longing for who he is and what he's done. See it out of that obedience he's done. See it out of that obedience he's done. See it out of that obedience to God comes blessing.

to God comes blessing. to God comes blessing. A deeper longing for who God is. A deeper longing for who God is. A deeper longing for who God is. So how do we awaken this deeper longing So how do we awaken this deeper longing So how do we awaken this deeper longing for God that this psalm is talking for God that this psalm is talking for God that this psalm is talking about? Well, one of the ways we do that about? Well, one of the ways we do that about? Well, one of the ways we do that is we're constantly paying attention to is we're constantly paying attention to is we're constantly paying attention to our soul. We we walk in his ways. I our soul. We we walk in his ways. I our soul. We we walk in his ways. I would add that we're regularly gathering would add that we're regularly gathering would add that we're regularly gathering to worship him with his people. And then to worship him with his people. And then to worship him with his people. And then last, but certainly not least, is this. last, but certainly not least, is this. last, but certainly not least, is this. We need to experience God's presence. We need to experience God's presence. We need to experience God's presence. Experience God's presence. The Psalmist says it this way. Verse The Psalmist says it this way. Verse eight. Oh Lord, God of host, hear my eight. Oh Lord, God of host, hear my eight. Oh Lord, God of host, hear my prayer. Give ear, oh Jake, God of Jacob, prayer. Give ear, oh Jake, God of Jacob, prayer. Give ear, oh Jake, God of Jacob, behold our shield, oh God, look on the behold our shield, oh God, look on the behold our shield, oh God, look on the face of your anointed, for the a day in face of your anointed, for the a day in face of your anointed, for the a day in your courts is better than a thousand your courts is better than a thousand your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I'd rather be a doorkeeper in elsewhere. I'd rather be a doorkeeper in elsewhere. I'd rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the the house of my God than dwell in the the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. tents of wickedness. tents of wickedness. Now, Now, Now, I want you to notice this is a prayer I want you to notice this is a prayer I want you to notice this is a prayer that God's people are praying.

that God's people are praying. that God's people are praying. By the way, that's what the Psalms are. By the way, that's what the Psalms are. By the way, that's what the Psalms are. The Psalms are a prayer book for God's The Psalms are a prayer book for God's The Psalms are a prayer book for God's people. people. people. But specifically, But specifically, But specifically, they are praying that God would look on they are praying that God would look on they are praying that God would look on the face of his anointed. See that there the face of his anointed. See that there the face of his anointed. See that there in verse 9. in verse 9. in verse 9. Well, who were the anointed in the Old Well, who were the anointed in the Old Well, who were the anointed in the Old Testament? It was the kings, Testament? It was the kings, Testament? It was the kings, the priests, the priests, the priests, and the prophets. and the prophets. and the prophets. All of those people were anointed with All of those people were anointed with All of those people were anointed with oil as a symbol of God's presence being oil as a symbol of God's presence being oil as a symbol of God's presence being on them. on them. on them. And they all helped to mediate God's And they all helped to mediate God's And they all helped to mediate God's presence to God's people in the Old presence to God's people in the Old presence to God's people in the Old Testament. So what the kings did is the Testament. So what the kings did is the Testament. So what the kings did is the kings mediated the rule of God. kings mediated the rule of God. kings mediated the rule of God. The prophets The prophets The prophets uh mediated the word of God uh mediated the word of God uh mediated the word of God and the priests mediated the worship of and the priests mediated the worship of and the priests mediated the worship of God.

God. God. They were the anointed ones of the Old They were the anointed ones of the Old They were the anointed ones of the Old Testament. Testament. Testament. But what's interesting here in verse 9 But what's interesting here in verse 9 But what's interesting here in verse 9 is that Hebrew word that's translated is that Hebrew word that's translated is that Hebrew word that's translated anointed is the same word in Hebrew for anointed is the same word in Hebrew for anointed is the same word in Hebrew for Messiah. Later on the Greek term will be Christ Later on the Greek term will be Christ which means which means which means anointed one anointed one anointed one and Jesus is the anointed one of God. and Jesus is the anointed one of God. and Jesus is the anointed one of God. Friends in Jesus Christ we have a Friends in Jesus Christ we have a Friends in Jesus Christ we have a Messiah who mediates for us where now we Messiah who mediates for us where now we Messiah who mediates for us where now we can freely come to God. can freely come to God. can freely come to God. We no longer need anyone to mediate the We no longer need anyone to mediate the We no longer need anyone to mediate the presence of God for us. Why? Because the presence of God for us. Why? Because the presence of God for us. Why? Because the veil was torn when Jesus was crucified veil was torn when Jesus was crucified veil was torn when Jesus was crucified on the cross. on the cross. on the cross. Now we have the greatest king, the Now we have the greatest king, the Now we have the greatest king, the greatest prophet, greatest prophet, greatest prophet, the greatest priest in the Lord Jesus the greatest priest in the Lord Jesus the greatest priest in the Lord Jesus Christ who is the anointed one.

Christ who is the anointed one. Christ who is the anointed one. in the Old Testament to be in God's in the Old Testament to be in God's in the Old Testament to be in God's presence. You had to travel to Zion. You presence. You had to travel to Zion. You presence. You had to travel to Zion. You had to go to Jerusalem had to go to Jerusalem had to go to Jerusalem where where God was. But now God has where where God was. But now God has where where God was. But now God has come to us in the Lord Jesus Christ. come to us in the Lord Jesus Christ. come to us in the Lord Jesus Christ. God's anointed one has come and he God's anointed one has come and he God's anointed one has come and he brings us into the presence of God. brings us into the presence of God. brings us into the presence of God. And the closer we get to Jesus, And the closer we get to Jesus, And the closer we get to Jesus, the more we see his love, the more we the more we see his love, the more we the more we see his love, the more we see what he's done for us, see what he's done for us, see what he's done for us, the deeper our longing for God, our the deeper our longing for God, our the deeper our longing for God, our hunger for God will be. hunger for God will be. hunger for God will be. Now, I want to close with a question Now, I want to close with a question Now, I want to close with a question today. today. today. You'll see it there on your outline. You'll see it there on your outline. You'll see it there on your outline. Where do we go to experience Where do we go to experience Where do we go to experience God's presence? God's presence? God's presence? Where do we go to do that? Well, first Where do we go to do that? Well, first Where do we go to do that? Well, first let me say this. The Holy Spirit dwells let me say this. The Holy Spirit dwells let me say this. The Holy Spirit dwells in the people of God in the people of God in the people of God whi which means whi which means whi which means that God's dwelling place is no longer that God's dwelling place is no longer that God's dwelling place is no longer in a temple. If you're a follower of in a temple. If you're a follower of in a temple. If you're a follower of Christ, you are the temple of the living Christ, you are the temple of the living Christ, you are the temple of the living God.

God. God. God's presence is in you. God's presence is in you. God's presence is in you. So God's presence is in us So God's presence is in us So God's presence is in us in the person of the Holy Spirit. Paul said it this way in 1 Corinthians Paul said it this way in 1 Corinthians 3. He says, "Do you not know that you 3. He says, "Do you not know that you 3. He says, "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that what are God's temple and that what are God's temple and that what God's spirit, listen to this, dwells in God's spirit, listen to this, dwells in God's spirit, listen to this, dwells in who? You." Me. who? You." Me. who? You." Me. Now, what does that mean? Now, what does that mean? Now, what does that mean? That means That means That means that God's presence that God's presence that God's presence is with you everywhere you are and is with you everywhere you are and is with you everywhere you are and everywhere you go. that God's spirit, his presence is that God's spirit, his presence is always working to to teach you, to always working to to teach you, to always working to to teach you, to comfort you, to uh change you, to comfort you, to uh change you, to comfort you, to uh change you, to convict you, to encourage you convict you, to encourage you convict you, to encourage you that his spirit when you think about that his spirit when you think about that his spirit when you think about where do I have to go to experience it, where do I have to go to experience it, where do I have to go to experience it, his spirit is in you.

his spirit is in you. his spirit is in you. It's in me. But what that also means It's in me. But what that also means It's in me. But what that also means is that when God's people gather in a is that when God's people gather in a is that when God's people gather in a place like this, place like this, place like this, God's spirit is here God's spirit is here God's spirit is here in this place. in this place. in this place. See, God's presence is in the place See, God's presence is in the place See, God's presence is in the place where his people are gathered. where his people are gathered. where his people are gathered. Let me say that again. God's presence is Let me say that again. God's presence is Let me say that again. God's presence is in the place where his people are in the place where his people are in the place where his people are gathered. So God's presence to experience that So God's presence to experience that presence, it's in you. But also when you presence, it's in you. But also when you presence, it's in you. But also when you come to a place like this called come to a place like this called come to a place like this called fellowship fellowship fellowship because God's people are here and because God's people are here and because God's people are here and they're filled with his spirit, his they're filled with his spirit, his they're filled with his spirit, his presence is here. G Jesus said it this presence is here. G Jesus said it this presence is here. G Jesus said it this way in Matthew 18:20. way in Matthew 18:20. way in Matthew 18:20. He said, "For where two or three are He said, "For where two or three are He said, "For where two or three are gathered in my name," listen to his gathered in my name," listen to his gathered in my name," listen to his words, there I am among them.

words, there I am among them. words, there I am among them. Jesus is here. His presence is here. Jesus is here. His presence is here. Jesus is here. His presence is here. Let me ask you, Let me ask you, Let me ask you, do you know what makes this place do you know what makes this place do you know what makes this place special? special? special? You. You. You. You filled You filled You filled with the spirit with the spirit with the spirit is what makes this place special. This is what makes this place special. This is what makes this place special. This room is awesome and as cool as it is, room is awesome and as cool as it is, room is awesome and as cool as it is, and I've been in here when there's and I've been in here when there's and I've been in here when there's nobody in here, there's no power in it nobody in here, there's no power in it nobody in here, there's no power in it because God's people aren't here. because God's people aren't here. because God's people aren't here. The power in this room is you. It's me The power in this room is you. It's me The power in this room is you. It's me filled with the presence of God through filled with the presence of God through filled with the presence of God through the Lord Jesus Christ. That's where the the Lord Jesus Christ. That's where the the Lord Jesus Christ. That's where the power is. power is. power is. There's power when we gather There's power when we gather There's power when we gather because God's here. Jesus is here. His because God's here. Jesus is here. His because God's here. Jesus is here. His presence is here. That's where the power presence is here. That's where the power presence is here. That's where the power is.

is. is. And so even when we get here, we get to And so even when we get here, we get to And so even when we get here, we get to experience his power. That's what makes experience his power. That's what makes experience his power. That's what makes this place so awesome. this place so awesome. this place so awesome. is you. It's me. And by the way, that's is you. It's me. And by the way, that's is you. It's me. And by the way, that's why it matters so much why it matters so much why it matters so much that we gather on Sundays and that we that we gather on Sundays and that we that we gather on Sundays and that we don't treat church don't treat church don't treat church like a spectator sport. like a spectator sport. like a spectator sport. You're not here to listen to a good You're not here to listen to a good You're not here to listen to a good talk. talk. talk. You're you're not here to watch a bunch You're you're not here to watch a bunch You're you're not here to watch a bunch of uh talented musicians play their of uh talented musicians play their of uh talented musicians play their instruments. You're here to actively instruments. You're here to actively instruments. You're here to actively minister minister minister God's presence to one another. God's presence to one another. God's presence to one another. That That's what we're here for. That That's what we're here for. That That's what we're here for. We when we gather, we're ministering We when we gather, we're ministering We when we gather, we're ministering God's presence to one another. God's presence to one another. God's presence to one another. Which means Which means Which means when you pray with somebody on Sunday, when you pray with somebody on Sunday, when you pray with somebody on Sunday, you're ministering his presence. you're ministering his presence. you're ministering his presence. When you sing praises to God and the When you sing praises to God and the When you sing praises to God and the person sitting next to you is going person sitting next to you is going person sitting next to you is going through an intense time of suffering and through an intense time of suffering and through an intense time of suffering and doesn't feel like praising the God, you doesn't feel like praising the God, you doesn't feel like praising the God, you don't realize in that moment you're don't realize in that moment you're don't realize in that moment you're ministering God's presence to them.

ministering God's presence to them. ministering God's presence to them. When when you lead a Bible lesson at When when you lead a Bible lesson at When when you lead a Bible lesson at FSK, you're ministering God's presence FSK, you're ministering God's presence FSK, you're ministering God's presence to those kids. When you greet someone to those kids. When you greet someone to those kids. When you greet someone warmly here in the Lord Jesus, you are warmly here in the Lord Jesus, you are warmly here in the Lord Jesus, you are ministering his presence to them. When ministering his presence to them. When ministering his presence to them. When you offer an encouraging word to a you offer an encouraging word to a you offer an encouraging word to a struggling friend here, you are struggling friend here, you are struggling friend here, you are ministering God's presence. That's what ministering God's presence. That's what ministering God's presence. That's what we do here, fellowship. We gather here we do here, fellowship. We gather here we do here, fellowship. We gather here to minister his presence to one another. to minister his presence to one another. to minister his presence to one another. To experience the power of his presence. To experience the power of his presence. To experience the power of his presence. It's a presence that's in you. It's a It's a presence that's in you. It's a It's a presence that's in you. It's a presence that's in me. And there's power presence that's in me. And there's power presence that's in me. And there's power when we come together to worship him when we come together to worship him when we come together to worship him together. And what that does is it together. And what that does is it together. And what that does is it builds a deeper longing and hunger in builds a deeper longing and hunger in builds a deeper longing and hunger in our hearts, in our lives for God. our hearts, in our lives for God. our hearts, in our lives for God. You know, I tell you what happens when You know, I tell you what happens when You know, I tell you what happens when you're in a church where everybody there you're in a church where everybody there you're in a church where everybody there is ministering God's presence to one is ministering God's presence to one is ministering God's presence to one another. That's an exciting place to be, another. That's an exciting place to be, another. That's an exciting place to be, man. It's exhilarating.

man. It's exhilarating. man. It's exhilarating. It's joyful. And it's exactly why the It's joyful. And it's exactly why the It's joyful. And it's exactly why the psalmist says here, "Better is one day psalmist says here, "Better is one day psalmist says here, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand in your courts than a thousand in your courts than a thousand elsewhere. elsewhere. elsewhere. Man, why would we want to be anywhere Man, why would we want to be anywhere Man, why would we want to be anywhere else than right where God is with his else than right where God is with his else than right where God is with his people experiencing the power of his people experiencing the power of his people experiencing the power of his presence? presence? presence? Nothing's better than that. Nothing can Nothing's better than that. Nothing can Nothing's better than that. Nothing can satisfy our souls. Nothing can make us satisfy our souls. Nothing can make us satisfy our souls. Nothing can make us content content content but that in his presence with his people but that in his presence with his people but that in his presence with his people worshiping him. worshiping him. worshiping him. Man, you want a deeper longing for God? Man, you want a deeper longing for God? Man, you want a deeper longing for God? Pay attention to your soul. walk in his Pay attention to your soul. walk in his Pay attention to your soul. walk in his ways regularly. Come into a place like ways regularly. Come into a place like ways regularly. Come into a place like this, gather with his people and worship this, gather with his people and worship this, gather with his people and worship him and experience his presence. him and experience his presence. him and experience his presence. And what you'll find is over time you'll And what you'll find is over time you'll And what you'll find is over time you'll have a deeper hunger and a deeper have a deeper hunger and a deeper have a deeper hunger and a deeper longing for God. That maybe you too will longing for God. That maybe you too will longing for God. That maybe you too will be able to say better is one day in the be able to say better is one day in the be able to say better is one day in the courts of God than a thousand elsewhere. courts of God than a thousand elsewhere. courts of God than a thousand elsewhere. Let's pray together.

Father, we um Father, we um we come to you right now just by way of we come to you right now just by way of we come to you right now just by way of confession because for so many of us, we try to because for so many of us, we try to fill the longings of our soul with fill the longings of our soul with fill the longings of our soul with created things, created things, created things, things that we think will satisfy us, things that we think will satisfy us, things that we think will satisfy us, whether it's money or a relationship. whether it's money or a relationship. whether it's money or a relationship. or material things. And often times we we know better and And often times we we know better and yet there there's something inside of us yet there there's something inside of us yet there there's something inside of us that just thinks, man, that one thing that just thinks, man, that one thing that just thinks, man, that one thing is going to fill me up. is going to fill me up. is going to fill me up. Lord, would you forgive us? Lord, would you forgive us? Lord, would you forgive us? And would you help us And would you help us And would you help us through the power and the work of your through the power and the work of your through the power and the work of your spirit to hunger for more of you? spirit to hunger for more of you? spirit to hunger for more of you? Would you give us a deeper longing for Would you give us a deeper longing for Would you give us a deeper longing for you, God? you, God? you, God? That we too would be able to declare and That we too would be able to declare and That we too would be able to declare and say that better is one day in your say that better is one day in your say that better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.

courts than a thousand elsewhere. courts than a thousand elsewhere. Give us a heart that longs for you. And Give us a heart that longs for you. And Give us a heart that longs for you. And Lord, would you encourage and strengthen Lord, would you encourage and strengthen Lord, would you encourage and strengthen us us us that we would be active in ministering that we would be active in ministering that we would be active in ministering your presence to one another and that your presence to one another and that your presence to one another and that you would work in and through that for you would work in and through that for you would work in and through that for the glory of your name. the glory of your name. the glory of your name. God, you and you alone are worthy of God, you and you alone are worthy of God, you and you alone are worthy of praise. We give you our lives. We give praise. We give you our lives. We give praise. We give you our lives. We give you all of who we are. You are worthy of you all of who we are. You are worthy of you all of who we are. You are worthy of our praise and our life. Would you fill our praise and our life. Would you fill our praise and our life. Would you fill us up even now with your presence in us up even now with your presence in us up even now with your presence in Jesus name? Amen. >> Thanks again for listening to the word >> Thanks again for listening to the word of God. We are blessed to reach you of God. We are blessed to reach you of God. We are blessed to reach you throughout the week through whatever throughout the week through whatever throughout the week through whatever platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're platform you're listening on. If you're needing prayer or you want to talk to needing prayer or you want to talk to needing prayer or you want to talk to someone about your walk with Jesus, someone about your walk with Jesus, someone about your walk with Jesus, reach out to us at reach out to us at reach out to us at fellowshipar.com/cont.