March 8, 2026
The Starting Point
When’s the last time you encountered God’s presence—not just goosebumps, but walked away different?
Isaiah 40:30-31 – “Even youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.
You can’t be effective in any area when you’re running on empty.
Everyone struggles; no one has it all together.
INFORMATION: God’s Presence Changes Everything
Exodus 34:28-32 NLT — “Moses remained there on the mountain with the Lord forty days and forty nights. In all that time he ate no bread and drank no water. And the Lord wrote the terms of the covenant—the Ten Commandments—on the stone tablets. When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called out to them and asked Aaron and all the leaders of the community to come over, and he talked with them. Then all the people of Israel approached him, and Moses gave them all the instructions the Lord had given him on Mount Sinai.”
1. God’s Presence Requires Intentional Space
- Moses didn’t end up in God’s presence by accident—he climbed a mountain and stayed 40 days
- To encounter God, you must intentionally make room
2. God’s Presence Transforms Your Identity
- Moses’ face glowed—he was visibly different
- Exodus 34:29 – “He wasn’t aware his face had become radiant”
- When you encounter God, you don’t leave the same
3. God’s Presence Reveals the Father’s Heart
- Exodus 33:11 – “The Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend”
- When you make room, He reveals His heart
INSPIRATION: You Receive So You Can Give
Moses didn’t go up the mountain for himself—he went to receive what Israel needed. What you receive is for the next one He’s sending you to reach.
1. You Can’t Go Forward Without God’s Presence
Exodus 33:15 – “If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place.”
Making room to encounter God isn’t selfish—it’s essential to your mission.
2. His Presence Is Where Transformation Happens
Moses didn’t change himself. God’s presence changed him. One moment in God’s presence will change what you’ve been trying to accomplish for years.
MOTIVATION: We Must Position Ourselves
Obstacle 1: “My life is too busy”
- Moses led millions and made room for 40 days twice
- It’s about making time, not having time
- Matthew 6:33 – “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else”
Obstacle 2: “I’ve tried before and nothing changed”
- Moses climbed the mountain twice
- Encountering God is about obedience, not feelings
- Hebrews 11:6 – “God rewards those who sincerely seek him”
Faith Builder: The most important thing you carry isn’t your gifting or strategy. It’s His presence.
TRANSFORMATION: Share This Joy With Your World
Ephesians 3:20 – “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
You are already empowered!
Action Steps:
- Block off one hour this week for God’s presence
- Ask daily: “What do You want to show me today?”
- Share your encounter—your testimony creates hunger in others
Following Jesus, Sent On A Mission
The Community